A headboard is the single most visible piece of furniture in a bedroom - it sets the room's character, protects your wall, and gives you something comfortable to lean against. At Land of Beds, we stock over 200 headboards across upholstered fabric, wooden, and metal styles, from brands including Hypnos, Silentnight, Harrison Spinks, Vispring, Harrington & Co, and more, in sizes from single through to emperor. Whether you want a Chesterfield statement, a clean contemporary panel, a winged luxury design, or a simple strutted headboard to complete a divan - with over 50 years of experience we can help you find the right one. Free delivery on orders over £100, free fabric swatches on request, and expert advice seven days a week.
Browse by size, style, material, or colour below, or speak to our team for a personal recommendation. We are available seven days a week on 01928 242829.
A bedroom without a headboard is a room that looks unfinished. The headboard anchors the bed to the wall, gives the room a focal point, and changes the whole character of the space - more than almost any other single piece of furniture. It is also more practical than most people credit: a good upholstered headboard protects your wall from scuffs and grease marks, keeps pillows from falling down the gap behind the bed, creates a comfortable surface to lean against when reading or watching TV, and helps insulate the head of the bed from a cold wall in winter. If you currently lean against the wall in bed, you are sitting in a position that progressively worsens your posture the longer you do it. An upholstered headboard solves that problem immediately. This guide covers every headboard type, material, and fixing method in plain English, so you can find the right one for your bed, your room, and your style. For a full guide to choosing the best headboard for your bed, read our expert article: How to Find the Best Headboard for Your Bed.
Three things determine which headboard is right for you.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Style and material | The headboard is the visual centrepiece of the bedroom. The style and material shapes the entire room's character - from contemporary and minimal to traditional and luxurious. Getting this right means the bedroom works as a whole rather than looking like a collection of mismatched pieces. | Consider the overall style of your bedroom before choosing. Contemporary rooms suit panel, channel, or slatted designs. Traditional rooms suit Chesterfield, winged, or vintage curved designs. Neutral rooms work with almost anything. |
| Fixing method | How the headboard attaches to the bed determines what will work with your specific base. Strutted headboards bolt to divan bases. Floor-standing headboards stand behind the bed. Wall-mounted headboards fix to the wall independently of the bed. Each suits different bed types and room configurations. | Check what type of bed or base you have before ordering. Most divans have pre-drilled holes for strutted headboards. Floor-standing headboards suit both divans and bed frames. Wall-mounted suits custom or built-in setups. |
| Size | The headboard width should match your bed width. A headboard that is too narrow looks out of proportion; one that is too wide will protrude beyond the mattress. Height is a personal choice but affects the visual impact significantly. | Order the same size as your bed - double headboard for a double bed, and so on. If you like to sit up in bed regularly, choose a taller design. If ceiling height or wall art is a constraint, measure carefully. |
Not sure which is right for you? Our team is available on 01928 242829 and can help you match a headboard to your specific bed, room, and style.
Headboards are sized to match standard UK bed widths. Choose the size that matches your bed frame or divan base.
| Size | Headboard Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single (3ft) | 90cm | Children's bedrooms, solo adults, guest rooms |
| Small Double (4ft) | 120cm | Compact double bedrooms, solo sleepers wanting more width |
| Double (4ft 6) | 135cm | Standard double beds, couples in smaller rooms |
| King Size (5ft) | 150cm | King size beds, couples wanting more presence |
| Super King (6ft) | 180cm | Super king beds, larger master bedrooms |
| Emperor (7ft) | 215cm | Emperor beds, the most impactful bedroom statement |
A headboard should always be ordered in the same size as the bed. See our UK Bed Sizes Guide for help with room measurement.
The most important practical decision is how the headboard attaches. This determines compatibility with your bed.
A strutted headboard has two wooden struts that extend down from the back of the panel. These slot into pre-drilled holes on a divan base and are secured with bolts. The height is adjustable by moving the bolts to different holes on the strut, which is useful if you change your mattress - a deeper mattress lifts the sleeping surface higher, and the headboard can be raised to match. Strutted headboards are the most common type on the market and work with the majority of divan beds. They are typically lighter and more affordable than floor-standing options and can be moved with the bed without disassembly.
Best for: divan beds, those wanting flexibility and adjustable height, a wide choice at all budgets.
A floor-standing headboard extends from the top of the panel all the way to the floor. It stands behind the bed rather than bolting into it, though most can be secured to the bed frame or divan base for stability. Because the panel runs to the floor, floor-standing headboards give a more furniture-like, built-in appearance than strutted designs. They are inherently more stable and better suited to very tall or winged designs where the weight and width make struts impractical. Most Hypnos headboards and premium upholstered designs use floor-standing fixing.
