A great headboard is the bedroom equivalent of a good haircut: it can make everything around it look more intentional, even if the rest of the room is currently powered by laundry piles and one suspiciously wobbly nightstand. In 2025, the best headboards are not just decorative panels. They are comfort boosters, storage helpers, mood setters, and sometimes the only thing standing between your pillows and a cold, blank wall.
This year’s strongest headboard trends lean into softness, texture, and smart function. Upholstered headboards remain the champions of bedtime reading. Cane and rattan bring natural warmth. Extended wall-style designs make small bedrooms look custom. Storage headboards rescue tiny apartments from nightstand chaos. And adjustable-height budget headboards prove that your bedroom can look polished without your wallet needing a recovery nap.
Below is a curated guide to the 24 best headboards of 2025, chosen for style, comfort, versatility, materials, ease of assembly, and real-world usefulness. Whether you want hotel-level drama, cozy cottage charm, sleek midcentury lines, or a small-space solution that actually earns its keep, there is a headboard here ready to become the main character of your bedroom.
How We Chose the Best Headboards of 2025
The best headboards were selected by comparing current retailer listings, editorial buying guides, design trends, customer-friendly features, and practical bedroom needs. A beautiful headboard is nice, but a beautiful headboard that fits your bed frame, survives everyday use, and does not require a mechanical engineering degree to install is much nicer.
Key factors we considered
- Comfort: Is it padded enough for reading, scrolling, or pretending you are going to read?
- Material quality: Upholstery, wood, metal, cane, leather, and boucle all have different strengths.
- Style longevity: Trendy is fun, but “still attractive in three years” matters.
- Mounting options: Some attach to a frame, some mount to the wall, and some stand independently.
- Size range: The best picks work across common bed sizes, from twin to king.
- Maintenance: Easy-to-clean materials score big points for homes with kids, pets, snacks, or all three.
- Value: A headboard should feel worth the money, whether it costs under $150 or belongs in a boutique hotel fantasy.
The 24 Best Headboards of 2025
1. Pottery Barn Harper Non-Tufted Upholstered Headboard Best Overall Upholstered Headboard
The Pottery Barn Harper Non-Tufted Upholstered Headboard is a strong all-around choice for anyone who wants a clean, grown-up bedroom look without going overly formal. Its simple panel design feels tailored but not stiff, and the tall profile gives the bed a polished, hotel-inspired presence. This is the kind of headboard that quietly says, “Yes, I own matching pillowcases,” even if you absolutely do not.
It works especially well in transitional, classic, and contemporary bedrooms. Because the design is non-tufted, it avoids visual clutter and pairs easily with patterned bedding, textured throws, or bold artwork above the bed.
2. Crate & Barrel Lafayette Upholstered Headboard Best Luxe Upholstered Look
The Lafayette Upholstered Headboard from Crate & Barrel is ideal for people who want softness and sophistication in one package. Its tailored silhouette gives a bedroom a refined finish, while the upholstery makes it comfortable enough for reading or watching a late-night series you definitely said would be “just one episode.”
This pick shines in primary bedrooms where the bed is meant to be the visual anchor. It is also a smart choice if you prefer neutral bedding and want the headboard itself to provide texture and structure.
3. West Elm Bodi Extended Headboard Best Statement Headboard
The West Elm Bodi Extended Headboard taps into one of 2025’s biggest bedroom trends: the oversized, wall-spanning headboard. Instead of stopping at the width of the mattress, this style stretches outward, creating the effect of a custom built-in wall treatment.
It is especially effective in modern apartments, large primary bedrooms, and spaces where you want a designer look without renovating the wall. The extended panels also help visually connect the bed and nightstands, making the whole setup feel more intentional.
4. Pottery Barn Sausalito Cane Headboard Best Cane Headboard
The Pottery Barn Sausalito Cane Headboard is a beautiful choice for coastal, organic modern, and relaxed traditional bedrooms. Cane adds texture without heaviness, making the room feel airy and layered. It is especially useful if your space already has wood floors, linen bedding, woven shades, or neutral tones.
