The headboard is the visual centre of the bedroom. It sets the style, gives you something comfortable to lean on and protects the wall behind the bed. The range of shapes can be bewildering, from winged and buttoned to panelled and curved, so this guide compares the main styles, explains which rooms suit each one and lists the practical points to check before you buy.

What a headboard does

  • Comfort: a padded surface for reading, working on a laptop or watching TV in bed
  • Protection: keeps pillows and hair off the wall
  • Style: frames the bed and sets the tone of the room
  • Warmth: upholstery feels warmer than a bare wall

Our upholstered headboards are designed to fit standard UK divan and ottoman bed bases, and come in every standard UK size.

Winged headboards

A winged headboard has side panels that extend either side of the central panel, framing the bed and adding height. The look is luxurious and hotel-like, and the side panels give a sense of enclosure. It suits larger bedrooms and works especially well in plush velvet. See the Valentino winged upholstered headboard and the Gabrielle curved winged headboard. A winged headboard is wider than the bed, so check the space either side for bedside tables.

Buttoned and diamond tufted headboards

Deep buttoning creates a quilted pattern in the classic Chesterfield style. It suits traditional and period homes, and gives a bed a rich, textured look. It also works in modern rooms as a contrast to clean lines. Examples include the Dorchester deep buttoned Chesterfield headboard, the Luna deep buttoned diamond tufted headboard and the Valentine luxury deep buttoned diamond tufted headboard. Buttoned fabrics collect dust in the folds, so a soft brush attachment is the easiest way to keep them clean.

Panelled headboards

Panelled designs divide the headboard into horizontal, vertical or chevron sections. They look clean and contemporary and suit most modern bedrooms. Horizontal panels make a bed look wider, while vertical panels emphasise height, useful in rooms with low ceilings. See the Valencia chevron panelled headboard, the Oslo horizontal panelled headboard and the Vienna slim dual-panel headboard.

Framed and traditional headboards

A framed headboard has a shaped edge or border that gives the upholstery an outline. These designs suit classic bedrooms and layered interiors. Traditional styles often have a gentle arch, such as the traditional arched silhouette headboard, or an inset panel, such as the Victoria traditional inset panel headboard.

Plain and minimalist headboards

A smooth, flat headboard is the most understated choice. It works in small rooms, minimalist interiors and anywhere the bedding or artwork should be the focus. The flat minimalist modern headboard and the Shelly modern minimalist smooth headboard are examples.

Choosing the right height and width

  • Width: pick the headboard in the same size as your bed, so it lines up with the mattress.
  • Height: a taller headboard gives more comfort for sitting up and more presence. In a room with a low or sloping ceiling, or a window behind the bed, choose a lower design.
  • Proportion: a large bed suits a taller, wider design; a small bed suits a simple one.

Always check the product page for exact dimensions, and compare them against the wall behind your bed.

Choosing a fabric

Velvet looks rich and soft and shows light and shade, but it can show pile marks. Linen-effect and woven fabrics have a textured, relaxed look. Our fabric range includes plush velvet, linen, wool and Naples colours, so check swatch images and the description on each product page. For more on this, see our bed fabric guide.

Matching the rest of the bed

Many headboard designs have a matching ottoman storage box for the foot of the bed, and a matching ottoman bed. If you are buying a complete bed, a divan bed set includes a headboard designed for its base. If you already have a base, a headboard is the quickest way to refresh the bedroom.

Fitting a headboard

Our headboards are designed to fix to a standard UK divan or ottoman base, and fixings are included. If you own a divan base from another brand, check that the headboard bolts and spacing will suit your base before you order.

Matching the headboard to the style of the room

Traditional and period bedrooms

Buttoned, Chesterfield-inspired and arched designs suit rooms with panelling, ornate cornicing and classic furniture. Choose richer colours, such as deep green, burgundy or navy, in plush velvet. A matching blanket box at the foot finishes the look.

Contemporary and minimalist bedrooms

Panelled, plain and slim designs suit clean lines and neutral palettes. Choose textured fabrics in grey, cream or stone. A low, smooth headboard keeps the focus on the room.

Glamorous or boutique-hotel looks

Tall winged designs in plush velvet give a hotel-like feel. Pair with layered bedding, a throw and bedside lamps.

Small rooms

Choose a slim, smooth design in a light colour so the bed does not dominate. Avoid very wide wings, which take up floor space on either side.

Comfort: sitting up in bed

If you read or work in bed, the headboard becomes a backrest. Consider:

  • Height: it should reach above your shoulders when you sit up.
  • Padding: deep padding is more comfortable than thin foam.
  • Shape: a curved or winged design supports your shoulders and keeps pillows in place.

Practical points before you order

  • Wall space: check for sockets, shelves and light switches behind the headboard.
  • Gap behind the bed: a thick headboard takes room depth. Check the dimensions.
  • Cleaning: smooth fabrics are easiest to wipe, and buttoned ones need a brush attachment.
  • Fabric choice: see our fabric guide.

Refreshing a bedroom with a new headboard

If you like your base and mattress but the bedroom feels tired, a new headboard is the simplest change. It is a single piece, quick to fit, and changes the focal point of the room. Pair it with new bedding and a matching storage box for a full refresh, or choose a complete divan bed set if you are replacing the base too.

How to measure for a headboard

  1. Bed width. Choose the headboard in the same size as your mattress. If you are unsure, measure the width of the base.
  2. Wall height. Measure from the top of the mattress to the lowest obstacle on the wall, such as a window sill, shelf or sloping ceiling.
  3. Depth. Check how far the headboard will sit from the wall, and whether you need space behind it for cables.
  4. Fixings. Check that the headboard fits your base. Ours fit standard UK divan and ottoman bases, with fixings included.

Keeping a headboard clean

Vacuum the surface with an upholstery brush every month or so. For buttoned designs, work into the folds. Blot marks gently rather than rubbing, and keep hair products and moisturiser away, because oils can mark pale fabrics. For more detail, see our care guide.

Common questions

What is a winged headboard?

A headboard with side panels that extend beyond the central panel, framing the bed.

Which headboard is easiest to keep clean?

A smooth, plain headboard has no folds to collect dust. Buttoned designs need a brush attachment.

Will the headboard fit my bed?

Choose the same size as your mattress. Our headboards fit standard UK divan and ottoman bases.

Every headboard is handmade in the UK with free delivery to mainland UK in 5 working days and a 3-year warranty.