FYI A. Identities: I don`t think most headboards have common names. Certainly product lines have names associated with them, but custom shops usually name them for their own purposed. In the decorating trade, ``The Window Covering Encyclopedia`` was often used to define the styles. I think it best to call them by their shape and use pictures to describe the details.

FYI B. Frame Classes: Headboards come in five basic classes. 1. Light weight bolsters (article 2 of 4). 2. Heavy frame platforms and sleighs (article 2 of 4). 3. Reproductions of authentic period styles (article 3 of 4) 4. Custom flat frame (shown below) 5. Built-out frames. The styles below depict the class I call "Custom Flat Frame". These styles are made by upholstery and drapery shops throughout the world. This frame type is one that handy people can make at home over a weekend.

In design thinking -- proportion and angles are often the critical deciding factors for enjoyment. If you look close -- all of the variations below are based on a single theme. The style comes from the finishing touches. Creative people dress up this theme in any number of ways.

Height considerations. Given that pillows and linen will both accompany and cover part of the headboards, a scale drawing will reveal just how tall your boards needs to be. 60 to 72 inches tall for traditional sets and 48 to 54 inches for contemporary styles are a good rule of thumb for proportion. If you are also using a footboard try my 2/3x2/3 rule of thumb to begin. Make the headboard 2/3`s (multiply it by 1.66) greater than the sleeping pillow height and the footboard 1/3 (multiply it by 1.33).

Width considerations. I often consider 16 inches the ideal addition to the width of a mattress for a headboard. Queen size (60" width) plus 16 inches (76" total width). Your preliminary drawing will reveal your best width.

Thickness and padding: Flat frame range from 1 to 6 inches in thickness. Thickness is stabilized by using foam covered quilt batting, else it tends to matt. High loft polyester quilt batting will out last traditional crafters batting which tends to crush after a short duration. I like this combination best: 1/2 inch thick high quality foam glued to wood, cut the foam 1/8 inch from the edge of the wood, cover the corners of the wood and outside edge with pipe insulators (from your home center plumbing department) and build up the rest to your liking with high loft quality quilt batting glued into place. Typically 2-3 inches thick in the center is comfy.

Here are several these flat framed headboards to consider:

	Channels: Channels are made by small separations in the padding and a pleat between the separations. The round edges give a smooth tailored look.
	Sheering: Sheering often conger thoughts of feminine frills but with this look it is gender neutral. Sheering is gathered fabric pulled over extra thick padding. Some like it loose.
	Tailored: To get the smooth appearance of these rounded corners, use hot-water pipe insulators around the edges or heavy weight fabric and lots of padding.
	6 Button: 6 buttons give a textured look and soften the fine lines.
	Ovals: Ovals are hard to fit into most decor. Make a scale drawing before deciding on this one. Most people will choose another style. Ovals have to be huge in size to match proportions.
	French Influence: This traditional detailing gives a hint of elegance, perhaps from French influence?
	Grand Romance: This one reminds me of royalty. It exudes English influence. It is great for traditional decor.
	Hollywood: Double sheered gives a Hollywood opulence and with the bed set in place the entire things is quite striking.