The True Cost of Custom Headboards in NZ: Materials, Styles & Installation

A headboard can change how your bedroom looks and feels. But a custom headboard costs more than a simple one. Knowing the true cost helps you pick one that fits your style, needs and budget. Here is a clear guide for New Zealand, with examples from Budget Beds.

What makes a headboard “custom”?

“Custom” means you can choose things beyond the basic style. For example:

• Odd Size
  

• Height (how tall it is, from the floor)
  

• Shape or design (panels, wings, tufted buttons, horizontal lines).
  

• Fabric/upholstery type/colour.
  

• Extras like studs, wing backs, deep buttoning, etc. 

Because of these options, custom headboards take more work, more material, and more cost.

What materials are used, and how do they affect cost?

Here are the main parts and materials, based on Budget Beds:

What kinds of styles are there, and how cost change with style

Here are a few common styles and how cost tends to change:

• Simple padded headboard: just wood, foam, fabric, no fancy design. Lowest cost.
  

• Panelled design: lines or blocks in the headboard (horizontal or vertical). More work, higher cost.
  

• Tufted/buttoned: buttons pressed into the fabric so it looks quilted. Adds detail, adds cost.
  

• Wingback or wings: sides “wing out.” More material and more structure. Much costlier.

Also, height and width matter. A taller or wider headboard uses more wood, more foam, more fabric, → more cost. Budget Beds shows standard height often ~1200 mm.

Examples of prices at Budget Beds

To see what custom NZ-made headboards cost, here are some real examples (all from Budget Beds):

• Essence Headboard, Queen size- Upholstered, NZ Pine frame, designer fabric. Price in the range ~$599 to $1,400, depending on fabric & any custom work.
  

• Wembley Headboard, California King- Full-length upholstered, standard height ~1200 mm. Price will depend on fabric, but whole size + fabric + custom = higher cost.
  

• Mantra Headboard, Super King- Vertical panelled, padded, custom size/fabric. Price is ~$399 (sale) or more, depending on fabric/style.
  

• Classic Headboard, King- Minimal yet elegant, full-length upholstery, standard height ~1200 mm. Custom fabric options cost extra.

These show that for bigger sizes or more detailed styles, you might pay from a few hundred NZD to over a thousand NZD.

Lead time & delivery/installation issues

Custom headboards are not immediate. Here are some things that affect time and cost:

• At Budget Beds, bespoke/custom-made headboards usually take 2-4 weeks to be made.
  

• Delivery cost depends on size and distance. For example, for headboards under a certain value or size, there is a fee (like $89 in Auckland for some less than $1,499).
  

• Larger or heavier headboards might need extra freight arrangements. This adds to the cost. Also, extra fabric or special fabric selection adds to both price and lead time.
  

• Warranty: Many custom headboards come with warranties (5 years in many cases), so you pay for durability too.

True cost summary

When thinking of cost, do not just look at the sticker price. Think about:

1. Materials cost: Wood, foam, fabric, extras
   

2. Size and style cost: Bigger size, more style + more detail = more cost
   

3. Labour cost: Time to cut wood, assemble, upholster, and add details
   

4. Fabric choice: Fancy fabric, special colours, or using your own fabric adds cost
   

5. Delivery & shipping cost: Large freight, distance, handling fees
   

6. Time cost: Waiting time you accept (2-4 weeks), plus that you may not use the headboard until then

Tips to get good value

• Choose a simpler design if you do not need lots of decoration.
  

• Use standard size instead of a fully custom size to save material & labour.
  

• Pick standard/black/neutral fabric as the default; only upgrade fabric if you really like it.
  

• Ask if you can bring your own fabric (BYO). Budget Beds sometimes allows that.
  

• Order early so you don’t rush and pay extra.
  

• Check delivery fees in your area so there are no big surprise charges.

Conclusion

Custom headboards in NZ from Budget Beds offer real quality and style. But the cost is more than just the number on the price tag. You pay for the materials, size, style, fabric, labour, and delivery. If you know what aspects matter most to you, style vs. price vs. speed, you can make a smarter choice and get a headboard you love without paying too much.