The modern take on the traditional upholstered headboard is anything but stuffy. Whether you prefer the classic buttoned and winged style of upholstered bed, or are looking for something uber-sleek and minimal for your bedroom, there are plenty of bed frames to suit.
Find those with elegant high-backed headboards for a sophisticated feel, such as the Cleo from Sofa.com, Penelope from Love Your Home or Rivas from Soho Home, to lower-slung models with relaxed, statement style, like the dramatic Xeni from Italian design firm, Gallotti & Radice or the Victoriano from Lema.
Lofty or low, the latest headboard designs are those with curved sides that gently cocoon you while you sleep. They make a sleek and stylish focal point too.
Looking for the best bedside tables? Check out our edit here.
Most of the beautiful beds in our edit can be upholstered in a wide choice of fabrics, from sumptuous velvets and soft wools to casual linens – and in some cases leather – so they can be covered to suit your scheme.
There are those with traditional divan bases if you need extra drawers for storing seasonal duvets and other bed linen, and others with slimline legs for a more modern appeal. Just make sure you have enough space for clearance if you're opting for a divan base.
See our edit of the best bedding sets.
So get ready to dive in with a modern, sculpturalpièce de résistance – these twelve favourites are anything but yourbasic bed backdrops.
Want bedroom decorating ideas from dark and dreamy to glamorous and pretty, as well as striking wallpaper and modern lighting for your sleep space?
Explore more modern bedroom ideas here.
Inspired by the Regency era, this hand-made bed features a perfectly plump, winged headboard, beautifully detailed with deep-set buttons.
Create a dramatic focal point with this low slung bed, which can be covered in fabric or leather.
Designers Nasrallah & Horner have created a cocoon-like bed that's a gorgeous refuge for the perfect night's sleep.
Designers Nasrallah & Horner have created a cocoon-like bed that's a gorgeous refuge for the perfect night's sleep.
The winged headboard add instant character to this bed, giving it a softer, more graceful profile. It's unbuttoned too, giving it modern, unfussy look.
This beautiful bed takes its influence from the Marina and Corner bedrooms in Soho House Barcelona, so you can bring its style to your own home.
This cocooning headboard has generation proportions and feminine sweeping lines combining a comfortable feel with statement style.
This upholstered bed has a fresh modern profile thanks to its curbed headboard and slimline legs.
The fluted back and subtle wing here will offer a glamorous focal point in your bedroom.
The bed's dusty pink wool finish gives it a delicate quality, while its tall, curved headboard creates a smooth silhouette. This style is complemented perfectly by Amelia’s brass angled legs and slim boxspring - providing a very contemporary edge and incredibly modern vibe.
This upholstered bed has a solid wood structure and is inspired by stylistic elements of the past but brought up to date with a contemporary twist. Its high headboard is slightly curved at the sides and connects to the bed frame in a continuous, gentle line, creating an elegant and refined result.
Defined by grandiose lines and an elegant look, this modern bed will transform any ordinary bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary. Fitted with a soft and oversized headboard, this bed further combines a welcoming touch with a lavish look.