Why Do Beds Have Headboards And Footboards?

If you’re looking for a new bed, then you may be overwhelmed by all the options, from basic futons to elaborate bed frames. But while there are hundreds of designs to choose from, why do so many beds have boards at the head and feet of the bed?

These seemingly unnecessary additions to bed frames keep cropping up in bedrooms the world over from basic footboards to super king sized headboards. To an outsider, they may seem like an unnecessary addition to bed frames, but surely their long-lasting appeal is also based on a practical aspect, right?

What is the point of a headboard on a bed?

In addition to adding style and personality to your bed, headboards protect your walls from abrasion caused by the bedframe butting or rubbing against it. Thanks to headboards, you can move your bed right next to the wall and not have to worry about damaging your paint or wallpaper, helping you sleep a little easier.

Furthermore, headboards are a great help for people who toss and turn as they sleep, as they help keep your pillows and blankets from falling off the side of the bed. So, if you suffer from lost pillows and scratches on your walls, a headboard could be just what you need.

History of headboards

Although sleeping arrangements vary greatly between civilisations, countries and classes, headboards have been around for centuries. In early civilisations – when homes were not as well insulated – headboards were often used as a buffer between the cold walls and warm beds.

Headboards today

Thanks to advances in building material and housing regulations, headboards are not the necessity that they once were but are still common in modern beds. While they aren’t needed as an insulating layer, headboards offer comfort and style, meaning they won’t be phased out any time soon.

Why do some beds have footboards?

Footboards tend to be less common than headboards, (as it is rare to see a bed with a footboard but no headboard), but offer many of the same benefits. These bed accessories provide extra structure to your bed and hold bedding in place, so you are less likely to lose your blankets off the foot of the bed.

Some modern footboards offer unique benefits, such as those fitted to so-called television beds that conceal a flatscreen TV for easy media viewing. Additionally, many traditional footboard designs use luxurious fabrics or ornate designs to give the sleeper a sense of being cocooned to help relax them.

Are beds better with or without headboards?

The answer to this question mainly depends on your style preferences and whether you’re prepared to invest a little more in these additions. Although some people believe that headboards are old-fashioned, many modern designs can bring a room to life, so don’t be dissuaded by these preconceptions.

The main thing to consider is that headboards come with benefits and drawbacks, as while foot and headboards help keep your bedding and walls in order, they can take up a lot of space. Besides, many headboard designs are removable, so you’re only a few screws away from changing your mind and the style of your room, making them highly flexible.

Can you get a headboard for any bed?

As mentioned above, many headboards are sold separately to beds and bedframes, meaning that you can (theoretically) mix and match as you see fit. However, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you must be careful to make sure that you don’t end up buying super king-sized headboards for single beds.

Will a footboard make a room look smaller?

Footboards are often associated with large, ornate beds, and many footboards are heavily stylised affairs that can dominate a room, but they don’t necessarily make the room look smaller. Because footboards are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes, many examples are subtle additions to bed frames designed to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Headboards and footboards have come a long way since they were first invented, but they’re still an essential part of beds for many people, as well as being a great way to show your sense of style in your bedroom. So whether you want a big, ornate head and footboards or would rather go without, hopefully, this article has encouraged you to see these often overlooked furniture accessories in a new light.