A headboard can complete the look of your bedroom. It not only adds an aesthetic quality to your room, but can enhance your comfort. Whether you like to read in bed, sit up and watch television or enjoy breakfast in bed, a headboard will ensure that you feel comfortable.
Unfortunately, not all headboards are as good as their sales description. You may be mistaken if you think you know what to look for in a headboard. Don’t be fooled by a quick look, as you need to assess more than the first impressions.
In our quest to find the best headboards, we considered the style of headboards and available sizes. We also looked at the choice of colors to complement your room decor. Finally, we assessed the construction materials, which not only impact comfort, but also the durability of your new headboard.
Other features: tufted design, attaches to most queen bed frames
The Modway Lily Tufted Linen Headboard is our Editor’s Choice because it gives you an upholstered, tufted look at a price that makes sense for a first home or a guest room. The tufted pattern is structured and subtle, so it works with most bedroom styles without dominating the room.
This is a queen size headboard built on a fiberboard and plywood frame with dense foam padding underneath a polyester fabric that has a soft linen texture, and it attaches to most standard queen bed frames. The mounting brackets give you seven height positions, so you can line the top of the headboard up with your mattress, and the neutral beige fabric pairs with almost any bedding.
Other features: adjustable legs with five pre-drilled holes for height, faux crystal button-tufting design, scalloped shape
The Baxton Studio Rita Queen Upholstered Headboard is an elegantly designed plush headboard that’s our Premium pick. The queen size Rita has a scalloped outline, a padded black faux leather finish and a tufted pattern finished with chic faux crystal buttons, so it looks great but it also gives you a comfortable surface to lean on, which makes it one of the best headboards for reading in bed.
Some basic assembly is required when the headboard arrives, and the legs have five pre-drilled holes on top and two near the bottom so you can set the height to suit your mattress. The headboard is made to work with a Leggett and Platt bed frame, and its black legs keep a low profile once it’s installed, which preserves the clean lines that make this headboard a fine addition to a modern bedroom.
Other features: curved shape, polished nailhead trim, attaches to most queen bed frames
The Modway Curl Upholstered Queen Headboard gives a bedroom a deluxe finish without a deluxe price. The playful curved upper edge is framed with polished nailhead trim, and the linen fabric upholstery has a rich texture in a neutral dark brown that is easy to match with most bedding and decor.
Underneath, the headboard is built on a solid wood frame with a particleboard panel and dense foam padding, so it is comfortable to lean against when reading or relaxing in bed. Six pre-drilled mounting positions let you set the height anywhere from 44” up to 51.5”, and it attaches to most standard queen bed frames.
Other features: adjustable height (34” x 46”), 3.5-inch thickness, lifetime limited warranty
The LUCID Mid-Rise Upholstered Headboard is a functional and fashionable headboard that will complement virtually any bedroom. There are six colors to choose from, including: Pearl, Stone, Charcoal and Cobalt. The headboard is available in a full range of sizes, such as: Twin, Full, Queen, King and Californian king. This midrise headboard is designed to fit most bed mounts and frames allowing for a number of customization options. The headboard legs are pre-drilled and supplied with a pair of wall mounts and plates.
This LUCID headboard is upholstered with a linen inspired fabric that is comfortable and durable. The headboard construction is Siberian Larchwood which is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. The height of the headboard is adjustable in 2” increments from 34” up to 46” in height. This will ensure that you can achieve your optimal headboard height and hide the supporting legs.
Other features: bolt-on bed frame mounted, 3-year warranty
The Glennwillow Farmhouse Style Wood Panel Headboard is a traditional “farmhouse style” headboard panel. This is a great way to get contemporary clean lines and have a rustic style in your bedroom at the same time. There are two available colors, they are: Ebony/Black and Gloss White and they are designed to fit a queen size bed. These headboards are built with high quality solid wood, no particleboard is used in the construction.
