Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
A bedhead (or headboard) is optional: a suitable bed frame or base and mattress matter more than having a board behind the pillows. Leaving it off can suit a bedroom with a feature wall, a compact layout or a preference for a simpler look—but you give up a convenient backrest and some protection for the wall. Here are seven reasons to skip one, plus practical ways to make the bed area feel finished without pretending paint or décor does the same job as a padded headboard.
1. Can a bedhead distract from a detailed wall?
Yes. If the wall behind the bed already has character—such as wainscoting, textured finishes or other architectural detail—a bedhead may compete with it or cover part of the feature. Leaving the wall visible can make the architecture the backdrop for the bed rather than adding another focal element.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is especially worth considering when the wall treatment is the reason you like the room. A tall or visually prominent headboard can interrupt a panel pattern or obscure the proportions of a feature. The design examples in Better Homes & Gardens Australia’s guide to going without a bedhead include textured walls, wainscoting and a wall frame as ways to give the bed area definition.
Before removing or buying anything, look at the wall from the doorway and from the bed. Ask whether the bedhead would add something you want or hide a feature you have already paid to create. If the wall is plain, the same argument may not apply: a headboard or another backdrop can provide a useful focal point.
Popular on Amazon
- Great Value Paint Brush Set: Soucolor 20 acrylic paint brushes come in 10 different sizes, making them ideal for fine detailing, model painting, rock painting, nail art, face painting, DIY crafts, and general art projects. The varied brush sizes give you better control for both delicate lines and broader color coverage, while the soft bristles deliver smooth, consistent results on acrylic, oil, watercolor, canvas, wood, ceramic, and more.
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Perfect for All Painters & Occasions: Suitable for art beginners, hobbyists and professional artists. Great for art class, home creation, travel painting and DIY handmade projects. A practical art gift for students, teachers, family and craft lovers.
2. Can skipping a bedhead make a small room feel more open?
It can help the room feel visually less crowded, but it does not increase floor area. A bedhead adds another shape and visual boundary around a bed; removing it may reduce that visual weight, particularly in a compact bedroom. Treat this as a design impression, not a measured change in room size.
Some headboards also occupy physical space behind the mattress or have a substantial profile. That can matter where a bed is close to a wall, window or circulation route. Saatva’s explanation of headboards notes that some can take up physical and visual space, while Mattressman’s guidance identifies headboard-free frames as a possible fit for smaller rooms.
Consider the whole layout rather than assuming no headboard is always better in a small room. If a headboard provides needed support or gives the bed a deliberate boundary, it may be worth the space. If the bed already dominates the room and you do not use a backrest, a simpler frame may make the arrangement feel lighter.
3. Is a bulky bedhead worth the space it takes?
Not if its size creates more inconvenience than benefit for you. Some designs are deep, broad, upholstered or visually heavy. In a room with little clearance, a less substantial frame—or no bedhead—can leave the bed area feeling less crowded and make it easier to arrange the surrounding furniture.
Measure the available layout before choosing a frame. Pay attention to the distance between the bed and nearby doors, windows, bedside furniture or walkways. A headboard’s dimensions and attachment method vary by design, so check the actual product specifications rather than relying on the label “headboard-free” or “slim.” The available design guidance supports a qualitative space trade-off, not a standard amount of space gained.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteAlso popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
If you do want a bedhead, consider whether a lower-profile option gives you the comfort or wall protection you need without becoming the room’s dominant feature. The choice is not limited to an oversized headboard or none at all.
4. What can frame a bed instead of a headboard?
A wall, window, artwork or divider can provide a visual backdrop, so the bed does not need a conventional board to look intentional. The right alternative depends on the room’s existing features and whether you need decoration, a comfortable backrest, or practical protection.
- Let the wall do the work: A textured finish, wainscoting or a painted wall frame can define the bed area. Better Homes & Gardens Australia presents these wall features as ways to give a bed backdrop without relying on a standard bedhead. A decorative finish should not be assumed to cushion impact or protect the wall from repeated contact.
- Use artwork: A piece of art can create a focal point on an otherwise bare wall. Choose its placement and mounting with the bed below in mind; artwork is visual framing, not a padded surface.
- Layer pillows: A bank of pillows can soften the transition between bed and wall and can provide some support while sitting up. Pottery Barn’s styling guidance suggests pillows and wall art as options for a platform bed without a headboard. Pillows are not a fixed backrest, and their usefulness depends on how you sit and sleep.
