There are so many elements that go into the perfect bed set-up: a foundational headboard, comfortable linens, and of course, a supportive mattress.
There’s another feature you may want to include in your bed set-up as well—a footboard. While a footboard is certainly functional, it’s something that can also be quite stylish.
“Having a footboard adds a beautiful finishing touch to a bedroom,” says Sherry Schmidt, interior designer and owner of Form & Function. “It anchors the bed within the space.”
In fact, if she just uses a headboard in a project, she’ll oftentimes add an ottoman or bench at the foot of the bed to visually finish the room.
But what is a footboard on a bed, exactly? If you’re considering refreshing your sleep space, it’s something you might want to consider. Ahead, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about footboards.
What is a footboard?
A footboard is designed to hold together the side rails of a bed, Schmidt explains. “This adds stability to the furniture rather than having a headboard only with a metal frame,” she says. “A footboard is used at the base of the bed and functions as a way to make the furniture stable.”
A footboard is something that needs to be ordered with a matching headboard and side rails. “That way, all of the connection points work together,” Schmidt says.
Benefits of a footboard
One main benefit of a footboard is its functionality. If you have a king-size bed frame, it’s necessary to use a footboard for stability, says Schmidt.
Then there’s the visual value it adds to a sleep space. “I personally love the aesthetic of a footboard that is just below the top of a mattress,” Schmidt says.
A footboard can also help you make the bed more quickly and easily, creating an overall polished appearance, she adds.
Drawbacks of a footboard
There’s one potential downside to be aware of when it comes to footboards. They take up a bit more floor space—so it’s important to be mindful of your measurements, especially if your bedroom is on the small side, notes Schmidt.
How to choose the best footboard for you
There are several material types you can choose from when picking out a footboard for your bedroom. While the material choice depends on your unique space, you can go with one that’s fully upholstered, a combination of wood and upholstery, entirely wood, or even metal, says Schmidt.
If you’re wondering about the height and size of the footboard, Schmidt personally prefers a lower-profile footboard, which is also called a “Euro style” footboard. “These fall under the top of the mattress and have a nice, clean look,” she says.
The design of the footboard is really up to your style preferences. Schmidt generally gravitates toward footboards that show off a combination of upholstery and an elegant wood frame, adding that a great bed frame truly can make a room.
If you need some bonus storage in your bedroom, know that storage can be added on the sides of the footboard or even within the footboard “to make a smaller space more efficient,” Schmidt says.
As for safety considerations, Schmidt says she avoids frames that have sharp edges, something that wouldn’t be ideal if a person tripped into it at night.
Footboard alternatives
So, do you need a footboard on a bed? Although it does act as a stabilizing element for your bed set-up, it’s not totally necessary.
If you don’t want to commit to a footboard, Schmidt recommends a platform bed, something that still provides a “slat-pack,” or the wooden slats that provide support, for your mattress to sit on.
Other alternatives can include ottomans or storage chests, pieces that can be placed at the foot of the bed and will also make the space look put together.
Choose a stylish bed frame with a footboard from Saatva
Calais Bed Frame
Like the charming coastal town in the South of France from which it derives its name, Cassis boasts a relaxed yet refined comfort. Its organic, sculptural lines and low profile invite you to spend more quality time in bed.
Choose a stylish bed frame with a footboard from Saatva
Milan Bed Frame
The Milan bed frame strikes the same balance of fashion-forward and timeless design as the Italian metropolis from which it takes its name.
Choose a stylish bed frame with a footboard from Saatva
Marseille Bed Frame
An elegant bed frame with a fine attention to detail. With its clean lines, squared-off edges, and crisp details, Marseille lends any bedroom an elegant touch.
FAQs
What is a footboard used for?
A footboard serves a couple key purposes, such as adding stability to a bed frame and acting as a grounding, visual accent to add to a bed set-up.
What does a footboard prevent?
Do you need a headboard and footboard? While a headboard provides support and comfort to sleepers, a footboard can prevent bedding from slipping off the bottom of the bed, “giving you a more sound sleep,” Schmidt says.
It’s up to you if you want to include one or both of these elements.
Find the best footboard for you at Saatva
Saatva offers stylish bed frames with a footboard, such as the
An upholstered wood bed frame with clean, classic lines
, with wood that borders the upholstery, and the
A playfully sophisticated upholstered wood bed frame
, with wood that frames only the edges of the upholstery, making for a more minimal, modern look. Saatva also carries ottomans and benches that can be placed at the end of the bed.
