I have a small to medium size window over my bed and also went without a headboard for years. Finally found this style sleigh bed that barely covers the bottom trim on my window. The attached Google search shows some examples. I can't find the exact one that I have, but the footboard is only two or three inches taller than the mattress. Look at the second picture - that is almost like mine. See how there is room for the picture over the headboard - my window is larger than that. I only use blinds. Someday I may try straight panels and pull the bed out a few inches just for some color/texture. You might also look at platform beds if you don't want a footboard. Tuesday Here is a link that might be useful: Louis Phillipe sleigh bed

thanks to all of you for the kindness, replies and suggestions. I really thank you. So many of the headboards were lovely. I guess I wanted a tufted headboard because I thought it would make an elegant statement. it is for a guest bedroom. I'd like to ask if Shabby Chic is dated or is it still popular? I have funds to purchase some shabby chic furniture or I have a nice cherry dresser and i could look for some nice end tables to position near the bed and have more of a Southern Living look. Any thoughts on some good websites to review as far as those two looks? My home is basically a second home on the coast and I want to make it welcoming to friends and guests. I have the bare bones completed but need to look for rugs and panels/draperies as I have nothing absorbing the sound.... hard to carry on a conversation. I don't r need a lot of draperies as i have plantation shutters throughout the house. One lady told me about a site called www.curtainexchange. Has anyone ever had an experience with them? I hope it is okay to post that site. I just wondered if someone out there could help me. I am running out of steam making decisions. Thanks for reading the post .........and yes, like everyone else I am on a budget looking for something tasteful but yet won't break the bank. Again, thanks to all that replied. dixied

So, I read all the comments, then I went up in my bedroom with a camera and had an honest look around. I'll try to post photos in a minute. Right now I have a hodgepodge in there, so I said to myself, what pieces do I really want to keep, and how will this headboard look with them? The things I love: the antique oriental rug, the appliqued quilt, with kind of a nod to arts and crafts, the quartersawn oak dresser, also antique or nearly so, the wing chair, even the unbleached muslin curtains--they are all saying no to this headboard. I think the spindles, which I was going to get rid of, said classic to me. But the rest of the headboard, as bumblebeez said, has a more modern style. I think I've seen magazine spreads where a bed like this would look cool. But taking a hard look at my bedroom makes me realize what an old-fashioned gal I am. Somebody could really do something with this piece, but I think as Mildred and Red implied, if this was right for me, I wouldn't be hesitating or asking for second opinions. Thank you all for helping me to sort this out. It would have taken me forever to paint all those curvy bits anyway.

Perhaps the most invalid analogy ever: "It's like when a soccer mom with 5 kids goes into a car dealership and the salesman keeps trying to sell her sport's cars when she keeps telling him she wants a mini van". More accurate analogy: It's like when a soccer mom with 5 kids goes into a car dealership and the salesman keeps trying to sell her sport's cars when she keeps telling him she wants a mini van. but she wants it to look like a sports car, get the mileage of a Prius, the longevity of a Volvo, the ten year warranty included..... for the price of a used Chevy compact,. The other difference is she may have the "good grace" to realize it's not possible. Politely stated, the above beds are West Elm and Ethan Allen respectively. I would suggest jumping by kiddies on either is not a great idea, and both will be in the vicinity of a grand. They will not jiggle as they are the entire bed, versus a headboard bolted to a hollywood frame. I would suggest the first, to avoid the "matchy matchy" which is to drown a room in dark brown furniture, in this case a dresser, two side tables and bed, all the same. The warm golden tone far more updated , especially in consideration with green......... I'll politely suggest a hardware change on the brown furniture should that be an issue.