Best Upholstered Headboards in 2023

As a whole, upholstered headboards transcend the limits of any particular decor style. Contemporary, modern, romantic, stately, traditional – You name it, and there are numerous headboards that fit that style. They also vary in terms of price point, depending on the size, the fabric, the frame, the padding thickness and the embellishments.

The most affordable upholstered headboards are covered in a synthetic fabric that looks and feels like the real deal. Most have a flat backing, but some curve in the popular sleigh style. You can get a headboard with a plain surface or one with tufting and/or nailheads. The possibilities are truly endless.

Besides aesthetics, upholstered headboards serve practical purposes. If the padding is thick enough, they make for a comfortable place to lean against when you’re lying in bed and reading, watching television or using a laptop. In addition, they insulate the space between you and a cold wall during the winter.

How do you choose the perfect upholstered headboard? Start by checking out the reviews on our list. These headboards are light on the wallet and made of durable, beautiful materials. If you want to know which fabrics are the easiest to clean or the definition of biscuit tufting, we answer all those questions in our buyer’s guide.

Best Upholstered Headboards in 2023

Picking the perfect headboard can be tough. We chose these 10 upholstered headboards based on their construction, fabric quality and ease of care. In addition, we factored in wide aesthetic appeal, so you’re sure to find at least one headboard that you’ll love.

10) Better Homes and Gardens Grayson Linen Headboard

The camelback Grayson headboard exudes modern elegance with its soft arch and faux-aged metal nailheads. Light gray cotton/polyester blend mimics the appearance of linen, making the upholstered headboard look more expensive than it really is. With thick, 4.25-inch padding, you’ll experience instant comfort every time you lean back on the headboard.

Made for big master bedrooms, the king-sized headboard measures 80.75 by 58 inches. The headboard bolts onto your existing bed frame, and you have two height-adjustment options to suit the thickness of your mattress. Since all you have to do is attach two legs, you don’t even need instructions to assemble the 38-pound Grayson.

9) Vänt Upholstered Wall Panels

These modular panels by Vänt are covered in a rich blue denim texture of cotton/linen weave for a minimalist look that’s anything but boring. Each box comes with four 30 by 11.2-inch panels, and you can add more to dampen noise or make a statement wall. Foam padding and a batting layer give the upholstered panels’ shape and depth.

With Vänt’s Simple Mount system, wall installation is a three-step, 5-minute process. Anchorless screws bear 50 pounds of weight and save you the headache of searching for drywall studs. Stoppers keep the click-in-place panels from sliding, and they are easy to maintain by spot cleaning when necessary.

8) AmazonBasics Faux Linen Upholstered Tufted Headboard

Styled in the traditional rectangular shape, this medium gray AmazonBasics headboard looks right at home in a guest room, master suite or first apartment. Faux linen made of polyester lends softness and strength to the headboard, and button tufting dresses it up, creating squares for visual interest. At 3.5 inches deep, the headboard supports your back while you lounge.

You can either mount the headboard to the wall or attach it to your own bed rails. Measuring 45.5 by 53 inches, it’s the ideal size for full and queen mattresses. The freestanding upholstered headboard even offers dual-height adjustment. Since it only weighs 22 pounds, the headboard is easy to move.

7) Zinus Trina Upholstered Modern Classic Tufted Headboard

Alternating button tufts that create a diamond pattern on an ivory background lend the Trina a romantic sophistication. The rectangular headboard is upholstered in easy-to-clean polyester faux linen. Filled with high-density foam, the 2.6-inch-deep headboard provides adequate back support during late-night Netflix binges.

Measuring 51.4 inches wide and 62.8 inches tall, this headboard perfectly suits a queen-sized mattress. A steel frame and legs give the headboard stability when attached to your bed rails despite its low weight of 18 pounds, and Zinus warranties the headboard for 5 years. You can even adjust the height to suit the thickness of your mattress.

6) Modway Lily Tufted Linen Fabric Upholstered Twin Headboard

Create an uptown vibe in a dorm or teen’s room with the creamy beige Lily upholstered headboard. The stain-resistant linen-like polyester is soft to the touch, and biscuit tufting with blind stitching appeals to those whose tastes lean toward contemporary. As a twin-sized headboard that measures 39 by 22.5 inches, the Lily is ideal for space-challenged rooms.

Secured to a fiberboard/plywood frame, the freestanding headboard is durable enough to last for years. With only three pieces in the box, anyone can assemble the headboard in a matter of minutes. Modway includes all the necessary hardware, and it designed the 16-pound upholstered headboard to mount to a bed frame at your choice of four heights.

