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.”
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
Essay Beige Stripe Bedhead, $599.99, Adairs
Ingrid Upholstered Bedhead, $529.00, Temple & Webster
Marcella Headboard, $1,199
Freedom
Tufted Headboard, $799,
Freedom
Upholstered Double Bedhead, $689, Temple & Webster
Upholstered Queen Bedhead, $269.99, Temple & Webster
Emilie Queen Bed Head, $599
Early Settler
Natural Rattan Bedhead, $349.99, Temple & Webster
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
