HEADBOARDS

Essential for reading in bed, a fabric headboard transforms a divan into a decorative centrepiece

Upholstered headboards come in a wider range of designs than ever before, from boutique hotel- style tall, padded panels to traditional curved shapes and winged designs. Specialist suppliers o er a range of the most popular shapes, but if you have something more individual in mind, seek out upholsterers o ering a bespoke service. Choose smooth or buttoned upholstery; plain headboards can have fixed or loose covers. The latter are removable for cleaning or, if you have a second cover made in another fabric, you can swap them from time to time to give the room a seasonal look. Buttoned headboards have fixed upholstery and some makers apply fabric protector to keep them fresh.

Headboard in ‘Campbell Union Navy’, £ 42.50 per m; bedcovers in ‘Acton Navy’, £ 39.50 per m, and ‘Kew Nordic Navy’, £ 39.50 per m, all Ian Mankin

LEFT A neutral headboard in a simple shape provides comfort without distracting from delicately coloured and textured bed covers. ‘Olivia’ double headboard, from £ 570, Neptune RIGHT Tailored yet easy to clean, a loose covered headboard is a practical...