5) Soleil Contemporary Fabric Full/Queen Headboard

Tasteful with its diamond button tufting, the Soleil upholstered headboard is sized at 62.5 inches wide to fit full and queen-sized beds. The step-style headboard has rounded corners and it’s lined with high-end silver nailheads. The synthetic linen upholstery is smooth and low-maintenance, and its pure ivory color is a lovely neutral that works well in any space.

Polyester fiberfill provides supportive plushness that’s 2.75 inches deep. You can adjust the legs to make the headboard’s total height anywhere from 50.5 to 53 inches. Iron legs prevent the freestanding headboard from wobbling, and its 21-pound weight means the headboard is easy to move.

4) Jezebel Light Gray Fabric Headboard by Christopher Knight Home

Channel the style of modern European elegance with this French-inspired headboard. Adorned with button tufting in a tight diamond pattern, you’ll love the contemporary neutrality of the Jezebel upholstered headboard’s light gray color. Since it’s made of polyester linen-like fabric, it will only need occasional spot cleanings.

Hardwood backing and iron legs contribute to the headboard’s 30-pound weight. Measuring 65.25 inches wide, the freestanding headboard is meant to be paired with a queen or full-sized bed frame. You can adjust the height of the 53.25-inch-tall headboard with some light assembly, and its depth of 3.15 inches makes for a cozy resting place.

3) Modway Lily Tufted Faux Leather Upholstered Twin Headboard

Modern and masculine with refined biscuit tufting. The Modway Lily blind-stitched twin headboard is constructed from black faux leather. The vinyl material is easy to wipe clean, and its matte finish makes it look expensive instead of the bargain that it truly is. For faux leather, it’s surprisingly plush at a depth of 3.5 inches.

At 16 pounds, the Lily is lightweight enough for your teen to move it from home to his dorm room. Installation only takes 5 minutes, and hardware is included for attachment to a bed frame. The freestanding headboard can also be secured to the wall, and its fiberboard/plywood backing adds strength to the piece.

2) Zinus Anuar Banded Grey Upholstered Metal Headboard

A channel-tufted panel in dark heather gray is surrounded by a black steel frame, giving the Anuar a sleek, art deco appearance. Periodic wipe-downs with a damp cloth keep the vinyl linen-type fabric looking brand new, and the panel is removable should you decide to reupholster it in the future.

The twin-sized headboard is padded with soft, shape-maintaining foam. All the hardware you need to put together the freestanding headboard is included in the box. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to assemble, and you can install it on your existing bed rails. For peace of mind, Zinus warranties the 17-pound Anuar for 5 years.

1) Lucid Mid-Rise Upholstered Headboard

Upholstered in charcoal gray linen-type polyester fabric and detailed with diamond-tufted blind stitching, the Lucid Mid-Rise is one headboard that will never go out of style. The material is spot-clean only, and it’s comfortable to rest against. The 3.5-inch-thick twin headboard is stuffed with 45-percent polyester/55-percent polyurethane padding.

The headboard is lifetime warrantied and made of Siberian Larch wood, which is hard-wearing and decay-resistant. Since you can adjust its height from 36 to 46 inches at 2-inch increments, the headboard is compatible with thick mattress sets. The metal legs secure to most bed frames; however, wall-mounting hardware is also included.

Upholstered Headboard Buying Guide

What is button tufting? Is it better than blind stitching? For that matter, what is blind stitching? Our buyer’s guide explains the most popular decorative elements that you’ll find on upholstered headboards, so you can find just the right look for your space.

Of course, embellishments aren’t the only aspect to consider. The feel and care instructions for the fabric are important. You need to know the thickness and material of the padding to ensure it will feel comfortable and won’t lose shape over time. The frame also matters as the construction of this element determine the headboard’s durability and weight.

Decorative Elements

Embellishments come in a variety of forms and add dimension and texture to an upholstered headboard. Framed edges are one such stylistic element. Whether made of wood or metal, framed edges create a border around the upholstered piece, which makes the fabric really pop.

Originally, metal nailheads were used to conceal the tacks that secured the fabric to the headboard’s backing. Nailheads are the choice embellishment for those who want to go with something classic and timeless. They are so versatile that when grouped with the appropriate fabric and silhouette, nailheads can complement modern, rustic and southwestern motifs.

