Why every best-dressed bedroom has to have an OTT headboard...
We’ve sifted through our Livingetc archives and found 21 strikingly gorgeous headboard ideas. From over-sized upholstered numbers to dramatic timber structures, the luxe headboard is de rigueur in modern bedrooms.
Statement headboards are a wonderful opportunity to introduce beautiful fabrics or gorgeous embroideries – and because they don’t require metres and metres of material, you can indulge in the most expensive fabrics to make a splash.
If you’re going for an upholstered headboard, ensure the look stays modern by using graphic fabrics, clashing colours or cool quilting.
See Also: Fabulous Four Poster Bed Ideas
Of course there are other options, such as built-in headboards with extra depth for storage, whether that’s a chic recess for stashing the latest best sellers and balancing your morning coffee, or a wall of his and hers cupboards like the examples ahead.
For added luxe why not commission a built-in statement headboard with hidden wiring and electrics for hotel-style, easy access, bedside lighting.
See Also: Cool Bedroom Lighting Ideas
If you prefer something less formal but just as dramatic as a flamboyant fabric, consider a handmade headboard from Whetstone Oak – these striking timber structures are more like a sculptural artwork than a piece of bedroom furniture.
A simple option that is dreamily effective and easy to achieve, is to drape an inexpensive frame in a layer of soothing white linen – it’ll create a cool beach cabana style cocoon that will have you drifting off to dreamland in no time.
See Also: Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas
Alternatively, introduce an air of opulence with a rococo style gilded frame. There’s more than a touch of fairy tale magic to the one in our edit ahead.
Scroll down to get inspired by some of our favourite headboard ideas – these latest looks will turn your bed head into the focal point of your room scheme.
Want to see more options for modern bedrooms? See all our modern bedroom ideas here.
Jolly Combo
The beauty of this bedroom lies in its eclectic mix of different patterns, and the appearance of vintage touches alongside contemporary style. A soft pink on the walls makes a soothing backdrop. The bespoke headboard, designed by Irene Gunter, taps into the trend for lozenge shapes.
Get the look: Design by Gunter & Co. Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster is a similar paint colour. Livia bedside cabinet, £595, Ceraudo. Kelly Wearstler Linden medium lamp, £685, Visual Comfort at Decolight
High Drama
This green velvet headboard wraps around fitted shelves, adding colour, glamour and drama. Low hanging pendant lamps on either side offer an out-of-the-box approach to bedside reading lights.
Get the look: The map wallpaper is by Love Maps On… The bespoke headboard was designed by Paul and Tim and made by Material Concepts. This is the Tribeca Duane pendant light by Søren Rose for Menu at Nest. The bespoke Andwoodcraft side table includes a Buster + Punch pull handle.
Full Length
This full-length, zesty upholstered headboard really packs a punch against the calm surroundings in this master bedroom. Behind the plush surface, the headboard conceals handy hidden shelving for night-time reading.
Get the look The bed was designed by Slices London, including its headboard upholstered in Birdbranch Velvet Panel fabric by Timorous Beasties. This is a Mod 265 wall light by Paolo Rizzatto for Arteluce.
Kit Kemp Style
This eclectic bedroom design was inspired by Kit Kemp. The curtains are heavy but work well to block the light. The headboard was designed by Champalimaud. Its colour echoes the artwork from Nova Scotia, where the yellow figurine on the table was also found.
Get the look: Curtain fabric, Osborne & Little. Bedside table, Tom Dixon. Throw, Warris Vianni & Co. Figurine, Barry Colpitts. Artwork, Joe Sleep.
That’s A Wrap
Curved shapes and lush textures have a cocooning effect that can be relaxing and sleep-inducing. Look for stain-resistant velvet for longevity. The toffee hue shown here chimes with the trend for earthy hues.
Get the look: Hepworth bed, £1,384, Livingetc x Love Your Home
Clever Wood Work
A matt black headboard unit works as a functional focal point in this master bedroom. The headboard also hides a practical shelf for a changing array of art.
Get the look: The unit is bespoke by The Vawdrey House, with Bert Frank Shear wall lights. The cushions are from John Lewis. The blanket is from Hermès. The paintings are by Michel Thompson.
Brass Headboard
In this master bedroom, high skirtings are worked into a darkly glam space, its surfaces glowing in deep teal, brass and matt-black timber.
