Any parent who has experienced the extensive process of sending a child to college has likely come across a list of bedroom essentials, including a bed bolster or reading pillow. Even Cosmopolitan includes a backrest pillow in their list of 40 dorm room essentials. The item is popular for a reason: most college dorm beds have no headboard, which is inconvenient for students who end up spending a lot of time sitting up in bed working.
Leaning back against a concrete wall at night doesn’t exactly sound like the most relaxing and comfortable experience. Hence the utility of a bolster pillow, which for all intents and purposes acts similarly to a headboard. In other words, consider a bolster pillow a headboard pillow.
At SoftFrame® Designs, we fully support the pursuit of relaxation at any age. Whether it’s a minimal headboard, a bolster pillow, or a pillow headboard, having a soft surface to lean back against at the end of the day is the true underdog of accessible luxury. Bolster pillows are a modern design choice that are not only intentional, but flexible. They’re visually lighter than a traditional headboard, and the perfect addition to level up any bedroom – college dorms included.
What is the difference between a bolster pillow and a headboard?
A bolster pillow is a type of pillow made for a bed specifically that is essentially one long, soft cushion. It is not a standard pillow. These cushions are positioned back against your bedroom wall. In short, a bolster pillow is a movable accessory placed on top of your bed.
A headboard is different because it attaches directly to your bed frame. The headboards we’ve created at SoftFrame® nestle securely between the wall and your bed frame rather than a bolster pillow, which sits on top of your bed. Our cushioned headboards almost become like a part of the bed itself, slid behind your bed for style that stays put.
The main function of both a bolster pillow and a cushioned headboard is to provide a soft surface to lean against when sitting up in bed, rather than for sleeping support. Bolster pillows and headboards are not used to rest your head on when you’re ready to lay horizontal. They are primarily for comfort, decoration, and back support.
Traditional headboards function similarly in the sense that they are also used for back support and decoration. However, the SoftFrame® difference is comfort. Traditional headboards are usually made of solid wood or metal. Visually, headboards are designed to complement your bed frame with uniformity. In practice, they often end up making a bed frame heavy and bulky. Our headboards are a soft departure from tradition, handcrafted with high-density foam and resilient fabric. They arrive fully assembled in one piece so that your setup is effortless and fast.
To complement our bed frame collection, we offer three corresponding headboard styles:
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The Ultra Headboard
The Ultra is a good choice for customers who want a strong visual presence in their bedroom. The softer edges reflect a more modern idea of how a bed should function in a home. -
The Luna Headboard
The Luna features an arched shape that adds a clear sense of focus to the room. The appearance communicates a sense of triumph, creating a steady rise that feels ceremonial and calming. -
The Classic Headboard
The Classic uses a sleek, minimalistic design that pairs well with smaller nightstands and minimal decor.
Minimal Spaces & Modular Elements
Minimal spaces often benefit from softer, modular elements because they add comfort and versatility without overwhelming the clean, open aesthetic. As we spoke about recently when highlighting the benefits of an all-cushioned bed frame in a minimalist bedroom, modern minimalist bedrooms exhibit an appreciation for open space and high ceilings. A low profile bed frame helps create this feeling. By avoiding tall elements, ceilings can appear higher and rooms feel more open. This is especially effective in apartments, smaller bedrooms, and flexible spaces.
Many people today are looking for a platform bed style and opting out of having a headboard in recognition of that desire for taller ceilings. The design impulse makes sense: you want to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud, and clouds don’t have a walled structure behind them. Nonetheless, it’s possible to maintain the integrity of your intention without sacrificing comfort.
Soft, modular elements like bolster pillows tie a minimalist space together by meeting form with function. Minimalism is all about clean lines, simple shapes, streamlined design, and the idea that less is more. This trending approach to interior design asks the question: How can you achieve the same result with reduced resources?
Minimalism is not about throwing everything away until you’re left with nothing. Instead, it emphasizes a reverence for intentionality. Every choice of what you keep or do not keep in your space has to be rooted in a sense of purpose, and having a finishing touch on your sleep sanctuary is far from being disqualified as a valid purpose.
At SoftFrame®, we offer:
Our round design is made using a 100% hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill insert with a polyester cover. Our bolster pillows are designed with durability in mind.
Beyond durability, the upholstered poly and poly-blend fabrics we use for both designs have the added benefit of complementing your space with style & comfort. Both pillows are available for Twin, Full, Queen, and King size beds.
How can a bolster change the feel of your bed?
Adding a bolster pillow instantly transforms the feel of your bed. It introduces softness and depth, creating a more relaxed, layered, and inviting landing pad. The presence of a bolster encourages lounging, reading, or simply leaning back in comfort, turning your bed into more than just a place to sleep. If you want your bed to feel less “fixed” or structured, the Round design offers a softer, casual silhouette that makes the space feel approachable and flexible. A bolster adds a tactile and visual dimension that can make your bedroom feel curated yet comfortable.
Redefining what a headboard can be
Bolsters are fundamentally about rethinking the headboard entirely. Instead of a rigid, stationary structure, a bolster pillow offers softness, adaptability, and style. It allows you to personalize how your bed functions and feels, making it a centerpiece of comfort and design rather than just a backdrop.
To learn more about the positive experiences our customers are having with their bolster pillows, you can check out our reviews here.