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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
Upgrading your bedroom doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the help of a stylish headboard, you can transform your space without renovating anything—and without having to splurge on a brand-new bed, either.
In terms of installation, not all headboards are created equal: some attach directly to your bed frame, while others need to be mounted on the wall. So, when eyeing a new headboard, make sure you can actually install it in your space. Once you’ve handled the logistics, you can move on to more aesthetic considerations, like what the headboard looks like, and what material it’s made of.
To help you reimagine your bedroom, we’ve rounded up some of the most striking headboards on the market.
Best Overall
Joss & Main Kylie Upholstered Headboard
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Joss & Main
Range of color options
Available in every standard size
Can get free upholstery samples
Minimalist design won't suit all spaces
Joss & Main’s Kylie Upholstered Panel Headboard is not your average upholstered headboard, thanks to the cozy yet contemporary design, and the range of fabric options available. It boasts a classic rectangular silhouette, and since it’s constructed with a wood base, you can rest assured knowing it’s built to last. Choose a subtle neutral like gray, a bolder shade like oxblood, or something trendy yet versatile like rose quartz. As long as the minimalist design suits your decor style, it's likely that this option checks all the boxes.
Price at time of publish: $370+
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Height: 51 inches | Mount Type: Wall mounted | Adjustable Height: Yes | Materials: Solid and manufactured wood with polyester upholstery and fill | Colors: 14 | Warranty: One year
Best Budget
Zinus Jessica Upholstered Headboard
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Courtesy of Amazon
Under $150 price tag
Versatile style
Comes with mounting hardware but no brackets
Not height adjustable
The Jessica Upholstered Headboard from budget brand Zinus makes it easy to get the luxury of an upholstered headboard without breaking the bank. Crafted from plush foam, this headboard boasts a sleek silhouette and gray upholstery, which can be purchased in banded, button-tufted, and regular upholstered styles. It has a more modern vibe than other upholstered options, and its sleek charcoal palette only cements its contemporary appeal.
Price at time of publish: $110+
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Height: 48 inches | Mount Type: Bed frame mounted | Adjustable Height: No | Materials: Metal frame with foam padded upholstery | Colors: 2 | Warranty: Five years
Best Upholstered
Red Barrel Studio St Andrews Upholstered Panel Headboard
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Button tufting with diamond stitching
9 available colors
No warranty available
Featuring tufted button detailing and stitching that forms an elegant diamond pattern, this streamlined headboard is simple, classic, and sophisticated. It comes in nine colors, including standard options like beige and light gray, as well as more unique options navy and even bright red. Plush and inviting, this is a great option for elevating your bedroom's style—and coziness.
Price at time of publish: $179+
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Height: 43.75-56.25 inches | Mount Type: Bed frame mounted | Adjustable Height: Yes | Materials: Steel frame with polyester upholstery | Colors: 9 | Warranty: Not available
Best Tufted
LUCID Mid-Rise Upholstered Headboard
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Courtesy of Amazon
Available in vertical, square, or diamond tufting
Range of colors
Optional wall mounts
Not as sturdy as some available options
Tufted headboards abound, but since this comes in multiple colors and with multiple styles to choose from, it feels like an anything-but-average option. Simple yet sophisticated, this headboard is crafted from a sturdy-yet-comfortable blend of wood and linen-inspired polyester, creating an effect that's both practical and luxurious. Choose between colors like stone, charcoal, and navy—and rest assured knowing this piece is bound to make a statement, no matter which color you choose.
Price at time of publish: $80+
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King/Cal King | Height: 36-48 inches | Mount Type: Bed frame mounted | Adjustable Height: Yes | Materials: Siberian larch wood and polyester | Colors: 6 | Warranty: Two year
Best Leather
Pottery Barn Raleigh Curved Leather Headboard
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Huge range of colors
Has adjustable levelers for added stability on uneven floors
Can order free swatches
Not returnable
Very expensive
If you want the comfort of upholstery and the sleek appeal of a more contemporary piece, Pottery Barn's Raleigh Headboard is an excellent pick. This striking headboard is totally customizable, from the height to the color to the nailhead, so you can create a truly perfect piece for your space. It's upholstered with semi-aniline leather (AKA, genuine leather that’s been treated with a top coat for protection), and is thickly padded for an extra cozy feel. It's expensive, but worth the price if you want a high-quality piece that'll last for many years.
Price at time of publish: $1,399
Sizes: Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Height: 50-59 inches | Mount Type: Bed frame mounted | Adjustable Height: Yes | Materials: Kiln-dried hardwood with semi-aniline leather upholstery | Colors: 31 | Warranty: Not listed
Best Metal
Copper Grove Pinnacles Metal Headboard
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Courtesy of Overstock
Can add on a five-year protection plan for an extra price
Subtle vintage detailing
Not available in Full size
If you’d prefer not to fuss with upholstery, why not opt for a solid metal pick instead? This simple piece is crafted from metal with an antique brown finish, giving it a versatile look that works with rustic, farmhouse, and industrial spaces. It's made up of a series of spindles and alternating bars, which lend structure without demanding much space. While it's not available in Full size, it's surely still a versatile choice for a variety of bedrooms and guest rooms alike.
