The other week I was watching a small-space home tour video on YouTube, and once it got to the bedroom, I noticed a glaring missed oppurtunity. It was the headboard. Now, while in a beautiful shape and in a pretty fabric, it didn’t extend beyond the mattress hardly at all…and this was a custom headboard…a $4,000 custom headboard! Anyway, to me it made the space feel even smaller. The room, of course, didn’t have a ton of space to work with, but a few more inches on each side would have made a huge difference in making the room feel a little grander/bigger. I know this sounds counterintuitive- going bigger in a smaller space but it can often be the answer. But choosing a headboard that is extra-wide is a great hack for almost any size room, especially if you want it to feel bigger than it really is. So today I’m going to show you examples, give you DIY ideas if you like a project, and of course, some shoppable options. Let’s start with a bang:)

Here is a bedroom I designed for my dear friends a few years ago. This bed was from Living Spaces (sadly isn’t available anymore), but it was the perfect option given the look my friends wanted. I love an extended headboard in general, but choosing this one was a happy accident. To show you what I mean, I created a version of the room where the headboard was more of a standard size. Is it still pretty? Of course. But doesn’t the extra-wide version make the room look bigger and grander? The scale just feels right and more intentional.

Our ever-talented Emily Bowser (EHD alum) DIYed this incredible extra-wide headboard, and the difference between hers and the standard-sized version is staggering! The room feels so much better and bigger with the wall-to-wall headboard, doesn’t it? Again, there’s nothing wrong with a standard-sized headboard, but this is just a nudge to consider what a wider one might do to the look of your room. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how she made it!

Speaking of DIYs…

This was the DIY headboard that was heard around the internet in 2017. The fact that this room is almost 10 years old and still as cool and chic as ever proves this type of bed (and room and color palette:)) proves it’s pretty freaking timeless (and Brady’s taste is good). He also took his headboard wall-to-wall, which keeps your eye moving and seamless. Plus, for him, creating this custom headboard made it so he could make an impactful but low one so that it didn’t block any of his window. It will always be one of my personal favorites.

Here’s his step-by-step guide on how he created his headboard.

Then the amazing Malcolm Simmons made his bed nook a stunning statement. Yep, that beautiful reeded wood headboard is another DIY. He took advantage of his room’s architectural feature and made the most of it. A standard-sized headboard would have been pretty, but this custom feature extends your eye and the size of the space so seamlessly.

Don’t worry, Malcolm did a step-by-step tutorial too!

There are so many rooms that have umm…tricky layouts and architecture, and Suzanne’s old bedroom was no different. Not only would a standard headboard not work height-wise, but one that was about the same size as the mattress would have likely looked odd and cut off the visual lines in not a super great way. This was actually another DIY, but sadly we don’t have a post to show you how they did it.

OK, here is a ready-made extra-wide headboard that Gretchen got to use in the first version of her bedroom! As she will tell you, this room is not large. So what’s so perfect about this headboard is that not only was it wide to make the room feel grander, but it also had nightstand shelves. Truly the best of all the worlds when you have a bedroom with limited space. And luckily for all of us, this one is still available.

BUT FIRST BEFORE WE MOVE ON! IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are thinking, “Oh, I can just buy a king-sized headboard for my queen bed,” it’s not that easy. Remember that most standard headboards (without bedframes) don’t go all the way to the ground and have brackets that are supposed to either attach to the wall or a standard bedframe. So here are headboards and full beds with frames that won’t give you any trouble- just a beautiful bedroom.

Let’s Shop For An Extra-Wide Headboard

Olalla Queen Headboard | Ericsson Floating Headboard w/ Nightstands

I had to start with the headboard that Gretchen used. It’s so pretty and has mixed natural materials, as well as those nightstand shelves. This next one is a beautiful classic MCM extra-wide headboard. This one does “float,” so it doesn’t extend to the ground, but that’s an intentional look. Oh, and what is nice is that this also has built-in nightstands, but they are drawers:)

Clark Pecan King Wood Bedframe with 2 Attached Nightstands

If you love this MCM, built-in nightstands look, but want to have the whole bed in one piece, this one is great! It’s totally timeless, a nice low profile, and a very pretty medium-dark tone.

Aquarama Headboard | Madeira Headboard

Now, if you have a healthy budget, these two from Claude Home (my favorite decor site to window shop) are so, so special. Both solid wood, both vintage-inspired, and both stunning. I had to at least show you all!

Somers Upholstered Headboard | Isolde Platform Bed

This first one is a beautiful and simple option that you can either buy just as a headboard or a full bed frame. I really love the soft rounded edges. And if this color isn’t speaking to you, don’t worry; there are 260 other fabric options to choose from, ha. For a more classic rectangle shape, this platform bed is another totally classic and versatile option. Truly, these beds will work with any style.

Bodi Extended Headboard | Overlap 2 Panel Bed

For a more paneled look that you don’t need to DIY, here are two great options. The first headboard leans modern but not too much, and while there are 35 fabric choices, I really love this ochre color. Then the full chocolate brown bedframe is a bit more modern in look but also kinda retro? Honestly, it’s just cool!

Larchmont Upholstered with Storage Bench | Valkyrie Oak Bed

Who doesn’t love a little wood accent?! Well, I do, and if we are talking about the first one, I also LOVE some bed storage. This one isn’t as wide as some of the others, but that’s ok! You don’t need a foot on either side to make the visual impact if you don’t have the space or don’t love that dramatic of a look. However, if you want more width, this second bed has the same wood and upholstery plus WIDTH. A neutral but visually impactful piece of furniture.

Gladys Extended Headboard Platform Bed | Seraph Upholstered Extended Winged Bed

Yearning for a curve? These are for you! These could go modern traditional, English granny chic, post-modern; the style options are endless. The blue one does lean a bit more modern and is offered in three other solids and one very fun floral pattern. The cream one has 41 fabric options:) These feel so special with just the right amount of drama to me.

Hathaway Extended Bed

Ok well, if we are taking visual drama, check out this baby! This is a shape that you really don’t see but is so chic. It’s powerful and soft at the same time. A bedroom couldn’t help but feel grand with this in the space.

Kennedy Extra Wide Channel-Tufted Upholstered Headboard | Gia Francois Tapestry Headboard

I know I’ve shown you a lot of full bedframes, but it’s (mostly) headboards for these last handful of options. This green one is beautiful and clean, with 74 other fabric options. I’d say to get this one if you don’t have any desire to DIY. Otherwise, this one isn’t cheap, but I’m sure well made! Now for a truly unique and romantic headboard, this trifold tapestry one is sooooo good. The reviews are great. If this is your style, I can’t imagine not loving walking into your room every day.

Almelo Queen Velvet Headboard | Hendrix Half Moon Bed

Of course I had to end with some arched options! This first rust colored one is an incredible statement with the channel tufting. Still simple but not boring. You also get those nightstands, which, depending on your preference is really nice. No need to shell out for nightstands! Oh, and it also comes in green. But if you want proper nightstands, this green bed is unreal. It’s from Lulu & Georgia, so you know the quality is good. With that shape and size, there’s no way your room won’t feel incredibly cool and big.

So do you agree? Did my examples convince you? Do you like extra-wide headboards and planning your DIY project for this weekend? Let’s talk!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The Feel-Good Modern Romantic Bedroom Makeover Jess Did For Her Dear Friend (All Thanks To The Company Store)