The Different Types of Headboard Attributes, Styles & Fabric Types

When choosing your new headboard, whether for your own room, an interior design project or even a commercial property there are a number of selections you can make to suit your style and budget. Practicality is a consideration as is available space and longevity.

We’ve put together this guide so that you can get acquainted with the styles and finishes of our headboards and make the choice that fits your needs. What’s more, we are always available on the end of the phone to advise or chat to you about your requirements – whatever they might be.

Headboard Attributes

So, what can be done to a headboard to make it unique?  There are many different attributes that you can select from

Buttoned headboards

Buttons have long been used to add dimension to a padded headboard surface. The looks achieved range from deep buttoning (sometimes called tufting), which as the name suggests uses buttons through the padding to make a voluptuous cushioned effect to shallow buttoned.  Shallow buttoned headboards often make a feature out of the buttons which are delicately set into the padding to make a shallow dip. Often, shallow buttons can be covered in a different fabric for a contrast effect. Crystals can be used in place of fabric covered buttons on our Iona and Easdale deep buttoned headboards for extra glamour.

Winged Headboards

As the name suggests, these headboards have side wings at the head end that project into the room. They can be curved, shaped or squared. Often, they are piped for extra detail as seen on our Winged Mull Headboard. Winged headboards can be floor standing or made so that the headboard starts from the top of the mattress and only the wings reach the floor.  Our delivery people will fit the latter to your bed for you on delivery.

Bespoke Headboards

Perhaps you have a different shaped space above your bed to fill? Maybe you just want a show stopping headboard from your own design? We are experts at this. A bespoke headboard is one that we change from standard measurements to suit your needs, or, one that is not normally available as a standard design. Simply put, if you can imagine it: we can make it for you!  Contact us with your ideas.

Floor Standing Headboards

A headboard that rests on the floor and is upholstered behind your bed is a floor standing headboard. Usually, all of our standard headboard designs fit to your bed and start from the top of your mattress and are either wall mounted or fitted to your bed via plywood struts. As a matter of preference, we can also adapt your favourite design to be floor standing very easily. In this case, your floor mounted headboard would feature a made to measure cut out for your skirting board to allow for ‘back to the wall’ fitting. Supplied with wall retaining brackets for fixing, floor standing headboards are still popular. Access to the bedroom should be carefully considered before opting for one, and we can even provide an access check for you before you order.

Wall mounted headboards

Large or tall headboards will benefit from being wall mounted for security and peace of mind. The bed can just be pulled away for ease of access for vacuuming and cleaning. This is particularly valuable in a commercial environment such as a bed and breakfast, guest house or boutique hotel. Our specially designed wall mounting pack will take a handy person about 20 mins to fit.

Studded Headboards

Metal studs are available in various shades and sizes and can be applied to the face of your headboard as a decorative trim. This takes great skill and workmanship as it is very intricate work and flawless attention to detail is required to do it well.  Corner shapes can be made with rows of studs for a luxury feel. Studs work well to give a modern effect to minimal headboards, like our Colonsay.

Padded Headboards 

Unlike their wooden cousins, padded headboards provide comfort when resting or sitting against them. The thickness of a padded headboard will often be an indicator of your headboards build quality. For instance, a deep buttoned headboard requires thicker padding to achieve the desired effect.  Our padded headboards start from a generous and sumptuous 9 cm depth on our Arran Headboard up to 11cm on out Iona Headboard (deep buttoned).

Panelled Headboards

These are headboards that are split into sections. Our Taransay and Tiree headboards are great examples of vertical panels. The Skye Headboard is a popular square panelled choice for modern bedrooms and looks brilliant upholstered in leather.

Tall Headboards

A tall headboard can make a focal point and statement in a bedroom. We can make a headboard for you that is any height. Access should be considered for getting the headboard in situ. We have a range of clever solutions from upholstered self-fix wall panels to modular headboards for all sorts of applications, both commercial and residential.

Low Headboards

Suited to small spaces or minimalist décor, low headboards can be tailored to your exact requirements, for example, to fit under a window. Loft conversions, barns and chalet bungalows can all be catered for with a low headboard. Our lowest standard height is 24 inches (61 cm) but you can specify exactly the height you need.

Fabric Headboards

These are usually upholstered with fabric over a layer of high-density foam. Suitable fabrics vary from linens to wools, velvets, weaves and even leather. Fabric suitability will be front of mind for things like – can it be cleaned? Is it hard wearing? And does it comply with current fire regulations?  We can help with all of these questions and advise in more detail.  We also provide a service for upholstering our headboards in your own fabric – which not many do. Ask us about how we can help you select the right fabric for you headboard and order free fabric swatches from us for approval in your own home.

Headboard Styles

Hotel Headboards

A great headboard is often the centre of a hotel rooms décor and creates impact and luxury.  We make a range of headboards suitable for the hotel environment. These range from hardwearing and washable fabrics to orders for multiple headboards for contract purposes.  All hotel headboards must be made to meet legal requirements for fire safety and we can handle all of that for you. Hotel headboards are usually big, impressive and built to last.

