Headboard Hints

Height:  "A headboard between 48 and 52 inches high has a nice overall feel for most rooms," says designer Liz Woods. "It's also a good height for comfort, as it works well for reading in bed."

Design:  "If a room has soaring ceilings (12 feet or higher) or a lot of other details, I suggest using a simple shape for a sense of balance," she says. "Also, the simpler you keep the headboard, the more changes you can make to the look."

Fabric:  "Solid, natural fabrics are the most versatile and the easiest to clean," says the designer. "Large patterns don't translate quite as well because you lose a lot of the pattern when you add pillows."

Details:  "I asked upholsterer Mark Jordan to add nailheads for detail. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors," says Woods. "Bronze works well, but silver is another option."

Slipcovers:  "A slipcover immediately diversifies your bed," she says. "You can add a monogram, ribbon ties, or a pretty trim for extra detail."

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