Get the look: The headboard and bed are by B&B Italia. The wardrobe area and carpet are bespoke by Andy Martin Architecture. The Habibi side table is by Philipp Mainzer for e15. The line drawing is a Matisse lithograph.
going green
Simple but dramatic statements reflect architect Christina Seilern’s flair for stop-and-stare design – an acid green headboard with built-in storage and lighting dominates one wall.
Get the look For specialist advice on bespoke skylights, try IQ Glass. The headboard was designed by Studio Seilern Architects. The cashmere throw is from The Conran Shop. The artwork is from Gagosian Gallery.
Layer It Up
Create a pretty scheme with a mix of lively prints across textiles, walls and accessories. This room by Singapore-based interior designer Elizabeth Hay features a confined colour palette to give a considered scheme. A statement headboard completes the look.
Get the look: Design by Elizabeth Hay. Headboard by Ensemblier London; covered in Small Elephant fabric by Les Indiennes
tribal gathering
Designer, Amelie von Celsing wanted the bed to be the main feature in this compact space. A bespoke headboard with specially chosen fabric creates a distinct focal point.
Get the look The headboard is upholstered in Navaho Grey fabric by Andrew Martin. The side cabinet is from Swoon. The light is from Menu.
Wood Wall
This wood covered wall frames the bed and headboard, and features beautiful built-in floating bedside tables with drawer storage.
Get the Look: For a dramatic backdrop, the walls are painted in Fired Earth’s Mercury matt emulsion. A graphic bedspread by Custhom and bedside lamps from Atomic Antiques with custom-made fringed shades add to the inimitable effect. The Prom Queen 3 painting is by Sara Berman.
diamond life
A tall headboard upholstered in quilted velvet, lends a luxe feel to this bedroom.
Get the look The headboard was upholstered in quilted velvet by Minale + Mann. The pink bed linen from Loaf is teamed with a Fringe throw in Soft Grey by The Linen Works at Heal’s. The Valencia side table is by BoConcept.
button up
The bedroom is a sanctuary – overall, the style is a gentle mix of contemporary and retro.
Get the look The Méchants Oiseaux wallpaper is by Emery & Cie. The rug is from The Rug Company and the Moon side table is by Ochre. For similar cushions, try Voyage. Button & Sprung has a good selection of beds with buttoned headboards.
cupboard love
The integrated bed and storage was designed to give a feeling of “his and hers”, with two different colours and a delicate flower motif etched into the surface. Concealed behind the wall of cupboards is a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room.
Get the look The bed and cupboard unit are by Prototype Design Lab. Andy Denzler created the artwork.
FLAMBOYANT FLORALS
A black border around the trim of this super-tall number frames the pretty floral print on the upholstery.
Get the look:This is The Sofa & Chair Company’s Chopin headboard, from £1,165, covered in Mariola in Jade, £55 per m, Romo.
GILT-Y PLEASURE
Go for all-out opulence by placing a gilt bed in front of a vibrant toile and layering with contrasting bed linen and accessories.
Get the look: 1st Dibs do a fine line in gilded antique bedheads. The wallpaper is balleroy in berlingot, £65 per roll, Manuel Canovas at Colefax and Fowler.
BEAUTIFUL AND BOLD
Although red may seem a tad bright for a bedroom, it succeeds here, thanks to the luxe fabrics.
Get the look: This is an Ensemblier headboard, priced from £950.
NATURE ZONE
Can't see the wood for the trees? Organic shapes and natural materials result in a peaceful sleeping zone.
Get the look: Whetstone Oak’s live-edge headboard, £2,430, makes an epic contrast with the close-up bark wallpaper.
ANTIQUE ELEGANCE
These twin beds were ebay finds, joined together to make a double.
Get the look: The French Bedroom Company has a great selection of antique reproductions. The wallpaper is Cow Parsley by Cole & Son, £76 per roll.
WHITE OUT
Drape an inexpensive frame in fabric and rock a laid-back Ibizan vibe, by cocooning yourself in linen.
Get the look: Shown here is Lucent in Chalk, £68.50 per m, Romo.
PUNCHY PATCHWORK
The padded headboard hits new heights with a luxurious clash of colourful fabric.
Get the look: Designers Guild’s Astrakhan in Magenta, £182 per m, would be a great starting point for this look.
