A bed back cushion design is padding fixed on the wall behind the bed, not on the bed itself. It can be a neat rectangle just behind the pillows or cushioning that runs from floor to ceiling and corner to corner.
Wall cushioning is softer to lean on, cuts echo in the room, and lets you keep a simple bed. Below are 12 latest bed back cushion designs in four groups: full wall, modern mixed with wood and light, wide layouts for double and king beds, and simple versions. If you want padding on the headboard itself, see headboard cushion designs. Cushioned beds all round are on our cushion bed design page.
Bed Back Cushion Design Full Wall
Full wall cushioning makes the bed wall one soft surface. It works best on an inside wall that stays dry through the monsoon.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, grey fabric
- StorageHydraulic lift
Grey padded squares cover the whole wall from skirting to ceiling. The room feels quiet and the bed can stay very plain.
Tell your carpenterPlan squares at 2 x 2 ft so they line up with the bed centre and both wall ends.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildPly, beige fabric
- StorageLift-up box
Tall vertical panels in beige run the full width and make a low ceiling feel higher. Calm and hotel-like.
Tell your carpenterAsk for each panel 12 inches wide, running from 4 inches above the floor to the ceiling.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildPly, blush fabric
- Storage2 drawers
Diamond quilting across the full wall in blush fabric. Soft and feminine without buttons that catch dust.
Tell your carpenterAsk for machine quilting on panels made in the workshop and fixed on site with clips.
Modern Bed Back Cushion Design Latest With Wood and Light
Trendy bed back cushion design right now mixes padding with wood strips, metal lines and soft hidden light.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildPly, walnut, olive fabric
- StorageHydraulic lift
Padded panels alternate with walnut strips. The wood protects the edges of the fabric and adds warmth.
Tell your carpenterKeep wood strips 3 inches wide and slightly proud of the cushion so they take the bumps.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, taupe fabric
- StorageLift-up box
A cushion panel stands slightly off the wall with a warm glow behind it. Low-voltage LED strip, switch near the bed.
Tell your carpenterGet an electrician to hide the cable in the wall and feed a 12 or 24 volt LED tape along the panel rim.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, teal fabric, SS
- StorageHydraulic lift
Teal panels separated by thin golden steel strips. Rich, festive and a favourite for a new couple's room.
Tell your carpenterUse stainless steel golden patti so the shine lasts through humid summers.
Double Bed Back Cushion Design and Modern Bed Back Cushion Design King Size
These layouts are sized to the bed. A double bed back cushion design is usually 7 to 8 ft wide; a king size layout goes 9 to 11 ft.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildPly, sand fabric
- StorageLift-up box
A bed backrest cushion design in a padded rectangle behind the double bed, with small shelves on either side. Practical and neat in a 11 x 12 ft room.
Tell your carpenterMake the padded rectangle 6 ft wide and 3 ft tall, starting at mattress height.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, charcoal fabric
- Storage4 drawers
Wide vertical channels on the wall extend past the king bed into soft side wings. The bed seems built into the wall.
Tell your carpenterRun the cushion 10 ft wide for a king bed so 18 inches show past each side table.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, ivory fabric, PU
- StorageHydraulic lift
A cushioned centre framed by painted mouldings gives a classic master bedroom look. The mouldings carry on across the wall.
Tell your carpenterUse PU mouldings around the cushion and paint them the same colour as the wall.
Bed Back Cushion Design Simple and Wooden Options
A simple bed back cushion design can be one strip or a few blocks. These cost less and suit rented flats.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildPly, mustard fabric
- StorageNone, open legs
One long padded strip at pillow height on a plain wall. Cheapest way to get a soft back rest on the wall.
Tell your carpenterFix the strip so its centre is about 14 inches over the mattress, on a ply backing.
- SizeQueen 60 x 75 in
- BuildTeak frame, grey fabric
- StorageLift-up box
A wooden frame on the wall holds a grey cushion inset that lifts out for cleaning. Wood and fabric together.
Tell your carpenterAsk for the cushion to lift out from the frame, held by two hidden brackets.
- SizeSingle 36 x 75 in
- BuildPly, rust and teal fabric
- Storage3 drawers
Three round padded discs in different sizes make a playful bed back. Good for a teen or guest room.
Tell your carpenterCut discs from 12 mm ply and fix them with French cleats so they sit flat.
Wall Cushion Layout Sizes
| Bed | Cushion width | Bottom edge | Top edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 4 to 6 ft | At mattress top | 3 ft above mattress or full wall |
| Double | 7 to 8 ft | At mattress top | 3 to 4 ft above or full wall |
| Queen | 8 to 9 ft | 4 in above floor for full wall | Ceiling or 4 ft above mattress |
| King | 9 to 11 ft | 4 in above floor for full wall | Ceiling or 4 ft above mattress |
Starting the cushion at mattress level, not the floor, saves fabric and keeps the lower wall safe from mops and dust.
What Makes a Bed Back Cushioning Design Cost More or Less
- Area: full wall uses two to three times more foam, fabric and ply than a panel behind the pillows.
- Fabric: velvet and suede-like fabric cost more than plain cotton blends or leatherette.
- Detail: tufting, quilting, golden strips and wood inserts add labour.
- Foam: higher density foam costs more but stays firm for years.
- Lighting: hidden LED needs an electrician and a driver, so plan it with the cushion work.
Bed Back Design Without Cushion or With It: Upkeep
A bed back design without cushion needs nothing more than dusting, whether it is wood, paint or PVC. Cushion work needs a little more care:
- Vacuum with a soft brush head once a month.
- Keep a 1 inch air gap behind panels on outer walls to avoid mould.
- Ask for clip-fixed panels so one can be taken down and re-covered.
- Use a darker fabric at pillow height to hide hair oil.
For more wall finishes, compare the bed back wall ideas and the main bed back guide.
Questions people ask
Is full wall bed back cushioning a good idea?
It works well where the wall stays dry all year, especially in a large master bedroom. It feels soft and cuts noise. On an outer wall with damp, keep cushioning to a panel behind the pillows and leave an air gap.
Which is the latest bed back cushion design right now?
Wide vertical channels, cushion with wood strips, golden patti lines and backlit floating panels are most asked for. Diamond quilting without buttons is also popular.
Can I do bed back cushion work in a rented flat?
Yes, use panels on clips or French cleats. They come down with a few small holes left in the wall, which are easy to fill.
How long does wall cushioning last?
With higher density foam and good fabric, many years. Fabric may need a fresh cover sooner if it is light coloured. Clip-on panels make that easy.
With a bed back design cushion on the wall, do I still need a headboard?
Not always. With full wall cushioning many people skip the headboard. If your bed has storage at the head, keep a low board and run the cushion above it.