Posted by Pam Johnson - Head of Buying on 2nd Sep 2022
What Are The Benefits of a Headboard?
A brief history of headboards
The headboard, or bed header as it is sometimes referred to, has been in existence for quite some time and is in no way a modern invention. Recorded uses date all the way back to Ancient Egypt, with depictions of beds seen within hieroglyphics and on discovered artefacts. Some still in-tact beds have also been found within tombs and are now on display in a variety of exhibits across the world. From these examples, we can see that the basic design of the bed has remained relatively unchanged to the beds we know today.
However, beds were not anywhere near as commonplace as they are today since such luxury was reserved for Pharaohs and other such high-level dignitaries. With ornate headboards carved from materials like gold and ebony, only the very wealthy had access to this level of opulence.
Headboards have been on quite a journey since this time, and have evolved in style, size and materials, with a whole host of options available. Whether you are looking for a king size headboard, double headboard, or single bed headboard, there are styles and designs to suit every taste.
Although in the past it seems the main reason for having a headboard was as a show of wealth and status, nowadays there are so many benefits to having headboards for beds.
Why a headboard is important
- Enhances the look of a room
- Offers support
- Keeps pillows in place for a better night’s sleep
- Protects your wall
- Keeps the cold away
Let’s look at these benefits in more detail. It might not initially be overtly clear just how many benefits a headboard can offer, especially if you previously thought they were solely for decorative purposes. Now, don’t get us wrong, we truly believe a well-chosen headboard can instantly lift the look and feel of a room and can be the finishing touch that ties all décor elements together in the perfect focal point. However, the additional benefits are numerous, and surpass how pleasingly aesthetic they are.
Headboards support you
If you are the type of person who likes to watch a few episodes of your favourite TV show from the comfort of your bedroom sanctuary, or you love to snuggle down in bed with a good book, then it’s important to make sure you are properly supported whilst you indulge. A headboard is the perfect solution and provides much-needed neck and back support, especially an upholstered bed headboard since the extra padding gives you next level comfort and support.
A headboard like the Staples and Co Exquisite Full-Length Headboard offers premium comfort and support, and even has the added benefit of being winged, making you feel even more snuggly and enclosed in your own sanctuary.
Staples and Co Exquisite Full-Length Headboard
Pillow talk
There is nothing more disruptive to a good night’s sleep than having to forage around for missing pillows in the middle of the night. Without a headboard to keep them safely in place and supporting your head and neck whilst you sleep, those pesky pillows can tend to go wandering. A headboard will help your pillows stay in place and provides a great backdrop for propped up pillows as you sit up in bed.
Banging your head (or bed) against the wall
If you have recently redecorated your bedroom, the last thing you want is for anything to scuff or scratch your newly painted or wallpapered walls. A headboard creates the ideal buffer between your bed and the wall, leaving you with perfectly protected paintwork; it creates a buffer between your head and the wall too, saving you from unnecessary bumps in the night.
Battle the cold
This one seems simple, and it has been suggested that this was one of the main reasons headboards came into existence – which is that they keep away the cold. Whether that’s cold coming from the wall the bed sits against, or a cold draught coming up around your head. A wooden headboard, covered headboard, or upholstered headboard are great options for temperature regulation; since the materials used are non-conductive, they will prevent cold, or hot, temperatures from transferring through to you.
Are headboards necessary?
When buying a new bed, you might ask yourself the question, “Are headboards really necessary?” You may be wondering whether the extra expense is truly worth it, and whether a headboard will make any real difference to your life, or is it just for appearances? While headboards are not an essential requirement, they do offer many desirable plus points that make them a must-have feature in every bedroom.
In addition to the benefits outlined above, a headboard can be your bedroom’s pièce de resistance; the item of furniture that perfectly defines the room and showcases your personal style. With so many different designs, materials and colours to choose from, there’s a headboard to suit every space. Another great benefit is that you can easily update the look of a room by changing up the headboard, instantly transforming the décor.
Can a headboard make you comfier in bed?
The question on everyone’s lips - how can I be more comfortable, and can a headboard help me achieve this? Adding a headboard to your bed base can provide you with some great benefits, some of which certainly improve your levels of comfort. Being supported as you sit up in bed, keeping your pillows securely in place as you rest and sleep, and maintaining a more regulated temperature by stopping any draughts coming through or cold from the wall, all contribute to an overall increased feeling of comfort.
Is it bad to not have a headboard?
Essentially, having a headboard is a personal choice and is neither good nor bad. Headboards can provide certain benefits and comforts, but they are not necessarily elements that every person looks out for, or needs, to achieve a restful sleep. Not having a headboard does not automatically mean your bed or bedroom will be subpar, and ultimately the choice is yours.
Think about what it is you need from your sleep set up and consider whether you would value the benefits a headboard can provide. If not, then a bed headboard is probably not an essential for you; perhaps you also prefer the aesthetic of a minimalistic headboard-free room. Deciding what you want, and need, will also influence which type of headboard you opt for. Which leads us onto our next point…
Which headboard to choose?
When selecting the perfect headboard, the main things you’ll be considering are:
- Style – does it fit with the theme you’ve chosen for the room?
- Comfort – if you want to spend time sitting up in bed, will it provide you with adequate support?
- Size - will it be a good fit for your bed and how much space will it take up in the room?
For statement style, a floor standing headboard, also referred to as a hotel height headboard, is the ideal choice. Headboards such as the Staples and Co Belgravia Buttoned Hotel Height Headboard provide ultimate luxury and opulent comfort, with a healthy dose of grandeur too. The bonus of floor standing headboards is that they provide extra support thanks to their size, especially when they attach to your bed base.
Staples and Co Belgravia Buttoned Hotel Height Headboard
Another option is the strutted headboard – simply named due to being attached to the bed base via two wooden struts. These tend to be shorter in stature than the hotel height headboards, and so are slightly more understated, but are by no means less stylish.
Available in a selection of on trend fabrics and with a variety of styles to choose from, some strutted headboards even have the unique benefit of giving you extra storage, like the iGel Piccolo Strutted Headboard which has pockets where you can place your book, tablet, phone or remote control. So handy!
iGel Piccolo Strutted Headboard
Help choosing the best headboard for you
Should you need any help deciding which type of headboard is best for you, our friendly team of experts will be delighted to help. Simply give us a call on 0808 144 6160 today for more information about our headboards, or to place an order.
SOURCES
14 Reasons Why Headboards Are Necessary – Furnishing Tips: Home Furniture Decor Guide, Ideas, & Tips
