Hit The Thrift Store To Find One Of 2026's Hottest Bedroom Trends On A Budget

Get your cross stitching and lace doilies in order — the era of the grandmillennial is upon us. Coined by writer Emma Bazilian in a House Beautiful article, this style dares to reimagine what is considered "stuffy" by the modern eye. Drawing from traditional mainstays, this renewed wave of old-school textures is ushering back in forgotten trends of old. We can observe this shift in our bedroom decor. With both bold maximalism and grandma chic definitely in, plain headboards are so out. We're setting our sights on classic upholstered headboards in 2026. And the best part? You can find them at your local antique or thrift store.

"[They] often feature elegant curves, scalloped edges, contrast piping, or tall, dramatic silhouettes that add architectural interest to a bedroom," Cait Barker, co-founder of antique store Bessette, expressed to Martha Stewart, "Look for vintage or heritage textiles from makers like Schumacher, known for their vibrant florals and classic toile; Ralph Lauren Home, which offers preppy plaids, stripes, and cozy florals perfect for an East Coast coastal or country vibe; and Pierre Frey, whose luxurious prints balance old-world elegance with modern flair".

Not all upholstered headboards are built equally. You might need to do some work upfront to hunt down an option that you love that's also in good condition. Since they are enveloped in fabric, upholstered headboards are at risk of suffering rips and stains. However, you may still want to consider snatching up a damaged headboard for a bargain and put your upholstery skills to use by recovering it in a fabric that matches the rest of the decor in the bedroom.

If you're considering incorporating an upholstered headboard in your room, it's important to understand the style it's best suited for. The 2026 headboard trend offers a vintage feel with a romantic flourish. The scale and texture of this particular piece of decor carry a certain impact that you should avoid throwing into the mix without intention. You'll need to factor in the shape, size, and color of your upholstered headboard while still considering your overall design.

"Upholstered headboards with curved silhouettes lend a feminine quality and a touch of softness to a bedroom," designer Kathy Kuo told Homes & Gardens, "Wingback beds feel cozy yet refined, the perfect blend between comfort and statement-making style. I love the way their side panels (or, aptly, their "wings") make you feel gently enclosed and extra snug when you're lying in bed".

If you're aiming for a lived-in, classic aesthetic, this trend will be right up your alley. Turn your bedroom into a calming escape by pairing your upholstered headboard with other cozy, vintage elements like brass, classic floral textiles, and rich accent colors. Embrace the grandmillennial trend by layering in plenty of vintage-inspired elements. You can also pivot to a more modern design by choosing a bold, patterned headboard and playing into a maximalist, dopamine decor-style design. This charming addition to your bedroom is bound to draw the eye, so instead of trying to outcompete it, allow it to serve as a focal point and use the rest of your decor as a highlight.