Headboard Ideas: 21 dramatic headboard designs for a striking bedroom scheme

These headboard ideas aren't for the faint hearted. From headboard that curl around the bed to cocoon it to headboards that stretch right up to the ceiling, and from wild pattern to scalloped silhouettes and clever designs that incorporate hidden storage, these headboard ideas favour the bold.

A statement headboard will add some five star luxe to your modern bedroom.

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.

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.

See more modern bedroom ideas

1. Scalloped, fluted texture

This stunning bespoke headboard, designed by Irene Gunter, taps into the trend for lozenge shapes. We love the headboard's scalloped silhouette and fluted texture – like tall fingers. The beauty of this room also 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. 

2. Create the unexpected

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. See more bedroom lighting ideas...

3. Consider built-in storage

This 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.

See Also: Fabulous Four Poster Bed Ideas

4. Choose tufted texture for a traditional touch

This eclectic bedroom design was inspired by Kit Kemp. The bedroom 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. 

The padded headboard below hits new heights with a luxurious clash of colourful fabric. Tufting gives it lots of texture, while the height of it adds drama and accentuates the ceiling height.

5. Wraparound for a cocooning feel

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. 

6. Fake it

Fake a headboard with a room screen instead, and use it to frame the bed area. For a laid-back vibe, drape it with a fabric and cocoon yourself in linen.

7. Paint effects

You can also fake a headboard with paint effects. Not exactly a headboard but we love the striking geometric paint pattern behind this bed. 

8. Use a headboard as a room divider

The integrated bed and storage below 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 headboard / wall of cupboards is a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room. 

Meanwhile the wood partition wall below divides the room and blends in with the wooden four poster bed.

9. Patterned fabrics

Inject some pattern into your bedroom with an upholstered, patterned headboard design. A patterned headboard is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can tie a colour scheme together, as you can choose a pattern that incorporates a variety of colours – or choose the fabric first, then complement the design by choosing the bedroom wall colour, bedroom curtains, accent cushions and rug in the same shades.

The girls' bedroom by Singapore-based interior designer Elizabeth Hay below features a confined colour palette to give a considered scheme. A statement headboard completes the look. We love the pattern clash – it works as the colour palette is the same.

10. Sumptuous velvet

A midnight blue headboard makes this bed a sumptuous space to sleep. An industrial-style pendant light looks perfectly at home alongside the more traditional panelled wall.

11. Antique woods for vintage glamour

The owners of this home say their friends joke this bedroom looks like it's from the WWII years, but they love its vintage glamour. The antique wooden bed might look frumpy in cluttered, floral, chintzy spaces but with simple white bedding, a modern bedroom wallpaper and modern bedroom lighting it works.

12. A modern take on wooden headboards

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. 

13. Warm metallics for a super glam look

In this master bedroom, high skirtings are worked into a darkly glam space, its surfaces glowing in deep teal, brass and matt-black timber. But the piece de resistance is the luminous brass headboard.

14. Handy built-in shelving

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.

15. Framed headboard for a sleek look

Designer Amelie von Celsing wanted the bed to be the main feature in this mall bedroom. A bespoke headboard with specially chosen fabric creates a distinct focal point. 

16. Add interest by framing the bed area

This wood-covered wall frames the bed and headboard, and features beautiful built-in floating bedside tables with drawer storage. 

17. Quilted headboard

A tall headboard upholstered in quilted velvet lends a luxe feel to this bedroom. 

18. Buttoned headboard

The bedroom is a sanctuary – overall, the style is a gentle mix of contemporary and retro. The buttoned headboard adds texture and complements the blue bedroom walls.

19. Extra tall

A black border around the trim of this super-tall number frames the pretty floral print on the upholstery. The headboard is extra tall, adding elegance and grandeur.

20. Influenced by nature

Organic shapes and natural materials result in a peaceful sleeping zone. But this idea is taken up a notch in this master bedroom, where the headboard is made from a giant slab of wood, cut straight from the tree.

21. Twin headboards

These twin beds were ebay finds, joined together to make a double.