- Consider a divider: A divider behind the bed can introduce height, pattern or texture, as shown among the alternatives in Apartment Therapy’s ideas for framing a bed without a headboard. It changes the layout more than a wall treatment does, so check that it suits the available space and the way the room is used.
- Use an existing window as the backdrop: A window can already frame the bed visually. Pillows may act as a buffer in front of it, but keep the window’s access and intended use in mind; pillows do not replace a proper backrest or a purpose-built safety feature.
For a painting-led approach, a contrasting colour or a simple painted shape can mark out the bed zone without adding a projecting object. Keep the treatment decorative unless it is built from materials and construction appropriate for protection. Paint alone does not provide the cushioning of an upholstered headboard.
5. Does going without a bedhead make the layout more flexible?
It can. Without a fixed headboard dictating the bed’s visual arrangement, it may be easier to shift the bed, change the pillow arrangement or use a ledge or cabinetry behind it. Designers quoted by Apartment Therapy describe these kinds of flexible approaches.
That flexibility is useful if you are still arranging a room, rent a home, or expect the bedroom’s use to change. It can also make it easier to try different backdrops: keep the wall simple for now, then add artwork or another feature when you know what suits the layout. Avoid treating flexibility as automatic, though. A bed still needs a suitable base and mattress support, and furniture or wall-mounted items behind it must suit their position and installation.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
If you move the bed often, think through the wall contact as well. A bedhead can keep pillows and the bed away from the wall; without one, the arrangement may need to be adjusted to limit rubbing or scuffing.
6. Is a headboard-free bed right for a minimalist bedroom?
It can be, if you prefer a simpler outline and fewer prominent pieces of furniture. A bed frame without a headboard can suit a contemporary or minimalist scheme, but this is a style preference rather than a universal design rule. Mattressman’s guide describes headboard-free beds as an option for minimalist settings.
Minimal does not have to mean unfinished. A bed can feel considered through the relationship between its frame, bedding, wall colour, lighting and nearby furniture. A restrained wall treatment or one artwork can give the bed area focus without adding a large piece. Alternatively, a headboard may be exactly the focal point a pared-back room needs.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose based on the effect you want when you enter the room, not a rule about what minimalism requires. If the bed seems visually unanchored, try changing the wall or bedding arrangement before deciding that a headboard is the only solution.
7. Why buy a feature you may not use?
If you do not need a backrest, wall buffer or focal point, a headboard may simply be an extra furnishing. The Sleep Council’s Bed Buyers Guide describes headboards as usually optional, while Pottery Barn also discusses beds that do not require one.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【KIDS PAINT BRUSHES SET】Anezus paint brushes for kids come with 10 pcs paint brushes of 5pcs round paintbrushes and 5 flat paint brushes with colorful handles, good for the young artist to explore their creativity in painting and crafting
- 【HIGH QUALITY PAINT BRUSHES FOR KIDS】These toddler paint brushes made of soft hog bristle, bright colored handles and rust proof ferrules. The bristles are firmly fixed in the kids paint brushes and no shedding. Each children paint brush measure 6 1/4 inches (16cm) in length and ferrules 1/2"(1.3cm) diameter, large enough for the little hand to grip and control
- 【WIDE APPLICATIONS】With combination of round and flat craft paint brushes for kids, work great with washable paint, tempera paint and acrylic paint. Great for arts and craft, rock, leather, gesso and ceramic, or body, nail and face art painting.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN 】After using paint brushes for acrylic, oil or watercolor painting, it’s very convenient to clean them with warm soapy water and reshape the paint brush tips. Keep these craft paint brushes clean and they last a long time.
- 【GREAT GIFT IDEA】Perfect for students, teens, kids, children and painters of all levels. Wonderful gift idea for girls, boys and kids who love painting! These all-purpose paint brushes for kids are ideal for kids' school projects, birthday parties, painting parties, art parties, back to school supplies, classroom decoration and more.
That does not prove that skipping a headboard will save a particular amount of money: prices vary, and a wall treatment or alternative décor can also involve cost and effort. The practical question is whether the feature serves a purpose you value. If not, prioritise a suitable frame or base and mattress, then decide whether the wall needs any additional treatment at all.
