Bedroom

Choosing a Statement Headboard 101: Buyer’s Guide

Leaning into inspiration from Soho House, we're talking all about headboard designs and why every bedroom needs one.
Choosing a Statement Headboard 101: Buyer’s Guide

Last week, we spoke about the influence boutique hotels can have when it comes to our own quest to recreating their spa-like bedrooms that always seem to get everything just right. In these designs, we’ve spotted a growing trend of beautifully designed headboard that have been taking centerstage in our bedrooms, thanks to the ever growing popularity in eclectic interiors.

Similarly, you only need to take a peak at the luxury boutique hotels to notice how headboards are used to enhance the overall aesthetic of room; Soho House particularly comes to mind with their smorgasbord of flamboyant headboards that ooze luxury in most of their hotel bedrooms.

this is the white city house by soho house with an elegant headboard

Choosing a headboard for your bedroom

We never said it was going to be easy, choosing a headboard for your bedroom can either make or break the overall look you’re going for. It’s the same whenever we talk bedrooms, because of all the different elements that make up a bedroom and making sure it’s a relaxing space for you to be in rather than one that feels busy or overwhelming. When it comes to choosing a headboard, there are a few prerequisites to consider before going all in:

  • What vibe are you going for?
  • Is this a place for purely sleeping and waking up, or are you going to be working from this room?
  • Do you want to be able to listen to music and have a space to relax?
  • What style are you going for? i.e. Farmhouse, Industrial, Mid Century Modern, or Boho?
  • What type of bed do you have/will you buy?

Once you have all of this in mind you can then start to bring it all together. Admittedly, one of the hardest parts when working to accomplish any dream room is knowing exactly where to start. Again, to help streamline your ideas it’s worth starting with one or two pieces for the room once you’ve had a mooch around and have found staple pieces that you know are non-negotiables and you must have in the room.

A bed with a headboard vs a bed and headboard separate

For the bedroom, these pieces are typically the bed or soft fabrics. When it comes to choosing a headboard, the style of bed will depend on whether or not the bed will allow for a bespoke headboard. Frames such as divan beds, bunk beds, or four-posted beds are perfect for upgrading the bed with a headboard of your choice. Whereas for full size bed frames, that is one with a headboard already attached, you’re limited to the headboard provided.

this is a light grey headboard in a suffolk country house designed by kelling designs

Do I really need a headboard?

Ah, the magic question. There are many beds on the market that come without a headboard, and that gives you the option to either look for one you like or keep the bed as it is. Originally, headboards were designed to keep the wall that the bed leans up against clean, and protects the room from a draft. Whilst in Feng Shui philosophy, where designing your space is focused on security and calmness, it’s believed that headboards create a safe space for intimacy and connection through the comfort they bring.

Are headboards outdated?

Short answer is: no, headboards are far from outdated. They’ve got a long lifespan and will have a place in our homes for years to come. From a stylistic perspective, it all comes down to the look and feel you want to have in your room and choosing a headboard that compliments your vision. Plus, headboards work wonders in anchoring a room, and tying the furniture and decor together—they’re the remedy to stopping your pillows falling to the sides at night while you sleep, and provide support when you’re sitting up in bed. Move over home office, we’re working from here now.

this is a beige headboard by banda design studio

Best brands and stores to buy a headboard from

You’d be forgiven if you have one idea in mind of what headboards tend to look like, and for that reason have never considered adding one to your bed. That said, designers and brands have been going all out when it comes to bold designs and the evolution of headboards has meant the styles, sizes, colours, and textures you can choose from are now in abundance.

There’s plenty to choose from, from vintage-inspired to contemporary designs that makes it nearly easily customised and designed for you, the style that you’re going for, and the size that you need. It’s worth taking the time to find the right one for you, they’re as much to do with comfort as they are statement pieces for your walls.

this is a bedroom with a purple headboard by kelling designs

KD Loves

Choosing a headboard that you want to work as the focal point of the room, making it a vibrant statement piece that’s complimentary to your colour scheme will do the trick. KD Loves know a thing or two when it comes to headboards as they’re leading the way with bespoke lavish designs that would work in a Soho House apartment, and inside your own home.

The ‘Emma’ headboard is a gem; it’s pretty and striking. A real statement that seems to balance a soft aesthetic perfectly. Its shape, motif pattern, and colour makes it particularly unique. That said, if you’re looking for a headboard that suits a more mid century modern aesthetic then, ‘Thomas’ is the one for you. It’s my personal favourite.

More info

Bio

Made up of the most carefully curated of pieces, KD Loves pieces are absolutely everything you’d want from quirky interiors that can be worked into any home that’s wanting a few staple pieces that bring personality and character into a space.

Price Range

From £750

Visit

kdloves.com


Darlings of Chelsea

For a bedroom to have luxury and class written all over it, it starts with the fabrics you choose and their quality. Darlings of Chelsea are not too far off from having everything you need—and want—for your home; from their deluxe range of handcrafted beds to contemporary sofas, they’re experts in the field of contemporary interiors. As you go through their bed range, you’ll  created a standout selection of headboards that will no doubt add character to your bedroom. If you’re looking for a statement headboard that is oozes comfortability and style, Darlings of Chelsea is for you.

More info

Bio

There’s always something endearing about a brand that’s stood the test of time. Darlings of Chelsea have been making our homes effortlessly stylish, contemporary, and comfortable for the past 40 years and counting. Their furniture range has everything you need to transform your home—not to mentioned their bed range.

Price Range

From £649

Visit

darlingsofchelsea.co.uk


MADE

A household name in the world of interiors, MADE have created a wide range of headboards that’s good enough to fit inside any home. Whether you’re looking for a style that leans more towards natural which Mandalay would be perfect for or vintage which says Letty all over it, their headboards will be nothing short of a statement inside the bedroom. Looking at their range more holistically, they offer less of a tailored service but it’s varied enough to find a style that would work for you.

More info

Bio

Their interiors will bring your whole home to life. Vibrant colours, dynamic shapes, and compelling prices—MADE have created an online homeware store of our dreams.

Price Range

From £255

Visit

made.com


John Lewis

We’ve talked previously about the ANYDAY range that took the world by storm considering the price point they were selling homeware essentials at, but outside of that if you’re looking for quality and wanting to save time jumping from store to store, then John Lewis’s range of bedroom furniture is one to take a look at. Their headboard range is wide and varied meaning there’s something there for everyone, and every style.

More info

Bio

They’re a department sweetheart for all the obvious reasons. You could spend hours roaming around their store, online and offline, looking at the designer range they stock as well as their own collection.

Price Range

From £109

Visit

johnlewis.com


Once you’ve found your headboard, you can begin to see the colours, shapes, and textures that will run throughout your room. Find yourself a comfy mattress that you’ll never tire of, followed by dressing the bed with a beautiful bedding set that will get you through the highs and lows of British weather. I’m likely to nab everything in the ‘Night Owl’ range by The Fine Bedding Company, perfect for getting cozy during the cooler nights.

If you make this your checklist, your bedroom renovation will become all the more easier when it comes to then choosing the rest of the furniture and decor to be cohesive. Creating a bedroom designed to perfection.

Photo credits: 1. Banda Design Studio 2. Soho House 3. Kelling Designs 4. Banda Design Studio 5. Kelling Designs

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