Choosing the Perfect Headboard – Headboard Buying Guide

Given that we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping, the importance of a good mattress can’t be understated. And while the comfort of your bed is paramount, from a design perspective it can also be a real focal point in your bedroom, influencing the ambience of your space. And when it comes to aesthetics, the headboard takes the lead – not only can it provide you with a lovely, comfortable place to relax against while you read the morning papers, it can also make a real design statement. If you’re not sure what to look for when buying a headboard, we’ve put a headboard buying guide together to give you some inspiration!

Headboard Style

Gone are the days when a headboard wasn’t even a consideration, it came with the bed and that was that. These days, there’s a whole plethora of shapes, sizes and styles, giving you an abundance of choice and ensuring you can find a style that complements your décor.

The first decision you need to make when it comes to bed headboards is style. Is your room décor traditional or contemporary? Do you want something minimal that doesn’t draw much attention or do you want something that will really stand out and be the focal point of your room?

Bucklebury Headboard

Traditional headboards tend to be fairly low in height and almost blend seamlessly into their surroundings. For example, the Bucklebury Headboard Range is an elegant, timeless headboard that offers you a traditional design, while the Wokingham Headboard Range offers you a sleek contemporary aesthetic, perfect for a more minimal interior.

Esher Headboard

Other standout styles include Chesterfield-inspired designs, such as the Windsor Headboard Range and scroll headboards, such as the Esher Headboard Range.

If you can’t decide between the various styles, use our view in your home technology to see which headboard looks most at home in your interior.

Headboard Material

Once you’ve decided on the style of your headboard, the next decision is what kind of finish you’d like to have. Whereas traditionally, headboards were wooden, there is a lot more choice available, which is ideal not just from an aesthetics point of view but from a comfort point of view too.

From traditional linens and cottons, to plush velvets, boucle and tweed, there’s a vast range of materials, it’s simply a case of working out which one works best in your space. Make sure to consider any other furniture and accessories, such as rugs, lighting etc – what kind of aesthetic do you want your headboard to bring to your interior? And do you want it to stand out? If so, velvets and boucle inevitably turn heads. If you want something minimal that will blend into your interiors, linen and cotton are great choices.

While the material is a big decision, the colour you choose will really make an impact. If you’re going for a pared back aesthetic, neutral colours such as creams and greys are a good option but if you want to make a real statement, vibrant shades such as mustard and cobalt will make your bed the central point of your space.

It’s hard to make the final decision and it’s not one to be taken lightly – if you’re not sure, take advantage of being able to order up to 8 free swatches in the post. Sometimes it really helps the see the material in your room, and put it up against some of the other furniture and accessories in your space.

Practicalities

There are a few practicalities to consider when choosing a headboard. Do you use your headboard a lot – ie do you like to lean against it while reading at night/in the morning? If so, a cushioned headboard is a good option, such as the Lyndhurst Headboard Range.

Lyndhurst Headboard

What size bed are you choosing a headboard for? If it’s for a single or double bed, a tall headboard might look a little overwhelming – make sure to use the view in your home software to check it looks the part.

If you like to change your interiors on a regular basis, it makes sense to choose a timeless design and colour, that will work with various different interior styles.

Finally, if the headboard is for a children’s room, think about the material – a stain resistant finish is a great option!

To summarise

A headboard can make a real difference to the aesthetic of your space, whilst also offering a comfortable and stylish place to relax against. You have a wealth of options to choose from to ensure it complements your interior – with a variety of styles, from traditional to mid-century modern to contemporary, and a range of luxurious fabrics.

Don’t rush this decision – your headboard can create a stylish focal point in your space but you want it to be right – make sure you’re happy with the colour, material and size before going ahead with any purchase.

Happy shopping!