This Hotel-Approved Headboard Trick Could be the Secret to a Better Night’s Sleep

Between back-to-work stress, conquering 2020 goals, to-do lists, and everything else going on in our daily lives, we could all benefit from a better night’s sleep starting, well, now. And it turns out that the secret to a better snooze may actually involve something as simple as switching up your bed’s headboard.

Designer Kit Kemp, the founder and creative director for Firmdale Hotels, swears by dramatically tall, super shapely statement headboards, as seen in the rooms at London’s Ham Yard Hotel and the Crosby Street Hotel in New York City, among other places. This style of headboard is excellent for a few reasons. For one, it’s tall enough to make reading or watching television in bed nice and comfortable, no matter your height. Secondly, its sheer size brings enough drama to a room that additional wall art hung above it really isn’t necessary—though you can certainly flank the headboard with a small print or painting as shown in the stylish hotel rooms here.

But maybe best of all, this kind of headboard’s excess size and padding helps dampen noise, meaning that you might be able to actually sleep sweet and soundly, drowning out the signs of whatever wild party—or crying baby—happens to be next door to you. And that’s clutch—who doesn’t want headboard that’ll work harder than the average piece of furniture?

If you’re in the market for a new headboard and also want one that’s tall, stylish, and padded enough to block out noise, you’re in luck. We’ve found several Crosby Hotel-esque options available online—some scalloped, as shown in the hotel rooms, and some more sleek and modern, if that’s more your thing. Of course, all of Kit Kemp’s headboards are bespoke, but this is definitely one idea we think is totally worth stealing from a hotel.

Who can resist a deep green velvet headboard? Not us! We love this Article option, which would look lovely paired with gold accents, animal print, or even some faux leather accents if you want to go a little glam in your bedroom. Green is an extremely versatile color though, so you could also go down a more nature-inspired path if you keep your bedding, nightstands, and lamps super simple.

Buy: Sera, $599 for a Queen from Article

Kemp often finishes her patterned pieces with nailhead trim, so this otomi headboard definitely has a Crosby Street Hotel vibe. We love how the pink colorway softens this typically super energetic print, making it even more suitable for a sleep space.

Buy: Hedren Headboard, Starting at $485.00 $359.50 for a Twin from One Kings Lane

We’re constantly impressed at the adult-friendly pieces that PB Teen delivers, and this Parisian-style headboard is no exception. Give yourself the French-inspired bedroom you always dreamed about as a child with this linen and white-washed wooden piece that has the same dramatic curvy silhouette that many of Kemp’s custom creations do. It’s not cheap—but the frame is solid hardwood, so it’s built to last.

Buy: The Emily & Meritt Parisian Headboard , Starting at $999 $799 for a Queen from PB Teen

This scalloped headboard comes in a multitude of colors and prints, so you’ll easily be able to find a few—if not tons—of styles that appeal to you. You can’t go wrong with this classic shape, and if you pick a fabric you tire of, you can always re-cover it.

Buy: Katherine Headboard, Starts at $749 $599.20 for a Twin from Ballard Designs

This West Elm option has trendy channel back tufting and is a bit easier on the wallet than other tall headboards you’ll find online. It comes in a wide variety of shades and fabrics. Better yet, it is also available in a twin size, making it an excellent option for a guest room.

Buy: Tall Channel Tufted Headboard Tall, Starts at $349 for a Twin from West Elm

If traditional is more you speed, then a wingback silhouette is well suited for you. The French blue gingham check feels appropriate for a farmhouse modern or quirky chic bedroom with lots of pattern mixing, but you could also choose a performance velvet or linen if you want something sleeker.

Buy: Modern Wingback Headboard, Starting at $549 for a Twin from The Inside

Use these modular, sound dampening wall pads to construct a tall headboard. They come in a few shades and finishes, so something is bound to work with your existing bedding, furniture, and wall color.

Buy: Bernardsville Upholstered Panel Headboard, $199.00 $172.99 for 4 Full/Queen Size Panels from AllModern