Best for: premium and designer headboards, winged or tall designs, those wanting a more elegant, structured finish, beds where strut holes are not available.
A wall-mounted headboard is fixed directly to the wall using hidden fittings, independent of the bed below it. Because it attaches to the wall rather than the bed, it can be positioned at exactly the right height and does not move when the bed is adjusted. Wall-mounted headboards are most commonly used in custom bedroom installations or with beds that do not have strut holes and are not suited to a floor-standing design. They are a more permanent fitting - if you redecorate or move home, the headboard comes down with the wall fixings.
Best for: custom or built-in bedroom setups, those wanting a completely fixed, seamless finish, non-standard bed frames.
The material determines the look, feel, maintenance, and longevity of the headboard. Here is a plain comparison of every material type in our range.
| Material | Character | Practical Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upholstered Fabric | Soft, padded surface available in a wide range of colours and textures. Creates a warm, luxurious feel. The most popular headboard material in the UK. | Requires occasional brushing or vacuuming. Some fabrics spot-clean; others have removable covers. Avoid direct moisture. Order fabric swatches before committing to a colour. | Those who lean against the headboard regularly, those wanting maximum visual impact or colour choice, traditional and contemporary bedrooms |
| Velvet | Rich, deep colour and texture. Catches the light differently depending on angle. Works particularly well with tufting and channel designs that show the fabric's depth. | Velvet can show marks or directional brushing. Brush gently in the direction of the pile to maintain appearance. | Statement bedrooms, those wanting a luxurious or boutique hotel-inspired look, Chesterfield or tufted designs |
| Linen and Woven Fabric | Natural, relaxed texture. More understated than velvet. Works well in Scandi, coastal, and natural interior styles. | More forgiving of marks than velvet. Often available in neutral tones that work across a wide range of room colours. | Relaxed, natural, or contemporary bedrooms, those wanting fabric without the formality of velvet |
| Leather and Faux Leather | Clean, structured surface. Easy to wipe clean. Classic or contemporary depending on the style. | Genuine leather ages and develops a patina over time. Faux leather is more affordable and easier to care for. | Contemporary bedrooms, those wanting easy cleaning, allergy sufferers (no fabric fibres to trap dust) |
| Wood | Natural warmth and character. Works in both traditional and contemporary rooms. Available in a range of finishes including oak, pine, and painted. | Generally low-maintenance - wipe down with a damp cloth. Can be scratched if not handled carefully. | Those wanting a natural, warm bedroom feel, Scandi or traditional style rooms, those who prefer hard surfaces over padded |
| Metal | Slim, clean lines. Works in contemporary, vintage, and industrial-inspired rooms. Lighter in visual weight than fabric or wood. | Very easy to clean - wipe with a damp cloth. Ideal for allergy sufferers. | Minimal or contemporary bedrooms, those wanting a lighter, airier look, allergy sufferers |
| Rattan | Woven, tactile texture. Associated with coastal, boho, and natural interior styles. Brings warmth without the visual weight of solid wood or fabric. | More delicate than solid materials. Keep away from direct moisture. | Relaxed, coastal, or bohemian bedrooms, those wanting a natural material with visual texture |
Style refers to the shape and design detail of the headboard panel itself - separate from the material it is made from.
| Style | What It Looks Like | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Panel | A flat, rectangular panel with no surface detail. Clean and minimal. Available in fabric, wood, or metal. | Contemporary and minimalist bedrooms, smaller rooms where the headboard should not dominate |
| Slatted | Vertical or horizontal slats separated by gaps. Creates a sense of depth and height. Most common in wood and metal. | Scandi, coastal, and contemporary rooms, those wanting a headboard that adds height without visual bulk |
| Winged | The panel extends forward at the sides, wrapping partially around the bed. Creates an enclosed, luxurious feel. Most common in upholstered fabric. | Those who want a statement hotel-style headboard, larger master bedrooms, traditional to contemporary |
| Tufted / Chesterfield | Diamond or square buttons pulled through the fabric to create a geometric pattern of raised sections. Classic British upholstery. Most effective in velvet. | Traditional, boutique hotel-inspired, or richly furnished bedrooms, those wanting a bold statement design |
| Channel / Fluted | The fabric is stitched into raised vertical or horizontal channels, creating a ribbed or pleated effect. More contemporary than tufting. | Contemporary and transitional bedrooms, those who want surface texture without the formality of button tufting |
| Curved / Arched | The top edge of the panel is curved or arched rather than straight. Adds visual softness and a classic quality. | Traditional, vintage, or romantic bedroom styles, those who find straight-edged panels too stark |
| Vintage / Vintage Scroll | Ornate metalwork with scrolled or decorative curved shapes. Most commonly found in metal headboards. | Rustic, traditional, or country house bedrooms, those wanting a classic period look |
| Storage | The headboard incorporates shelves, drawers, or compartments. Usually floor-standing. | Bedrooms where storage is limited, those wanting bedside shelving without separate tables |
Choose upholstered fabric if:
Choose velvet if:
Choose wood if:
Choose metal if:
Choose floor-standing if:
Choose strutted if:
In our experience at Land of Beds, the headboard is the decision that most transforms how a bedroom feels - more than the duvet cover, the lampshade, or the rug. Customers who have lived without one are consistently surprised by how much difference the right headboard makes to a room they spend a third of their life in. If you are unsure where to start, call our team and tell us what your room looks like. We will tell you what works.