Cane headboards are popular because they balance structure with softness. They do not feel as plush as upholstered styles, but they bring visual warmth that plain wood sometimes lacks. Add a couple of supportive pillows, and you get comfort plus character.
5. Pottery Barn Summerville Headboard Best Classic Wood Headboard
The Summerville Headboard from Pottery Barn is for people who love the charm of cottage style, coastal design, or timeless wood furniture. Wood headboards are not always the softest option for lounging, but they are durable, easy to clean, and unlikely to look dated after one trend cycle.
This headboard pairs beautifully with white bedding, blue accents, natural fiber rugs, and vintage-inspired lamps. It is a dependable long-term pick for anyone who wants a calm bedroom that feels collected rather than overly decorated.
6. Pottery Barn Raleigh Curved Upholstered Headboard Best Curved Headboard
The Raleigh Curved Upholstered Headboard brings softness through both material and shape. Curved silhouettes are big in 2025 because they make bedrooms feel less boxy and more welcoming. This is a great pick if your bedroom has lots of straight lines, such as rectangular nightstands, square windows, or simple modern dressers.
The curved top gives the bed a graceful focal point without going full palace drama. It is elegant, comfortable, and easy to style with both classic and modern bedding.
7. West Elm Myla Headboard Best Angular Modern Headboard
The West Elm Myla Headboard is a strong option for anyone who likes modern furniture with a little edge. Its angular profile gives the bed definition, while the upholstery keeps the overall look comfortable and approachable.
This headboard works well in rooms with clean-lined furniture, geometric rugs, or midcentury-inspired decor. It is not overly ornate, but it has enough shape to avoid looking plain. Think of it as the stylish friend who wears neutrals but somehow never looks boring.
8. West Elm French Seam Upholstered Headboard Best Minimal Upholstered Headboard
The French Seam Upholstered Headboard from West Elm is made for people who prefer subtle details. The seam gives it a tailored look without buttons, channeling, or dramatic curves. It is a simple, versatile piece that can blend into almost any bedroom style.
This is a great choice for renters, small rooms, guest bedrooms, and anyone who wants a calm backdrop for bedding. If you change duvet covers more often than you change your mind about weekend plans, this headboard can keep up.
9. West Elm Lucilla Headboard Best Arch Headboard
The West Elm Lucilla Headboard brings sculptural energy to the bedroom with its bold arch shape. Arched headboards are having a major design moment because they add drama without needing bright colors or busy patterns.
This pick is excellent for bedrooms that need one strong focal point. It can make a simple bed feel more custom, especially when paired with rounded lamps, curved mirrors, or soft bedding. It is a statement, but not the kind that shouts across the room wearing sequins.
10. Article Almelo Velvet Headboard Best Dramatic Velvet Headboard
The Article Almelo Velvet Headboard is for people who want color, texture, and a little cinematic flair. Velvet headboards are excellent for adding depth to a bedroom, especially in rich tones like rust, green, or deep neutrals.
The channeled design gives it movement and makes the bed feel plush. This headboard is best for rooms where the bed is the center of attention. Keep the rest of the decor simple, and the Almelo can do the heavy lifting.
11. Article Rolph Velvet Headboard Best Midcentury Velvet Headboard
The Article Rolph Velvet Headboard brings a lower, wider profile that works beautifully in midcentury modern rooms. It emphasizes horizontal lines, which can make a bedroom feel wider and more relaxed.
This is a smart pick if you love warm wood tones, tapered furniture legs, brass lighting, and simple bedding. The velvet adds softness, while the shape keeps the look grounded and unfussy.
12. Article Kouva Storage Headboard Best Storage Headboard for Style
The Article Kouva Storage Headboard is one of the best examples of a headboard that does more than sit there looking pretty. With open shelving and a modern wood look, it can replace or reduce the need for nightstands.
