Top 20 Cal King Size Headboards – Our Picks

California King Headboards
California King Headboards

For most of us, California King Size bed is the best and the ultimate choice. The dimensions are 72 in × 84 inches which make it superb and the best in the terms of comfort. This size of beds is popular and available in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and in New Zealand. They are the most desirable size as well. One, an added benefit is being able to pair it with one of many headboards available.

Types of headboards

Headboards are accessories added to the top of a bed. They come in shapes and different types and now we will mention the main ones. Headboards can be divided according to the installation they require. As such, we have two main types.

  • Attached headboards- They are added to a bed and they usually come in the same package. The benefits are simplified installation and there is no need to look for additional headboard. It will match the size and design of the bed which makes this type one of the simplest and the most popular today. When you move the bed, a headboard will move along. After all, it is attached to the bed.
  • Wall mounted headboards- These models are installed to the wall rather than on a bed. The benefits are personalized design and more freedom when choosing the most suitable model. But, they are more complicated to install and more expensive. Also, when decorating your bedroom, you will need to remove the headboard or to protect it. We like these models due to their elegance and style.

Headboards can be divided according to the type of material they are made from. Each type comes with its own list of pros and cons and is suitable for a specific type of homeowners. Here we can see the main types.

  • Wood- They have been the oldest and the most popular type. Wooden headboards are elegant, look great and they can be made in any shape you like. We also like the elegance they offer. Wood you will want to consider include Asian wood, mahogany, and cherry. They are common and durable. The weight and maintenance can be considered as drawbacks.
  • Metal- Models of this material are more versatile and can meet more demanding styles. Keep in mind that they can be made from brass, steel aluminum or iron. They are suitable for people who want classic, minimalistic look as well. Advantages include the strength, durability, and versatility. Drawbacks are linked to assembly and weight.
  • Upholstered headboards- As the name suggests they are layered with upholstery. These models are the most comfortable of them all and they may look the best for some of you. They also look elegant. Some are reasonably easy to clean while others are complicated. It depends on the material used to upholster the headboard.
  • Storage headboards- Storage models are made to provide additional storage when needed. The most common sub-type is bookcase headboard, used to store books close to you. They are rare and usually offer the just mentioned storage feature only. However, we know that in the future this type is going to become even more desirable.

Top 20 Best California King Headboards

Leggett & Platt “Martinique” Button-Tuft Upholstered Headboard

The unit in question is excellent for those who want a design which combines the straight lines and curves. It is unique and the model finished in ivory looks phenomenal. There is another version, called putty available as well. The base is the same. This model has legs and can be adjusted in height. Fabric is tough and easy to maintain.

Pros:

  • Fabric
  • Great finish
  • Appealing design
  • Versatile applications

Cons:

  • Putty version doesn’t look great
  • Adjusting the height is complicated

VANT Upholstered Headboards – Accent Wall Panels – Packs of 4

Here we have one interesting alternative. It comes in a set of 4 meaning you can mix and match to create any size or shape of a headboard you like. The panels are made from strong materials and layered with cotton, suede or velvet. As some of you may know already, these materials offer superb sound insulation. You can have these panels in any color or type you prefer.

Pros:

  • Intuitive design
  • 5 minutes installation
  • Value for money
  • Sound insulation

Cons:

  • Difficult to remove
  • Poor instructions

Skyline Furniture Velvet Tufted King Wingback Headboard

The unit here is elegant, looks great and made to last. It is known as one of the strongest and the most durable headboards you can have today and it definitely met all our expectations. We also liked the unique shape of the headboard and the finish. It is comfortable and soft, all you will ever need.

Pros:

  • Attention to detail
  • Unique design
  • Diamonds tufts
  • Colors available

Cons:

  • Made to order
  • Customer support

Farmhouse Mix Wall Mounted California King Size Headboard

This is one of the best headboards we can find today. It is made from sustainable wood sources and comes in over 10 different designs. The main advantage is the rustic and classic look that will look great in suitable bedrooms. The unit is mounted on a wall and all new owners will get all needed hardware and detailed instructions. Each unit is made from ¾ inches thick wood and excellent in terms of quality.

