Headboards of all shapes, sizes and styles are in fashion again. They are being featured in room in decorators' home shows as well as upscale catalogs.
   With so many to choose from, how do you know which one will work for a particular room and be comfortable as well?
                      SOME GUIDELINES:
1.   Besides sleep, do you read in bed? If so, you'll probably do best with a padded headboard because of the built in cushioning. Since you'll be leaning against it, a dark color is probably your best bet or a print which will disguise any small marks or stains. If you have a choice, buying a headboard with a removable cover makes it a snap to clean.

2    Remember that the headboard will make a design statement so make sure it fits the rest of the room's decor. You wouldn't want to put a traditional headboard in a very modern room - or vice versa.

3.   Keep in mind that cloth covered headboard may not be a good choice for those with dust allergies. A solid board of wood, metal or some other material may be easier to keep clean and dust-free.

4,  Take into consideration the height of the people who will be using the headboard. A child may not need as large a headboard as an adult and some headboards are too short for very tall adults.

5. Because of their size, headboards may be a focal point of the room, with a mirror or a couple of pictures just above it. Be sure to choose one that matches or compliments your bed style.

                   HEADBOARD STYLES THAT ARE POPULAR RIGHT NOW:
Patterned and cloth covered (toile is especially popular right now): Depending on the print, these work well in both traditional and modern rooms. A toile or traditional print would suit a classic room while a jazzy stripe could go contemporary.

Rectangular with beadboard paneling and ball finials:  tends to suit a classic or traditional room, since these details are historically authentic to earlier American styles.

Sleigh bed style headboard, generally attached or part of the bed:   Traditional.

Iron or brass headboards: Can work in both eclectic and traditional rooms.

Tufted rectangular headboards, often with buttons or piping, with a crisp tailored look: These have a tailored looks that works well in modern rooms with lots of square or rectangular pieces. Can also go more traditional but works best with "updated traditional" or a mix of traditional and classic pieces from different periods. These work well in men''s bedrooms.

Rattan headboards:  Very popular in beach-themed rooms as well as more casual bedrooms. Light rattans, in particular, add a bright and light look to the bedroom.

These are just a few of the styles that can be found right now. Remember to think in terms of the entire room as well as the bedding and pillows you'll be using. A dark headboard looks lovely with contrasting light bedding and/or pillows.