Our Favorite Tufted Headboards Are Virtually Kid-Proof

Choosing the best tufted headboard for a family-friendly household comes down to easily cleaned and stain-protected materials as well as double-stitched tufting. That's because little fingers love to pick at things, and the last thing you want is stitches coming loose. Materials like leather are nice, but likely require more maintenance than stain-resistant upholstery fabric. And whatever you do, steer clear of faux or "vegan" leather which comes with a variety of health and cancer-related warnings in states like California.

Our favorites:

Velvet Upholstered Tufted Headboard

This rich-looking upholstered tufted headboard is covered in luxurious, soft velvet. It's a dream for adults to sleep near and a soft, cushioned experience for little ones hopping in bed at all hours of the night. Choose from full, queen and king sizes and plenty of jewel-tone colors. The best part? Prices start at about $200 and it ships directly to your door—free!

Believe it or not, the easily-adjusted Zinus upholstered headboard is our most affordable, budget-friendly pick. With queen-size offerings starting below $100, this is the tufted headboard almost everyone can afford. It's made of gorgeous, smooth stain-resistant material and finished with classic buttonwork to give it a high-end, hotel-like feeling.

Choose from a light grey or an always-stylish soft beige hue, and then sleep well knowing you saved tons of cash. If you're looking for an entirely affordable sleep experience, consider pairing it with the brand's bestselling green tea memory foam mattress. With about 150,000 Amazon ratings, CertiPUR certification and prices starting under $200—it can't be beat.

Up the ante with this gorgeous, luxurious Saatva Amalfi bedframe that features high-end tufting and an all-in-one sleep experience that goes beyond just a headboard. With a button-tufted heading and clean, low-maintenance side rails, this bed frame is versatile enough to work in a dressed-up or dressed-down space.

The frame is made with sustainably-sourced hardwood that's kiln-dried. That means it's extra durable and promises a warp-free experience. Fortified bolts and brackets keep the bed staple—even when little ones jump. It's also available in three neutral colors and queen, king and California king sizes to accommodate most master bedrooms.

If you're looking to dress your children's bedroom or guest room up a bit, this eye-catching Felicienne twin tufted headboard is just the ticket. Available in six modern neutral colors with height adjustability, it's one of our favorite affordable picks. Choose from pale beiges and soft grays all the way to rich, bold bedroom blues.

It ships to your door fast and free. The best part? It's a cinch to attach to existing bed frames and assemble. One person is all it takes, and the pieces aren't particularly heavy. Phew. Worried about it getting dirty? Don't be—just wipe it down with a damp rag from time to time or spot clean.

Believe it or not, we're obsessed with this vertical tufted headboard from Walmart. For about $125, you get an expensive-looking (and feeling!) tufted headboard that's easy to clean and even easier to install and beats wall-mounted headboard options by a mile.

We love the lengthening vertical panels that add dimension to rooms with low ceilings. It comes in two colors and is made of a polyester blend that can be wiped down and spot-cleaned with ease. Here's how to clean blood and pee off a bed.

How much does a tufted headboard cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to several thousand for a kid-friendly, stain-resistant headboard. Some models cost far more, but we found some of the best interior designer-approved upholstered headboards at prices that won't break the bank. Our list focuses primarily on affordable, easy-to-clean styles but we did throw our favorite luxe option because it comes with side rails and other features that budget-friendly options just don't offer.

How we chose our favorite tufted headboard picks

We looked at overall price value, customer ratings, ease of shipping and setup and the materials used. Most importantly, we considered how family-friendly each tufted headboard was and the ease of cleaning and maintenance. We chose models in a variety of sizes ranging from twin to California king (and everything in between) so you can add flair to every bedroom.

FAQs

Are tufted headboards in style?

Absolutely! Tufted headboards have made a major comeback in the last 18 months or so, eclipsing plainer headboard options. Added detail is everything in 2023, and gorgeous upholstery helps set the stage. We think these gorgeous beds have the legs to last for several stylish years.

If you opt for a bold, trendy color it may be a more temporary pick, though. That's why we focused heavily on neutral color schemes that are sure to make a splash this year, and likely 10 years from now as well. Your bedroom furniture is an investment.

How to clean a tufted headboard

Cleaning a tufted headboard depends on the materials. The tufted headboards we suggested above are all made of polyblends and natural fabrics that respond well to a big of spot cleaning. For dusty headboards, simply take a lightly dampened rag and run it around the surfaces. You'll want to give extra attention to the top edge of the headboard. This is where the most dust tends to collect.

For upholstered headboards that have stains, you can try a number of techniques to clean them. We suggest:

• Spot stain-removing spray and then dabbing the surface dry. Then follow with a bit of water and continue to dab till all liquid is removed.
• If your tufted headboard is made of a durable polyester fabric or another poly blend, it may be able to withstand a gentle Magic Eraser cleaning. Make sure you pat lightly rinse it with water and pat dry.

No matter what, you should never fully immerse your headboard in water or wet the entire thing. Most headboards have hardwood frames below the upholstery that can warp or mold if they get too wet.