Ideas + Advice

35 Headboard ideas to enhance your bedroom

Decorated storage headboard in bedroom.

There's nothing like returning home after a long day to the warm and welcoming space of your bedroom. It's not only a place to sleep; it's also a place to unwind, relax and express yourself—and that includes how you decorate it!

Finding the perfect bedding, dresser and bedroom lighting to match your style is essential, but one of the most important design decisions you can make in your bedroom is the headboard. After all, it’s the room’s focal point and can instantly transform the look and feel of your space. 

Whether you want to upgrade your room, make it comfier or add your fun personality with some vibrant colors and patterns, these 35 headboard ideas will inspire your next bedroom design.

Modern headboard ideas

If you want to go with a simple, clean and functional modern-style bedroom, you’ll want a proper headboard to match. For inspiration on how to incorporate modern style into your bedroom, check out these modern headboard ideas.

1. Go for a tall and tufted statement piece

A tall tufted headboard is a great way to make a sleek and elegant statement in your bedroom. The space feels contemporary because of the height and clean lines, and the tufted upholstery provides comfortable support while you sit up and binge-watch your favorite TV shows.

Tall gray upholstered headboard in modern bedroom.

2. Widen your space with an elongated design

An extra-wide headboard is a great choice for a modern and dramatic statement piece in your bedroom. The lengthy design makes a prominent backdrop while also grounding your space.

Extra-wide gray padded headboard in bedroom.

3. Try something simple yet striking

Try an oversized frame with nailhead trim in your bedroom for a simple yet striking look. Consider environmentally conscious options like a vegan-friendly frame to make a subtle statement. To finish off your bedroom, use colorful throw pillows and curtains.

Oversized vegan-leather headboard with nailhead trim in bedroom.

4. Use durable and stylish leather

A leather headboard is the way to go if you want something a little more mid-century modern. Leather is not only stylish, but it is also very durable, making it an excellent choice for something that will be used every night.

Mod Leather Platform Bed styled with neutral bedding.

5. Go for soft rounded edges

You don’t have to stick with the standard rectangular-shaped headboard. Headboards with rounded edges offer a bit of softness while still keeping a sleek and modern look. Use trendy wall sconces on each side to level up the space even more.

Neutral rounded-edged headboard in bedroom.

6. Try an upholstered velvet style

Upholstered velvet headboards provide additional comfort and warmth to your bedroom while still embracing elegance. Velvet is a beautiful fabric that enhances the appearance of the bedroom and provides a sense of elegance, class and refinement that few other materials can match.

Tall, gray, velvet tufted headboard in bedroom.

7. Use a wall-mounted headboard

Your bedroom will be transformed into a modern masterpiece with a huge diamond tufted wall-mounted headboard. A resort-style appearance is easy to accomplish with a wall mount feature, and a diamond tufted accent adds a touch of luxury.

Oversized diamond-tufted wall-mounted headboard in modern bedroom.

8. Grab a grid-tufted headboard

A grid-tufted headboard is the perfect versatile piece if you aren't sure what you want to do with your bedroom yet or if your interior design changes frequently. You can dress it up with luxe bedding and artwork or make it more casual with a  throw blanket—whichever fits your style best!

Gray grid-tufted headboard in bedroom.

9. Use wood texture

To make your modern bedroom feel even more inviting, add a headboard with wood texture. Wood is an evergreen material that has the ability to make a space feel organically warmer. Really make it pop with a neutral-toned comforter.

Wood-textured headboard and matching bedside table in bedroom.

10. Try mid-century spindles

Add a modern spin to a classic with a rounded spindle headboard. The handsome spindles keep your bedroom open and airy and give you that timeless farmhouse aesthetic—just more modern.

Mid-century spindle bed frame in bedroom.

11. Use swooping lines

A delicate inverted curve characterizes the elegant silhouette of a headboard with swooping lines. To add the finishing touch, hang a dimensional art piece above your headboard.

Neutral swooping modern headboard in bedroom.

Rustic headboard ideas

A farmhouse or rustic headboard isn't limited to log cabins or mountain homes. Farmhouse headboards are usually made of wood or other organic textures and can add some personality to any room, regardless of style. Check out these farmhouse headboard ideas to get you started on your dream bedroom.

12. Use reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood is one of the most popular materials for farmhouse interior design. Use a reclaimed wood headboard to incorporate this material into your bedroom and make it feel charming and rustic.

Dark reclaimed-wood headboard in bedroom.

13. Go with a wooden statement piece

Spruce up your space with a sky-high statement piece like a tall wood-patterned headboard. Go for one with contrasting wood panels that catch your eye every time you walk into the room.

Tall patterned reclaimed-wood headboard in bedroom.

14. Opt for distressed velvet

The farmhouse style is all about earthy tones and raw materials, which is why a distressed velvet headboard is a great choice for your bedroom. A velvet headboard has plush, clean lines which add a simple and beautiful touch to any bedroom.

Dark gray distressed velvet headboard in bedroom.

15. Spruce it up with solid wood

A solid wood frame gives a modern take on rustic farmhouse style. Natural wood variations provide warmth and rustic charm to the bedroom, while clean lines are ideal for a modern farmhouse look.

Solid wood bed frame in neutral-toned bedroom.

16. Use a sheltered headboard

A sheltered headboard has a shape with a soft turn at each end to give you a cocoon-like feeling. The gently sheltered profile begs you to settle in and get comfortable each night. For an added rustic flare, pair it with a soft quilt.

Gray sheltered headboard in bedroom.

17. Go with rattan texture

Using a rattan texture in your headboard adds a natural element that brings tranquility to your bedroom. Rattan accents have a laid-back, rustic vibe, so integrating them with other natural-textured features like a rattan pendant light can help tie the room together.

