12 Headboard Ideas for Your Bed

12 Headboard Ideas for Your Bed

by — Andra DelMonico
Published on September 3, 2021
Updated on March 25, 2025

How much thought did you put into your master bedroom decor? Most people went to their local furniture store, bought a set, and were done. While this was cost-effective and easy, it tends to lack personality and style.

These headboard ideas will help you upgrade your bedroom by giving the focal point in the room some attention and help. Add a statement headboard to your bed, and you’re one step closer to having a room that looks professionally designed.

1. Dimpled

A dimpled headboard adds a touch of elegance and texture to any bedroom. The subtle indentations, often created with button tufting, provide a classic look that suits various decor styles. This type of headboard can also offer a soft, plush feel, making it a comfortable choice for reading or relaxing in bed.

Elegant bedroom with a tufted headboard, floral bedding, and a decorative wreath above. Soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere — Source: @2turtelduer via Instagram

Elegant white bedroom featuring a tufted headboard, black and white pillows, crystal chandelier, and large window with a lush green view — Source: @our_regent_home via Instagram

Cozy bedroom featuring a large bed with white bedding, decorative pillows, a stylish beige headboard, nightstands with lamps, and a cushioned bench — Source: @tacks_n_twine_upholstery via Instagram

Elegant bedroom with a tufted headboard, white bedding, wooden nightstands, matching lamps, a bench, and artwork adorning beige walls — Source: @maria_neethling via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a tufted headboard, floral pillows, and two wooden bedside tables with matching lamps on a patterned rug — Source: @maria_neethling via Instagram

Elegant bedroom with a tufted headboard, chandelier, grey accents, armchairs by large windows, and a mirrored nightstand — Source: @oneliving via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a large upholstered headboard and adjustable mattresses, flanked by nightstands, softly lit by wall lamps — Source: @simplytufted via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a blue velvet headboard, white bedding, gold accents, potted plant, mirrors, and soft lighting for a serene retreat — Source: @designs_inspired_by_you via Instagram

A cozy bedroom with a white tufted headboard, polka dot wall, gold lamps, and a tray holding a black mug and framed photo — Source: @msmary_style via Instagram

2. Oversized

An oversized headboard can be a bold statement piece in your bedroom. It extends beyond the width of the bed, creating a dramatic backdrop that can be designed in various materials and styles. This type of headboard not only anchors the room but also offers an opportunity to add color, texture, or pattern on a large scale.

Luxurious bedroom featuring a beige upholstered headboard, gold-accented pillows, white blankets, mirrored nightstands, and modern lamps — Source: @home_decohh via Instagram

Ornate king headboard with sweeping curves and intricate silver detailing, styled in a lavish bedroom with rich textures and a chandelier — Source: @skproject1 via Instagram

3. Wall Headboard

A wall headboard, covering the entire wall behind the bed, offers a unique and modern approach to bedroom design. This style allows for creativity, as you can use materials like wood panels, fabric, or even wallpaper. It’s a great way to make a significant visual impact and can even make the room appear larger.

Tall black panel headboard in a sleek, modern bedroom with dark accents, mirrored decor, and a plush faux fur throw — Source: @our_trinity_home via Instagram

A bedroom featuring a wooden panel headboard, black and white decor, geometric wall lamps, a potted plant, and sunlight stripes on the bed — Source: @skiviewcabin via Instagram

A bedroom with a large bed, gray quilt, herringbone-patterned accent wall, and a stylish headboard beside nightstands with books — Source: @chadherdartwork2 via Instagram

A cozy bedroom with a patterned gray headboard, soft pillows, warm wall lights on each side, and a wooden side table nearby — Source: @faberconstructionservices via Instagram

4. Printed Headboard

Adding a printed headboard into your bedroom can instantly elevate the space with a pop of pattern and color. Whether you choose a floral design, geometric patterns, or an abstract print, this headboard style can become the focal point of the room and set the tone for your decor.

A modern bedroom featuring a geometric headboard, white bedding, and a cozy wicker basket, with a chair and stacked books nearby — Source: @artofdimension via Instagram

Modern bedroom with a geometric headboard, white bedding, gray throw, and a small side table with a lamp by the window — Source: @artofdimension via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a patterned headboard, lavender walls, purple throw, and colorful decor. Small side table with magazines — Source: @colouryourcasa via Instagram

5. Rattan

Rattan headboards bring a natural, bohemian vibe to the bedroom. Their lightweight, open weave design adds texture and an airy feel, making them ideal for coastal, tropical, or eclectic interiors. Rattan headboards are also a sustainable choice, often made from renewable resources.

A cozy bedroom with a wicker headboard, green and striped pillows on a bed, a two-tone yellow and white wall, and a round mirror — Source: @girlwithfrenchdoors via Instagram

6. Upholstered

Upholstered headboards provide both comfort and style. They come in a wide range of fabrics, from linen to velvet, allowing for customization to match your bedroom’s decor. This type of headboard is perfect for those who enjoy reading or watching TV in bed, offering soft support.

