An upholstered headboard not only adds an element of style, softness and comfort to the bed but also enhances the overall look of the bedroom. This article lists the pros and cons of some trending upholstery materials that are widely used for the headboard. Take your pick.

1. Natural fabrics
The most common natural fabrics that are used for an upholstered headboard include materials such as cotton and line

Pros:

• Both linen and cotton have a tight weave that can last for years; add pillows for additional comfort.
• These natural fabrics are available in a variety of colours and patterns.
• Good-quality cotton and linen are considered to be organic upholstery materials with good anti-microbial properties.
• Both these natural fabrics are soft and feel comfortable when used for the upholstered headboard. Note that linen is more expensive than cotton.
  

Cons:

• Linen and cotton are prone to absorbing stains, they are not easy to maintain, especially if you have kids around.
• Both cotton and linen are susceptible to damage by sunlight and moisture.
  

2. Synthetic fabrics
Popular synthetic fabrics that are used for an upholstered headboard include materials such as polyester and chenille (a blend of cotton, rayon and polyester fibres).

Pros:

• Synthetic fabrics provide a lot of softness to the headboard, along with good cushioning to the back.
• These fabrics are more durable and stronger than natural fabrics such as linen or cotton.
• Synthetic fibres are highly resistant to most stains and fading.
  

Cons:

• Synthetic fabrics easily absorb oily stains that may become impossible to remove.
• Synthetic fabrics have the tendency to create static electricity and may produce electric sparks.

3. Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious fabric that enhances the overall look of the bedroom, like in this example. This fabric is manufactured with a combination of nylon, cotton and silk fibres.

Pros:

• Velvet has a very nice sheen that imparts a high-end luxurious look to bedroom.
• Velvet has a very soft texture, which feels very comfortable and cosy as a back support.
• This fabric has a very thick weave, which makes it a highly durable material.

4. Leather
Go for a leather-upholstered headboard if you wish to impart a sophisticated, high-end look to your bedroom.

Pros:

• Good-quality leather is very strong, highly durable and longer lasting than fabric upholstery.
• Leather is easy to maintain; stains can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth. Unlike fabric, leather doesn’t absorb smells and odours.
• The best part about using leather for the upholstery of the headboard is that leather ages very well.

Cons:

• Leather is prone to scratches.
• Another minus is that leather is available in limited colour options and may show inconsistency in colour.
• Leather is very expensive.
  
  

5. Leatherette
Leatherette is a synthetic material that is made with PVC or polyurethane to simulate the look of real leather.

Pros:

• Leatherette is resistant to fading from exposure to UV rays, so it won’t fade if the upholstered headboard is close to a window or exposed to natural sunlight.
• Leatherette has hypoallergenic properties, so it will not trouble people with allergies.
• It is waterproof and non-porous, which makes it easy to maintain.
• Leatherette gives a modern look the bedroom and is very cost effective in comparison to leather
  

Cons:

• This upholstery material is prone to wear and tear and the surface may get damaged over a time. The top layer of leatherette has a tendency to crack or wrinkle and reveal the fabric base layer.

Ideas for Head-Turning Headboards
Minimalistic or extravagantly carved, headboards are the focal point of your bed and provide an inviting backdrop. If they’re treated seriously, they can transform into an integral part of your bedroom decor without occupying too much precious space. See the many ways a headboard makes a statement for you.

A floating headboard
This option gives you a lot of flexibility to decide if you want to mount it to the wall or directly to the bed frame. Some freestanding headboards will stand on their own and rest between the bed and the wall without a need to mount them, like bookcase or storage headboards.Upholstered headboards add an element of elegance to a bedroom. Covered with fabrics like microfiber, linen, or velvet, some options are heavily padded while others are tufted to add luxurious detail. The padding makes this option comfortable to lean against, and it’s a good choice if you’re someone who wants to use your headboard as support while sitting up in bed.


The carved classic
Made with solid and composite wood, this single bed with storage has a timeless look that’s great for small apartments or kids’ rooms. The sturdy bed frame has a slat support system and three storage drawers that can be placed on either side of the bed, so you can choose what works best with your room layout. It’s available in a warm oak finish or dark brown.

An apparent canopy
When one thinks of a canopy bed, a four-poster bed frame with fabric draped down each side may come to mind. It is possible, however, to create the same effect for any type of bed frame by adding a canopy headboard behind the head of a mattress. This type of headboard, which is typically covered in fabric, creates a way for fabric to attach from the bed to the ceiling. A canopy effect can then be achieved. There are a few different ways in which a canopy headboard can be modeled, and this decorative addition may be purchased or made at home.


Patterned wingbacks
A patterned headboard is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can tie a colour scheme together, as you can choose a pattern that incorporates a variety of colours – or choose the fabric first, then complement the design by choosing the bedroom wall colour, bedroom curtains, accent cushions and rug in the same shades.

Wall-to-wall
Wall-to-wall bedroom headboards aren’t exactly new. A staple of more contemporary design, especially in hospitality, designers started putting these in bedrooms well before they began popping up in your social feeds. All of a sudden though, it feels like this ultra-wide headboard situation is the darling of the DIY bedroom scene, and for good reason. Wall-to-wall headboards can be very budget-friendly, use pretty standard materials—paint, plywood, upholstery fabric, batting, hooks for hanging—and completely transforms basic spaces.

Tufted in whimsical hues
A headboard can add a burst of color, texture or create different lines in the space. These pieces add another visual layer to your bedroom and are the perfect way to add a splash of personality. Whether the headboard is upholstered, crafted with eye-catching details or paired with an accent wall, incorporating a headboard into your bedroom can instantly elevate the design. Here are a few of my favorite headboard styles to make your bedroom pop.

Chic storage
Bedroom storage is forever a problem. Closets are never big enough, but you don’t want to pack so many dressers and cabinets into your space that it feels clunky and crowded. The answer: storage beds. Storage beds are a fantastic way to get more space without adding extra furniture, and a lot of them are so stylishly designed you almost don’t notice the drawers are there! Plus, with so many options—closed drawers or open shelves, storage on the sides or at the foot of the bed, two slim drawers or four roomy ones—it’s easy to find a bed that fits your needs and space. We rounded up some of our favorites to help you start your search and solve the problem of bedroom storage once and for all

Board of light
Headboard lighting, which is the board located behind the head of the bed, is an ornate and stylish way of producing a relaxing bedroom retreat that is as styled and luxurious as any presidential suite. The beauty of headboard lighting is that it can also be operated in unison with bedside table lamps for task brightness or individually for a softened effect.

Softness and contrast
The bed with a soft headboard is an elegant addition to the bedroom and has a number of functional advantages. The design provides a place to store linen and other accessories, which makes it possible to organize a convenient storage system in the house.

Minimalist backdrop style
A headboard can be an easy way to save money and update your space at the same time. While we love a beautiful headboard as much as the next home decorator, it's no longer a necessity to create a finished bedroom. Not only does decorating without a headboard allow you to be more creative and think outside the box, but it can also free up space and give you more room to work within a small space.