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8 best headboards for every type of bedroom
Elevate your bed frame with fabric, sturdy wood or practical storage.
While most bed frames will include a headboard, choosing your own provides an additional styling opportunity – and one that can make a real statement.
We’ve found a selection that will suit any bedscape or style of bedroom, breathing new life into one of the most important rooms in the home.
Best wall panel headboard
Dunelm Aspire EasyMount Plush Velvet Upholstered Wall Panels, Pack of 8
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What to consider before buying a headboard
Size is imperative – while, in theory, you can attach almost any headboard to any frame, you’ll need to be sure that it will fit. Most come in standard double to super-king sizes but it’s worth double checking the measurements against the width of your frame.
Consider how it will be installed, too. The majority will screw into the bed frame — many bed frames will already have holes, or you can drill them in yourself – but a wall-mounted option will require a little more savvy installation on your side.
Finally, you’ll need to choose whether you prefer a wooden or fabric look, and consider height. If you often sit up in bed, you might go for a taller fabric headboard, whereas if you’ve got a low ceiling, you might opt for something shorter.
Vente-unique Extendable Headboard With Bedside Tables
Vente-unique Extendable Headboard With Bedside Tables
This chic wooden headboard will add a light and airy feel to your bedroom, while the included storage – two integrated bedside tables – is a great idea for smaller rooms. Keeping the tables off the floor creates the feel of more space, too.
| Size | Extendable width of 140 or 160 cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Particleboard |
Dunelm Aspire EasyMount Plush Velvet Upholstered Wall Panels, Pack of 8
Dunelm Aspire EasyMount Plush Velvet Upholstered Wall Panels, Pack of 8
These clever plush wall panels are easy to attach directly to the wall with hook and wall mounts. They’re available in packs of two, four and eight, so you can customise your vertical or horizontal headboard – or even panel a whole wall! They come in a wide range of colours, too – pick from light and airy grey tones or something bolder and richer.
| Size | Per panel: 30 x 75 x 4cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Velvet |
OKA Sheki Headboard, Super King
OKA Sheki Headboard, Super King
OKA is known for its eclectic mix of prints, and its Sheki headboard design is a prime example. Pops of rusty red and subtle yellow create warmth, while the neutral base ensures the headboard happily suits most bedrooms.
| Size | Super King |
|---|---|
| Material | Cotton, Mango Wood, Wool |
Habitat Mali Velvet Double Headboard, Blue
Habitat Mali Velvet Double Headboard, Blue
Habitat’s airy sky blue design will make a statement but still keep your space feeling calm. The curved top also adds a softer finish that brings a sense of cosiness. Plush to the touch, this is also a great pick for those who like reading in bed.
| Size | Double |
|---|---|
| Material | Velvet |
Alpen Home Melby Headboard, Double
Alpen Home Melby Headboard, Double
This practical pick includes enough space for books, pictures, an alarm clock, and any other decorative pieces of your choosing — just make sure you attach it to the wall to keep everything safely in place (fittings are provided).
| Size | Single, Double, King, Super King |
|---|---|
| Material | Engineered wood |
La Redoute Ladara Braided Rattan Headboard
La Redoute Ladara Braided Rattan Headboard
Wicker is a safe choice when designing a neutral space. Adding texture, rather than colour, helps to keep things interesting. Pair with white linen bedding for a natural finish, or choose gingham to tap into the still-popular cottagecore trend.
| Size | King, Super King |
|---|---|
| Material | Rattan |
Staples and Co Bloomsbury Hotel Height Headboard, Double
Staples and Co Bloomsbury Hotel Height Headboard, Double
With pleating and deep-set buttons, this tall headboard wouldn't look out of place in a boutique hotel. Opulent velvet adds to its appeal while cushioned padding makes for an ideal place to rest your head and read a book.
Choose from 18 classic colours, including greys, greens and blues.
| Size | Double, King, Super King |
|---|---|
| Material | Velvet |
Dunelm Olivier Plush Velvet Headboard, Double
Dunelm Olivier Plush Velvet Headboard, Double
Button tufting is a classic style for headboards, and we love the blush pink velvet fabric of this option. The style feels subtlety opulent, while chic colours (choose from pastel pink, green, navy, light grey or dark grey) add interest without being garish.
| Size | Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King |
|---|---|
| Material | Velvet |
What are the most comfortable headboards?
Fabric headboards are usually most comfortable; particularly those with cushioned padding.
Wooden designs are beautiful, but they aren’t the best for leaning against or bedtime reading. If you love the look, however, add some sizeable throw cushions to your bedscape.
What kind of headboard makes a room look bigger?
Choosing a tall headboard can make a space look bigger, encouraging your eye up towards the ceiling.
If you have a large bed, make it the focal point of the room as this will prevent it from looking cluttered. A minimalist approach can help here, using multi-purpose pieces like bedside tables to reduce what’s on display.
The best headboards: the verdict
If you have a small bedroom, the storage options from Wayfair and Debenhams are a good option.
The best luxury headboard is OKA’s ‘Sheki’, while Habitat and Dunelm are excellent budget buys.
La Redoute’s rattan design is one of our favourites visually, but if you’re looking for a fabric option, the Bloomsbury hotel height headboard from Staples and Co is the best pick overall.
