The Best Headboards for Every Style and Budget

Change your headboard, change your life. (That's how the saying goes, right?) A headboard might seem trivial to some, but it can actually set the tone for your entire space and help you create a distinct "look" without buying a new bed or nightstand.

So, if you want to upgrade your bedroom on a budget, a new headboard is a great way to do it. Here are the 24 best headboards for each style, as well as some helpful tips and details to look for.

Best Contemporary & Modern Headboards

Contemporary bedrooms should feel clean and comfortable. So you'll want to search for headboards that pair sleek lines with soft materials, like linen or leather. (And if you can find one that's tufted? Even better.) For a more modern space, simply look for headboards that boast sleek lines and hard surfaces, like wood or metal.

Best Art Deco Headboards

Art Deco style is synonymous with glitz and glamour — so consider this your cue to play with bold shapes, gold finishes and sumptuous fabrics, like velvet. And if you really want to dial up the drama, snag a channel-tufted headboard in a chic hue, like blush, emerald, smoke or ruby.

Best Country, Rustic & Southwest-Inspired Headboards

Reclaimed wood just makes sense for a country, rustic or southwestern-style bedroom. To achieve a more country aesthetic, opt for a headboard with posts or cross accents. And for a more rustic or southwestern look, choose a headboard with wide planks and imperfect edges.

Best Cottage & Coastal Headboards

If you're going for a cozy cottagecore aesthetic, then you'll want to look for headboards in muted earth tones (like sage green and cream) or in a distressed wood finish. Anything that could pass for an antique is a huge bonus. And if you want to put a more coastal spin on your space? Follow the rules above, but stick mostly to light creams and ivories.

Best Transitional Storage Headboards

When in doubt, spruce up your traditional or transitional bedroom with a storage headboard. "Bookcase headboards" will allow you to keep books, reading glasses, plants and more above your bed, while headboards with side built-ins will give you a little extra room. (P.S. The latter make great substitutes for nightstands.)

Best Headboard Alternatives

For an eclectic or boho-style bedroom, skip the traditional headboards and go straight for one of these cool alternatives. Fans, painted folding screens, wood arches and more will fill the space above your bed and add serious interest to the space.