It is particularly useful for apartment bedrooms, compact primary suites, and minimalist spaces where every inch has to earn rent. Use it for books, a small plant, reading glasses, or the phone you promised yourself you would stop checking before bed.
13. IKEA MANDAL Headboard Best Budget Wall-Mounted Storage Headboard
The IKEA MANDAL Headboard is a clever small-space solution with a clean birch-and-white design. It mounts to the wall and includes adjustable shelves, making it ideal for people who want storage without bulky bedside furniture.
Its wide format also creates a built-in look at a budget-friendly price. The main thing to remember is that wall-mounted headboards require secure installation. Always use the correct fasteners for your wall type, especially when mounting anything above your bed.
14. IKEA NORDLI Headboard Best Modular Wall-Mounted Option
The IKEA NORDLI Headboard is another strong pick for small bedrooms. Its clean lines and shelf-style storage make it practical for people who need a landing spot for books, glasses, chargers, or a tiny lamp.
Because it mounts to the wall, it can work with different bed frames and does not need to align with standard frame brackets. It is best for modern, Scandinavian, and minimalist bedrooms where function is part of the aesthetic.
15. LUCID Mid-Rise Upholstered Headboard Best Adjustable-Height Headboard
The LUCID Mid-Rise Upholstered Headboard is a reliable budget-friendly option with a useful adjustable-height design. It is available in multiple colors and tufting styles, making it easy to match with different bedroom looks.
This pick is especially practical if you are not sure how thick your future mattress will be or if you may switch bed frames later. Adjustable height is not glamorous, but neither is discovering your pillows cover half your new headboard. Practicality wins.
16. Modway Abigail Metal Headboard Best Metal Headboard
The Modway Abigail Metal Headboard is a charming choice for farmhouse, cottage, vintage, and guest bedrooms. Its arched metal design gives a room character without adding visual weight.
Metal headboards are durable and easy to clean, though they are not the coziest for leaning. The solution is simple: add supportive pillows. The result is a low-maintenance headboard that can work in adult bedrooms, kids’ rooms, or vacation homes.
17. Nathan James Charlie Boucle Wall-Mounted Headboard Best Boucle Headboard
The Nathan James Charlie Boucle Wall-Mounted Headboard captures the cozy texture trend perfectly. Boucle remains popular because it looks soft, warm, and relaxed. It can make a plain bedroom instantly feel more styled.
The wall-mounted design is helpful for renters or anyone working with a simple platform bed. The boucle texture looks especially good with linen sheets, wood accents, and neutral color palettes.
18. Nathan James Harlow Wall-Mount Headboard Best Hanging Headboard
The Nathan James Harlow Wall-Mount Headboard is a stylish hanging option that often features fabric or faux leather straps with a clean rail system. It is a good pick for people who like a modern casual look and want the flexibility of wall placement.
Because hanging headboards can be positioned at different heights, they are useful when your mattress height is unusual. They also create a relaxed boutique-hotel feel without needing a full upholstered bed.
19. Target Emma and Oliver Button-Tufted Adjustable Headboard Best Affordable Tufted Headboard
The Emma and Oliver Button-Tufted Adjustable Headboard is a practical, affordable choice for bedrooms that need a quick upgrade. Button tufting gives it a classic look, while the slim profile helps smaller rooms feel less crowded.
It is a smart option for guest rooms, first apartments, dorm-style spaces, or anyone decorating on a budget. It gives the bed a finished appearance without forcing you to buy an entirely new frame.
20. Wayfair Willa Arlo Ashwin Wingback Headboard Best Wingback Headboard
The Willa Arlo Ashwin Wingback Headboard brings a cozy, enclosed feeling to the bed. Wingback designs frame the sleeping area and add a little drama, making them great for traditional, glam, or transitional bedrooms.
