How to Choose the Best Free Standing King Headboard

A free standing headboard is an excellent way to add style, storage, and comfort to your king size bed. With the right headboard, you can create a beautiful bedroom focal point that complements your existing decor. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the best free standing headboard for a king bed can be tricky.

Measure Your Space Carefully

Before shopping, accurately measure the dimensions of your bed and bedroom to ensure the headboard will fit properly. A king size bed is 76 inches wide, so look for a free standing headboard around that width or slightly wider. Standard headboard heights range from around 42 to 65 inches tall. Measure the height of your bed with the mattress, then allow for extra height if you want decorative elements like lighting or shelving tops. This will give you proper proportions so the headboard doesn't look too large or small for the space. Having the precise room dimensions on hand while shopping online makes it easier to assess product sizes.

Consider the Design and Style

Free standing headboards come in a huge range of designs from sleek contemporary looks in materials like faux leather to ornate vintage-inspired headboards upholstered in rich fabrics. Define your personal decorating style before shopping. For modern inspired bedrooms, a basic platform style design in wood or leather makes a striking statement. If you want a cozier romantic feel, consider an upholstered headboard with tufted details and nailhead trim for visual interest. There are also transitional looks that blend clean lines with soft curves for versatility. If you change up your decor frequently, stick to neutral colors like cream or gray.

Assess Construction and Durability

The long term durability of your headboard depends heavily on the materials and construction quality. Most free standing headboards have an internal wood frame for stability with various external finish materials layered on top. High quality real wood frames made of oak, maple or alder prevent warping, checking, and other damage over time. Avoid low cost particle board cores, which lack strength. The surface materials should feel solidly fused to the frame, not flimsy or thin. Some popular and durable options include:

• Wood veneers like mahogany, walnut, and cherry with gorgeous grain patterns.
• Upholstered fabrics like linen, velvet, or leather hide for softness.
• Metal finishes like bronze, pewter, or stainless steel for contemporary allure.

Closely check product descriptions for material details and assess buyer reviews. High quality materials and sturdy anchoring to the floor provide years of everyday use. Also consider protective treatments like waterproofing sealers for wood.

Storage and Extra Features

Many modern free standing headboards incorporate useful storage space or decorative elements to enhance form and function.

Storage options include:

• Shelves - Open and enclosed shelves built into the top portion are great for displaying cherished photos, plants, or artwork while keeping bedside tables clear.
• Cubbies - Square cubby spaces down the sides of a paneled headboard offer versatile storage for rolled towels, extra bedding, books and more.
• Drawers - Deep drawers built right into the base of the headboard provide out of sight storage for clothing, accessories, or gadgets with the convenience of no bedside table needed.

Popular decorative features to elevate style include:

• Tufting - Deeply pressed button tufts lend plush elegance to upholstered headboards along with beautiful texture.
• Nailheads - Glittering trim lines of decorative nailheads reflect light beautifully for dramatic effect.
• Lighting - Attached adjustable reading lights on both sides allow for perfect nighttime illumination.
• Power ports - Integrated electrical outlets or USB ports enable convenient device charging access right from bed.

Consider how much actual storage space you need from your headboard when deciding on different configurations of open shelving and closed compartments. The design possibilities are truly endless - have fun exploring to find options that best suit your personal taste!

Select Quality Materials

The materials used to construct a free standing king headboard have a major impact on its visual appeal, comfort, and longevity. While there are no universally "best" materials, some offer distinct advantages. Here is an overview of common headboard materials to consider:

Wood

Wood ranks among the most popular options for handsome, durable free standing headboards. Oak, maple, mahogany and cherry all make exceptional choices. Their rich wood grains lend organic, timeless beauty. Opt for solid wood over veneers or particleboard for resilience. Check the finish - deeply hued stains or multi-step lacquers enhance water-resistance and scratch protection on wood headboards. Teak offers natural weather-resistance for use in loft apartments with roof access.

Metal

For contemporary elegance, metal headboards reign supreme. Stainless steel, brushed bronze, chrome, and powder coated options make a sleek style statement and require minimal upkeep. Wrought iron metalwork lends an ornate, romantic vibe. Sturdy steel frames wrapped in padding offer a best-of-both-worlds combo. Prioritize heavier-gauge metals - thinner pieces dent easily. Some metal headboards come complete with adjoining nightstands or shelves for handy storage.

Upholstery

Plush upholstered headboards transform bedrooms into cozy oases. Luxe velvets, thick linen, supple leather - textures galore make lounging in bed extra comfy while adding quiet sophistication. Nailhead trim and deep button-tufting infuse visual drama and dimension. Just beware heavy decorative embellishments acquire dust readily. For best results, select tightly woven, stain-resistant fabrics with decent heft. Waterproof and flame-retardant treatments add safety. Zippered slipcovers simplify cleaning too.

Focus on High Quality Craftsmanship

Alongside material selection, stellar craftsmanship ensures your free standing king headboard withstands daily use for years while remaining striking through style shifts. Master woodworkers rely on time-honored joinery techniques - like dovetail joints and perfectly aligned post-and-panel constructions - to create sturdy hardwood pieces. Upholsterers properly line frames before meticulously stuffing and buttoning coverings. Skilled metalworkers expertly shape, seal, and finish metals to prevent deterioration. Prioritize handmade quality construction over mass production. Checking product specs, images, and reviews helps verify exemplary craftsmanship before purchasing.

Seek Out Specialty Features

Beyond essential construction, specialty features customize free standing headboards to your lifestyle for added convenience. Integrated adjustable lighting enables late night reading without disturbing partners. Inset shelves, cabinets and drawers satisfy bedside storage needs gorgeously. USB ports allow easy device juicing while lounging. Design your ideal features by asking:

• Will built-ins like shelves or cabinets improve organization?
• Do you require task lighting or device charging ports?
• Would a center panel with artwork enhance the aesthetic?