Few understand the power of the humble bedhead. This underrated style tool can add colour, shape, texture, scale and weight to a room – all without embarking on a major bedroom makeover.
“Consumers are increasingly prioritising the bedroom as a sanctuary to unwind, which has given rise to restorative bedrooms, and bedheads help echo this calming and nurturing sentiment by adding colour and texture to a space,” says Heatherly Design founder and director, Georgie Leckey, whose business specialises in bedheads.
1. Why is a bedhead necessary?
The styling opportunities presented by a bedhead are endless, says stylist Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors. “They are a brilliant way to frame a space and set the stage for the layout of your room. Bedheads supply texture, depending on what materials are used, and inject personality. They’ve come a long way from the straight, rectangular shapes of old, and now exist with curves, which work really well, given most rooms are square or rectangular,” she says.
“Bedheads add a bold and intentional style quality to a bedroom and are a great way to play with proportion or the dimensions of a room in order to create depth,” adds Georgie. “As the foundation of the bedroom, a bedhead should create a look that is entirely unique to the space. For example, a child’s bedroom might embrace playfulness and a youthful energy with a brighter colour palette, or a guestroom might incorporate a fabric that is abundant in mood-boosting tactility to create a warm welcome, while the main bedroom should balance aesthetic comfort with impeccable design for modern luxury.”
2. Bedhead styles
Bedheads are a one-stop style solution for the bedroom. Add interest with intricate detailing, add warmth, texture and contrast with natural materials or strike a pose with a statement cut-out, curved or scallop detail. A bed with built-in headboard is an affordable alternative.
‘Adlington’ wallpaper by Lee Jofa (try Elliott Clarke) provides a romantic backdrop for the custom bedhead upholstered in ‘Somerville’ fabric by Warwick. (Photography: Tim Salisbury / Styling: Penny Sheehan)
(Credit: Photography: Tim Salisbury)3. Bedhead trends
“Current trends are all about transforming the bedroom into the ultimate restorative space to soothe our muscles and our minds,” says Georgie. Timber bed frames and bedheads experienced a resurgence during the past decade when Scandinavian style reigned supreme, but Georgie says we’re now seeing a shift away from that.
“Curved silhouettes bring a serene element to bedroom interiors and soften the space, while buttery soft velvets and bouclé are still proving popular – these textural fabrics emphasise the cosiness craved by consumers. Fabric should be chosen not only for its beauty, but its durability,” says Georgie. “In the colour department, an earthy palette of sesame, camel and eucalyptus not only creates tranquillity and harmony in the bedroom, but offers versatility across the seasons.”
4. What to look for when buying a bedhead
Georgie has some tips for identifying a well-crafted bedhead. “The weight of a product often defines the quality and longevity of it, and attention to detail and functionality is key,” she says.
Future-proofing is also an important consideration. “Remember that freestanding bedheads can often be reupholstered, so you won’t be trapped into the one design forever,” says Julia. “The key to picking the right one is to decide upfront if it’s going to be the ‘feature’ of the space. If so, you can go a little wild with fabric options. If the bedhead is to simply frame a space and provide comfort, opt for a more conservative, colour-blocked bedhead. It’s important to decide this first, as it will inform your other decisions.”
This bedhead and lampshade were custom made by Maine House Interiors, the cushion fabric is ‘Marigold’ by Anna Spiro Textiles and the lampshade is covered in Jane Churchill fabric. (Photography: Lisa Cohen)
5. Bedhead price guide
As with most things, you can spend as much as you like on a bedhead, depending on your budget and style needs. “The price variation is huge,” says Julia. “Anywhere from $500 to $5,000 is fair game.”\
The best bedheads to shop in Australia
01
Yamba Bedhead
From $419.99 (usually $599.99) at Linen House
Best for: contemporary coastal style
Made from hand-woven rattan, this contemporary bedhead lends easy-breezy style to any space.
Key features:
- 107cm x 197cm x 29cm (Queen) 107cm x 229cm x 29cm (King)
- Hand-woven rattan frame
- Made in Indonesia
02
Palm Cove Living Havana Rattan Bedhead
From $699 at Temple & Webster
Best for: bohemian, island aesthetic
This rattan and solid timber bedhead is handmade and adds a rustic, warm charm to the bedroom.
Key features:
- 150cm x 160cm x 6cm (queen) 160cm x 190cm x 6cm (king)
- 100% rattan and solid timber
- Freestanding
03
By Designs Shell Velvet Bedhead in Petal
From $699 for king single at Temple & Webster
Best for: children’s and teen bedrooms
Curves, velvet and a soft shell pattern all combine for a touch of luxe in the bedroom. With four other colours to choose from, there’s no excuse not to get your Little Mermaid on.
Key features:
- 150cm x 120cm x 9cm (king single)
- Pine wood and premium Warwick Plush Velvet
- Australian made
04
By Designs Upholstered Bedhead in Flint
From $689 for double at Temple & Webster
Best for: Hamptons style, French provincial décor
Classic stripes with antique brass studding combine for a sophisticated bedhead for any aesthetic, from coastal to country.
Key features:
- 147cm x 138cm x 7cm (double)
- Manufactured Timber and Cotton
- Australian made
05
Ari Rose Bedhead
From $461.99 (usually 659.99) for queen at Linen House
Best for: modern glam décor
Elegant vertical panels make this plush bedhead a sumptuous addition to the bedroom. The rosy pink velvet colour would sing against brass details.
Key features:
- 165cm x 130cm x 9cm (queen)
- Upholstered rose fabric
- Polyester
06
Deco Studded Bedhead
From $279 (usually $399) for double at Early Settler
Best for: art deco, vintage-inspired decor
A timeless bedhead in soft, sea green fabric with a brass studded detail that will amplify the luxury in your bedroom.
Key features:
- 110cm x 140cm x 7cm
- Glamorous brass studded rim
- Pine, Plywood, Foam, Polyester
07
Memphis Cream Boucle Bedhead
From $629 (usually $899.99) for queen at Adairs
Best for: minimalist styles
This soft boucle bedhead lends a lovely textural touch. It’s a comfortable and stylish addition to any bed.
Key features:
- 192cm x 10.5cm x 130cm
- Pinewood and Plywood frame
- Neutral design
08
Giselle Bedhead
From $1750 for queen at Heatherly Design
Best for: lovers of patterns and prints
Giselle is the shape of this beautiful bedhead and you can choose from a smorgasbord of fabrics in a rainbow of colours, patterns, plaids and stripes to meet your mode. The decorating world is your oyster and a pleasing border of brass studs, your pearls.
Key features:
- 70mm x 1600mm x 1600mm (queen)
- Customisable
- Extra height can be added
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