All the hardware required to install the panel is included and it’s simple to bolt the headboard in place. The full dimensions are 44” H x 55” W x2” D and it weighs a substantial 42lbs. For people that want a rustic looking headboard to complement a more traditional bedroom it’s hard to fault this product. This is an ideal way to get a relaxed country atmosphere and only a moderate amount of assembly is required.
Other features: adjustable height, hand-tufted buttons, nailhead trim, mounting hardware included
The Madison Park Wingback Tufted Headboard is a classic upholstered headboard that makes a real statement in the bedroom. The wingback shape, hand-tufted buttons and nailhead trim give it a traditional look, while the thick high-density foam padding makes it a comfortable backrest when you sit up to read or watch TV.
The headboard is built on a plywood frame with powder-coated metal legs and attaches to most standard bed frames using the included hardware. The legs are height adjustable so you can set the headboard to suit your mattress thickness, and it is available in queen and king sizes in a dark grey woven fabric.
Other features: horizontal channel tufting, padded panel design
The HOME DESIGN Etta Channel Tufted Headboard is our best value pick because it delivers the clean, upholstered look that most people want from a headboard at one of the lowest prices in this guide. The panel is padded with foam and covered in a soft polyester fabric, and the horizontal channel tufting adds a touch of mid-century texture without looking busy.
It comes in gray or warm gray and is offered in Twin, Full, Queen and King sizes, so it is easy to match to the bed you already own. The cushioned surface makes it comfortable to lean against when you are reading or watching TV in bed, which is more than many budget headboards can say.
Other features: includes two small storage drawers
This is the only headboard on our list that’s more like a piece of bedroom furniture offering built-in storage options. This headboard is part of the wider Shoal Creek collection and provides you plenty of storage for all your bedtime needs. There is an open shelf that you can use to store your current bedtime reading materials, alarm clock, reading glasses and a place to charge your phone (with a cord access hole at the rear).
At the sides there are a pair of cubby holes with easy glide drawers for additional storage. The top of the headboard is a great place to store your favorite picture frames and other knick knacks. The Sauder Shoal Creek Bookcase Headboard has no fabric elements at all but it’s a great way to organize a busy bed area. It’s available in Full or Queen sizes with an Oak or Jamocha finish.
A headboard can improve the aesthetics of your bedroom and make it feel more comfortable. However, with so many headboards on the market, it can be tricky to find the best headboards. So, here we’ve compiled a buying guide including features to consider and answers to some common questions to help you make your purchase decision.
A headboard is a sound investment because it gives you some essential support when sitting up in bed and it will protect the wall behind against abrasion. A headboard such as the Sauder Shoal Creek Bookcase Headboard may offer built-in storage options but most do not. But, adding a good headboard to any bedroom can give the space a touch of instant class.
It may seem trivial but if you don’t use a headboard you may cause significant wear and tear to your bedroom wall. We frequently wash our bedding because we sweat when sleeping, this is a natural process and that moisture soaks into your pillow. When the pillow is up against the wall that moisture can cause damage and smudges to your bedroom wall decor. When you use a headboard your pillow will stay in place, it cannot touch the wall and this keeps the wall clean.
Many people like to sit up in bed to read, use a mobile device or watch TV and leaning against a wall isn’t comfortable.
The best tufted headboards are covered in a thick layer of foam that offers support for your back when sitting in bed. This is extra special if you’re getting breakfast in bed but it’s a great idea to pair your headboard with a good pillow. This will ensure that you’re reducing the risks of back and shoulder pains when sitting upright in bed.
When you don’t use a headboard you may notice that your pillow doesn’t seem to stay in place. Many people wake to find that their pillow has ended up jammed in the gap between the bed and the wall. This is irritating but it’s also back for your neck, shoulders and back, because you’re not getting that pillow support when the pillow moves around. Adding a good headboard such as the Baxton Studio Rita Queen Upholstered Headboard will solve this problem.
The sleeping temperature that we choose can have a dramatic impact on the quality of our sleep. This is especially true in summer when the hotter weather can make sleeping uncomfortable. During the winter months the bedroom may feel cold and leaning against the wall will be uncomfortable. A headboard solves both of these problems because it insulates you against the temperature of the bedroom wall.
