How to Choose a Storage Bed That Includes a Built-In Headboard

Most storage beds arrive headboard-optional, forcing buyers to either mount separate headboards or live with bare walls. Understanding how headboards integrate with storage beds prevents costly mistakes and ensures bedroom aesthetics align with practical storage needs. Here's what matters when choosing storage beds designed to work seamlessly with built-in headboards.

Does Furl's Simplicity Storage Bed Support Headboards?

Yes. Simplicity accommodates headboards through two mounting methods: direct attachment to the bed frame, or independent wall mounting. Frame-attached headboards move with the bed when repositioning - valuable given Simplicity's wheeled design enabling layout changes. Wall-mounted headboards remain fixed, creating statement focal points whilst allowing bed repositioning beneath them. Both methods work equally well; choose based on whether you prioritise mobility or permanence.

You can order Simplicity with headboards immediately or retrofit them years later - the frame design accommodates twelve different headboard styles spanning minimal to deeply-buttoned options. This flexibility prevents committing to headboard aesthetics before experiencing how the actual bedroom feels once the bed arrives and other furniture settles into final positions.

View Simplicity Storage Bed Options

Headboard Attachment Methods Explained

Integrated (Frame-Mounted) Headboards

Integrated headboards attach directly to storage bed frames via sliding bracket systems, becoming part of the bed unit. This mounting method offers maximum stability whilst maintaining future flexibility - the sliding brackets allow headboard removal if moving house or changing bedroom aesthetics. Integrated headboards work particularly well for wheeled storage beds like Simplicity where beds reposition regularly; the headboard travels with the bed maintaining cohesive appearance.

Installation happens during professional bed assembly with no separate wall drilling required, making integrated mounting ideal for renters avoiding wall damage. The headboard sits behind the mattress adding minimal length to overall bed footprint - crucial for tight bedroom spaces where every centimetre matters.

Non-Integrated (Wall-Mounted) Headboards

Non-integrated headboards mount independently to bedroom walls at desired heights, typically positioned just below mattress level creating seamless appearance despite separate attachment. This method creates architectural presence - headboards become room features rather than furniture attachments. Wall mounting allows precise height control and permits beds to shift slightly for cleaning without affecting headboard position.

Taller headboards (90cm+) require wall mounting rather than frame attachment - excessive height creates movement if mounted only to bed frames. Wall mounting requires secure fixings; plasterboard walls need appropriate anchors whilst solid walls accept standard fixings easily.

Storage Bed Features Affecting Headboard Choice

Mechanism Opening Direction

End-opening storage beds need headboards positioned carefully - ensure adequate clearance between headboard and mattress foot allowing mechanism to fully raise. Side-opening mechanisms eliminate this concern; headboards sit flush against bed ends. Simplicity offers both configurations, so specify opening direction matching headboard placement plans.

Storage Depth Influences Proportions

Low-profile storage beds (20-26cm) pair naturally with standard height headboards (60cm usable height). Deeper storage beds (35-40cm) balance better with taller headboards preventing beds from appearing squat. Simplicity's 26-36cm configurable storage works with most headboard heights - select based on overall bedroom proportions and ceiling height.

Wheel Mobility Considerations

Wheeled storage beds introduce unique headboard planning. Integrated headboards move with beds during repositioning but require locking wheel castors preventing unintentional rolling. Wall-mounted headboards stay fixed whilst beds reposition beneath - visually cleaner but demands careful initial placement ensuring beds centre properly beneath fixed headboards.

Furl's Headboard Styles for Storage Beds

Standard Headboard

Clean upholstered rectangular panel creating minimal focal point. Standard suits contemporary bedrooms prioritizing simplicity, available as integrated or non-integrated mounting in 60cm or 90cm usable heights. The straightforward design allows fabric to star - perfect for bold velvets, textured linens, or statement patterns where ornate headboard shapes would compete.

Deeply Headboard

Storage beds excel at handling seasonal clothing rotation. Vacuum bags become your best ally here – they compress bulky winter sweaters, coats, and bedding to a fraction of their original size while protecting against moisture and pests.

