The 2026 Headboard Style Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Headboard for Your Bedroom
If you’ve ever walked into a bedroom and thought, “Oooh, that looks fancy,” chances are it wasn’t the bedding, the bedside tables or even the lighting. Nine times out of ten, love, it’s the headboard stealing the show. A cracking headboard transforms a boring bed into a statement piece — the crown jewel of your bedroom, as your nana would say.
But choosing the right one? Aye, that’s where folks start panicking. With so many heights, fabrics, patterns, and silhouettes, it’s easy to end up scrolling until your eyeballs stage a protest.
Fear not. This 2026 Funkybedz guide cuts through the faff with good old Yorkshire clarity. By the end, you’ll know exactly which headboard will suit your space, your style, and your budget — and your bedroom will be looking fresh enough to feature on the telly.
Why Your Headboard Matters More Than You Think
The headboard is often the tallest and boldest feature in your room, so it sets the whole mood. Go tall and plush, and your room screams luxury hotel. Go sleek and minimalist, and you’ve got modern chic sorted. Choose something textured or funky, and suddenly the whole space comes alive.
A good headboard doesn’t just look pretty, either. It supports your back while you're sat up with a brew, adds warmth, helps frame the bed, and gives your room balance.
Headboard Height: Low, Medium, or Tall?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying a headboard based solely on looks — without considering height. Let’s break it down:
Low Headboards
Perfect for modern, minimalist bedrooms or rooms with sloped ceilings. Low headboards create an airy, uncluttered look. Pair them with a simple upholstered frame from our upholstered beds collection.
Medium Headboards
The Goldilocks option — not too tall, not too short. Medium height feels luxurious without overpowering a small room. They work well in rooms with a variety of décor styles.
Tall Headboards
The drama queens of the bedroom world. Plush, oversized, and absolutely divine. Great for creating a grand focal point — as long as you’ve got the ceiling height for it. Browse tall beauties in our fabric beds collection.
Popular Headboard Styles in 2026
1. Wingback Headboards
These high-end headboards have gorgeous “winged” sides, giving the bed a luxurious cocoon-like feel. Ideal in bigger rooms where the headboard has space to shine.
2. Channel-Tufted Headboards
These are wonderfully modern and very on-trend in 2026. Vertical or horizontal lines add texture and sophistication. They pair beautifully with ottoman bases like the ones in our ottoman bed range.
3. Button-Tufted Headboards
A timeless classic. Deep-set buttons give a plush, cosy boutique-hotel vibe. Lovely in velvet fabrics.
4. Arched, Curved & Scalloped Headboards
Soft curves are huge this year. They soften angular rooms and make a stunning artistic statement. A scalloped velvet headboard? That’s interior design heaven.
5. Panelled Headboards
Clean, modern and versatile. Panels add structure and suit minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired décor.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Your headboard fabric massively affects the mood of your room. Here’s what to consider:
Velvet
Luxury, glamour, and pure “ooh la la.” Velvet adds richness and depth — perfect for statement headboards.
Linen
Soft, breezy, and elegant. Linen is ideal for calming, serene bedrooms.
Faux Leather
Modern, easy to clean, and great for bold contemporary rooms.
Chenille
Cosy and textured, perfect for family homes and snuggle-ready rooms.
Explore fabric variations across our full bed collection.
Room Considerations: Matching Style to Space
Small Bedrooms
- Choose medium or low headboards
- Stick to lighter fabrics like linen or boucle
- Avoid chunky frames
Large Bedrooms
- Go tall and bold
- Velvet or panelled designs look incredible
- Wingback or scalloped styles shine
Rooms with Sloped Ceilings
Stick to low-profile headboards to avoid awkward angles.
Colour Choice: Setting the Mood
The colour of your headboard sets the tone of the room:
- Charcoal & Black: bold, modern
- Navy & Emerald: luxurious and moody
- Beige & Cream: soft, calming
- Blush & Soft Blue: relaxed boutique hotel vibe
Storage Beds & Headboards: What You Need to Know
If you're buying a new headboard for an ottoman or divan base, make sure the fixing points match. Our ottoman beds and most upholstered frames come with universal fittings to make life easier.
The Yorkshire Verdict
Choosing the right headboard is all about balance — height, fabric, colour and style should all work together to transform your room into the dreamiest space possible. Take your time, measure carefully, and trust your instincts (and Funkybedz, obviously).
When you're ready to find your perfect match, have a wander through our beds collection — there’s a headboard with your name on it, love.
FAQs
What headboard height should I choose?
Low for modern minimalist rooms, medium for versatility, and tall for dramatic, luxurious spaces.
Are wingback headboards practical?
Aye — as long as you’ve got space. They add comfort and style, but need room to breathe.
What’s the most popular headboard fabric in 2026?
Velvet remains the favourite, but linen is gaining attention for its natural, calming look.
Will a tall headboard fit in a small UK bedroom?
Only if you have the ceiling height. Measure carefully to avoid disappointment.
Do headboards come with bed frames?
Many of our upholstered beds include built-in headboards, especially ottoman and panelled designs.
Are scalloped headboards still in style?
Very much so — they’re one of the biggest design trends of 2026.
Can I change my headboard without replacing the whole bed?
Aye, if your base has universal fittings. Check the product details to be sure.