This style is best if you like symmetry and softness. The side panels visually hug the bed, which can make a large bedroom feel more intimate. It is not the quietest look on the list, but sometimes the bedroom deserves a little theater.
21. Latitude Run Romney Upholstered Headboard Best Budget Channel-Tufted Headboard
The Latitude Run Romney Upholstered Headboard from Wayfair is a good example of the modern channel-tufted look at a more accessible price point. Vertical channels add texture and make the headboard feel taller.
It works well in contemporary bedrooms, guest rooms, and rental spaces where you want visual impact without committing to a luxury price. Look for adjustable mounting and included hardware when comparing similar Wayfair options.
22. Winston Porter Sadiras Solid Wood Angled Panel Headboard Best Budget Wood Headboard
The Winston Porter Sadiras Solid Wood Modern Angled Panel Headboard is a strong option if you want a clean wood look without overspending. The angled panel design adds just enough interest while staying versatile.
Wood headboards are especially useful for homes with pets or kids because they wipe clean more easily than most fabrics. Pair this one with simple bedding and a textured throw for an easy modern bedroom refresh.
23. AllModern Eisley Upholstered Panel Headboard Best Patterned Headboard
The AllModern Eisley Upholstered Panel Headboard is for decorators who are not afraid of pattern. Its clean silhouette keeps it modern, while the fabric options can add personality to the room.
A patterned headboard is a great way to energize a neutral bedroom. Keep bedding simple if the print is bold, or lean into maximalism if your style motto is “more is more, and then maybe one more pillow.”
24. Crate & Barrel Square Linen Wall-Mounted Headboard Best Wall Panel Headboard
The Crate & Barrel Square Linen Wall-Mounted Headboard is ideal for people who want a soft wall-panel effect. Wall-mounted upholstered panels can make a bedroom feel custom while keeping the actual bed frame simple.
This style is useful in twin rooms, guest spaces, and compact bedrooms where a traditional headboard may feel bulky. Linen adds texture without too much shine, creating a calm and tailored backdrop.
Headboard Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Click “Add to Cart”
Measure the bed, mattress, and wall
Before choosing a headboard, measure your mattress width, bed frame width, mattress height, and available wall space. A headboard that looks perfect online can feel awkward if it is too narrow, too short, or hidden behind a pile of pillows. For thick mattresses, choose a taller or adjustable headboard so enough of the design remains visible.
Choose the right material for your lifestyle
Upholstered headboards are best for comfort. Wood is best for durability and easy cleaning. Metal is long-lasting and lightweight-looking. Cane and rattan add natural texture. Leather and faux leather look polished and wipe clean more easily than fabric. Boucle and velvet are cozy but may need more care, especially in homes with cats who believe every textured surface is a personal invitation.
Think about mounting style
Frame-mounted headboards attach to a standard bed frame. Wall-mounted headboards attach directly to the wall and can work with platform beds. Freestanding headboards sit behind the bed without always needing brackets. Adjustable-height headboards are useful when mattress thickness varies.
Match the headboard to the room size
Small bedrooms often benefit from slim upholstered panels, wall-mounted storage, or light wood finishes. Large bedrooms can handle taller, wider, or wingback designs. If your ceiling is low, avoid an extremely tall headboard unless you want the room to feel like it is wearing a top hat indoors.
Prioritize comfort if you sit up in bed
If your bed is also your reading nook, movie lounge, or laptop station, choose foam padding, soft upholstery, or a gently angled backrest. Wood, cane, and metal headboards can still work, but you will need larger pillows for support.
2025 Headboard Trends Worth Watching
Oversized and extended silhouettes
Extended headboards are one of the most stylish looks of 2025. They stretch beyond the bed to create a built-in effect, often making the bedroom feel more expensive. West Elm’s Bodi Extended Headboard is a strong example of this trend.
Soft curves and arches
Curved headboards bring a gentler energy to the bedroom. Arches, rounded corners, and scalloped silhouettes soften modern interiors and pair well with layered bedding.
