Why every best-dressed bedroom has to have an OTT headboard...
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.
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 our edit of the best Swing Arm Lamps.
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.
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.
Read on to be inspired by the latest looks and turn your bed head into the focal point of your room scheme.
Want to see more options for modern bedrooms?
Check out our edit of the best four poster beds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