Place these sealed bags toward the back of your storage bed during warmer months, then rotate them forward as seasons change. This system keeps seasonal items protected yet accessible when the weather shifts, without cluttering your primary closet space with out-of-season items.

Lines Headboard

Horizontal channel-tufted design elongating bedroom proportions visually. Lines suits contemporary industrial or New York loft aesthetics through structured linear detailing. The channels create visual movement, particularly effective in narrow bedrooms needing horizontal emphasis. Available integrated or non-integrated with multiple height options.

Horizon Headboard

Furl's chunkiest headboard at 10cm depth (versus standard 6cm), Horizon delivers substantial comfort for sitting up reading. The extra padding requires integrated mounting only, available in 50cm or 70cm usable heights. Horizon's curves soften bedroom straight lines whilst providing genuinely plush back support. Best for lower beds (50cm height) or taller beds (70cm height) maintaining proportional balance.

Dune Headboard

Soft curved silhouette taking edges off angular bedroom furniture. Dune works beautifully with Air bed bases sharing soft design philosophy, though it complements any Furl bed. The gentle curves suit coastal, cottage, or Scandi-inspired bedrooms. Available integrated or non-integrated, though integrated mounting recommended preventing sides feeling low. 10cm depth like Horizon.

Mondrian Headboard

Showstopper button-tufted geometric design inspired by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. Mondrian transforms headboards into bedroom artwork through rectangular button patterns. Works equally in ultra-modern or luxe glam schemes. The complex geometry suits confident decorating - this headboard dominates bedroom aesthetics. Available hundreds of colours beyond Mondrian's primary palette, integrated or non-integrated mounting.

Matisse Headboard

Artistic button-tufted design introducing asymmetrical curves. Similar pricing to Mondrian but with flowing rather than rigid geometry. Matisse suits bedrooms wanting statement focal points with softer, more organic feel than Mondrian's rectangles. Available integrated, non-integrated, or wall-mounted.

Squares Headboard

Stitched square grid pattern adding textural interest without button-tufting. Squares works perfectly in modern contemporary or industrial rooms, available integrated, non-integrated, or wall-mounted. Virtually identical to "Buttons" headboard - same pricing, interchangeable when ordering. The geometric grid suits rooms where clean lines matter but plain panels feel too minimal.

Tetris Headboard

Woven design with subtle border detail, Furl's newest addition. Available integrated or non-integrated mounting. Tetris provides interesting visual texture through pattern rather than padding or buttons, suited to modern schemes appreciating understated detailing.

Furl's max storage bed with beautiful headboard
Furl's max storage bed with beautiful headboard

When to Add Headboards: Purchase vs. Retrofit

Order Headboards With Bed If:

Adopt a minimalist approach to bedding stored in your ottoman bed. A one-in-one-out policy prevents accumulation of excess linens that rarely see use. Keep only what you genuinely need – perhaps two or three complete sheet sets that rotate between your bed, laundry, and storage.

This practical rotation system ensures your linens remain fresh and accessible when needed without becoming overwhelming. For guest bedding used only occasionally, store in breathable cotton bags with lavender sachets to maintain freshness between uses.

Add Headboards Later If:

Adopt a minimalist approach to bedding stored in your ottoman bed. A one-in-one-out policy prevents accumulation of excess linens that rarely see use. Keep only what you genuinely need – perhaps two or three complete sheet sets that rotate between your bed, laundry, and storage.

This practical rotation system ensures your linens remain fresh and accessible when needed without becoming overwhelming. For guest bedding used only occasionally, store in breathable cotton bags with lavender sachets to maintain freshness between uses.

Practical Installation Considerations

Integrated headboard installation happens during professional bed assembly - straightforward bracket systems requiring no homeowner involvement. Wall-mounted headboards demand more planning. Measure precisely, typically positioning headboard bottom 2-5cm above mattress top creating clean lines whilst preventing mattress rubbing fabric during bed-making.

