Take one good look at your bedroom and see if there’s anything in it that’s missing. A headboard for your bed, perhaps? If you want your room to look more stylish, this design element is definitely a must. A bed headboard (when done right) can add flair and panache to your room. But more important than its aesthetic purpose is its functional role. If you use your bed for reading, watching TV or eating breakfast in bed, then you’ll find an upholstered headboard convenient. Unlike the wooden and metal materials, headboards made of fabric are more comfortable and durable. Here are some tips to help you choose the right upholstered headboard for your bedroom.
A Homemaker’s Guide to Picking the Perfect Upholstered Bed Headboard
Material matters: Battle of the best fabric
One of the things you need to take into account when picking an upholstered headboard is the type of material it is made of. Most upholstered headboards contain foam—it’s what keeps them soft and well cushioned. But you can also use mattress pads if you’re planning to turn your headboard purchase into a DIY project. Vinyl, cotton, muslin, and linen are the common types of materials used in headboard upholstery. Vinyl, as you know, is a fairly lightweight fabric that can resemble more expensive materials like leather and latex. Cotton, on the other hand, is durable enough to resist wear. Muslin is a type of plain-woven cotton fabric that is smooth to the touch. And finally, linen dries up quickly when moisturised and stays cool in hot weather. These four differ not only in texture but also in appearance and features. Make sure you go for one that fits your needs and suits the room.
Tall or short: Using the height as a design element
When choosing the size of your headboard, remember one important tip: it shouldn’t be taller than the height of your bed mattress. Size always makes an impact in interior design. A humongous headboard will dominate a room and overpower the other design elements. A small headboard, on the other hand, will defeat its purpose as a backrest. If you’re going to use the headboard often—that is, if you tend to sit on your bed for hours—you need to get a headboard with a comfortable size. It’s a good idea to have your head resting somewhere, while your entire back is leaning against a soft, cushiony surface. The standard height of a headboard is 48 to 55 inches, with the legs included. To calculate how much space you need for your headboard, measure the distance from the floor to the mattress, then add it to the length of your own torso. Look for a headboard close to this size.
Fixed or freestanding: Defining space and dimension
There are so many ways to decorate your bed, and installing a headboard is among the best of them. You can improve the looks of your bedroom with either a fixed headboard or a freestanding one. It’s easy to guess what each type means just by their name. A fixed headboard is either attached to the bed or mounted on the wall. If you don’t want to put much thought on your headboard, just get a bed with one attached to it. It will save you both time and money. But if you want a permanent headboard that will define the theme of your bedroom, get one that’s fixed to the wall. Not happy with either of these two? Then get a freestanding headboard. It’s sold as a separate product so you can use it however you want. You can be creative and resourceful by using a dresser, cabinet or desk as a floating headboard. It’s a good way to maximise space and save on headboard installation costs.
Straight or tufted: Streamlining bed headboard designs
Many upholstered bed headboard designs have sprung over the years, but the classic rectangular look with little to no embellishment is still popular today. Because modern interior design sticks to minimalistic approaches, the straight bed headboard style is proving to be just as expressive as the tufted style. A straight headboard can draw the eye to a unique fabric or print that makes other bedroom furniture pieces stand out. Still, no one can deny the massive appeal of tufted headboards. The threaded layers of fabric secured on ends with a knot or a button make this design eye-catching. If you want your headboard to be the focal point of your room, you should choose between the two main types of tufted headboards: diamond style or square style.
Basic or special: Incorporating other practical features
Redesigning your bed is more exciting when you’re installing a headboard with a lot of interesting features. While basic bed headboards have their own aesthetic and practical appeal, special headboards are a lot more fun and convenient. For example, you can buy a headboard with built-in shelves that can accommodate books, alarm clocks, lamps, and reading glasses. You can also get a bed headboard that is so tall you can practically hang a dressing gown or bathrobe in one of the side posts. Some contemporary headboards even have recessed lighting and built-in electric plugs. They’re an architectural masterpiece on their own.
Creative or contemporary: Building art from scratch
Headboards are no longer limited to two or three types. Designers are recognising that the design possibilities for headboards are limitless. If you have crazy or creative bedroom design ideas, you can use your headboard as a medium to express them. For instance, you can use a wall of old books or a pile of bamboo poles as a headboard. Glue them all together to secure them in place. A wall mural or painting can also work. If you want to add texture in the room, hang an area rug on the wall above your bed to create a headboard effect. Any design you can think of can essentially pass as a headboard design. If you want, you can even use an old door or a room divider as a headboard. If you like the soft texture of upholstery, mount pillows on the wall so you’ll have a backrest as an alternative to an upholstered headboard.
There are so many things you need to consider when choosing a new bed headboard for your bedroom. Material, size, and design are only the tip of the iceberg. You also have to look into the overall mood that your chosen bed headboard brings into the room. Ultimately, your needs and preferences should be your guide in finalising your bed design.
Guest Post By
Jeanette Anzon, Blogger