The Truth About Headboards: Function, Styles, and Smart Choices

Headboards serve practical and decorative roles: they support pillows, provide a backrest, protect walls, and can add storage or tech features. Available in wood, metal, upholstery, and reclaimed materials, headboards come in many shapes and mounting styles. Measure carefully, choose materials that fit your use, and consider DIY or upcycled options for a budget-friendly update.

Why headboards matter

A headboard attaches to the head of a bed frame and does more than look decorative. It supports pillows and bedding, gives you a comfortable backrest for reading or watching TV, and protects the wall behind the bed from wear. Modern headboards often add practical features like built-in shelves, under-shelf lighting, or power/USB ports.

Materials and common styles

Headboards come in a wide range of materials: solid wood, engineered wood (MDF and plywood), metal, upholstered fabric or leather, rattan, and reclaimed or painted boards. Fabric-upholstered and tufted headboards remain popular for their comfort, while metal and wooden slat styles suit minimalist and industrial rooms.

Popular shapes and finishes include panel, wingback, arched, and platform-integrated headboards. Some designs are low-profile "floating" headboards that mount directly to the wall, while others bolt to the bed frame.

Storage and built-in features

You can choose headboards that add storage or function. Options include built-in shelves, open cubbies, hidden compartments, and integrated nightstand surfaces. More recently, some headboards include built-in LED reading lights and power outlets for charging devices, which is convenient for bedside use.

Size, fit, and installation

Match the headboard to your mattress size (twin, full, queen, king) and to your frame style. Measure the width of the mattress and the distance between bed-frame mounting holes before buying. Wall-mounted headboards require studs or strong anchors; bolt-on designs attach to standard bed frames.

DIY and upcycling ideas

DIY headboards remain a practical way to refresh a bedroom. Popular DIYs include painting a mural on the wall, mounting an old door or reclaimed wood as a headboard, upholstering a plywood panel, or installing a shelf-backed headboard. Many modern cribs are convertible and some can be repurposed into toddler or daybeds; parts from old cribs and doors make good upcycle projects.

Choosing the right headboard for your room

Pick a headboard based on how you use the bed. If you sit up often, choose a padded or upholstered headboard with comfortable height. For small bedrooms, a narrow or wall-mounted headboard can save space. Consider durable, easy-to-clean materials when selecting headboards for children's rooms.

Final tips

Shop with measurements in hand and think about wiring if you want lighting or charging ports. If you like to change your decor often, choose a neutral fabric or a simple wood finish that can be dressed up with cushions and textiles.