Natural textures
Cane, rattan, woven panels, and warm wood are still going strong. These materials work especially well in coastal, bohemian, organic modern, and relaxed traditional spaces.
Performance upholstery
Performance fabrics are increasingly popular because they offer a practical answer to spills, pets, and everyday wear. For a family bedroom or guest room, stain-resistant upholstery can be worth the upgrade.
Storage built into the headboard
Storage headboards are no longer clunky furniture from a forgotten basement. Modern options use open shelving, slim ledges, and wall-mounted designs to keep essentials close without overwhelming the room.
Experience-Based Advice: What Living With a Headboard Actually Teaches You
Choosing a headboard online is easy. Living with one is where the truth starts removing its decorative throw blanket. The first lesson is that comfort matters more than you think. A headboard may look stunning in a product photo, but if you like to sit up in bed with coffee, a book, or a laptop, a hard surface quickly becomes less “design statement” and more “vertical punishment.” Upholstered headboards earn their popularity because they support real habits, not just staged pillows.
The second lesson is that height can make or break the look. A short headboard behind a tall mattress can disappear faster than snacks during a movie night. If you use a thick mattress, mattress topper, or fluffy pillows, always check how much headboard will remain visible. Adjustable-height models are especially forgiving because they let you correct the proportions after setup.
The third lesson is that texture changes the entire mood of the room. A cane headboard makes a room feel breezy and natural. Velvet feels rich and cozy. Boucle feels soft and trendy. Wood feels grounded and timeless. Metal feels airy and vintage. The material you choose affects not only how the bedroom looks, but also how it feels when you walk in at the end of the day.
Another practical experience: wall-mounted headboards can look fantastic, but installation deserves respect. They are not difficult when done correctly, but they do require measuring, leveling, and the right wall anchors. If the headboard is heavy, secure it properly. Nobody wants bedtime excitement involving gravity, drywall, and regret.
Storage headboards are wonderful in small spaces, but they require restraint. A shelf headboard can quickly turn from “smart storage” into “mini convenience store behind the pillow.” Keep only what you actually use: a book, glasses, phone charger, small lamp, or a decorative object. If you pile on candles, mugs, tissues, headphones, and three abandoned novels, the headboard will look cluttered no matter how beautiful it is.
Color is another real-life consideration. Light upholstered headboards look elegant, but they show marks more easily. Dark fabrics hide wear better but may make a small room feel heavier. Patterned headboards can disguise minor stains and add personality, while neutral headboards offer more flexibility when you change bedding. If you love seasonal decorating, a neutral headboard is the safer long-term partner.
Finally, the best headboard is the one that supports how you actually live. If you read every night, choose padding. If you have pets, consider wood, metal, performance fabric, or wipeable faux leather. If your room is tiny, look at wall-mounted or storage designs. If your bedroom feels unfinished, go bold with an arch, wingback, or extended headboard. A good headboard does not just decorate the bed; it gives the whole room a purpose. And yes, it may even make you want to make the bed. No promises, but miracles happen.
Conclusion: Which Headboard Is Best for You?
The best headboard of 2025 depends on your room, habits, and style. For most people, an upholstered headboard offers the best balance of comfort and design flexibility. For small spaces, IKEA MANDAL, IKEA NORDLI, and Article Kouva are practical winners. For natural texture, Pottery Barn Sausalito Cane is hard to beat. For drama, West Elm Lucilla and Article Almelo bring personality. For budget-friendly upgrades, LUCID, Target, Wayfair, and Nathan James offer strong options that can refresh a bedroom without requiring a full furniture overhaul.
Before buying, measure carefully, consider your mattress height, check the mounting method, and think about your daily routine. A headboard should look good, yes, but it should also make your bedroom more comfortable, functional, and personal. After all, the bed is the star of the room. The headboard is its publicist.