Price at time of publish: $113+
Sizes: Twin, Queen, King | Height: 49 | Mount Type: Bed frame mounted | Adjustable Height: No | Materials: Metal | Colors: 1 | Warranty: One year
Best Wood
Pottery Barn Paulsen Reclaimed Wood Headboard
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Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Reclaimed wood material
Sturdy yet sophisticated design
Pricey
Looking to add a dose of rustic appeal to your room? This piece from Pottery Barn promises to do exactly that. This headboard is crafted from reclaimed pine wood that has been pieced together, imperfections and all, for an effect that feels textured yet orderly. Also worth noting is that this piece is quite sturdy—you can expect it to last you for years to come, ensuring that you'll get long-term value out of the higher price tag compared to other headboards featured on this list.
Price at time of publish: $899+
Sizes: Queen, King | Height: 51.5 inches | Mount Type: Bed frame mounted | Adjustable Height: No | Materials: Reclaimed pine wood | Colors: 1 | Warranty: Not listed
Best Rattan
Beachcrest Home Neal Wicker/Rattan Panel Headboard
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Coastal decorative style
Can add on a five-year protection plan for an extra price
Only available in one color
It's not unusual for rattan headboards to feel pretty beachy or bohemian, but somehow this piece from Wayfair takes it up a few extra notches. It's crafted from textured rattan and shaped with a subtle arc and straight, parallel sides that give it a timeless vibe. This combination is not only casually chic, but also aesthetically ambiguous—making it surprisingly easy to pair with different kinds of decor.
Price at time of publish: $440+
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Height: 53 inches | Mount Type: Bed frame mounted | Adjustable Height: Yes | Materials: Wood with rattan | Colors: 1 | Warranty: For purchase
Best for Reading
Brookside Alex Headboard with USB Ports and Diamond Tufting
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Courtesy of Overstock
Tufted surface adds comfort
Convenient USB ports
Only two colors available
Whether you like your tech products to be extra comfy, or your comfy products to be extra tech-y, this contemporary headboard will check both boxes. On each side are two subtle USB ports, so whether you want to plug in a small reading lamp or keep a device charged, or both, you'll be set. Plus, the tufted design is comfortable enough to place your pillow against for relaxed reading positioning. Just be warned that you might be tempted to go to bed a little early (or stay a little late) to enjoy this cozy and convenient piece, so plan accordingly.
Sizes: Full, Queen, King | Height: 34-46 inches | Mount Type: Bed frame or wall mounted | Adjustable Height: Yes | Materials: Upholstered | Colors: 2 | Warranty: For purchase
Best Storage
Urban Outfitters Ruby Layered Queen Storage Headboard
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Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
No assembly required
Includes cable management system
Compatible with adjustable beds
Only available in one size
The Ruby Layered Queen Storage Headboard is an attractive option that doubles as a bookcase—which is great news for anyone hoping to optimize their storage situation. Along with the shelf space at the top and in the cubbies on the side, the design includes subtle borders to keep items secure, too. It comes in two stylish colors (white and olive), and in Queen size that, given the nontraditional design, could be adapted for smaller bed sizes too, depending on your style and preference.
Price at time of publish: $699
Sizes: Queen | Height: 35 inches | Mount Type: Freestanding | Adjustable Height: No | Materials: Manufactured wood | Colors: 2 | Warranty: Not listed
Overall, we recommend the Kylie Upholstered Panel Headboard from Joss & Main, which comes in a wide array of colors and works with every standard bed size. If you're working with a budget, we recommend the Zinus Jessica Upholstered Headboard, which costs under $150 and has three upholstery style options.
What to Look for in a Headboard
Size
A headboard is just about useless if it doesn’t fit your bed, so double-check the dimensions of a headboard before checking out your shopping cart. Also take special note of the height—most headboards are too tall for low-profile platform beds, even on the lowest adjustable height, so be careful if that's the type of bed frame you have. You may need to get a box spring to ensure the headboard fits comfortably.
Installation Method
Some headboards attach to your bed frame, while others need to be nailed into the wall—and some can go either way. Each of these methods comes with its own pros and cons: A wall-mounted headboard works with any type of bed, so is best if you have a low-profile or platform frame, while a bed frame-mounted headboard is a bit harder to assemble, but looks more like a real bed when it's installed.
Material
Headboards are available in a variety of different materials, including wood, metal, fabric, and more. Upholstered headboards typically come filled with foam for extra comfort, while solid wood or metal headboards do not. This shouldn't be a problem if you have pillows, but consider your personal preferences when shopping. And if you go the fabric upholstery route, consider choosing a performance material that’ll hold up to wear and tear.
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How do you attach a headboard to a bed frame?
Attaching a headboard to a bed frame is fairly easy, though you might want to enlist a friend to help. Start by sliding your bed away from the wall. Then, slide your headboard’s legs into your bed frame (if the headboard can be attached to a bed frame, it should boast a set of legs). Finally, while holding the headboard in place, fasten it to your bed frame using a couple of bolts—this is the step you might want a friend for. One of you can hold the headboard in place, while the other one fastens it to the bed frame.
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Can you mount a headboard to the wall?
Many headboards can be mounted directly on your wall, but some can’t. Before buying a new headboard, you’ll want to check out that headboard’s install method. Is it designed to be wall-mounted, bed-frame-mounted, or freestanding? You should only try to wall-mount it if it’s designed to be wall-mounted.
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Can you make your own headboard?
You can definitely make your own headboard. In fact, there are many DIY headboard ideas you can put together in a week or less using materials like wood, fabric, and more.
Why Trust The Spruce?
As a seasoned lifestyle writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands what a difference a great product recommendation can make. That’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are sleek, reliable, and well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. She is a Nashville-based writer and editor who covers décor, health, food, and lifestyle.
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