Designers Say These 7 Headboard Styles Can Make Your Bedroom Look Expensive — and They’re Small-Space Friendly, Too
Headboards provide an excellent way to add personality and character to a bedroom, especially given how many different types are available to choose from. Love the grandmillennial aesthetic? Go for an upholstered headboard in a preppy print. Prefer all things boho? A chic rattan headboard will help you finish off your space. Headboards are also so functional; they make reading or watching television in bed so much more comfortable, and they’re a great solution for finishing off small bedrooms, where you likely want some decorative punch on your bed wall but might not have the square footage — or budget — to accommodate a grander, fancy bed frame.
I’m always curious what kinds of headboards designers gravitate toward in their own projects, so I polled 10 decor pros on their favorite styles and asked them why they work so well in bedrooms of all sizes. Read their responses below, and get inspired to upgrade your bed’s headboard situation stat.
Fabric headboards
“I love a large, upholstered headboard! It gives so much warmth to a room and is another way to mix some pattern and texture into the space. It can be tufted or not, and nailheads work, too. Both are so pretty on the right bed.” —Designer Lindsay Atapattu of LEB Interiors
“I personally love a fabric headboard with a statement fabric to make it feel custom. Try traditional florals or a classic stripe or check!” —Designer Molly Basile
Wingback headboards
“One of my favorite headboard styles is the wingback headboard because it provides enough height and width by extending the wing beyond your mattress dimensions. The style combines a sleek, modern look with a traditional touch. The wingback headboard can be found in fabric, wood, or rattan.” —Designer Sherrie Suber of House of Interiors
“It would have to be something with a unique pattern and, of course, a wing. Something about that combo makes sleep so cozy and stylish!” —Designer Nichole Samuel of Goddess Interiors
Natural-Looking Pieces
“Headboards with warm tones — or those that mimic natural elements — are often my favorite. They provide a contrasting backdrop to a bed full of crisp, cozy linens.” —Designer Molly Solich
Fun shapes
“We are craving beds that have all the curves and literally envelope you! Maybe it’s the hunker down season or the need for cozy. It’s also giving major sophisticated hotel vibes, and who doesn’t love that?” —Designer Molly Machmer-Wessels of Woodland Design Company
“I love a headboard with some shape. I think my design style tends to lean a little feminine, and I like the softness and visual interest this brings to a room. Tufting in a beautiful fabric always adds something special, too.” —Designer Colleen Simonds
Faux bamboo
“I purchased matching faux bamboo twin headboards for my twins’ big kid room. I love the shape and style of the faux bamboo headboards because they make a statement but are still low profile, not taking up too much space in the design.” —Designer Elizabeth Burch
Headboards with canopies
“I love to lean up against a comfy (and chic) upholstered headboard with a fabricated canopy that envelopes you while you read! I feel like this is just the most luxurious and relaxing way to end you day!” —Designer Meg White
February is Bedroom Month on Apartment Therapy! We’re sharing stories all month about bedrooms — from how to sleep in them, decorate them, make the most of small ones, and so much more. Head over here to see them all!