Not sure which style matches your bedroom? Here is a plain guide to the most common interior styles and what works best in each.
| Bedroom Style | Materials That Work | Styles That Work |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary / Minimal | Fabric in muted tones, linen, metal | Panel, channel, slatted, low-profile |
| Traditional / Classic | Velvet, fabric, wood | Chesterfield, tufted, arched, winged |
| Boutique Hotel / Luxurious | Velvet, premium fabric, leather | Winged, Chesterfield, channel, tall floor-standing |
| Scandi / Natural | Wood, linen, rattan | Slatted, simple panel, curved natural forms |
| Coastal / Relaxed | Rattan, linen, washed wood | Slatted, simple arched, natural textures |
| Industrial | Metal, dark fabric | Simple panel, metal scroll, slatted |
| Romantic / Vintage | Velvet, fabric, metal scrollwork | Arched, vintage scroll, soft tufted |
A headboard does a practical job that most people only appreciate once they have lived without one. Without a headboard:
The area of the wall behind the pillow level will develop a faint grease mark over time from hair and skin contact. This mark is difficult to clean and often impossible to remove without repainting. A headboard prevents this entirely. The bed gradually shifts away from the wall as you lean against it during the night, creating a gap that pillows fall into. A headboard stops the movement. A cold wall directly behind the head of the bed is noticeably uncomfortable in winter. A padded headboard provides insulation between you and the wall.
Yes - height changes the character of the room significantly. Here is a practical guide.
| Height | Visual Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Low (under 90cm) | Subtle, understated. Bed looks lower and wider. | Rooms with low ceilings, minimal interiors, those who want the headboard to complement rather than lead |
| Medium (90 to 130cm) | Balanced. Works in most rooms and suits most bed sizes. | General everyday use, most bedroom styles, those who occasionally sit up in bed |
| Tall (130cm and above) | Statement. Makes the bed the visual centrepiece. Hotel-inspired. | Those who regularly sit up in bed, larger rooms, bedrooms where the bed is the focal point |
| Floor-standing panel | The full wall panel from floor to top of headboard. Maximum presence. | Premium and designer headboards, winged designs, luxury master bedrooms |
Screen colours are never accurate. A fabric that looks warm grey on a monitor can appear cool or blue in your room's lighting. Before committing to an upholstered headboard colour, we strongly recommend ordering free fabric swatches. Call our team on 01928 242829 or use live chat and we will arrange them. Hold the swatch against your wall, your bedding, and your furniture in your own room and natural light. It takes the guesswork out of the biggest decision.
| Item | Included? |
|---|---|
| Headboard panel | Yes - always |
| Fixing struts or floor-standing legs | Yes - where applicable to the design |
| Fixing bolts | Sometimes - check individual listing. Some brands supply bolts with the bed, not the headboard. |
| Assembly instructions | Yes - always included |
| Guarantee | Yes - varies by brand. Ranges from 1 year (Hypnos, Harrington & Co) to 5 years (Silentnight, Adjust-A-Bed). Check individual listing. |
| Bed frame or divan base | No - sold separately |
Always check the individual product listing for full details on what is included before purchasing.
