Bed Time, Part I: Upholstered Headboards

You know all the cliches about how you spend a third of your life in one.  In our generally sleep-deprived world, I wonder if we need to revise those statistics.  All that aside, the bed --specifically, your bed-- is an important part of your existence.  You can research mattresses until Kingdom come, but the mood is created by how it's surrounded.  So today, we're going to begin our look into a very intimate part of one's inner reality.

This simple upholstered headboard by designer Thomas Pheasant gets its style from the center panel, which is continued through to the bolster.  I love design tricks like this...great way to get a good bang for your buck: use a simple fabric for the body and a more expensive one for the panel.  In this case, it appears to be attached, but you could just as easily make it removable, so it's practical as well.  When it gets dirty, just take it off and take it to the cleaners. (photographed by Durston Saylor for Architectural Digest)

Here's another great looking headboard that also can be very practical.  The back appears to be metal, but on a budget, you could use a solid door (typically 80" long --perfect for a king-sized mattress, or it could be cut down) and either paint or stain it, or clad it in a fabric.  Then attach this cushion with velcro and voilà:  Instant bedroom!  Of course, the gorgeous fabric from Nancy Corzine helps, as does the innovative design of Dineen Nealy Architects. (House & Garden; photographer unknown)

This is another simple design with great style.  (source unknown)

Tufting is always a nice detail for a headboard, and in keeping with the overall tailored look, designer John Oetgen wraps the coverlet around the bed.  (Southern Accents; photographer unknown)

This has tufting combined with a pretty curve, and if you look closely, you'll see that instead of buttons, designer Suzanne Rheinstein has used rosettes. (source unknown)

The Greek key ribbon inset is a nice idea in this very masculine bedroom. (source unknown)

This is one of my new favorites, which appeared in the latest edition of Coastal Living magazine.  Here, designer Tim Clarke inserts antique mirrors to create an interesting, glamorous border around this headboard. (photographed by Lisa Romerein)

Speaking of glam, this curvy headboard has it in spades!  Barry Dixon designed this one with the room's ocean view in mind as it "visually echoes the shape of a wave."  Sheer poetry in design!  (Southern Accents; photographer unknown)

Think Vincente Wolf was channeling a wing chair when he designed this iconic headboard?  It certainly does create a stylish cocoon.  Also, notice the ribbon detail on the hem of the bedskirt.  The next photo shows the leg of the headboard; more great attention to detail.  (Metropolitan Home; photographer unknown)

Aren't these cute little legs?

This elegant headboard also features tufting as well as a touch of wood, another nice detail for an upholstered headboard. (Interior Design; photographer unknown)

In this swank Manhattan apartment by Thad Hayes, filled with important 20th century art, a 1938 bed by Jules-Émile Leleu is upholsered in a luscious melon color, which highlights the mellowed blond wood. (Elle Decor; photography by Thibaut Jeanson)

The rich wood trim really sets off these curves.  (Traditional Home; designer and photographer unknown)

The scale adds great appeal to this bed by Donghia.

I love the shape of the headboard and the legs...not so sure about the heraldic symbols that appear to rise from the back (perhaps a veiled reference to the medieval theme of a "sword in the bed?")

(Metropolitan Home; designer and photographer unknown)

There are a lot more beds to look at, so stay tuned...and thanks for reading, everyone!