A good bed headboard such as the Modway Curl Upholstered Headboard will help to create a cozy feeling. Many people prefer an upholstered headboard over one that offers built-in storage because they add a touch of comfortable ambience that’s extremely relaxing. There are many styles and colors available and this makes it easy to find a headboard that complements your bedroom decor.
Washing bedding and cleaning your mattress regularly is highly recommended and the same goes for your new headboard. Many headboards such as the Madison Park Wingback Tufted Headboard are easy to clean. A simple vacuum each week can remove germs and dust and you can spot clean with a clean damp cloth and a little water. Always take care to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully for your headboard.
Upholstered Headboards: These are the most comfortable options and they can make a tremendous impact on your bedroom decor. Some people prefer a simple flat design with neutral colors and other like tufted button designs with bolder colors.
Leather Headboards: This type of headboard brings a sleek and contemporary look to any bedroom. But, leather is naturally a cold material and sitting with your back against it can make people sweat. If you choose a leather headboard invest in some extra pillows to improve your comfort levels.
Metal Headboards: These are covered with a generous depth of foam cushioning and you don’t need to worry about cold metal surfaces. This type of headboard is a great option for fans of minimalism because they give your bedroom a modern urban look.
Wooden Headboards: If you’re a fan of traditional or country style bedrooms a wooden headboard is a great option. Wood feels warm and some headboards may even have built-in storage options. A full wooden headboard will not have foam padding or a covering of fabric and extra pillows will be needed to stay comfy when sitting up in bed.
A headboard may be available in different sizes to fit various types of beds. There are some headboards that are made to fit only Queen size beds and others that may fit multiple bed sizes. These are a more versatile option but it’s important to check the sizes carefully and measure your bed to find the right headboard to suit your needs.
As we showed above, headboards can be made with four main materials. Many people have their own preferences related to style, durability and flexibility. Some people prefer an upholstered headboard such as the HOME DESIGN Etta Channel Tufted Headboard because it is soft and comfortable to lean against. But others may prefer a wooden frame because it is durable and typically less expensive.
The design of the headboard needs to be functional but let’s face it no-one wants to look at an ugly piece of bedroom furniture. The best designs will add a touch of class to your bedroom but there are a couple of simple design tips that may help you to make a final choice. A headboard with a simple flat look will add sleek sophistication and a design with tufted buttons and patterns will add comfy ambience.
When you choose your headboard color, look for something that can match your current decor. It’s a good idea to look at your bedroom in blocks of color or use the headboard color to match highlights. If you cannot make a final decision go with something neutral and you can create accents with pillows and soft bedroom furnishings.
If you purchase a new bed you may want to get a headboard included and this will guarantee that the headboard fits correctly. But, your headboard choices will be limited in terms of style and color. Also, when it comes time for a change the bed and headboard will need to be replaced. If you’re looking for a divan bed headboard there are more choices and it’s easier to keep the bed and change the headboard separately. Always check the bed fittings before you make a final purchase because some headboards don’t fit every bed. Measure the screw holes to make sure that you will get a good fit for your new headboard.
Many headboards such as the Modway Curl Upholstered Queen Headboard are height adjustable. Certain headboards may not be high enough to suit a tall person and a smaller child will need a headboard that is shorter. An adjustable headboard is a great compromise because you can change the height as needed to suit growing children and visitors using your guest bedroom.
As you can see, there are some great headboards on the market. From the Modway Curl, which offers adjustable height and adds elegant style to your decor to the Baxton Studio Rita that has a classy look and is simple to set up thanks to its pre-drilled adjustable legs, there are some great options.
However, the stand out as the top choice of the best headboards has to be our editor’s choice, the Modway Lily Tufted Linen Headboard. This offers a solid combination of affordability and quality. It has an upholstered and tufted finish with solid construction. You can even customize the height to ensure your ideal position. The Modway Lily is finished in a soft beige linen-look fabric over a fiberboard and plywood frame with dense foam padding.
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