Pros:

  • Made from actual wood
  • Comes from sustainable wood sources
  • Easy to install
  • Plenty versions available

Cons:

  • Some colors look dull
  • Expensive

Pulaski “Shelter” Button Tufted Upholstered Headboard

As you can see this model is upholstered and it provides button tufting which is great for users with suitable beds. The panel is comfortable and durable. We were unable to find any issues with it and we liked the overall look. Installation is reasonably simple but not the simplest one there. Yes, different colors are available. In addition, the headboard feels nice and more expensive than it actually is.

Pros:

  • Soft to touch
  • Looks elegant
  • Easy to clean
  • Button tufting

Cons:

  • Installation
  • Colors available are not very versatile

Pulaski “Selma” Camel Back Tweed Panel Headboard

It is one of the simplest models out there but also one of the most common choices. The headboard comes with two legs which are padded and installation takes just a couple of minutes. The manufacturer recommends installation on the wall and we agree with this claim. The finish is elegant and stitching makes the headboard one of the most elegant units available.

Pros:

  • Basic design
  • Easy to install
  • Strong and durable
  • Customer support

Cons:

  • Expensive considering the size and type
  • One color only

Ojai Upholstered Headboard with Button Tufting Beige

Eastern King/California King Ojai Upholstered Headboard with Button Tufting Beige is the last model on our list and it deserves your attention. The construction is made from plywood and Asian wood. The copper nails are used to create a diamond effect that makes this headboard a bit special. Pair it with a massive bed and you will feel like a prince or princess in a fairytale. It has all you will ever need and it is one of the best-looking models we were able to find today.

Pros:

  • Well-made
  • Customer support
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong and durable

Cons:

  • Two colors only
  • Some sizes are unavailable already

Christopher Knight Home “Cannes” Adjustable Fabric Headboard

The accent here is on luxury and elegance. The headboard comes made from exotic materials. You can have it in sand, beige or white colors and each one looks excellent. We loved the design and the attention to detail. The overall product looks more expensive than it actually is and makes any bed so much better. It is available for California King and Queen size beds.

Pros:

  • Elegant look
  • Strong and durable construction
  • Low maintenance
  • Great for those who want quality

Cons:

  • Required assembly
  • Hard to find

Home Styles The Aspen Collection King/California King Headboard

Here is another model made from wood. This particular unit is made from cherry but it comes in three options. What this means is that you can choose between cherry, cherry and black version and rustic finish. Regardless of which you choose you will get a classic and timeless headboard that will be with you for decades. It is an investment you are going to appreciate today and in the future.

Pros:

  • Simple design
  • Strong construction
  • Rare finished available
  • Resilient

Cons:

  • Price
  • The design may be too simple for some homeowners

Home Styles St. Ives Headboard

Now is the time to present you a metal headboard. This unit is made from steel but painted in gold color so it looks elegant, stylish and appealing. The base of the headboard is made from strong wood and there are no issues or drawbacks here. Assembly is required but this is something you will complete all by yourself. There is no need for additional help nor anything like that. In the package you get all the hardware you will need and detailed instructions.

Pros:

  • Strong and durable
  • Blend of wood and steel
  • Timeless design
  • Massive size


Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Long shipping possible

Brookside Upholstered Headboard with Diamond Tufting

It is all about strength and quality here. The headboard is made from Siberian Larch wood and layered with soft upholstery. The end result is one of the most appealing models on the market. We also liked the adjustable height. The headboard can be adjusted between 46 and 58 inches in height.

Pros:

  • Strong construction
  • Adjustable height
  • Upholstery
  • Elegant look

Cons:

  • Attention to detail
  • Heavy construction

Home Styles “Lafayette” Cherry California King Sleigh Headboard

Home Styles 5537-601 Lafayette Cherry California King Sleigh Headboard isn’t a common model and it is reserved for those who like wooden units. It is completely made from wood (mahogany and cherry) and it looks like it was borrowed from a castle. We must add that this unit is one of the best-looking and the most appealing of this kind and it deserves your full attention.

