Headboards For Beds

Headboards For Beds A Historical Perspective

Headboards are essentially an additional piece of furniture that attaches to the head area of a bed. Originally they served a purpose of isolating a sleeper from the many drafts and cold that occured in less insulated buildings. Originally headboards were made of wood, being less thermally conductive than stone or brick, and had thicker end pillars to create a space away from the wall. This allowed falling colder air to sink to the floor rather than onto the bed. Thus keeping the sleeper warmer in a room that was in many cases devoid from heating. Today in centrally heated, double glazed and insulated residences headboards are primarily used for aesthetic effects and perhaps helping to keep pillows from falling off the bed.

Headboards For Beds Upholstered Designs

Upholstered headboards became very popular during the Seventeenth century. At this point demand for comfort increased and the draping of fabric on canopy beds became less popular. During this period the bedroom became a more private and intimate area of the house encouraging owners to spend time decorating and showing off other rooms in the home.

The choice of headboard fabric is as important as the design of an upholstered headboard. The very nature of the headboard being next to the head means that natural oils from the hair and skin can easily stain and quickly damage a headboard. As a headboard material leather is an extremely durable fabric but can be very expensive. Modern vinyl fabrics van look very effective and be more appropriate to lower budgets.

Modern headboard design and manufacturing techniques allows inexpensive headboards to be created that can incorporate a sophisticated and elegant look. Regardless of the style or shape, a well designed and well finished headboard will help anchor your room’s design. Sometimes we find that if you need inspiration for the rest of the room’s furnishings, start with the headboard or bed. By taking ideas from the Kaymed beds and headboards you can achieve stunning results.

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