The headboard, once a rather practical purchase, has recently become somewhat of a bedroom status symbol. From custom designs to DIY projects, a headboard is now a design moment all on its own – a comfortable choice, a mood-setter, and occasionally, a showstopper.
So what can we expect from headboard ideas in 2026 to help steer you in the right direction? Designers say to expect big curves, bold patterns, and wall-to-wall designs that make you feel wrapped in style.
Whether you prefer something soft and cozy or bold and eye-catching, the right headboard design can completely transform your bedroom, making it feel curated, stylish, and, most importantly, yours. Here’s a look at the styles, shapes, and textures designers are loving for next year.
7 Headboard Trends to Transform Your Bedroom in 2026
As we look ahead to next year, the headboard is stepping into the spotlight like never before. While it might seem like a small detail, it's certainly not one you want to overlook. A headboard is like the centerpiece of the bedroom, a space for creativity and a comfy spot that invites you to relax, read, and enjoy your sleep space.
1. Wall-to-Wall Headboards
One of the standout looks for 2026 is the rise of wall-to-wall or “shelter” headboards, which stretch across the full width of a bedroom wall. This bold approach takes the headboard from a simple piece of furniture into a real feature moment, creating a sense of cocooned comfort and hotel-style luxury.
Designer Marie Flanigan is a huge fan. 'One of the most notable directions is the rise of the shelter headboard, where the entire wall, or a large portion of the wall, becomes part of the design,' she explains. 'This year, our team created stunning suites by wrapping bedroom walls in soft fabric, textured panels, or tailored millwork. This elevated detail creates a feeling of being cozy and enclosed.'
'This approach allows pattern, material, and proportion to work together in a way that elevates the bed while keeping the room serene,' Marie continues. 'The result is a timeless, cocooning feel that encourages rest and quiet luxury.'
Lauren Gilberthorpe agrees, adding: 'We’re seeing a real move towards wall-to-wall designs that span the full width of the room, bringing a sense of sumptuous comfort and creating a hotel-like atmosphere. In a recent project, we installed a beautiful ochre velvet headboard that ran the length of the wall, instantly softening the space and improving its acoustics. This style adds a cocooning quality while also helping a room feel more considered and cohesive.'
2. Curvy and Sculptural Silhouettes
Wavy, curved silhouettes continue to charm designers and homeowners alike, bringing a sense of movement and softness to the bedroom. Curved headboards can soften angular spaces, introduce a playful rhythm, or simply add a touch of personality to a space.
'Curves continue to be popular, too,' Lauren continues. 'We recently designed a semicircular twin headboard for a children’s bedroom and paired it with a playful squiggle wallpaper. The softness of the shape helped counter the more angular lines in the room and added a gentle, characterful rhythm that works so well in children's spaces.'
'Upholstered headboards with curved silhouettes lend a feminine quality and a touch of softness to a bedroom,' agrees designer Kathy Kuo. 'These kinds of sculptural headboards have been well-loved in the design world for some time, and I don’t see their influence going away in the near future.'
'Wingback beds feel cozy yet refined, the perfect blend between comfort and statement-making style. I love the way their side panels (or, aptly, their “wings”) make you feel gently enclosed and extra snug when you’re lying in bed.'
3. Pattern on Pattern
2026 is all about embracing personality and playfulness, and nowhere is this more evident than in designers' penchant for decorating with pattern. Designers are moving away from plain, neutral upholstery and instead, using the headboard to create a focal point that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the room.
Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. says: 'Headboards in 2026 are becoming far more expressive. Think ultra-patterned fabrics, unexpected color pairings, and richly textured materials.'
'Bold, colorful, and patterned headboards help a room feel full of personality,' adds Catch Beckett, co-founder of Yellow London. 'Tall or wide headboards work beautifully as a statement feature, giving the room presence while letting pattern and color take center stage.'
And the pattern doesn’t just stop at the headboard. Coordinating fabrics with wallpaper, cushions, or even curtains can create a rich, pattern-drenched look. 'Matching the headboard fabric to adjacent elements such as wallpaper, curtains, cushions or lampshades creates a cohesive, layered look that feels rich in character,' Cath adds.
4. Velvet and Tactile Textiles
Soft, sumptuous fabrics are making a major statement in 2026, with velvet taking the charge away from boucle. Far from being purely decorative and rich, these fabrics invite touch and comfort.
Designers are reaching for tactile textiles in moody, earthy tones to add depth, character, and a sense of grandeur. Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, says: 'Expect to see a rise in velvet headboards in 2026. Their soft, luxurious feel adds depth and comfort, perfectly complementing the shift toward serene, sanctuary-inspired bedrooms.'
'When choosing a statement textile, let the colors within the design inspire the palette for the wider room,' advises Kit Kemp. 'Thread those tones through the accessories, the rug underfoot, even the trim on a favorite chair. This creates a gentle sense of harmony without the space ever feeling overly coordinated or predictable.'
