What is a Tufted Headboard?

A tufted headboard is a kind of headboard that is covered with fabric or upholstery affixed to the back of the headboard by a series of buttons or button-like closures. These buttons are usually arranged in a horizontal or vertical pattern. Many people recognize tufting as a style that is often used in the design of leather couches. In some rare occasions, a tufted headboard thoroughly echoes this style by being covered in leather rather than fabric. The shape of a tufted headboard is often curved or may even be formed with a dramatic round peak in the center, while some more modern models are simply rectangular.

The section of an upholstered headboard that is covered in fabric or upholstery usually extends upwards from a level that is just a bit lower than the top of the mattress. This upper section is supported by legs that are usually made out of wood. The legs extend down and behind the bed. In most cases, when a tufted headboard is installed, it is only the tufted section that is visible, the legs being obscured by the bed itself. The headboard may be surrounded by a wooden frame. If there is a wooden frame, it is usually stained or painted to match the fabric that covers the center of the headboard.

One of the benefits of a tufted headboard is that it can be covered in nearly any type of fabric to suit one's tastes and the aesthetic of the bedroom where it will be installed. Some people choose to cover these kinds of headboards in bright colors, deep colors, or rich colors. This allows the headboard to become a sort of centerpiece in terms of the color scheme of the bedroom. Other people choose pale, natural, or muted tones so that the headboard quietly blends in with the rest of the room.

When choosing the fabric for a tufted headboard, it is important to consider the quality as well as the color. Over time, the fabric on a tufted headboard can get dirty just as any other kind of upholstered furniture. It is important to choose a fabric that is easy to clean and is stain resistant. Otherwise, the fabric may become permanently stained or discolored within just a few years, or just a few months with particularly weak fabrics. It is especially important to choose stain resistant fabrics when choosing very light colors such as white, off-white, or ivory.