Many people assume that the humble headboard is purely decorative — an attractive way to offer some visual counter balance in a room while adding a pop of interest.
The first recorded headboard appeared in ancient Egypt. Here, headboards were constructed to protect the sleeping heads of Pharaohs and other members of the elite from cold drafts that could disturb their sleep. At this time, headboards were seen as a sign of prestige and opulence. While headboards have been revolutionized to some degree since then, the original purpose for which the headboard was made remains the same. To this very day, a highly practical benefit of a headboard is to create a barrier between our heads and the cold that emanates from external walls.
While a headboard isn’t essential, it does offer some lesser-considered practical benefits as well.
Back and Neck Support
There’s nothing better than sitting in bed with a cup of coffee and a good book on a weekend morning. In cases such as these, a headboard gives you something to rest against; it will provide both your back and your neck with much-needed support — offering you a far more comfortable and relaxing experience.
Provide a Creative Storage Solution
Some headboards are elaborately crafted with built-in storage on either side of the bed frame, offering additional space to keep knick-knacks or clothing — a huge boon to those limited on space. Headboards like these are seen in some of the bedding solutions crafted by Woodcraft. For over 40 years, this company has used old-world craftsmanship to create beautiful furniture of exemplary quality.
Even if you opt for a headboard that doesn’t have built-in storage, the top of a robust wooden headboard can easily be used to display ornaments or kids’ toys.
Wall Protection
Headboards also help protect the wall behind them from scratches, dents, and scuffs. This is especially important if the wall behind your bed has been decorated using wallpaper. Further, a headboard will protect a wall from naturally occurring oils and sweat from our heads and arms.
Clean, mark-free walls will make your room feel fresher for longer, nurturing a space you feel proud of and want to spend time in.
Keep Your Pillows in Place
Losing your pillow at night sets you up for a rude awakening. Fortunately, a headboard will easily keep your pillows safely in space, as a headboard closes the large gap that would be left open between the bed base and the wall — preventing your pillows from sneaking off in the middle of the night.
A Headboard Can Set the Tone
Headboards come in various shapes, sizes, and fabrics — wooden, leather, metal, and wicker, to name just a few. A headboard can set the tone and design of any room. If you find it hard to pick a theme and stick to it, let your headboard lead the way. For example, by opting for a sumptuous, padded velvet headboard, you can craft a romantic, plush room that’s centred around this aesthetic.
Takeaway
Headboards have been around for over 5,000 years for both their aesthetic and practical merits. If you’re unsure about the necessity of a headboard, we hope this post helps! They add a grounded and decorative touch to a bedroom while providing a slew of sensible benefits.
