I don't know the answer for you, but for me that hesitation is my inner voice saying no. Every time I pull the trigger anyways, I have regrets. On the other hand, no risk, no rewards. If you got the headboard and didn't like it, you could always turn around and resell it to recoup your expenses. Really it's all about what you feel comfortable doing.

The other thought is, these kinds of headboards are not hard to make, you could have one made using a fabric and style you specify. Nothing wrong with custom!

I have a Chelsea Bed with an upholstered headboard and wooden frame. I don't use a bedskirt. I prefer the look of no bedskirt although I have them on my other beds to hide the metal frames.

I wouldn't buy anything upholstered from CL, only new upholstery. That's just me.

I think an upholstered bed would get dirty. I often put my feet on the wooden edge of the bed.

Here is a link that might be useful: my bed

Wow Dedtired, that is one gorgeous bed. I'm not usually a fan of the upholstered look but your bed is an exception to the rule.

I DIYed an upholstered headboard and attached it to a bed frame. The room still needs a rug and a new bedspread, but here's the result. There are a lot of tutorials online to show you how to make your own upholstered headboard, and you can customize with the fabric of your choosing. I use a simple white bedskirt.
{{!gwi}}

My husband built us a bed (and headboard) just to deal with this problem. It works sort of like a metal frame but is solid wood, which looks nicer and is sturdier. In order to cover the mattress, I made a mattress cover . . . however you can buy mattress covers (I think West Elm has some). I think I've seen similar beds to ours at other places as well (maybe Pottery Barn).

Thanks, all. Lots of good food for thought. And those are some beautiful rooms and beds!

My DH actually said he would build me a headboard, and I designed it. He bought the quarter-sawn oak, and some burl for some inset spots . . . and it has all sat in the barn for two+ years. Even after I have TWICE cleaned up and organized the barn for him so he can easily do the work. So, I think I'm looking for an easy stopgap of some kind so I can get rid of the sleigh bed, but not have a bare bed in a room like I'm 22 years old. Because who knows when that headboard will get made, but I don't want to make it look like I've given up on him, KWIM?

That and we're having a new mattress delivered Thursday and when I saw that headboard on CL I was giddy at the thought of getting it all done at one time. Oh, and the CL headboard is fairly new -- part of a moving sale. But I understand the issues with buying used upholstery.

I'm so glad you posted this question! I'm in the same situation. I have a giant off-white leather sleigh bed at the moment, very '70s porn star. Not quite, but almost.

Anyway, we need a smaller bed - sleighs take up so much space, so I'm looking at upholstered, platform and modern.

I might hesitate on pulling the trigger on the CL headboard - only because I think you might be able to make something you like even better. I haven't found a bed I love yet, so I'm thinking of making the headboard, which seems do-able. I do like the idea of an upholstered bed too though - mostly to avoid damaged shins.

What does the headboard on CL look like?

dedtired - great bed!

Sochi-

The headboard is the One in the 4th pic in my original post. It's an ultra suede/microfiber with a very small wrap to it and nailheads. I think it would look great dressed a bit more refined than I'm used to. I think I'd like the look, but then where does that leave my hey wake dresser and rattan and Formica nightstands?

Sochi, I can understand why you need a change, but I have to admit that a giant off- white leather, 70's porn star sleigh bed sounds MIGHTY intriguing...!

We've always had upholstered headboards and bedskirts, mostly because I like being able to store things underneath (and that's where the kitties go during thunderstorms), and because I like to be able to change without a big investment. A simple design makes good tight slipcovers easy and economical, if you feel in the mood for something different from time to time.

I've used heavy linen most often, but am a big fan of the vastly improved indoor-outdoor fabrics that are available now. And the aforementioned kitties aren't as attracted to them for clawing.
(But we still put "Sticky Paws" on all the corners...)

Sorry I missed the fourth picture jakabedy. It is very nice, I like it. Given that you do plan on building a custom bed at some point, if the price is right I would go for it.

Might you find a simple wood bed frame somewhere, perhaps on CL? Any type of wood platform base would probably be fine with the upholstered CL headboard, although perhaps not with the quarter sawn oak headboard you hope to eventually have.

Also, as you mentioned in your first post, what about a lovely MCM or modern large bedspread? If large enough, it might hide the metal frame. Especially if the bed is low - i.e. no box spring and on a platform.

Here are some pictures of old school type bedspreads that hide (or could hid) the bed frame. I love the last one.