Buying guide
Choosing headboard fabric
A headboard sees little wear, so you can choose almost any fabric for its look and feel. Velvet gives a hotel-like richness, bouclé a soft modern texture, and linen looks a relaxed, airy one. Choose a fabric with some body: very thin fabric can show the padding through it. If you like to sit up in bed, a mid-tone or textured fabric hides marks where heads rest.
How much fabric for a headboard
With 54-inch plain fabric, allow about 2 yards for a twin or full headboard, 2 to 3 yards for a queen and 3 to 4 yards for a king. A king headboard is wider than the fabric, so a railroaded fabric lets it be covered without a seam. Add extra for a large pattern you want centred.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for a headboard?
Velvet, bouclé, linen-look and textured weaves are the most popular. Durability matters less than on a sofa, so choose for colour and texture, with enough body that the padding does not show through.
How much fabric do I need for a queen headboard?
About 2 to 3 yards of 54-inch plain fabric, more for a tall or wingback design or a large pattern repeat.
Helpful guides
Not sure which one? Order free samples.
Colour and texture never look quite the same on screen. Add fabrics to your sample list from any fabric page and we’ll send swatches to your door, free.
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