Redesigning your bedroom? Don’t even think about starting it until you’ve checked out these handsome headboards. Find out which shape and size will work in your space, then steal the style or be inspired to create your own design with these expert tricks and techniques.

Introduce pattern

In this case, the tiles are reclaimed and have a lovely worn surface with bags of character, but some handmade encaustic tiles will give a similar effect.In keeping with this relaxed mood, colors are soft and a rustic side table bolsters the informal feel. As well as looking great and creating a unique headboard design, tiles will protect painted – and much leaned against – walls from damage and dirt. 

Choose curves for interest

In a boxy room with little architectural interest, adding a shapely headboard can break up the straight lines. Enhance the curves by padding and upholstering it, so it’s not only visually interesting, but inviting, too.

Define your scheme

Headboard upholstery fabric can also be the starting point and inspiration for your scheme.For shapely headboards, plain fabrics let the curves do the talking. For angular, rectangular ones, as here, a pattern can add interest. Choose small prints for a more traditional bedroom.

Contrast natural materials

Going for a hip, laid-back boutique hotel look? Opt for a length of bashed, antiqued metal and simply screw it to the wall. This material works best against softer, warmer ones, so think grainy wood paneling for the walls, texture-rich linen for curtains and cushions, and strokable throws in velvet to ramp up the comfort levels.

Repurpose a screen

A headboard needn’t actually be a headboard; using something that’s the right width and height, such as a screen, will add a characterful feel to the room. Hunt down one online or in a junk shop and upcycle it, or find an MDF blank you can upholster, wallpaper or paint.

Customize your headboard

Putting a headboard in a teen’s bedroom? Why not create one using wallpaper with a blackboard design? Choose from brainy-looking equations, as here, or any number of fun doodles or slogans.
Alternatively, you could try using blackboard paint and let them scribble themselves. Whether they create arty sketches, work out math problems or use it as a calendar, it will be an ever-changing backdrop that works perfectly with a contemporary scheme. 

Create modern Scandi style

Choose a deep-grained wood for your headboard. It could be a beautiful, irregularly shaped off cut, like this, or more angular tongue-and-groove or parquet flooring, fixed to a piece of MDF cut to size