Wall construction affects mounting difficulty. Solid walls accept standard fixings easily. Plasterboard requires appropriate wall anchors distributing weight safely. Period lath-and-plaster walls can prove tricky - original fixings may inadequately support headboard weight, requiring reinforcement. For 90cm tall headboards, professional installation recommended ensuring secure wall mounting.

Choose headboard width providing balanced overhang beyond bed edges - typically 10-15cm per side looks proportional. Measure wall space accounting for bedside tables; headboards shouldn't overlap table surfaces awkwardly.

Quick Decision Guide

Minimal modern: Standard in matching fabric

Hotel luxury: Deeply with deep button-tufting

Contemporary industrial: Lines or Squares

Maximum comfort: Horizon (10cm depth)

Soft curves: Dune or Cloud

Statement artwork: Mondrian or Matisse

Wheeled beds: Integrated mounting

Architectural presence: Wall-mounted 90cm height

FAQs

1. What's the difference between integrated 60 and non-integrated 60 headboards?

Both provide 60cm usable height above mattress. Integrated attaches to bed frame adding headboard depth to overall bed length. Non-integrated mounts separately (via sticks to bed or wall) positioning just below mattress, making it most space-saving option - headboard depth doesn't add to bed footprint. Choose integrated for stability with wheeled beds; non-integrated for maximum space efficiency.

2. Can I swap headboard styles years after purchasing my storage bed?

Yes, provided replacement headboards use same attachment method (integrated or non-integrated). Frame-mounted headboards swap via bracket systems. Wall-mounted removal leaves fixing holes requiring patching. Visit Furl showrooms viewing actual headboards before committing to style changes - fabric samples and photographs don't capture dimensional texture and scale accurately.

3. Do headboard heights refer to total height or usable height above mattress?

Usable height above mattress. A 60cm headboard provides approximately 60cm visible above mattress when properly mounted (slightly less for non-integrated positioned just below mattress edge). Total floor-to-headboard-top height adds bed height plus mattress thickness to usable headboard height. For lower profile beds Furl recommends 50cm usable height; taller beds suit 70cm maintaining proportional balance.

4. Why do some headboards only come as integrated mounting?

Deeper, heavier headboards (Horizon, Dune at 10cm depth) require integrated frame mounting for stability - wall mounting alone can't support weight safely without excessive movement. Standard 6cm depth headboards offer mounting flexibility. The 10cm extra padding creating superior sitting comfort necessitates integrated attachment.

5. Can storage bed headboards accommodate reading lights or phone chargers?

Furl's headboards focus on upholstered design without integrated features. For bedside lighting, mount separate wall fixtures adjacent to wall-mounted headboards, or use bedside tables with frame-mounted configurations. Some customers successfully add clip-on reading lights to headboard tops, though this isn't officially supported.

In Summary

Storage beds with headboard compatibility solve two bedroom challenges simultaneously - hidden storage eliminating clutter whilst headboards create finished, hotel-quality aesthetics. Simplicity demonstrates this perfectly: wheeled mobility for flexible layouts, substantial 26-36cm storage, and twelve headboard options from understated Standard to showstopping Mondrian. Understanding Furl's integrated versus non-integrated mounting prevents installation surprises. Matching headboard heights and styles to actual bed proportions (not imagined ideals) improves satisfaction. Starting with functioning storage - accessible, reliable, properly positioned - matters most. Headboards enhance these practical foundations beautifully when chosen thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

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David Norman

David Norman is the founder of Furl, a UK-based furniture brand known for redefining how people live with space-saving, design-led storage beds and sofa beds.

With almost two decades of hands-on experience in product design, manufacturing, and brand strategy, David has built Furl into a trusted name among urban professionals seeking calm, clutter-free homes. His work has been recognised for its innovation and craftsmanship, with features in publications such as Yahoo Finance and The Telegraph.

David continues to lead Furl’s creative direction, developing furniture that solves real-world problems without compromise.