Headboard Upholstery Design

Headboard Upholstery Design

Placing an upholstered headboard in your bedroom can be a bold way to decorate. You can truly turn your bed into a statement piece by upholstering a headboard, and there are many different ways you can do so. There are tons of materials you can choose from– from velvet to linen–, and you can opt for bright colours or patterns, too! Alternatively, you could opt for more subtle, versatile colours like gray or blue, and still successfully bring some extra colour into your space.

Headboard Upholstery Design Ideas

There are many ways that you can personalize a headboard– you can play with colour, texture, pattern, or with the accessories and trims, you utilize! There is a way to personalize a headboard for any design aesthetic.

Nailhead Upholstered Headboard

A nailhead headboard is a type of design style that relies on its hardware. You can also see this style in upholstered seating, such as sofas or armchairs. This is where the fabric is stretched across the headboard and then held in place by a row of metal nailheads.

Sometimes, it is only decorative– and the fabric is stapled to the headboard so that it stays in place– and sometimes the nailheads are functional, too. You can customize this style of headboard upholstery with the fabric that you choose, as well as the finish and type of metal of the nailheads. For example, linen is a fabric that looks great with this style.

Tufted Upholstered Headboard

A tufted headboard is when the upholstery is pulled and folded and then secured by buttons in certain spots. This creates a tufted or puff-like look. It is not limited to only a few fabric options, so you have a lot to work with when you are designing your perfect piece. However, the tufted style is more sophisticated looking, so it can look very luxurious in fabrications such as velvet or leather. You will also have to choose what buttons are used, and what size– usually, the buttons are covered buttons to match the fabric being used for the rest of the headboard, but you could also choose to work with covered buttons in a contrasting colour, for instance,

Slipcover Upholstered Headboard

A slipcover upholstered headboard is a more unusual option when compared with the more traditionally seen nailhead or tufted options. However, it is considered to be more convenient because the fabric can be removed from the headboard for washing and maintenance. It could be closed with either a set of buttons, like a duvet cover or with a zipper. This style of upholstery can work with many different fabric choices, as well as different colours and prints.

To Consider When Designing Your Headband Upholstery 

While upholstering your headboard can be a great way to add some pizzazz to your bedroom, it is also important that you consider a few additional factors before you pull the trigger. You’ll need to be sure that an upholstered headboard– as well as the materials that you choose– works with your needs, space, and lifestyle. 

Dust

Dust is a more unique concern that does not pop up as often as with headboards made from other materials. This is because, if some of the standard fabric options are not maintained properly, they are susceptible to dust mites. For homeowners who suffer from allergies– especially dust allergies!– this can pose a problem. Some fabric options to consider in order to avoid this are more tightly woven textiles like leather, or performance fabric options. 

Upkeep

Upholstered headboards require a different upkeep approach since they are made of fabric. Over time, dents and impressions may develop. It is also important that you clean the headboard weekly with a vacuum to avoid dust buildup. There is also the possibility of grease stains or stain buildup, especially if you lean against the headboard often to read or watch TV in bed. If any of this sounds like too much maintenance, an upholstered headboard may not be best for you. 

Size

Upholstered headboards can come in varying sizes, just like the beds themselves. In general, headboards can take up quite a bit of space, and upholstered headboards can take up even more space. This is because of the thick padding or batting that is inside. For this reason, it is important to ensure that there is enough space for an upholstered headboard in your bedroom. You also want to make sure that the implementation of such a headboard will not make the room too cramped or feel too cluttered, as it may interfere with your walking space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are upholstered headboards a good idea?

There are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to upholster your headboard. For instance, since it is fabric, it can stain or wear more easily than some other headboard options. However, an upholstered headband can also be a great design piece and act as a centrepiece in your bedroom, making the space feel more tailored and sophisticated as a result. 

How much does it cost to get a headboard upholstered?

The cost of upholstering a headboard can depend on different factors, such as the materials being used and the size of the headboard, as well as typical labour rates in your area. On average, headboard upholstery can run between $200 to $2000.

How do you put upholstery on a headboard?

The process of upholstering a headboard can also be DIY’d. First, you cut the batting and fabric to fit the headboard’s size and shape– leaving about six inches extra on each side– and then pull the batting to fit over the headboard and staple it in place on the back of the headboard with a staple gun. Repeat this process with the fabric, being sure to pull the fabric tightly to fit snugly against the batting. 

How do you decorate a fabric headboard?

There are a few things you can do to decorate a fabric headboard. If you are reupholstering it, you can embroider the new fabric before affixing it to the headboard. You could also use fabric paints to decorate it with shapes, words, or patterns, or create the tufted headboard look with buttons.