The Headboard - the bedroom’s defining detail
‘Isabella’ Headboard in fabric by The Crewel Collective, available from Kelling Home
The headboard has quietly become one of the hardest-working pieces in the bedroom. Practical, yes, but also transformative. The right design can anchor a room, add softness, introduce colour and pattern, and create an immediate sense of polish. Think of it as the bedroom’s equivalent of a beautifully tailored jacket that brings everything together effortlessly.
A Super King ‘Emma’ Headboard made bespoke for scale in this bedroom with high ceilings
Scale and proportion are key. In a larger room, an oversized or taller headboard can add drama and draw the eye upwards, while in smaller spaces, a more streamlined shape may feel calmer and more balanced. It is always worth considering the room’s existing features too, such as sloped ceilings, windows, wall lights or panelling, so the bed feels naturally integrated within the scheme rather than competing with it.
A pair of single ‘Thomas’ headboards in ‘bombproof’ velvet with batoned edges
Shape can completely change the mood of a room, and at Kelling Home we have some wonderful silhouettes that do exactly that. Soft curves, scalloped edges or more structured lines each bring a different character to a bedroom. Upholstery is where the fun begins. A headboard offers the perfect opportunity to be bold with fabric, or elegantly understated with tailored linen, buttoning, piping and generous padding for a quietly luxurious finish.
An ‘Alice’ headboard with contrast edging
And don’t forget the bed base and valance, which help complete the overall look. Layer in beautiful linens, cushions and textured throws, and suddenly the bed becomes a design moment in itself. Choosing a headboard is a mini project in itself and one that delivers comfort, character and impact in equal measure. A true investment piece.
One of our latest examples now available through Kelling Home is the ‘Isabella’ headboard upholstered in collaboration with The Crewel Collective in an exquisite fabric that is hand-embroidered by master artisans in Kashmir. The craftsmanship is extraordinary - just one metre of fabric takes two to three days to produce, and this particular headboard incorporates six metres in total. Pieces like this become more than furniture; they tell a story and bring a remarkable sense of artistry into a room. For more information on the Crewel Collective and where you can source this fabric see below.
The Crewel Collective was founded by Serena Wooliams. Like Emma, Serena's love affair with India began almost 30 years ago. However, when she started a family she put the business on hold, thinking she would come back to it shortly and ... 25 years later The Crewel Collective was born out of her obsession with hand embroidered crewel fabric.
"All of our fabric is hand embroidered by master artisans in remote villages in Kashmir. It takes 3 years to become a master artisan but we only work with the very best, most skilled embroiderers, many of whose families have been involved in the trade for four generations or more. It takes 2-3 days to complete one metre of fabric, depending on the density of stitching, complexity of design and the number of different coloured threads used.
Because Kashmir is such a fertile area many of our artisans are also farmers and we work with them to plan our fabric production around peak growing or harvesting times. When the crops need to be gathered in September all embroidery stops but over the winter we ensure our workers have sufficient embroidery to give them an income.
The Crewel Collective launched in the UK in September 2025 at Tissus d'Helene in Chelsea Design Centre. Stock of all their designs are available in the Uk for immediate dispatch. They are also opening in New York, Chicago, Dallas and Houston in June 2026. For more information click on the links here:
The Crewel Collective and Tissus d’Helene
Let us help you design your own, or take a look at the various shapes and ready made versions on Kelling Home.