Style Forecast: Headboard Trends for 2014 & Beyond

updated May 4, 2019

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I’m in the market for a pair of headboards for my guest room. I’ve been scouring local stores, design blogs, and of course many, many online shops in my hunt for the perfect headboard. Here are my notes on the headboard trends of 2014:

Headboards are a big commitment and I’m something of a commitment-phobe. Choose the right headboard and you’re rewarded with an attractive focal point and a pleasant place to prop your head. Choose the wrong headboard and you’ll be reminded of it every morning—not to mention the endless headache of lost pillows! Truly frightening, this choosing the wrong headboard thing. In all seriousness, while a headboard won’t make or break your life, it is something you’ll live with for some time and a little research could help you sleep better at night.

Here are the styles that are trending right now:

Tall Grid Tufted Headboard from West Elm (Image credit: West Elm)

Tufted: This look is both controlled and cushy. It’s popping up everywhere and looks to be gaining speed as a huge trend for upholstered items for some time to come.

Tall Grid Tufted Headboard from West Elm.
Junk Gypsy Blue Jean Headboard from PB Teen (I love the unexpected use of denim!).
Quadrant Queen Headboard from Crate & Barrel.
Tilton Fenwick Tufted Arched Headboard from Target, available in six colors.
A DIY Winged Tufted Headboard tutorial from Bright & Bold.

Loring Headboard from PB Teen (Image credit: PB Teen)

Nailhead: A classic detail that really elevates a simple silhouette. There are lots of versions of this trend, but I’m partial to the DIY wood headboard, it’s so warm and different!

Loring Headboard from PB Teen.
Tall Nailhead Upholstered Headboard from West Elm.
Curve Headboard from Crate & Barrel.
Delano Fabric Headboard from Restoration Hardware.
DIY Wood & Nailhead Headboard from DIY on the Cheap. This is an older tutorial, but it’s unique and particularly great if you want to get in on the nailhead trend but don’t care for upholstered headboards.

Woodhouse Headboard from Jonathan Adler (Image credit: Jonathan Adler)

Oversized: Extra-tall statement making headboards are a far cry from the super low, sleek designs of recent years. These headboards have a small footprint, so even the tines of bedrooms can enjoy this trend. I also love that this trend can combine several elements at once, like some of the giant, tufted examples!

Woodhouse Headboard from Jonathan Adler.
Parisian Headboard from PB Teen.
19th C. French Carved Door Headboard from Restoration Hardware.
Taryn Tufted Bed from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child.
DIY Light Up Headboard from A Beautiful Mess.

Solido Pink Baroque Bed from ABC Home (Image credit: ABC Home)

Old-Fashioned: I’m not entirely sure how to categorize this trend. Essentially, beds and headboards that wouldn’t be out of place 100 years ago have been steadily gaining popularity. This encompasses simple iron beds, elaborate wicker headboards that would be equally at home in 1905 or 1965 (or today!), turned wood, and caning. What’s so wonderful about this trend is that is can easily include both newly manufactured beds and vintage pieces either found or inherited.

Solido Pink Baroque Bed from ABC Home.
Larkin Metal Bed from Land of Nod.
Seraphine Caned Headboard from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child.
Aria Woven Headboard from Land of Nod.
Jenny Lind Headboard from Target.