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Design Dilemma: Alternatives to the Headboard

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Who says a bed has to have a “headboard”? Or, at least, who says it has to be the traditional headboard?  It’s true, bedframes with headboards serve a utilitarian purpose. They give you a place to prop your head while sitting in bed, thus protecting walls and providing a measure of comfort. But just because the traditional way has been the standard bed frame with headboard doesn’t mean you can’t think of more creative ways to provide some interest in your bedroom while protecting the walls. Let’s take a look:

Painted Headboards

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to provide the visual interest of a headboard without the bulk is to paint one on. This idea works especially well in really tight spaces where any other sort of real headboard might feel like too much. So, for instance, in this cottage-style bedroom, a faux headboard outline has been painted as a perfect graphic complement to the patterned pillows.

Below, chalkboard paint provides a quirky offbeat headboard. A shelf has been built over the painted area that can stand also provide for more storage.

And below, a decal has been used in place of a headboard — a clever way to save on money and space.

Reclaimed architectural features.

Do you love an old door but you’ve got no place to use it? Why not turn it into a headboard? Maybe something like this…

Or maybe this…

Or even this…

An old window can also suffice…

Or here…

Or even an old mantel…

You can do a collage of fabric samples:

Or you might opt to use a rug:

The more graphic and/or colorful, the better:

So actually, anything that you love and cherish could make a perfect headboard, where it be driftwood you collected at a vacation retreat:

Or your favorite skateboards:

When it comes to headboards, you are only limited by your own imagination! Here’s what to remember:

• Make sure that any interesting treatments — doors, old windows, hanging skateboards, are securely mounted to the wall so there is no risk of falling if they are tapped or jarred.
• Go for color or a strong line to create impact and drama.
• Consider simple solutions such as hanging a high-impact painting or a strip of graphic wallpaper behind your bed.
• Be inventive, playful and have fun! The bedroom is your personal space, so feel free to let loose and get quirky.