The Interiors Micro Trend: Wall-To-Wall Headboards
What are the main design benefits of a wall-to-wall headboard compared to a traditional one?
“The main benefits are an increased sense of scale (they simply make the room feel bigger), an undeniable sense of luxury and they’re a fun way to play with fabrics to bring a sense of proportion and balance to the room, depending on its overall size.” – Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co
“A wall-to-wall headboard offers more than visual impact – it acts as a spatial anchor. It unifies the bed with the surrounding architecture, creating a deliberate sense of scale and enclosure. In smaller rooms, it visually elongates the wall, making the space feel more generous, while in larger spaces it helps zone the bed area. It also provides an expansive canvas for texture, materiality and detailing that a traditional headboard can’t accommodate.” – Alicia Meireles, creative director at OWN LONDON
What are the appropriate materials?
“It depends on the design outcome. For a more contemporary feel, including wooden detailing can work incredibly well. However, if the room needs softening (e.g. there already is a certain amount of joinery, wooden floors etc), then a combination of fabrics is the way to go. When the room is incredibly busy with patterned wallpaper, rugs etc, we often prefer a combination of plain finishes in sympathetic colours with varying textures (e.g. a bouclé and a velvet or a plain wool and a textured woven wool). Finally, when the overall room design is quite pared back, a punch of pattern can really transform the space.” – Irene
“We start by considering the room’s tone, use and tactile needs. In bedrooms where comfort is a key priority, we favour rich, upholstered finishes that add softness and acoustic dampening, such as bouclé, felted wool or suede-effect fabrics. In more contemporary, architecturally-led schemes, we might introduce timber panelling or inset leather sections to add a point of contrast.”– Alicia
Can they work in smaller bedrooms or are they better suited to larger spaces?
“They're surprisingly well-suited to smaller rooms. By running the headboard wall-to-wall, you remove the visual clutter of mismatched nightstands, wall art or lighting, and instead present a unified backdrop. It gives the room clarity. In larger rooms, the headboard takes on a more sculptural role, introducing layers of texture or integrated storage without interrupting flow.” – Alicia
Do you integrate lighting, outlets or built-in shelving into a wall-to-wall design?
“Light switches and sockets always, wall lights only when they’re a client requirement and shelving very rarely as that feels a bit too hotel-like for me. I prefer the added character that a standalone bedside table offers.” – Irene
“These elements should never be add-ons – they should be incorporated from the outset. We map out the entire elevation, factoring in reading light heights, switch placement and cable routes, before fabrication begins. For instance, we often recess LED lighting into vertical seams or use bespoke metal bezels that align with upholstery tufting. Our team works closely with joiners and electricians to ensure that details like charging ports or shelves appear intentional and invisible when not in use.” – Alicia
What are some clever ways to make wall-to-wall headboards the focal point of a bedroom without overwhelming the space?
“Subtlety is key. We often frame the headboard in a contrasting trim, such as a brushed brass channel or a timber surround, to give it some subtle definition. Within the main surface, we might play with vertical panelling or tonal fabric to add texture. The goal is to create a feature that draws the eye but doesn't compete with the serenity required in a bedroom.” – Alicia
How do you balance functionality and aesthetics when designing a wall-to-wall headboard?
“We approach functionality as part of the aesthetic language. For example, a floating nightstand integrated into the headboard might feature a hidden drawer and a concealed wireless charger. Switches and sockets are often colour-matched or specified in finishes that blend with the surrounding palette. Every practical element is treated with the same care as a decorative detail.” – Alicia
“By very carefully measuring where the client’s head may rest, we can ascertain the minimum height compared to the overall room height. Tall headboards are a little too overwhelming for our style. To me, there are no other downsides that have a negative impact on the functionality.” – Irene
What are the maintenance considerations?
“The main issue that can be a challenge is if a client uses a specific haircare product that could cause staining – using performance fabrics or fabrics in a darker colour could be a good idea in that case. Other than that, a simply dusting or occasional hoovering is all that’s required.” – Irene
“The key is specifying for longevity. We favour commercial-grade upholstery fabrics with stain-resistant finishes or removable panels where possible. Lightfastness is another priority, especially in sunny rooms, to avoid premature fading of materials. We also advise against using delicate or high-pile fabrics directly behind the bed, where natural oils and head contact can create wear over time. The right materials will allow the headboard to retain its integrity for years to come.” – Alicia
Finally, can a wall-to-wall headboard be designed to adapt over time – for example, if the furniture layout or style preferences change?
“Absolutely but it has to be intentional. We’ve developed systems with modular or reupholstered panels that allow clients to update the aesthetic without starting from scratch.” – Alicia
Visit GUNTERANDCO.COM & OWNLONDON.CO.UK
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.
/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Fwebsite-images%2F2025%2F03%2Fsign-up-pop-up.jpg?itok=TZtXX_xL)
