A new headboard is a great way to revive a tired bed with some style and comfort. Grander styles can transform whole rooms by making a new point of interest that puts your bed centre stage. More basic styles can be a simple way to add comfort and a touch of hotel luxury to the bedroom or guest room without having to buy a whole new bed.
Headboards can either be attached to the wall, floor standing, or attached to the bed – with most offering a couple of ways to be fixed. Check first that the wall and bed you are planning to work on, can accept a headboard. Upholstered versions with wood frames can be large and heavy.
If attaching to the bed, you’ll need to check the headboard is made to a standard UK bed size. Wall-attached headboards are more forgiving and can come in a variety of sizes. All the headboards on this list are sized for a double bed, unless stated.
1. Willow & Hall Avebury Double Headboard: £243, Willow & Hall
Willow and Hall’s Avebury headboard is classic in design, and upholstered with a high-quality finish. Edge and corner piping add an elegant touch, and the choice of over 100 fabrics and leathers mean there’s plenty of scope to give an old divan a new lease life. This headboard rests on the floor and attaches to the bed. It is handmade and delivered within four to five weeks.
2. Neptune Eva Double Headboard: From £410, Neptune
The Eva headboard has an attractive shape and a high-quality finish. Two rows of studs emphasise the plushness of the upholstery with some elegant finesse. There’s a huge variety of fabric, including wool, velvet, prints and linen of different weights and finishes. At 20kg, the headboard is heavy and should be attached to either wall or bed following Neptune’s guidelines.
3. Feather & Black Manhattan Double Headboard: £275, Feather & Black
At 1m tall, the height of the Manhattan headboard gives a standard bed some real impact. The design is modern, with a rectangular shape and a central grid of covered buttons. It comes in a choice of 42 house fabrics, but a bespoke version in any size or fabric can be made possible by going in store. From order to delivery takes 10 weeks.
4. Urban Outfitters Ventura Headboard: £150, Urban Outfitters
This maple wood headboard comes in just one size: its 155cm-width is suitable for either a double or king size bed. This board attaches to the wall (although fixings aren’t included) and it’s an easy way to upgrade an existing bed. The subtle design enhances the grain of maple veneer, which is laid in a chevron pattern. Delivery takes one to two weeks.
5. Deluxe Stocksbridge Winged Double Headboard: £189, Time4Sleep
Time4Sleep’s smart-looking headboard is good value, and has a winged design as a stylish extra. Deep-set buttons go across the width, making for a comfortable head or backrest. The headboard is floor standing: a good solution if the wall behind your bed can’t support a heavy attachment. The linen-look fabric is limited to just four choices: slate, charcoal, cream and silver.
6. Julian Bowen Vicky Double Headboard: From £154, Debenhams
If you love Victorian details, this headboard by Julian Bowen is a dedicated homage to the era. The 146cm-tall powder coated metal frame is finished in traditional black, with a contrasting brass top rail. Embellishments and ornate castings add a further touch of authenticity. This headboard comes with a one-year warranty.
7. Swanglen Interiors Tamar Mix and Match Upholstered Headboard: £145, The Headboard Store
The Tamar headboard by British manufacturer Swanglen Interiors is a mix of modern and traditional design. It has strong vertical lines, deep-set buttons, and the colour of the main fabric contrasts with the button and trim. You can choose your own combination from a good variety of colours and fabrics, include the Shetland range for a wool feel. Delivery is free.
8. John Lewis Fawley Wooden Double Headboard: £199, John Lewis
Made from American oak, this headboard has a solid feel and decent quality of finish. The design is fairly basic (hence the reasonable price), but the horizontal slats and curving back do improve comfort and add interest. The curved back can leave a mark on wall finishes over time, so it’s best to use this headboard where you have some clearance between bed and wall.
9. Sofa.com Inferno Double Headboard: From £390, Sofa.com
With a tall peak and decorative Baroque-style profile, the Inferno headboard makes a grand statement. The headboard attaches to any bed, but Sofa.com’s delivery team will only assist with assembly if your bed is from the same brand. There’s a wide choice of fabrics, but be careful what you select: luxury fabrics like velvet can add as much as £200 on to the price. The frame has a lifetime guarantee.
The Verdict: Headboards
For giving your old bed a makeover in the comfort and style stakes, Willow and Hall’s Avebury headboard is a good buy. It’s handmade, comes with a guarantee and there’s a range of fabrics to suit your own scheme. It should be noted that the quality of finish on this headboard is rare for the price.
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