Pros:

  • Strong construction
  • Wood choice
  • Can make any bed look better
  • Great finish

Cons:

  • Time-consuming to install
  • Weight

LUCID Bordered Upholstered Headboard with Diamond Tufting

We already had a similar model as this one. The main feature is the adjustable height. It can range between 46 and 58 inches which makes it ideal for all kinds of beds. There is no need to add that adjusting the height is an extremely simple task. You can have it in charcoal, pearl or several other color options. Each one well-made and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • Adjustable height
  • Warranty
  • Options available
  • The diamond pattern looks great

Cons:

  • Attention to detail
  • Heavy

Christopher Knight Home “Lansing” Adjustable Tufted Leather Headboard

Some headboards are made from leather and this is one of them. The brown leather looks strong and makes the entire unit looks suitable for those who want the best. We loved the feel and the look of it. In the package, you will get the headboard, brackets and all the tools you are going to need. The headboard is decent in size and fits all California King size beds.

Pros:

  • Made from leather
  • Extremely elegant
  • Will last for decades
  • Cleaning is extremely simple

Cons:

  • Instructions are not the best
  • Too big for some people

Homelegance “Bryndle” Button Tufted Upholstered Headboard

It isn’t difficult to understand that this unit is elegant as well. However, it is a luxury model made from the best possible materials. For instance, you will see the nail head trim that makes the entire product look even better and it makes a massive difference. You will enjoy having this item above the head and you will probably pay a lot of attention to the pieces and all the elements.

Pros:

  • Nailhead trim
  • Massive size
  • Easy to install
  • Decent user manual

Cons:

  • Poor customer support
  • Possible shipping issues

Stone & Beam “Darby” Wingback King Upholstered Headboard

There are several things we have to say about this model. It comes with 3 years warranty and it is made from hardwood. Add the customer support and value for money and you can have one of the best headboards of all times. The design is based on the headboards from mid-century and it might be the next best thing about this model.

Pros:

  • Long warranty
  • Value for money
  • 15 minutes installation
  • Mid-century design

Cons:

  • Design may be obsolete for some homeowners
  • Strange shape

Rivet “Elaine” Tufted Line Upholstered Headboard

Rivet Elaine Tufted Line Upholstered Headboard King offers one year warranty, it has hardwood construction and the overall weight is kept to the minimum. This makes the selected headboard easy to manage and easy to install. The unit is available in blue, pink and beige colors. We tested all of them and we liked it.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to manage
  • Attention to detail
  • Elegant and classic design

Cons:

  • Warranty
  • Lack of details

Home Styles “Marco Island” Cinnamon Cal King Headboard

We believe that this model will fit great in areas with tropical temperatures. It just feels right. In general, the tested model is available in three options. You can have headboard only, bed only or a headboard and a nightstand. All three versions are made in the same way and they feature a mahogany base with pineapple finials. The design is one of a kind and you won’t find a similar unit like this one.

Pros:

  • Unique design
  • Mahogany base
  • Matching nightstand available
  • Interior padding

Cons:

  • Delicate finish
  • Expensive nightstand

Pulaski “Capshaw” Upholstered Headboard, King/California King

You can have this model for California King, King or Queen Size and it will fit all heights due to the adjustable height. The headboard uses legs which offer the feature we have just mentioned and it suits most models we can think of. It is made from polyester and wood and cleaning is probably the simplest in the class. The unit can last for a long period of time while maintaining its look.

Pros:

  • Adjustable height
  • Available in different sizes
  • Polyester finish
  • Looks great

Cons:

  • Possible size issues
  • Heavy

Christopher Knight Home Microfiber Headboard

Those of you who seek elegance will love this unit. It is one of a kind model and it can meet the toughest challenges. We all liked the design and the attention to detail. Both of them are above average. These are the main advantages of this model and the ones that will make you want it as soon as possible. Try to remember that it can be attached to steel frames only.

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Installation
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Massive size

Cons:

  • One version only
  • Difficult to clean