01Vertical padded headboard
Vertical cushioned panels are the most popular bed head cushion design. They're comfortable and visually stretch the wall.
Bedroom headboard design: 12 cushioned and wooden ideas
The headboard is the face of the bed. These designs make it comfortable to lean on and beautiful to look at.
A great bedroom headboard design does two jobs: it gives you a comfortable bed rest for reading or watching TV, and it becomes the focal point of the room. From soft padded cushions to wooden panels and cane, there's a headboard for every style.
Here are 12 headboard ideas, with notes on materials and maintenance.
02Square tufted cushions
Individual square cushion panels arranged in a grid give a modern, tailored look.
Walnut panel headboard with integrated lights
03Wooden panel headboard
Laminate or veneer panels in walnut or oak behind the bed feel warm and are easy to clean.
Fabric cushion headboard framed by oak panels
04Mixed wood and fabric
A fabric cushioned centre framed by wooden panels combines comfort and warmth.
Cane panel headboard in a natural frame
05Cane headboard
Cane panels in a wooden frame are light and breathable, ideal for warm climates.
Black leatherette padded bed rest
06Leatherette bed rest
Leatherette padding wipes clean easily and suits modern rooms.
Wingback headboard in velvet
07Wingback headboard
Curved side wings frame the bed and feel cosy.
Headboard with a narrow display ledge on top
08Headboard with shelf
A ledge on top holds books, phones and a small plant.
Fluted painted headboard in sage
09Fluted headboard
Fluted panels add texture and modern style. Paint or wood finish both work.
Arched upholstered headboard in terracotta
10Arched headboard
A rounded top softens the room and feels contemporary.
Floor-to-ceiling padded headboard wall
11Floor-to-ceiling headboard
A headboard wall running to the ceiling makes the room feel taller and grand.
Headboard cushions with removable zip covers
12Removable cushion covers
Velcro or zip-on cushion covers make it easy to wash and change the look.
Want a headboard built to fit your bed and wall? Our interior designers in Kolkata can design it with the rest of your bedroom.
How to choose a headboard design
- Height: at least 12–18 inches above the mattress for a comfortable bed rest; taller for statement looks.
- Width: as wide as the bed or extended to include side tables.
- Padding: high-density foam keeps its shape; soft foam sags.
- Fabric: performance or washable fabrics for families; leatherette for easy cleaning.
- Humidity: fabric headboards on outer walls can get musty. Keep a small air gap behind.
Materials and rough cost factors
- Base: termite-treated ply.
- Padding: foam density and thickness.
- Cover: fabric, velvet, leatherette or cane.
- Size: floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall designs cost more.
- Extras: lights, shelves and wooden frames.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Which headboard is most comfortable to lean on?
A padded headboard with high-density foam, about 2–3 inches thick, in a soft fabric.
How tall should a headboard be?
At least 12–18 inches above the mattress. Taller headboards suit rooms with high ceilings.
Are fabric headboards hard to clean?
Not if you choose removable covers or performance fabric. Vacuum regularly to remove dust.
What is a bed rest design?
Another name for the headboard, usually padded so you can sit up comfortably in bed.
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