'When you dress a headboard in a truly special textile, it becomes the room’s storyteller, setting the tone with coloring and craft,' Kit continues. 'It takes center stage and becomes the joyful heart of the space.'
5. Natural Textures
Rattan, cane, bamboo, and richly grained woods offer a tactile quality that feels both warm and inviting, creating headboards that are understated yet full of character. But don't think they're just reserved for coastal bedrooms.
'Rattan headboards are loved for their natural texture, lightness, and the sense of craftsmanship they bring to a room,' says Birdie Fortescue. 'A simple soft green, blue, or beige headboard offers a gentle, understated elegance that works beautifully in both contemporary and more traditional spaces. Adding warmth and dimension without overwhelming the room, these pieces maintain the timeless quality of considered, handcrafted design.'
Sophie Salata, head of brand at Vinterior, echoes this sentiment, adding: 'Burr wood, rattan, and bamboo are also beautiful tactile materials that bring depth and subtle drama. They offer that rare balance: sculptural, yet warm. Striking, yet never shouty.'
These woven headboards work beautifully in both contemporary and traditional spaces, providing a natural, relaxed counterpoint to more sculptural or upholstered designs. With their timeless appeal, handcrafted natural materials are perfect for bedrooms that aim to feel collected and considered.
6. Retro Revival
Retro-inspired styles, shapes, and decorating with vintage pieces are making a comeback, with headboards that celebrate bold shapes, rich materials, and a sense of nostalgia.
'We’re seeing a shift towards bold, oversized pieces that bring impact and intent,' Sophie continues. 'Art Deco silhouettes are particularly resonating, with strong lines, confident curves, and rich materials that add weight and presence. These aren’t decorative add-ons. They’re foundational pieces that set the tone for everything around them.'
Bed canopies are also enjoying a resurgence, echoing the drama and elegance of the past. Whether you choose a light, airy canopy or a rich, patterned textile, these soft structures add height, intimacy, and a playful nod to vintage glamour. Combined with a matching or contrasting headboard (or used as the headboard on its own), canopies and drapes help create a sense of coziness in the room.
7. Custom & Crafty Designs
As well as being a canvas for color and pattern, designers also see the headboard as a spot for considered craft, too.
As Kit Kemp explains: 'A headboard offers a fantastic canvas to showcase an embroidered or appliquéd design that sparks delight. I’ve always believed a headboard should behave like a cherished piece of art, full of character and personality. It’s a chance to be bold, to play with pattern and texture, and to create something that feels entirely your own.'
'We’re also seeing a rise in hand-painted headboards,' adds Kailee. 'Whether it's a soft mural-style scene or a bold motif, these headboards turn the bed into a focal point and make the room feel deeply personal. The overall shift is toward pieces that feel custom, crafted, and full of personality.'
With a thoughtful approach to fabrics, finishes, and scale, these handcrafted headboards ensure the bedroom feels personal, stylish, and perfectly layered.
Shop Trending Headboard Styles
Elevate any bedframe with the Bodi Extended Headboard. Its sleek, upholstered panels bring a refined, modern touch while offering a soft backdrop for restful nights. Easy to mount at your preferred height, this versatile design effortlessly upgrades your bedroom and comes in myriad fabric choices.
Regal, curvaceous, and full of charm, this coastal headboard is designed to make a statement. Its elegant silhouette and refined pattern (one of many options to choose from) add drama while creating a focal point that transforms your sleeping space into a stylish retreat.
Add a playful, cozy touch to your bedroom with this ruffled wall-mounted headboard designed by Shea McGee for Target. Its charming gingham print and soft silhouette offer a decorative, yet approachable look that brings warmth and personality to any bed.
Bohemian elegance meets natural craftsmanship with this sweetly shaped rattan headboard. Its scalloped top adds subtle charm while the lightweight wood and woven design bring texture and warmth, creating a relaxed yet stylish focal point for your bedroom.
This coveted wavy velvet headboard from Lulu and Georgia combines undulating lines with a crisp profile for a refined yet inviting presence in a neutral or pattern-heavy space. The rich navy hue and sculptural form make it the perfect backdrop for a serene bedroom look.
With foldable panels and an intricate floral tapestry design, this romantic headboard offers a unique, artisanal feel. It brings texture, color, and a touch of old-world charm, transforming your bed into a centerpiece that’s as inviting as it is visually striking.
Whether you opt for wall-to-wall upholstery, a sculptural curve, a tactile velvet, or a bold, patterned design, the right headboard has the power to transform a room. Sophie Salata adds: 'Start with the headboard, and everything else follows. A thoughtful pair of vintage side tables. An aged mirror. A handwoven rug,' she suggests. 'What you end up with is more than a styled bedroom. It’s a space that feels collected, considered, and entirely your own.'
