Headboard Decorating Ideas

A headboard can add style and interest to a room. Get inspired & find the perfect headboard for your space

Headboard quick-change
Update your upholstered headboard with a pretty new fabric.

1. Have enough fabric to generously cover the front of your headboard and the back side about 5 inches in. Wrap the fabric over the top edge of headboard and secure with a staple in the center, about three inches in from the edge.

2. On the opposite edge, pull fabric taut and staple to secure. Repeat on remaining two sides, then staple all around the edges, pulling cloth tight. Stop 3 inches from corners.

3. Fold the fabric at one corner into a neat finish by tucking the excess underneath and smoothing the top down. Secure with three or four staples, keeping the folds flat and even. Repeat for each corner.

Shelves and cubbies headboard
Take a leaf from the Murphy bed book: Frame your bed with custom cubbies, forming in the process a headboard in reverse. This mix of open and closed storage lets you display what you want while stashing the rest. Painting the headboard zone in a neutral color keeps the whole thing from being overwhelming.

Half-wall headboard
This “bedroom” is separated from the rest of the house only by a half-wall that also acts as a headboard. A rectangular recess on the wall’s bed side is a handy place for books and a carafe. This design is particularly good for loft dwellers and those who don’t need much privacy.

Storage-savvy headboard
This bed's backrest slides up to reveal storage. On the headboard, you push in on a hinged panel to access a similar space.

Artful headboard
Headboards don’t need to be heavy or complicated. This one is made of several different fabrics in similar color combinations, pieced together to form a striking composition. Like a large piece of art hanging over the bed, it acts as the room’s primary focal point.

Customized headboard
Using clip art we found online, we came up with the graphic for this custom headboard, then printed it on maple plywood. Side tables by Serena & Lily.

Twin headboard
An upholstered headboard unites two twin beds, as a sophisticated version of bunk beds.

Salvaged door headboard
Originally a pocket door, this headboard got a dreamy update with bright white paint, decorative molding, and delicate sconces that cast a soft light.