On the other hand, do not omit a headboard only because it is labelled optional if you regularly sit up in bed, want a padded surface or are concerned about the wall getting marked. In those cases, the comfort and protective functions may outweigh the simpler look.
What do you give up by not having a bedhead?
A headboard can provide a backrest, help protect the wall from movement of the bed or pillows, and visually anchor the bed. The sources describing these functions include Mattressman and Saatva. As designer Anthony Michael, quoted by Saatva, puts it: “A solid headboard really completes the space and anchors the bed to the wall.”
That is a useful case for keeping one if you value those benefits—not proof that every bedroom needs one. If you often read or watch something sitting up, test whether your pillows provide enough support. If the wall is likely to be rubbed or marked, plan how to reduce contact; a painted accent wall may look finished but is not automatically a protective barrier. If visual anchoring matters, artwork or a wall feature can help define the bed, although it will not duplicate the feel of an upholstered headboard.
How should you decide?
Choose according to how you use the bed and what the room already offers, rather than treating a headboard as either essential or pointless. The design sources provide qualitative guidance, not controlled comparisons proving that one choice improves sleep, health or room size.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【162-Piece Bulk Set | Dual Brush System】Maximize versatility with 81 flat brushes (0.59 inch edge for bold strokes) and 81 round brushes (0.39 inch tips for details) – 3X more tools than standard kits! Pre-sorted in labeled compartments for instant access during painting sessions. Ideal for art classrooms, mural projects, and multi-artist households.
- 【Pro-Grade Durability | Zero Shedding Guarantee】 "Engineered with triple-crimped nylon bristles (43% higher resilience vs. standard) and aerospace aluminum ferrules tested for 10,000+ flex cycles. Lab-verified 0.01% shedding rate even with heavy impasto techniques – outperforms flimsy bristles in budget brushes."
- 【Multi-Scenario Readiness | Event & Daily Use】 Optimized for: Thanksgiving/Christmas face designs classroom projects ceramic decorating fabric printing and model painting; Lightweight plastic handles each reduce hand fatigue during prolonged sessions
- 【Effortless Maintenance | Long-Term Durability】 Clean with warm soapy water in 10 seconds; Reshape tips and air-dry vertically to preserve bristle integrity，After use, air-dry brushes thoroughly and store upright in the provided case to preserve bristle shape. The premium nylon filaments naturally regain their original form after each stroke. For cleaning, simply rinse in warm soapy water and gently reshape bristles with fingertips."
- 【Multiple Application】These acrylic paint brushes can be applied for most occasions,such as:watercolor,oil, gouache paint,face paint, acrylic paint, suitable for Thanks Giving Day, Christimas, Halloween face and body painting, canvas painting, fabric, rock, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- Lean toward no headboard if you want to show an architectural wall detail, prefer a visually open or minimalist look, or expect to rearrange the room.
- Keep or choose a headboard if you use the bed as a seat, want a padded surface, need a buffer between pillows and wall, or want the bed to be a strong focal point.
- Try a middle ground if you want the wall to frame the bed but still need comfort: use pillows for support and consider a visual wall treatment or artwork, while remembering that these alternatives do not automatically provide equivalent cushioning or protection.
Before committing, check the bed’s support requirements, the room’s clearances and the wall condition. Then decide whether the remaining need is comfort, protection or simply a finished-looking backdrop. The answer may be no headboard at all—or a headboard that solves a real problem in your room.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a bed directly against a painted wall without a headboard?
Yes, but repeated contact from pillows or the bed can mark a wall over time. If that is a concern, leave a little clearance where the layout allows and choose a durable, cleanable finish; paint is still not a padded barrier.
Do platform beds need a headboard?
No. Platform beds are commonly sold without a headboard or footboard, and their suitability depends on the frame’s support and mattress compatibility. Check the frame’s own specifications rather than assuming every platform design is the same.
Is a headboard needed to support the mattress?
A headboard is generally a separate furniture and comfort feature; the frame or base is what must provide the mattress support specified for that bed. The Sleep Council’s bed-buying guide treats headboards as usually optional and discusses mattress support as a bedstead consideration.
What should I put behind a bed in a rental?
A removable artwork arrangement, a freestanding divider or simply a layered pillow setup can create a backdrop without committing to a permanent wall treatment. Check tenancy rules before painting or installing anything into the wall.
Quick Recap
