Wingback Beds: What They Are, Who They Suit and How Much Space They Need

A wingback bed has a headboard with side panels, or wings, that come forward around the pillows. The wings block draughts from an outside wall, give you something to lean into when sitting up, and make the head of the bed feel enclosed. Width is the trade-off: the wings sit outside the mattress, so the bed takes more wall than a flat headboard of the same size.

What do the wings actually do?

Three practical things. They cut side draughts at head height, which is noticeable in older UK homes with bay windows or a cold wall behind the bed. They support your shoulders when you sit up to read. And they visually contain the bed, so a large bed can sit more comfortably in a modest room, because the eye reads an enclosed shape rather than a long horizontal line.

Wings around the pillows on the Mayfair Wing-Bed.

How much extra space does a wingback need?

The wings add width beyond the mattress, and depth where they project forward. The Legend Beds page for the Florida Wing-Bed puts it plainly: measure the wall and allow a little extra either side so bedside tables sit clear of the wings.

Wing depth varies by design. Legend Beds' Cambridge Wingback headboard keeps its wings shallow, while the Paris and Luxor project further. In a small room, shallow wings give the look without the bulk.

Deeper wings, as on the Deep Wing Bed, need more clearance.

Are wingback beds good for small bedrooms?

With shallow wings, yes. The enclosed shape can actually help a small room feel calmer. With deep wings, check that bedside tables still fit and that the bedroom door clears the side of the headboard.

Wingback bed or wingback headboard?

A wingback bed is a complete frame, usually with storage built in. The Florida Wing-Bed, Mayfair Wing-Bed, Chester Wing Bed and Deep Wing Bed all sit over a gas-lift ottoman base. A wingback headboard is a floor-standing headboard you add to an existing base. If your divan or base is sound, a headboard is the cheaper route; see adding a headboard to a divan bed.

Which fabric suits a wingback?

In velvet the shape reads as traditional; in a flat weave or bouclé it looks more modern. Crushed velvet catches light differently on the wings than on the centre panel, which separates the planes. For a softer, current look, the Nordic Teddy Bouclé Winged Bed uses looped bouclé. The fabric guide compares the options.

Buttoned, plain or curved wings?

Buttoned wings, as on the Liberty Wing Bed, lean traditional. Plain wings, as on the Mayfair Wing-Bed, are easier to clean. Curved wings, as on the Luxury Curved Wing Bed, soften the outline further. For other headboard shapes, see headboard styles explained.

Buttoned wings on the Chester Wing Bed.

Wingbacks also come as TV beds; see TV beds explained.

Frequently asked questions