20 Best Headboard Décor and Design Ideas

green headboard — Design: Brady Tolbert for EHD Photo: Tessa Neustadt

When it comes to decorating your bedroom, a fresh can of paint, new throw pillows, and window dressings work wonders for transforming a space. But as the focal point of the room, your headboard is what ties it all together. It's the first thing you see when you walk through the door—and depending on the design, it can either dress up a bedroom or make it feel cozier.

Whether it's the product of a weekend DIY, repurposed from an antique market, or bought at a popular home store, a unique headboard can change the entire vibe of any bedroom. To make your room feel as Insta-worthy as possible, explore these design tips to find the perfect headboard for your space.

Read on for 20 designs to dress up your headboard and create the bedroom of your dreams.

01 of 20

Make It Mile-Long

If you consider yourself a whizz with a glue gun or a master of the power drill, Brady Tolbert's DIY headboard photographed by Tessa Neustadt is the inspiration you need to turn your bedroom into a workshop this weekend. With wall-to-wall panels of wood and woven fabric, this creative approach draws the eye across the room while adding a natural touch to the space. For an eye-catching upholstered DIY idea, bring major glam into your bedroom in a weekend's work by creating your own headboard like this avocado green suede style with a '70s feel.

02 of 20

Use Shabby-Chic Wood

Wood pallets are the little black dress of the interior design world. You can dress it up or dress it down, and it's the perfect go-to for any DIY project. Removing the slabs of wood and repurposing them as a headboard is not only unique; it's the perfect addition to any shabby-chic, farmhouse style. In this project by House Nine, the wood is repurposed as the backing on the wall behind the headboard—but for an even truer pallet headboard, simply attach the wood to a simple frame or basic shape. Once you've assembled the structure, leave the wood as-is for a natural vibe, or grab a can of paint or stain to give it a whole new look.

03 of 20

Repurpose Old Pallets

Another way to repurpose old wood pallets is to fill in the gaps with extra panels until there are no spaces in between each of the slabs. If you fancy, stain the wood to change its color—but the natural, weathered effect is also a nice touch. Milk and Honey Life repurposes a pallet to complement this natural bed frame, passing on the stain for an antique look. To add more storage to your space, leave the pallet intact. Prop it up against the wall (behind the bed), and use the top as a shelf for books, plants, and miscellaneous accessories.

04 of 20

Weave Your Own

If you have an ounce of weaving skills, here's your chance to put your mastery to work to create a look like Amy Bartlam Photography did here. If not, Better Homes & Gardens will have you feeling like a pro in no time. With an existing headboard foundation (or some steel conduit) and about 1,000 feet of rope, you can have the most unique, bohemian headboard around.

05 of 20

Keep Things Cozy

Ever heard the danish expression "hygge?" It's the style (or an attitude, rather) that celebrates coziness, warmth, and an overall sense of feeling joy while staying in. This design by Ashley Montgomery Design is the ultimate soft, cozy space—and as it turns out, it's not hard to make your own fabric headboard. Rather than upholstering the entire piece with one cloth, you'll weave fabric between each side post. DIY is in the spirit of hygge, and all you need is wool yarn, latch-hooking canvas, wooden posts, and a couple of hours. Head over to Treasures and Travels for the full tutorial.

06 of 20

Grow Trailing Plants

If you're only working with a basic bed frame, try bringing in the greenery and turning your bedroom into a nature escape. Leaf and Lolo adds a pop of color to a white space with plant baskets mounted on the wall, but a simple hanging shelf above your bed can serve as a headboard as plants trail downward. Hanging a shelf will draw the eye up, and as plants and vines grow longer, they will act as a living headboard. Wrap vines around your current frame to take the look a step further.

If you're growing your plants on a shelf, place a drainage tray underneath each one—your bed is the last place you'll want that excess water to flow.

07 of 20

Design a Built-In

This project requires more time and additional skills, but if you're up for the work, think of the final payoff. This built-in headboard wall by Blue Copper Design adds an element of class to the room, and if you're building your own, consider creating a storage shelf along the main horizontal line. A ledge can serve as a space for books, art, flowers, or other decorations to display above the cozy area.

08 of 20

Use a Tapestry

Whether you're looking to accentuate an existing headboard or set up a makeshift version, look no further than a beautiful tapestry. This tapestry headboard by Julian Porcino could be suited as a wall hanging or a rug on the floor, but styled above the bed, it fits just right. Opt for a carpet or a thick canvas if you have one, but if not, a beautiful scarf or swatch of fabric can still look impressive.

09 of 20

Make a Statement Wall

Who said you need a headboard at all? Instead, skip the headboard and invest in an intricate wallpaper like Ashley Montgomery Design. Making the wall behind your bed a focal point will eliminate the need for a traditional frame without leaving the room looking bare.

