Headboards + Bed Frames

Modern Headboards & Platform Beds

Who said headboards and platform beds can’t look modern? At west elm, we know how to put a fresh face on these pieces and transform them into statement-makers with a purpose. We’ll help you choose a headboard or platform bed so you can turn your bedroom into the beautiful oasis you’ve always dreamed of.

Tufted Headboards

The ultimate in luxury and comfort – minimalist-style – is the tufted headboard. Tufted designs include grids, diamond patterns and decorative lines of button tufts. A number of styles are fully upholstered right down to the floor, and backs of tufted headboards are covered in muslin to protect the wall. The taller the tufted headboard is the more of a focal point it can become in your bedroom.

Upholstered Headboards

Soften up your bedroom with an upholstered headboard that adds warmth and dimension to your space. It’s also a comfortable, cozy surface to lean on when you’re reading in bed. Consider an elegant quilted headboard crafted from richly textured linen weave. Headboards of all sizes and in any shape can also be adorned with bronze nailhead trim or left plain at the edges. Each headboard design, upholstered in twill, leather or velvet, is a stately yet subtle blank canvas meant as a backdrop for layering pretty, colorful and highly textured accent and bed pillows. Tall headboards reach about 54" to 60" high. Medium to shorter headboards range in heights of about 28" to 45" and 52", depending on shape and design. The backs of most upholstered headboards are finished in fabric.

Coordinate your upholstered headboard with an upholstered bed bench to complete the set. Benches have the same streamlined mid-century sophistication as headboards and platform beds. Some storage benches are ideal as bedside tables as well as extra seating, which is always the beauty of thoughtfully designed, multifunctional mid-century pieces.

Laser-Cut Headboards

Add a layer of artwork to your bedroom with a headboard designed with a geometric lacy, laser-cut motif. These contemporary, eye-catching designs are crafted from solid wood. For a subtler look, consider a wood headboard with an airy, geometric cutout pattern inspired by architectural ironwork.

Simple Platform Bed Frames

The simple platform box looks exciting in an understated way, especially when you pair it with a modern headboard. Platform boxes come upholstered in neutral performance velvets held up by narrow, tapered wood legs. The clean lines of wood platform boxes, also finished in neutral tones, coordinate with most contemporary headboards. Wood platform beds come in various rail widths and streamlined tapered or block legs, but all include solid pine slats for a sturdy foundation to accommodate mattresses with or without box springs.

Keep in mind that if you’re using both a mattress and a box spring on your platform bed, your bed will be higher and cover part of a headboard design. If you’re using a box spring, opt for a taller headboard to let more of it show.

Low-Lying Platform Bed Frames

If you love reclining down low, you’ll love a low-lying platform bed that works with all mattresses and doesn’t require a box spring. This is the type of platform bed that’s perfect for city dwellers who are often on the move, but who want high-quality, efficient and stylish bedroom furniture for small spaces.

To add to the luxurious feel of your modern bedroom, add in a fabric or leather bench to the end of your bed for extra storage or for a place to toss a faux fur throw. When you pair simple furniture with streamlined beds and headboards, you’ve made it that much easier to create a sophisticated bedroom.