Modern Headboards

Modern headboards usually start from the top of your mattress and feature a ‘back to the wall’ fit.  Designs are usually more sleek and follow the latest interior trends. Our Taransay Headboard is strongly recommended for its modern appeal.

Minimal Headboards

Minimal headboards are usually quite plain, rectangular or slightly shaped. They do not feature many embellishments and the minimal look can be exaggerated by choosing to upholster them in a plain, neutral fabric. This also allows for future updates of your room’s decoration without being tied to a particular colour scheme. Minimal headboards can also be dressed up with scatter cushions and throws for a seasonal twist. Straight lines and sharp edges are most suited here.

Holiday Let Headboards

Holiday let headboards need to be very flexible in their placing arrangements. We offer our Coll Bed as a solution for just this scenario and the results are enjoyed by many hosts and guests alike up and down the UK. Zip and link mattresses complete the arrangement for a fully flexible system that allows for one bed to be parted and made into two singles, with very little effort, each with their own individual headboard. Removable covers should be considered as a helpful aide for holiday lets. Extra covers are available for when one set is away at the laundry. See our Harris and Caldey models for a removable cover option.

French Headboards

The French style of headboard is still as popular as ever. These are usually baroque shaped wooden headboards with carved wooden appliques at the top. Sometimes the centre panel is upholstered and deep buttoned to reflect the shape of the wooden border. Whilst we do not offer wooden headboards, our Tean headboard is inspired by the French headboard style of deep buttoned insert, but with all the modern comfort of an upholstered one (and no chance of woodworm!).

Farmhouse Headboards

Usually featuring a footboard, the traditional look of a farmhouse headboard can be achieved using a rustic or plaid fabric. Checks, stripes and florals are all popular fabric choices. Select the Winged Caldey Headboard for a strong farmhouse influence in Wool Plaid Original

Country Headboards

Country styled headboards come in all shapes and sizes from small and quaint floral offerings to headboards more suited to a country estate. First decide on your desired look and then browse our collection for headboard that fits the bijou to the grand!

Fabric styles

Leather Headboards

Leather will always be a popular choice for headboard upholstery. It has many benefits. It can either appear traditional or modern depending on the design it is applied to. It is a great choice for a masculine interior. Leather can come in many grades of quality and this is often reflected in the price, feel and handle of the fabric sample.

Suede Headboards

Suede is heard wearing and very luxurious. Our washable faux suede can even stand up to having biro removed from its surface as it incorporates’ special cleanable technology. This is particularly useful in bedrooms for children, the elderly and commercial properties.

Wool Headboards

Wool really is the king of fabrics for upholstery. It makes up beautifully on every style and is inherently fire retardant by nature. Real wool can attract moths and so should be inspected periodically for any damage. Wool comes in a variety of shades and patterns, mostly plains traditional tartans and checks.

Faux Wool Headboards

Like real wool, but not prone to moth damage! Our faux (imitation) wool is such a good likeness to the real stuff, sometimes we can’t even tell ourselves. The main difference is the price tag. Unlike its real wool doppleganger, faux wool needs to be treated to be fire retardant for use on a headboard. Ours is compliant from our suppliers so you don’t need to worry – let us do that for you.

Chenille Headboards

Chenille is a hardwearing upholstery fabric and has long been used to provide a cosy and tactile feel to headboards. Our House Chenille has been chosen for its lovely handle and its popular and vast array of colour choices. It is a wonderful modern alternative to velvet.

Velvet Headboards

Velvet is a classic fabric for a headboard. It comes in a huge choice of colours. Velvet has a ‘nap’ which means its colour can change depending on which way the light in your room hits it. Consideration should be given to this when selecting a velvet. Velvet has many unique qualities. Sheen, matt and crushed finishes are available and each are a matter of personal taste.

Linen Headboards

Linen should be used for a relaxed but tailored room design. It is a natural fibre, made form flax. This makes it hard wearing and malleable for upholstery. Linen can be treated with fabric protector to extend its lifecycle. Linen is particularly used in French and rural styled rooms and our linen is available by the metre for making additional bedroom items like curtains, cushions and runners.

Cotton Headboards

Like linen, cotton is 100% natural.  Perfect for the bedroom for its insulating properties and its feel. It looks beautiful and fresh when made up.

In conclusion, all of the above attributes, styles and fabrics can be combined to get you exactly the headboard you are looking for. 

Spoilt for choice? You're very welcome to speak to our head of design, Laura, for her personal headboard model recommendations straight to your inbox based on your likes and dislikes.

When choosing your new headboard, whether for your own room, an interior design project or even a commercial property there are a number of selections you can make to suit your style and budget. Practicality is a consideration as is available space and longevity.

We’ve put together this guide so that you can get acquainted with the styles and finishes of our headboards and make the choice that fits your needs. What’s more, we are always available on the end of the phone to advise or chat to you about your requirements – whatever they might be.