10 of 20

Use Slatted Woods

Creating a wood-slatted headboard is not only beautiful; it's relatively simple to do. In this space by designer Rikki Snyder, a rich wood color complements warm tones around the room and soft, white-themed bedding. Take the design a step further by making your slatted boards chevron-shaped and give your space a more custom look. Learn more from the Vintage Revivals tutorial about making your own DIY chevron wood headboard with just $70 and a weekend to spare.

11 of 20

Get Glamorous

If you're searching for a statement piece, look no further than this glam headboard by K Shan Design. With woven elements patterned in a flower-like shape, this is a bedroom focal point you'll be glad to see as you enter the room. To opt for an upholstered version, try the blush pink headboard by Dormify. With shell-shaped lines and bright fabric, this piece is just what every glam-lover needs in their space. It makes for an interesting backdrop to any bedding, and will instantly make your room feel more elevated. Pair it with crystal accents and faux fur textures to complete the look.

Dormify Light Pink Shell Headboard $189.00

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12 of 20

Consider Upholstery

If you like the upholstered look, this room by Lindsey Brooke Design might suit your space. For a more colorful, horizontally-oriented version, try the Sera Headboard by Article in emerald velvet. Similar to Brady Tolbert's DIY mile-long design, this statement headboard is perfect to pair with wood accents for a room that feels both classy and cozy.

Article Sera Headboard $699.00

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13 of 20

Keep It Classic

Although this design is relatively minimal, simple metal-frame headboards are surprisingly striking. This bedroom by Pure Collected Living incorporates classic elements with soft, linen bedding to offset its textures. Pair your metal headboard with other metallic accents to stay on theme, or dress it down with all-white décor for a minimalistic approach.

Willa Arlo Interiors Sheryl Open-Frame Headboard $250.99

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14 of 20

Go Boho With Rattan

Fit for a bohemian princess, this rattan headboard styled by Cottage + Sea adds a wow factor to any bedroom. For a peacock-shaped option, consider Bungalow Rose Shop's petal open-frame headboard. Dress it up with plenty of lush pillows, Moroccan rugs, plants, and additional fluffy textures.

All Modern Hirst Rattan Petal Open Frame Headboard $663.00

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15 of 20

Hang It Up

This modern upholstered headboard adds an edge to the room. With bold patterns, Mary Patton's bedroom design is sleek, bright, and welcoming. For a simple approach, add a pop of color and texture above the bed by upholstering your own hanging piece. Simply choose a fabric that complements your bedding, then wrap it around your base to create a shape. Attach hangers, then hang it up to enjoy and style with your favorite bedding.

When hanging your headboard on the wall, be sure to choose hardware like wall anchors or picture hangers to securely (and safely) attach it in a fixed position.

16 of 20

Play With Patterns

What's the one thing that can make a printed headboard feel more dynamic? Pairing it with more prints. Go for a maximalist feel like K Shan Design when you incorporated a patterned wallpaper or fabric with bright bedding. If the more-is-more approach is in line with your design philosophy, these floral headboards will create a perfectly lush vibe in your space.

Winston Porter Wilmore Box Seam Upholstered Panel Headboard $394.00

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17 of 20

Revisit Retro

If you're inspired by vintage finds and period pieces, this textured headboard styled by House of Harvee is the statement furniture you've been searching for. The velvet upholstery feels straight out of The Great Gatsby, and the shape lends itself to every retro design from mid-century modern to '70s glam.

18 of 20

Embrace the Feminine

Perfect for twin beds or children's spaces, these intricate headboards are fit for royalty. Styled beautifully in Katie Hackworth's version, a more feminine open-frame headboard by Mistana Shop boasts floral embellishments, feminine lines, and a natural material. This rattan showpiece fits in perfectly with a variety of design styles from bohemian to beach-chic.

Mistana Shop Patton Open-Frame Headboard $759.99

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19 of 20

Add More Storage

While Katherine Carter Design uses a top-of-the-line headboard built into side shelving, a simpler option can be found at IKEA. This white headboard might look plain and inconspicuous at first sight, but the sides actually provide plenty of storage space for those who live in tight quarters. And the best part: This white-paneled design can transform to fit any existing décor you already have.

Ikea Brimnes Headboard With Storage Compartment $120.00

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20 of 20

Be Farmhouse-Friendly

If you're working with a farmhouse or antique-inspired décor, textures in your headboard's wood make all the difference. Rikki Snyder styled this colorful, rustic room with a traditional four-poster bed, but a simple upgrade to your headboard can be plenty to give your space that farmhouse feel. The headboard by Joss & Main gives your room a weathered design that you'd usually get from thrifting and DIY projects. Pair it with lace fabrics and plenty of candles for a romantic feel.