A neatly made bed with a blue upholstered headboard, white bedding, patterned pillows, and a bedside lamp on a nightstand — Source: @divyavaswaniinteriors via Instagram

Tufted queen headboard with nailhead trim, styled in a cozy farmhouse bedroom with layered pillows and soft neutral tones — Source: @home_editor_18 via Instagram

Curved upholstered headboard with nailhead trim, set against a wood-paneled accent wall in a warm, elegant bedroom — Source: @wentbridgehouse via Instagram

Minimalist king headboard framed by a white shiplap wall, styled with blue accent pillows and natural wood nightstands — Source: @appetiteshop via Instagram

7. Headboard Accent Wall

Transforming an accent wall into a headboard is a creative and cost-effective way to enhance your bedroom’s aesthetic. You can paint, use decorative panels, or even create a mural. This approach allows for a high degree of personalization and can be easily changed to match evolving decor tastes.

Carved wood king headboard in a light finish, set against a bold orange accent wall with tropical art and cozy neutral bedding — Source: @dovetail_interiors via Instagram

8. Leather

A leather headboard adds a luxurious and sophisticated touch to any bedroom. It’s durable, easy to clean, and ages gracefully. Leather headboards can be styled in various ways, from sleek and modern to classic and tufted, suiting many decor themes.

Sleek dark leather headboard in a modern coastal bedroom with shiplap walls, large windows, and minimal black accents — Source: @north.state.custom.builders via Instagram

Saddle leather cushion headboard with strap detailing, paired with earthy olive bedding and a moody dark accent wall — Source: @heatherlydesignbedheads via Instagram

9. Velvet

Velvet headboards exude luxury and comfort. The soft, plush fabric catches the light, adding depth and richness to the room. Available in a range of colors, velvet can create a bold statement or a subtle, elegant backdrop in your bedroom.

Elegant tufted headboard with a shimmery silver finish, styled in a soft neutral bedroom with mirrored accents and a crystal chandelier — Source: @foundations_2_finishes via Instagram

10. Wooden

Wooden headboards are versatile and timeless, fitting into many bedroom styles, from rustic to contemporary. They can be crafted from various wood types and finishes, allowing for a range of textures and colors. Wooden headboards also offer durability and can bring a sense of warmth to the room.

Natural wood pallet headboard set against a bold green accent wall, styled with colorful pillows and lush indoor plants — Source: @designed_with_plants via Instagram

DIY pallet-style wood headboard with a top shelf, decorated with mini trees and string lights for a cozy, rustic vibe — Source: @flourandferns via Instagram

Bedroom with a wooden headboard, green accent wall, and dreamcatcher; bed has white linens, beige throw, and decorative pillows — Source: @soeffinghome via Instagram

Modern hotel room with a double bed, wooden headboard, hanging lights, a mirror, a marble desk, and a vase of pink flowers — Source: @doubletreemelbourne via Instagram

A bed with a light wooden chevron headboard, four white pillows, and a beige decorative cushion on a textured beige throw — Source: @fettworks via Instagram

Rustic wooden headboard and footboard set with paneled design, paired with bright blue walls and cozy white bedding — Source: @mypinedesigns via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a wooden headboard, tropical pillows, blue patterned blanket, and two rustic lamps on floating side tables — Source: @reclaimroots via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a wooden headboard, decorative lights, plush bedding, a fur-covered bench, and potted plants as accents — Source: @thesteeleresidencehousetohome via Instagram

11. Grey

A grey headboard is a versatile option that can suit a wide array of bedroom color schemes. It offers a neutral, calming backdrop, which can be paired with bold colors or kept minimalistic. Grey headboards can be found in various materials, providing flexibility in texture and style.

Modern wingback headboard in soft gray fabric, paired with white bedding, symmetrical lamps, and matching nightstands — Source: @our.mw.home via Instagram

A neatly made bed with a gray headboard, striped bedding, and four white pillows, flanked by bedside tables with gray lamps — Source: @steals2deals via Instagram

Wooden headboard with a two-panel design and light oak trim, styled with neutral bedding and matching nightstands — Source: @chelsea_cunningham3 via Instagram

12. White-Washed Wood

White-washed wood headboards create a relaxed, rustic charm, ideal for a cottage or shabby chic bedroom. The white-wash technique highlights the wood’s natural grain, adding texture and a sense of coziness. This style pairs well with light, airy fabrics and soft colors.

A cozy bedroom with rustic decor features a large bed, ornate wooden headboard, chandeliers, and a wreath; soft lighting creates a warm ambiance — Source: @vintagevineanddesign via Instagram

What can I use in place of a headboard?

You don’t have to have a headboard on your bed frame. You could place a large piece of reclaimed wood. Or you could paint a large mural on the wall over the bed. Install bookshelves and shelving on the wall around the bed to display books and other small items.

Is it OK not to have a headboard?

You don’t have to have a headboard. Having a headboard gives your bed and bedroom a more traditional look. If you choose to not have a headboard, then you can get creative with other displays. You could hang a piece of art on the wall, mount a large floating shelf, or apply mural-style wallpaper.

Why do beds have a headboard?

The original purpose of a headboard was to give your bed frame support and structure. It also protects the wall from wear and tear. In addition to practical reasons, it can add a decorative element to your bedroom.