How to Use a Headboard for Decorative Impact
Whether to add colour and pattern or bring a certain mood to your room, your headboard can be a handsome focal point
Want a new look for your bedroom but not sure where to begin? A statement headboard can be a good start, setting the tone for the whole room. Take a look at the selection below for inspiration.
Tone it down
Alternatively, use a perfectly plain headboard to break up bold wallpaper, as seen with this striking monochrome scheme.
The square shape of the headboard echoes the geometric design on the wallpaper, and the neat cushions and sleek bedside tables reinforce the uniform look.
Alternatively, use a perfectly plain headboard to break up bold wallpaper, as seen with this striking monochrome scheme.
The square shape of the headboard echoes the geometric design on the wallpaper, and the neat cushions and sleek bedside tables reinforce the uniform look.
Seek out retro
Rattan, wicker and bamboo styles lend a boho, 1970s-inspired feel to a room. Trawl eBay and vintage specialists for something similar to this. Remember, you can always paint it a different colour to tie in with your scheme.
Rattan, wicker and bamboo styles lend a boho, 1970s-inspired feel to a room. Trawl eBay and vintage specialists for something similar to this. Remember, you can always paint it a different colour to tie in with your scheme.
Let it lead the scheme
In an all-white room, use the headboard as a place to unleash some creative flair. Choose fabric in a striking pattern and either repeat it on a throw and cushions or pick out a key shade and dot it around the room. White bed linen works best to show off colourful accessories like these.
To create a headboard in a favourite fabric, either re-cover an existing frame or make one from scratch. You’ll need a piece of MDF, some foam cut to size, some wadding (batting) over the foam for extra softness, and your chosen fabric on top. Use a staple gun to secure the edges of the fabric to the back of the MDF, then screw the headboard to the wall with a mirror fixing plate.
Looking for someone to cover a headboard for you? Find upholsterers in your area in the Houzz Directory
In an all-white room, use the headboard as a place to unleash some creative flair. Choose fabric in a striking pattern and either repeat it on a throw and cushions or pick out a key shade and dot it around the room. White bed linen works best to show off colourful accessories like these.
To create a headboard in a favourite fabric, either re-cover an existing frame or make one from scratch. You’ll need a piece of MDF, some foam cut to size, some wadding (batting) over the foam for extra softness, and your chosen fabric on top. Use a staple gun to secure the edges of the fabric to the back of the MDF, then screw the headboard to the wall with a mirror fixing plate.
Looking for someone to cover a headboard for you? Find upholsterers in your area in the Houzz Directory
Style with tiles
A headboard doesn’t have to be traditional. This arrangement of octagonal tiles fixed on the wall adds a decorative element in a different way.
Stencils, blocks of painted colour, wooden planks or vintage shutters are all variations on this idea.
Browse decorative tiles, some with free shipping, in the Houzz Shop
A headboard doesn’t have to be traditional. This arrangement of octagonal tiles fixed on the wall adds a decorative element in a different way.
Stencils, blocks of painted colour, wooden planks or vintage shutters are all variations on this idea.
Browse decorative tiles, some with free shipping, in the Houzz Shop
Luxe up with velvet
Tactile fabrics are great for adding a glamorous touch to a bedroom. A vintage-style headboard like this is a luxurious choice, and the rich moss colour and ornate, chartreuse wallpaper behind add another layer of sophistication.
The rest of the room is kept very simple, allowing the bed area to take centre stage.
Tactile fabrics are great for adding a glamorous touch to a bedroom. A vintage-style headboard like this is a luxurious choice, and the rich moss colour and ornate, chartreuse wallpaper behind add another layer of sophistication.
The rest of the room is kept very simple, allowing the bed area to take centre stage.
Work in storage
A wooden panel behind the bed has the addition of a box shelf in this clever design. With space on top for a night-time glass of water and a recess for books, this neat solution eschews the need for a separate bedside table – a useful consideration in a small space.
The panelling detail and grey paint finish give the headboard a smart look.
Check out more headboards with built-in storage
A wooden panel behind the bed has the addition of a box shelf in this clever design. With space on top for a night-time glass of water and a recess for books, this neat solution eschews the need for a separate bedside table – a useful consideration in a small space.
The panelling detail and grey paint finish give the headboard a smart look.
Check out more headboards with built-in storage
Fix on a frame
Fancy a more utilitarian feel? Metal is a smart choice, from brass to chrome, coloured or ever-stylish black. Frames come in numerous designs, from ornate to traditional ones with brass knobs to simple shapes like this one for a more contemporary look.
Metal frames lend themselves to extra details being added, too, such as clip-on reading lights, like these, or a string of fairy lights woven along the top.
Fancy a more utilitarian feel? Metal is a smart choice, from brass to chrome, coloured or ever-stylish black. Frames come in numerous designs, from ornate to traditional ones with brass knobs to simple shapes like this one for a more contemporary look.
Metal frames lend themselves to extra details being added, too, such as clip-on reading lights, like these, or a string of fairy lights woven along the top.
Mix and match
Headboard fabric and wallpaper from the same range but in different colourways give this bedroom its polished look. Go for a fairly subtle monochrome repeat pattern, as seen here, or really up the ante with bright colours and a bold design.
Tell us…
What style of headboard have you plumped for? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments section.
Headboard fabric and wallpaper from the same range but in different colourways give this bedroom its polished look. Go for a fairly subtle monochrome repeat pattern, as seen here, or really up the ante with bright colours and a bold design.
Tell us…
What style of headboard have you plumped for? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments section.
If you don’t fancy committing to decorative wallpaper, why not introduce pattern on the headboard instead?
This ornate design is the immediate focal point, but the soft, toning shades used throughout the room mean the overall feel is still calm and restful.