The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
9 best headboards: A simple way to add a statement to your bedroom
Whether you opt for rattan or velvet, these will create a focal point in your boudoir
- 1
2
- 3
4
- 5
6
- 7
8
- 9
Buying a separate headboard allows you to update a dull divan in an instant. This is ideal if you want to keep that precious hidden storage but are keen to add a beautiful focal point to the bedroom, too.
Going for practicality in the bed and mattress department while investing in a separate statement headboard can be a shrewd move. More often than not, the bedhead is the only part of the bed that’s visible, especially when draped in luxurious layers – so why not?
Whether you’re going for a minimal Scandi look with pale wood, a laid-back bohemian feel with natural rattan, or a made for maximalist affair in rich buttoned velvet, there’s a headboard to suit your interiors style.
Measure up properly before you buy and make sure the headboard fittings will work with your bed. Look for adjustable leg struts so you can change the overall height depending on the depth of your mattress.
Some headboards include a pillowstop – an additional upholstered section that sits behind the mattress to provide a tight fitting, while others are completely freestanding heavyweight pieces that simply sit flush between the bed and the wall. If you’ve got your eyes on one of these versatile numbers, make sure your skirting board doesn’t jut out too far or else you’ll experience some unwanted wobbles.
We put our best headboards to the test looking for comfort and style, durability and craftsmanship of materials, and of course, a sturdy sit.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
1Fishpools new Compton strutted headboard
Dimensions: Vary depending on bed size
This is an elegant and contemporary made to measure headboard that comes in an impressive range of sizes from small single right up to super king – and for a furniture piece this smart it’s only right that we get to choose our perfect fit. There’s also a choice of 16 different textures and durable fabrics on offer including the vibrant Tuscan tweed. Discreet wooden struts make sure it’s a stable fit on the bed while the plush upholstery is finished with a striking triple line detailing. This one came top for quality versus affordability: it looks more expensive than it is.
2Tikamoon louison kubu headboard
Dimensions: W 160cm x H 110cm x D 8cm
Handwoven from natural kubu rattan; this imposing headboard offers a pleasing craft-driven aesthetic. It’s a substantial, heavyweight piece, which simply sits flush against the wall, making it a good choice for renters, or those who like to chop and change their bedroom set-up without drilling holes. It’s also fabric-backed, meaning it won’t leave marks on the wall. We loved this bedhead for its elegant shaping, its ease of use, and its beautiful, bumpy texture.
3Selin double headboard, oval, natural rattan
Dimensions: W 165cm x H 50cm x D 3cm
This is a stylish headboard that manages to combine clean, contemporary lines with a relaxed boho feel – and that’s no mean feat. Lovely and lightweight in pale natural rattan, it’s attached directly to the wall, which prevents any unsightly struts. But of course, the downside to this is super-precise measuring. Not only does it need to be exactly centre, but it also has to be the right height, too. We recommend you find your perfect reading position before committing to the drill.
4The Headboard Workshop samson headboard in Linwood’s kami
Dimensions: Vary depending on bed size
There are big-name brands offering design-led headboards and then there are companies whose raison d’etre is beautiful bedheads. It should come as little surprise then, that this sumptuous velvet number from The Headboard Workshop is available in six sizes and a choice of rich colourways. This is the result of a heaven-made collaboration between the headboard specialists and famed fabric makers, Linwood. As with all of The Headboard Workshop’s made to order wares, it is beautifully crafted and finished to the nines. Bold and imposing, this one is a maximalist’s dream, combining ornate shaping, plush texture, and a cacophony of colour, pattern and print. It’s eye-popping pretty.
5Brambly Cottage Christiansen headboard
Dimensions: Vary depending on bed size
This is a stylish, classic wooden headboard, the shaping of which reminded us of an ornate church pew – especially in natural honey oak. In opal white, it offers a more contemporary look and creates a pleasing focal point in the bedroom. It’s tall and imposing – pile those pillows up high – and offers a sturdy backrest despite its voids. It comes in an impressive range of sizes from single up to super king. This one’s easy to fix onto the bed frame and reflects quality craftsmanship.
6Habitat merak black painted double rattan headboard
Dimensions: Vary depending on bed size
We love a dose of black rattan in the bedroom: it adds drama to the laid-back bohemian feel. This peacock tail shaped bedhead is a beauty, and while it reminds us of Eighties teen bedrooms there’s plenty of grown-up glamour, too. It’s crafted in Indonesia from natural rattan that’s been steam bent into shape – and it really does hold its shape. Painted in a jet black, it’s a statement headboard that means business.
7Perch & Parrow Finn oak 4'6in double headboard
Dimensions: W 135 cm x H 110cm x D 4.8cm
Cool, modern and unpretentious, this sleek headboard brings a calming slice of Scandinavian design to the bedroom. Made with oak veneers, it cleverly uses the direction of the natural grain to create an inlay chevron pattern that’s visually striking but also soft on the eye. We loved its simple shaping with its smooth, curved edges – making sure it’s all about the beauty of the natural wood rather than a fussy form. This one proved solid and strong, despite its slimline makeup.
8Pepper Sq. Aimee headboard
Dimensions: Vary depending on bed size
For understated glamour in the boudoir, this vintage-inspired velvet number from Pepper Sq. more than does the job. Available in three sizes, it’s elevated while sitting snug against the wall, making it easy to install. Richly textured, it’s upholstered in a smooth cotton velvet that’s offset with a border of gold coloured studs. In dark green, it proved a positively regal addition to our bedroom. The plush cushioning makes it perfect for sitting up in bed, leaning back, and taking in the Sunday papers.
9August Grove Stephanie spindle headboard
Dimensions: Vary depending on bed size
Made from solid oak, this Scandi-influenced headboard is all about the natural materials and simple, considered design. We loved its vintage hospital bed aesthetic: its curved edges and smooth and slender spindles offer bags of character, while the blonde wood with its visible grain brings both homely warmth and a sense of calm to the bedroom. This one may have a delicate silhouette, but it fits, and sits, sturdily.
The verdict: Headboards
The Fishpools new Compton strutted headboard proved a great buy. It’s made to measure, so expect a little turnaround time but the wait is worth it. It’s stylish, contemporary and sturdy, and were impressed with the choice of sizes and fabric finishes, and it also scored high on affordability. We also loved Habitat’s merak black painted double rattan headboard for its cool bohemian aesthetic – the jet black colour proved a dramatic addition to the bedroom.
Searching for ways to get a better night’s sleep? Upgrade your mattress with the help of our guide