Specifying Hand-Carved Headboards for Client Projects: A Designer's Guide

A hand-carved headboard does a lot of work in a bedroom. It sets the style of the room before a single pillow is placed, it gives a guest suite or boutique rental a photograph-worthy focal point, and it carries the kind of texture that flat upholstered panels can't. For designers, the question is less whether a carved piece will make an impact and more how to specify the right one for the space and the client. Here is what to consider.

1. Start with the bed size

Our carved headboards are made for Single, Queen, King and California King beds. As a rule of thumb, choose a headboard that matches the mattress width or runs slightly wider, so the carving frames the bed rather than disappearing behind pillows. For reference, standard North American mattress widths are about 60 inches for a Queen, 76 inches for a King and 72 inches for a California King.

For twin guest rooms, kids' rooms, daybeds or narrow alcoves, our Compact Mandala Carved Headboard comes in widths from 28 to 42 inches.

2. Choose a silhouette that suits the room

• Half-moon and arch shapes soften a boxy room and suit coastal, boho and Mediterranean schemes. See the Lotus Petal Half-Moon Headboard and the Moroccan Arch Mandala Headboard.
• Rectangular panels read as architectural and work well in contemporary or transitional rooms, like the Chevron Carved Boho Headboard.
• Balinese mandala designs bring the most detail and pattern, and pair well with simple bedding and pared-back furniture. Start with the Hand-Carved Balinese Mandala Headboard.

3. Settle the finish early

Finish changes the mood of a carved piece more than any other choice. White wash keeps intricate carving light and airy for coastal and Scandinavian-leaning rooms; natural and brown tones feel warm and grounded; grey white wash and black finishes suit moodier or more modern schemes. Our pieces are made from solid woods such as teak, mango and pine, and many designs are offered in more than one finish.

4. Plan for wall mounting

Many of our designs are wall-mounted rather than attached to the bed frame. That gives you freedom with bed bases and platform beds, and makes it easy to center the headboard on a feature wall. Rectangular and square designs can also be used as decorative wall panels in living rooms, entries or hospitality lounges, such as the Indah Headboard & Wall Panel.

5. Ask about customization

Because every piece is made by hand, colour palettes and design details can often be adjusted to suit a scheme. If your project needs a specific size, finish or several matching pieces, tell us before ordering so we can confirm what is possible.

6. Light it properly

Carving comes alive with side light. A pair of wall sconces placed just outside the headboard will throw shadow across the pattern at night and free up nightstand space. Browse our handmade brass sconces and lamps for pairings.

Working on a project?

We work with interior designers, stagers and retailers across North America. For multiple units, matching sets or custom requests, send us a note through our Wholesale Enquiry page and we'll get back to you.