Rattan bed frame in rustic bedroom.

18. Add a woven headboard

A woven headboard combines the relaxing warmth of woven cord with a geometric grid pattern. It's earthy but elegant, making it the ideal finishing touch for a farmhouse bedroom.

Woven headboard in neutral-toned bedroom.

No headboard ideas

Whether you love the minimalist style, want to use a platform bed or are on a tight budget, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your bedroom without a typical headboard. Check out these creative no-headboard ideas that’ll turn out so great you won’t even notice you’re missing one.

19. Hang a large round mirror

Nothing makes a space feel bigger and brighter than decorating with mirrors. If you don’t have a headboard, hang a large circular mirror over your bed to add some dimension while keeping the space feeling clean and minimal.

Large circular mirror hanging above a bed.

20. Make a gallery wall

One perk of not having a headboard is that you have more room to show off your favorite pieces of art. Make a gallery wall above your bed to serve as the room's focal point. Whether you opt for serene photography or bold artwork, these pieces will frame your bed without a headboard.

Gallery wall of artwork and photography hanging on a wall.

21. Use an arched wall mirror

An arched wall mirror above your bed will make a statement that is both functional and fashionable. The design is shaped like a traditional headboard which makes it the perfect fit to go above your bed.

Arched metal wall mirror hanging on a wall.

22. Layer floating shelves above your bed

By layering floating shelves above your bed, you get a charming perch for artwork or your favorite trinkets. If you are decorating a room for your kids, this is a perfect place to display trophies and other items they’ll love to show off. 

Stacked floating shelves hanging over a sofa.

23. Opt for side storage

If you need extra storage space in your bedroom, opt for something a little less traditional with a side storage platform bed. Technically, you won’t have a headboard, but the side storage offers an eye-catching focal point while providing a place to store your favorite books and trinkets.

Decorated side storage platform bed in bedroom.

24. Use assorted wall shelves

Assorted wall shelves present the perfect opportunity to show off your unique style. You can mix and match assorted shelves to create the perfect shelving system for your bedroom while displaying books, houseplants, a decorative clock—the possibilities are endless.

Decorated assorted shelves hanging on a wall.

25. Hang an eye-catching mirror

Hang an eye-catching mirror over your bed to express yourself and show off your individual style. You can add a fun appearance to your bedroom with overlapping or intricate mirror arrangements.

Gold overlapping-diamond mirror.

26. Use a round wall shelf

A round wall shelf is a statement piece with functionality—perfect for framing your bed. Such a shelf gives a bedroom a vintage feel while also providing a place to store belongings and decorative accents to complete an organized and stylish bedroom.

Gold round metal wall shelf hanging above a dresser.

27. Hang minimalist frames

If you are striving for a simplistic bedroom look and feel, hang minimalist frames above your bed in place of a headboard. Choose pieces that aren't too busy, such as black and white prints, to achieve the minimalist effect.

Black and white frames hanging above a bed.

28. Zen out your space

If you want your bedroom to have a serene atmosphere, use a low-slung platform bed paired with a macrame wall hanging. The simplicity of it all will make your bedroom feel like a getaway spa retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Platform bed in minimal bedroom.

29. Use a dimensional art piece

Hang a dimensional art piece above your bed if you want to add some drama to your room. A three-dimensional piece of art adds texture and pattern to any room, helping to enhance the space.

Graphic wood wall art hanging on a wall.

30. Hang assorted prints

Another way to create a beautiful statement in your bedroom without a headboard is to hang assorted prints above your bed. Without a headboard, your gaze is pulled to the artwork, which becomes a focal point. To perfectly frame your bed, use a four-piece assortment or a large two-piece assortment of prints.

 Four assorted watercolor prints hanging on a wall.

31. Embrace your view

If you have a wide-open window in your bedroom, take advantage of it. You'll create a more open space by using your window as a makeshift headboard, bringing the outdoors inside. Don't forget to choose the right window treatment to complement your decor and make your window headboard stand out even more.

Bed in front of window with sheer curtains.

Unique headboard ideas

Sometimes, you have to step outside of your comfort zone to create a masterpiece you can be proud of. Use these unique headboard ideas to help you create the perfect headboard for your one-of-a-kind style.

32. Incorporate colors

A colorful headboard is a terrific way to add splashes of color and personality to your bedroom. Choose a headboard that incorporates your favorite colors so that your unique style can shine through.

Upholstered Bordered Headboard in a colorful navy kanpur print styled with white bedding.

33. Use a storage headboard

Give yourself some extra storage space in your bedroom by using a storage headboard. If you have older kids, a storage bed is the perfect addition to a teenage bedroom. The storage cubbies offer the perfect place to store favorite books, gratitude journals and picture frames of friends and family.

White storage headboard with pink and purple watercolor bedding.

34. Go for a fun pattern

Really show off your unique style with a fun patterned headboard. To keep your bedroom feeling fun but not too busy, match a bright and colorful patterned headboard with a neutral comforter or duvet.

Leopard spot patterned Upholstered Bordered Platform Bed styled with white bedding.

35. Use metal brass bars

If you're all about the glitz, this headboard offers a modern take on a conventional spindle bed. The headboard features a lovely curve and a brass finish that will make your bedroom stand out. Don't forget to incorporate more brass components into your bedroom's accessories and other furniture to complete the look.

Brass spindle bed frame with pink comforter and pillows.

Whether you opt for a stand-out focal piece as your headboard and go for something more simple and minimalistic, choosing a headboard that fits your interior design style will help transform your bedroom into your own personal oasis.

Don’t forget to choose the correct wall decor and bedding when evaluating different headboard ideas to really tie in the aesthetic you are striving for.

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