There's no functional purpose that requires a bed to have a headboard, but there are uses — such as keeping pillows from falling on the floor. While a headboard can upgrade your bedroom's aesthetics, choosing not to have one will leave you with several other design options.
The History of Headboards
In Ancient Egypt, archaeological evidence suggests that headboards were created for a practical purpose, acting as a barrier against draughts to keep us warm whilst we slept. The headboards were then made of wood, which is less thermally conductive than stone or brick.
Freestanding headboards are thick, so they don't need to be mounted either on the wall or the bed frame. Due to the thick struts, they can rest on their own, positioned between the wall and the bed frame.
Simply use pillows.
No problem! Just prop up a few oversized pillows behind your regular bed pillows like this cute bedroom in North Carolina and you're good to go.
Why is a headboard important and necessary? A headboard gives support to your bed, but most importantly it protects your wall against abrasion. As well as a headboard's practical uses, a headboard can also give your bedroom a very personal touch.
Is It OK to Not Have a Headboard? A headboard is an optional part of your bed, so it's completely fine to go without. Most people today consider headboards a decorative piece of furniture, even though there are other uses for them.
Another functional reason why you need a headboard is that it provides a sturdy and comfortable back rest for when you want to sit up in bed. You can lean back on the head board itself or you may prop up your pillows against the headboard so that you can comfortably sit up in bed, well supported.
Your mattress won't be impacted by a headboard, and it's unlikely it'll affect how well (or poorly) you sleep each night. Instead, a headboard provides extra support, especially if you sit up in bed. It can also protect your head and prevent wall damage, all while adding some pizzaz to your bedroom decor.
The ideal position of the bed is therefore with the headboard against the wall, not facing the door or window. This is because a negative feeling of lack of privacy and a limited sense of protection and seclusion should not be accentuated.
Some popular headboard alternatives include hanging a large tapestry or piece of art on the wall behind the bed. Another option is to use a screen or set of curtains. And if you're short on space, you can even opt for a headboard-less bed. So, whether you choose to go with a headboard or not is entirely up to you.
As the name suggests, a floor standing headboard is a separate headboard unit that stands directly on the floor behind the bed frame. They are independent of the bed but can also be attached to the divan base like strutted headboards, using the same fixtures.
Why Do Headboards Cost So Much? Headboards can be expensive because they are often made from a high-quality material like wood or leather. They also provide important functions like back support and insulation. Additionally, a headboard can complete the overall aesthetic of your bed.
Placing an anti-slip mat under your pillows can help keep them in place. You can buy special anti-slip mats for pillows, or you could use a rubber mat like the ones used in bathtubs (or even cut and repurpose an old PVC-free yoga mat).
' 'Headboards are once again becoming popular, with big, bold shapes in bright colors and patterned fabrics being a go-to choice. It's all about creating a focal point and making a real statement and an upholstered headboard will really allow you to show off your personality, whilst being comfortable and practical too.
'Headboards are an important consideration in feng shui, as they can help promote good energy flow in the bedroom. '
A bed head will frame your bed and complete the look of your room. A headboard acts as a backrest if you're a night owl who likes to read in bed. An upholstered headboard is even better for back and neck support – to lean against directly or pile pillows against for added comfort.
Positioning your bed in line with the door is the worst possible position, according to the principles of Feng shui. People who practice Feng shui call it the 'dead man's position' or the 'coffin position' because the feet or head face the door and resemble how we carry the dead through open doors from the house.
Most people avoid the bed under the window at all costs. Further, feng shui rules warn against it as too much energy flows out of the room causing restless sleep. Even traditional designers discourage the positioning of a bed in front of the windows. There are a few ideas when bed and window pairing works very well.
The practice of Feng Shui is based on the idea that energy flows through the doors and windows of a room; therefore, it is important that your bed sits off this path. This will promote a feeling of safety and security and promote a good night's sleep.
A common place for storage in the bedroom is usually under the bed, but Cerrano believes it's not good practice: "From a feng shui perspective, storage under the bed can obstruct your sleeping pattern because the movement of energy cannot flow evenly around the energy fields of your bed." For example, Cerrano suggests ...
Bed frames that have legs allow more space underneath the bed. In effect, it gives you more room and extra storage that will help you stay organized. Also, with more space your bedroom has a sleek and lighter feeling.
The main reason why it is easier to sleep on the couch than in your bed is the comfort derived from the two types of furniture. If you are using the wrong mattress, or your current mattress is worn-out, then your couch will be the most comfortable place to fall asleep.
Specifically, sleeping on the side or back is considered more beneficial than sleeping on the stomach. In either of these sleep positions, it's easier to keep your spine supported and balanced, which relieves pressure on the spinal tissues and enables your muscles to relax and recover.
The gap between a mattress and a headboard is not always a design flaw, as a small gap makes it easier for you to change their sheets. While this gap is an intentional part of bed design, it can be really annoying if you sleep close to the headboard and lose your pillows to the gap.