The headboard is a piece of

furniture Furniture refers to movable objects intended to support various human activities such as seating (e.g., stools, chairs, and sofas), eating (tables), storing items, eating and/or working with an item, and sleeping (e.g., beds and hammocks). Fu ...

that attaches to the head of a

bed A bed is an item of furniture that is used as a place to sleep, rest, and relax. Most modern beds consist of a soft, cushioned mattress on a bed frame. The mattress rests either on a solid base, often wood slats, or a sprung base. Many beds ...

. Historically, they served to isolate sleepers from drafts and cold in less insulated buildings, and thus were made of wood, which is less thermally conductive than stone or brick. Constructed to create space from the wall (via thicker end pillars) they allowed falling colder air to sink to the floor rather than onto the bed. Today, in better heated and insulated residences, headboards chiefly serve an aesthetic function, as well as minor practical functions, such as keeping pillows from falling off the bed. They may include storage space for books and personal items, and conveniences such as lights and telephone. Those of hospital beds may incorporate critical care functions. A headboard may often be complemented by a footboard for aesthetic balance.

References

Beds {{Furniture-stub