Types of Bed Headboards

Wooden Headboards

• Some of the more traditional headboards are made of wood, such as pine or oak. These headboards may match the rest of the bedroom furniture or provide an accent color. Wooden headboards can be contemporary with sleek lines, or carved and ornate to complement a more traditional room. Wooden headboards typically mount to the metal bed frame and offer support for pillows while serving a decorative purpose, as well.

Metal Headboards

• Metal headboards are usually made from metal rods, rather than solid pieces of material. Wrought iron and brass headboards can give a bed the appearance of an antique, while metals like brushed aluminum and stainless steel are perfect for a contemporary bedroom with more modern furnishings. Metal headboards have the advantage of being very durable.

Padded Headboards

• Padded headboards are an excellent option for anyone who likes to sit up in bed while reading or watching television. These headboards sometimes feature a wooden base wrapped in fabric with a cushioned interior, or a soft vinyl surface that makes them more comfortable to lean against that bare wood.

Bookshelf Headboards

• Some headboards bring storage space to the bed by including shelves, and even drawers, that extend above the head of the bed itself. Bookshelf headboards are great for late-night readers or when space is at a premium and extra storage is essential. Besides holding books, a bookshelf headboard can be a place for an alarm clock, lamp or other small items.

Wall-Mounted Headboards

• Certain headboards are designed to hang on the wall directly behind the bed rather than attaching directly to the frame. One of the key advantages of wall-mounted headboards is that they don't force the bed to be as far away from the wall, keeping it from taking up too much floor space. Wall-mounted headboards offer all of the decorative potential of bed-mounted headboards, but remove the need to find a headboard that is compatible with your existing bed frame.

Kids' Headboards

• Headboards for kids' beds can function in other ways as well. Besides serving as a comfortable backing or storage space, they can also be the centerpiece of a bedroom theme. A painted plywood form in the shape of a clown, race car or flower may encourage kids to sleep in their own bed while making the room look more complete.