Head to bed
From statement styles to spacesaving designs and cool classics, Sam Wylie-harris looks at how to choose the perfect headboard
Headboards can be a thing of beauty – adding drama with their height and frame, and as glamorous and elegant as those furnishing a presidential suite in a swanky hotel. or you can go down the practical and functional route, with space-saving, forward-thinking designs.
Coming in all shapes and sizes, the right headboard can help create the perfect focal point in a bedroom too, whether you want sleep in luxe cosiness like a fairy-tale princess, channel some rustic charm or think outside of the box with something modern.
Here’s why headboards are worth considering and how to choose the perfect one for your space...
think about the Size of your room
“I love headboards of all sizes, however you must choose the correct headboard for the scale of the room. vast rooms allow for tall show-stoppers in exciting fabrics, and others with lower ceilings call for gentler curves and less statement,” says Henriette von Stockhausen, co-founder of VSP Interiors – who’ll be exhibiting at this year’s House & garden Festival at Olympia london, from June 17-21 (houseandgardenfestival.com).
“And for those wishing to make changes to their bedroom, updating a headboard can transform the look and feel of a room without the need to undergo an entire makeover.”
bespoke headboards create a unique look
IT may sound fancy – and of course it’s generally going to be a lot more expensive
– but if you’re feeling creative, or as Henriette suggests, want to inject some wow factor into the bedroom without having to redo the entire room, a bespoke or designer headboard could be an ideal option.
“I particularly like working with antique fabrics to make a statement, and on many occasions have used the colours from the headboard fabric to pull the rest of the room together,” says Henriette.
“let the headboard be your guide for cushions and accessories such as fabric lampshades. I always choose two-sided cushions to offer two different looks/moods. This allows you to reverse and change them with the seasons – a simple change such
as this can update the room for summer or winter.”
Statement headboards
Even if you’re on a tighter budget, headboards certainly don’t need to be boring.
Whatever your design brief, statement headboards come in many shapes and colours.
“For those wanting to re-create the feeling of luxury found in boutique hotels, look no further than a statement headboard,” says Kris Manalo, senior buyer at Heal’s.
“By creating a bold focal point and opting for tactile upholstery, a
standout headboard can be a quick and cost-effective way to introduce personality into a space, whilst staying firmly on-trend.
“Don’t be afraid to add height, colour and texture to elevate bedroom schemes and construct a cosy cocoon-like setting,” Kris adds.
“A winged headboard is perfect for zoning off a sleeping space, while padded cushioning creates optimum comfort for those who enjoy a spot of bedtime reading.”
new for 2020, the Crawford Bed (from £899) from Heal’s features a soft fabric backing, sitting elegantly against its blonde oak frame.
Keep it Simple
OF course, simple, sleek designs are always a popular option too. These can still add valuable structure and interest to a space.
“For those with minimal, Scandiinspired schemes, opt for simple, oak frames such as the Morten (from £649), or classic mid-century styling like the Brunel (from £649),” says Kris.
“Featuring industrial touches and a gently scooped oak headboard, Brunel is a pared-back option – perfect for those seeking a contemporary look for their bedroom,” Kris adds.
Space-saving headboards
AS well as looking good, headboards can multi-task and be a great way to utilise bedroom space and even add extra storage and function.
Ikea has a variety of affordable options to suit different styles and spaces. For example, its nordli and Brimnes headboards have built-in storage – potentially saving space on a bedside table in narrow rooms.
“Books, magazines and other things you like to keep nearby make these headboards small-space heroes,” says Stella Monteiro, sales leader at Ikea UK & Ireland.
“You can also hide cables for lamps and chargers by feeding them through holes in the headboard, ensuring a tidy, de-cluttered look.
“Furthermore, the nordli bed frame and headboard incorporates convenient boxes and shelves, that you can easily attach in your desired position by simply slotting into the headboard grooves, so your favourite book is easy to reach.”
classic Styles are having a moment
THROUGHOUT 2020, Willow & Hall predict classic furniture design will continue to rise in popularity, with more and more customers turning to traditional styles.
“Expect to see button-backed headboards and sofas in abundance,” says Sarah Massouh, managing director, Willow & Hall.
“Deep blues (Classic Blue is Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020) are perfect for spaces where we want to sleep, dream and relax – it’s a colour you can dive into, with connections to the sea and sky proven to alleviate stress and tension,” Sarah adds.
A twist on traditional designs – especially if you love the idea of rattan and sandy tones to imbibe a Mediterranean-style scheme – Ikea’s rattan Delaktig Headboard channels a relaxed and natural look. You could even personalise it further and build on the theme with a few wicker baskets, exotic decorations and woven throws – a budget-friendly way to update the whole room.