Beloved across the design world is the ever-charming tuft, which is formed by running thread through the fabric so tight that it clusters in the center. A tuft will either be secured with a button, a grommet or a knot. When a knot is used to make a tuft, the tufting is referred to as blind stitching

Upholstered headboards with button tufting are ideal for traditionally decorated bedrooms. Rows of blind stitching are used to create channel tufting, which works well with modern and art deco styles. Biscuit tufting – a tuft style that makes squares – has a contemporary, urban look. On the other hand, diamond tufting is romantic and glamorous.

Headboard Silhouettes

We can’t talk about headboards without discussing their silhouettes – the overall shape. The most common upholstered headboard silhouettes include arched, beveled, camelback, rectangular, scooped and stepped. Rectangular is the most versatile silhouette, fitting well with numerous decor schemes. Camelback and scooped headboards are arguably the most elegant. Arched, beveled and stepped often fall somewhere in between.

Fabric Choices

Satin and velvet make for a stunning display while linen and leather exude luxury. However, all these materials require meticulous care. Linen and silk must be professionally cleaned. Leather is more durable, but it’s expensive, particularly full-grain leather. Less expensive leathers such as aniline don’t hold up against exposure to sunlight and liquid.

At first thought, synthetic fabrics may seem unappealing, but they are a smart choice. Vinyl fashioned to look like leather or linen is lightweight and easy to maintain. Cotton/polyester blends and 100-percent polyester are also used to make faux linen because these materials have high tensile strength.

To care for headboards upholstered in synthetic material, you should regularly vacuum the surface to get rid of dirt, dust and hair. Vinyl must be wiped down regularly for the same reason. However, you can simply spot clean cotton and polyester whenever needed.

Inner Padding

All upholstered headboards contain padding, but the specific material and thickness differ. If you want to lean back on your headboard and feel comfortable, choose a headboard with a padding thickness of at least 2 inches. Padding that’s wrapped in a thin layer of polyester batting will enhance the headboard’s plushness.

Polyester fiberfill is made of blown polyester fibers. Manufacturers choose polyester fiberfill for its low production cost, which equates to significant savings for consumers. Plus, polyester fiberfill is mildew-resistant and hypoallergenic.

Compressed polyester feels like foam, but it won’t deteriorate with age. As with polyester fiberfill, compressed polyester doesn’t foster mildew growth or exacerbate allergy symptoms. It’s also budget-friendly and fast-drying. The only downside to compressed polyester is that it flattens over time; therefore, it’s best used in low-sitting and guest-room upholstered headboards that won’t be leaned against often.

Polyurethane foam comes in low, medium and high-density versions. Low-density polyurethane foam is soft while high-density polyurethane foam is firm. The higher the density, the longer the upholstered headboard’s foam will keep its shape. High-density foam creates a supportive backrest; however, its lower density counterparts are exquisitely comfortable to sink into after a long day.

Frame and Legs

Upholstered headboards range from about 15 to 40 pounds. Headboards on the lower end of this weight range are the easiest to assemble and transport if you move. On the other hand, heavier upholstered headboards are less likely to wobble when attached to bed rails.

Two components – the frame and the legs – contribute to the weight of an upholstered headboard. The frame of an upholstered headboard may be constructed from fiberboard and/or plywood or solid wood. In terms of weight, solid wood is the heaviest while fiberboard is the lightest.

Usually, the legs of an upholstered headboard are made of solid wood like Larch or a metal such as iron or steel. Depending on the specific metal’s density, steel is heavier, and it’s twice as strong. There are some upholstered headboards that are just panels, lacking legs. These headboards are relatively lightweight and some are modular.

FAQs

Upholstered Headboards: Recap

Nothing pulls together a bedroom quite like an upholstered headboard. Upholstered headboards make a stylish statement in any master suite or guest room, and they can make an otherwise bland dorm room feel more like a bedroom at home. Padded upholstered headboards also make for a comfortable backrest and provide warmth against a cold wall.

Our curated list of upholstered headboards showcased the best ones available on Amazon. On that list, you’ve seen modular panels that mount to the wall and freestanding upholstered headboards in a variety of silhouettes. From embellishments like nailheads and tufting, the decorative element choices are aplenty.

However, you can’t judge an upholstered headboard by its looks alone. You have to factor in the weight and the thickness of the padding. You must also consider the fabric. Natural fabrics like linen and leather are luxurious, but synthetic versions are just as gorgeous. Plus, synthetic fabrics are budget-friendly and easier to maintain.

Of course, the headboard should be sized to fit your mattress. We recommend the mark-and-measure method outlined in our buyer’s guide. The right size upholstered headboard positioned at the perfect height and styled to match the surrounding decor can make any bedroom look showroom ready.

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Last Update: 2024-04-19 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API