How to Pick the Perfect Headboard

Looking for a headboard to build a dream on? Headboards are one of the easiest ways to make a splash in a bedroom. Yet far too often, homeowners and DIYers choose to go more modest than max-impact. Because we’re always in favor of making a statement here at Chairish, we’re advocates of statement headboards all the way. In the same camp as us? Here are four out-of-the-box headboard ideas to try.

Match Game

While a headboard dressed in the same fabric as your wallpaper or bedding feels ultra-adventurous, it’s also one of the easiest designer tricks to pull off on your own. Opt for an add-on like a matching crown canopy to ramp up the drama even more. If you’re unsure you can pull off the look like a pro, here’s a little insider secret: florals and toiles are especially forgiving.

Toss On a Textile

If you’ve already committed to a more basic headboard and you’re now on the prowl for ways to up its design clout, consider draping it with a textile. (A word to the wise: this technique works best for square upholstered headboards.) To get the look, simply source a striking textile bolt and drape it over your headboard. Leave either a wide swath of your headboard exposed to create a compelling color-blocking effect, or nearly cover your headboard for a more traditional slipcover effect.

Screen Play

Screens, be they Japanese Coromandel screens or bamboo screens, can make excellent headboards. Simply affix them to the wall over a bed and you’ve created a chic headboard out of next to nothing. As a general rule, you’ll want to stick to more basic bedding when using a screen as a headboard, especially if you’re working with an intricately detailed screen that showcases an abundance of color.

Choose Contrast

If you’re looking to give an old headboard new life (say, a Thomasville headboard), try painting it in a bold lacquered color and painting your wall in an equally bold, contrasting color. This technique can produce especially eye-catching results if the headboard you’re using incorporates fretwork or cutouts, as cut-outs can create a visual patchwork that’s especially compelling. Some color combos to try? A red headboard and forest green walls, a white headboard and navy blue walls, or a white headboard and powder blue walls.