A bed assembly service is available if you would prefer our team to fit the headboard for you.
| What We Offer | Why It Matters to You |
|---|---|
| 50+ years of expertise | We have helped thousands of customers choose the right headboard for their room. Our team can match style, fixing type, and fabric to your specific bed and bedroom. |
| Over 200 headboards | The UK's leading independent bed retailer with one of the widest headboard ranges available - every style, material, fixing type, and size covered |
| Brands you can trust | Hypnos, Silentnight, Harrison Spinks, Vispring, Harrington & Co, Highgrove and more - independently verified brands with genuine quality construction |
| Free fabric swatches | Check colours in your own room before you commit. Call 01928 242829 to request yours. |
| Free UK delivery on orders over £100 | No hidden delivery charges on the vast majority of orders. Some remote postcodes may incur a surcharge - see our delivery page for details. |
| Bed assembly service available | Our team can install the headboard in your home if you would prefer - see our assembly service for details. |
| Price Promise Guarantee | We'll match any like-for-like price you find elsewhere |
| Interest-free finance available | Spread the cost on eligible orders - see our finance page for terms |
| Expert advice, 7 days a week | Real people via phone, chat, or in-store - no scripts, no pressure |
| Rated Excellent on Trustpilot | Real feedback from verified customers across thousands of orders |
Choosing a headboard involves more decisions than most people expect - style, material, fixing type, size, height, and colour all play a part. Our team knows every headboard in this range and can tell you what works with your specific bed and room in a few minutes. There is no pressure to buy. Chat online, call us, or visit our showrooms in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We're open seven days a week.
| How to Reach Us | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Fabric swatches - 01928 242829 | Free swatches sent so you can check colours in your own room before ordering |
| Live chat | Fast responses for quick questions. Available during opening hours. |
| Phone - 01928 242829 | Speak directly with a headboard expert. Best for matching style, fixing type, and fabric to your bed and bedroom. |
| In-store (Cheshire / Greater Manchester) | See and feel headboards in person before you buy. See our store locations. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a headboard? | You do not need one to sleep - but you will notice the difference once you have one. A headboard protects your wall from grease marks and scuffs, prevents pillows from falling down behind the bed, provides something comfortable to lean against when sitting up, and makes the bedroom look finished. If you currently lean against the wall in bed, you are gradually pulling the bed away from the wall and sitting in a progressively worse posture. An upholstered headboard solves that immediately. |
| What is the difference between a strutted and a floor-standing headboard? | A strutted headboard has wooden struts at the back that bolt into the pre-drilled holes in a divan base. The height is adjustable. A floor-standing headboard extends from the top of the panel all the way to the floor and stands behind the bed, usually bolting to the bed base for stability. Floor-standing headboards give a more furniture-like, premium appearance and suit heavier, wider, or winged designs. |
| Will a headboard fit my bed? | As long as you order the correct size. A double headboard fits a double bed, a king size headboard fits a king size bed, and so on. Check the fixing method - most divan bases have pre-drilled strut holes, but if yours does not, you will need a floor-standing or wall-mounted headboard. If you are unsure, our team can confirm compatibility before you order. |
| What is the difference between tufted and channel headboards? | Both are surface design details on upholstered headboards. Tufting involves pulling buttons through the fabric at regular intervals to create a geometric pattern of raised sections - the classic Chesterfield look. Channel stitching involves sewing the fabric into raised vertical or horizontal channels, creating a ribbed or pleated effect. Tufting is more traditional and bold; channel is more contemporary and restrained. |
| What size headboard do I need? | Match the headboard width to your bed width - a double headboard for a double bed, and so on. For height, consider how often you sit up in bed. A taller headboard is significantly more comfortable for regular reading or TV viewing. Medium height (90-130cm) suits most everyday needs. |
| How do I attach a strutted headboard to a divan? | Strutted headboards bolt through the struts into pre-drilled holes on the side of the divan base. The bolts are usually supplied with the divan base rather than the headboard itself - check your individual listings. If you would prefer our team to install the headboard, see our bed assembly service. |
| Can I get fabric swatches before buying? | Yes. We strongly recommend it, as screen colours are never accurate. Call our team on 01928 242829 or use live chat to request free swatches - check the colour in your own room and lighting before ordering. |
| Which headboard material is best for allergy sufferers? | Metal or leather/faux leather headboards are the most allergy-friendly, as they have no fabric fibres to trap dust mites and are the easiest to wipe clean. If you prefer an upholstered headboard, look for models with removable, washable covers. |
| How tall should a headboard be? | This depends on how you use the bed. If you mainly sleep and rarely sit up, a lower or medium headboard works well. If you regularly sit up to read or watch TV, a taller headboard - ideally one that extends above your head when seated upright in bed - makes a significant comfort difference. Floor-standing designs provide the most substantial presence and are ideal for those who want the bed to be the room's centrepiece. |
| Do you offer free delivery on headboards? | Yes, free UK delivery is included on orders over £100, which covers the vast majority of our headboard range. Some remote postcodes may incur an additional charge. Lead times vary by brand - check the individual listing for estimated delivery. See our delivery page for full details. |
| Can I buy a headboard on finance? | Yes. Interest-free finance is available on eligible orders. See our finance page for full details on terms, eligibility, and how to apply. |
