The Complete Guide to Headboards With Lights and USB Ports
Headboards with built-in lighting and USB charging ports have become an increasingly popular bedroom upgrade. Offering both style and function, these headboards provide the convenience of ambient lighting for reading or relaxation along with easily accessible ports for charging your devices overnight.
Types of Lighting Built Into Headboards
One of the main benefits of headboards with lights is the ability to incorporate various lighting elements to set the perfect mood or illuminate your bed for reading. From LED strip lights to sconces and backlighting, there are several types of lights that can be built into headboards.
LED Strip Lights
LED strip lighting has become a popular choice for integrating illumination into headboards. These lights consist of long rows of small, energy-efficient LED bulbs lined up in strips. LED strips can provide bright, focused task lighting or a more diffuse ambient glow depending on the density and placement of the bulbs.
LED strip lights offer lots of controllable features through remote controls or companion apps. You can adjust the color, brightness, and even program dynamic lighting effects. RGB LED strips with multicolored bulb options are great for creating fun, customizable accent lighting to set the mood in your bedroom.
Reading and Bedside Lamps
For convenient illumination while reading or unwinding in bed, many headboards incorporate individual integrated lamps or sconces. These reading lights provide directed, task lighting without the clutter of traditional bedside lamps on nightstands. The lights are built seamlessly into the headboard for easy access.
Reading lamps in headboards come in various styles, such as gooseneck swing-arm sconces that allow adjustability. Or, sconces can be fixed in place to shine light in a specific direction. The benefit is targeted light right where you need it without having to get out of bed to turn off the overhead light.
Backlighting
In addition to directional lighting, many headboards feature backlighting installed behind the headboard itself. Also known as bias lighting, this backlight shines onto the wall behind the headboard, creating an ambient glow throughout the bed area.
Backlights provide soft, indirect illumination perfect for relaxing in bed in the evenings. The diffused lighting can help create a tranquil environment to unwind before sleep. Backlit headboards also create a very cool visual accent, illuminating the headboard itself for a nice decorative touch.
Mains Power vs Battery Powered
Headboards with built-in lighting run on either mains AC power connected directly to your home's electrical system or integrated battery power. Hardwired, plug-in headboards are installed just like standard light fixtures. This provides reliable, consistent power but may require professional installation help.
For more flexibility, battery-powered headboards allow you to put them anywhere without needing an outlet nearby. Rechargeable batteries can run down over time, but give you the option to move your headboard around or use it in rooms with limited outlets available.
Headboards With USB Charging Ports
Another popular feature available in many modern headboards is the addition of USB ports for keeping devices powered up and ready for use. Integrated USB charging stations allow you to conveniently charge phones, tablets, e-readers, and other electronics right from bed.
Types of USB Ports
Headboards can include different types and numbers of USB ports. Standard USB ports work for charging most devices, while fast charge USB ports provide higher-speed charging capabilities for compatible smartphones and tablets.
Most headboards include at least two ports, but some have four or more so you can power up multiple devices at once overnight. The ports may be discreetly built into a shelving cubby or prominently installed right on the front surface of the headboard for easy access.
Charging Capabilities
The USB ports built into headboards allow you to charge most small personal electronics devices including smartphones, tablets, e-readers like Kindles, wireless headphones and earbuds, smartwatches, and more. Dual USB ports let you charge two devices simultaneously.
For safety, look for headboards with surge protection and temperature control features to protect devices. Integrated USB ports eliminate the need for multiple wall adapter chargers and reduce cord clutter on the bedside table.
Power Source
The USB ports included in headboards need to draw power from an electrical source to be able to charge connected devices. This means even headboards that simply have USB ports built into the design still need to be installed near an outlet to function.
Some USB headboards have the ports hardwired directly to the home electrical system. This provides reliable power but usually requires professional installation. Others have ports connected to an extension cord or power supply that plugs into an outlet.
Positioning USB Ports
Look for headboards with USB ports positioned for convenient access from the bed. Side-mounted ports let you easily plug in devices overnight. For a clean look, some headboards have the ports discretely built into shelving cubbies or side columns. Optimal port placement balances form and function.
Buying Considerations and Recommendations
With many options available, it's important to keep a few key factors in mind when shopping for the perfect headboard with lights and USB ports for your needs.
Bed Size Compatibility
Consider the size of your bed frame when choosing a headboard to ensure a proper fit. Measure the width and height of your bed to find a headboard scaled to match. Look for adjustable lights and flexible USB port positioning to accommodate different bed sizes.
Design and Style
Shop for headboards with integrated tech that match your preferred decor style, whether modern and minimalist or traditional and ornate. Look for lighting color temperatures that fit your aesthetic. Material options like wood, metal, or upholstered fabrics allow you to coordinate with your existing room.
Installation and Assembly
Factor in the installation requirements to determine if professional help is preferable for any wiring or if you can easily assemble a plug-and-play headboard yourself. Hardwired, custom-built options provide seamless integration but often need expert installation. Pre-assembled headboards are quicker and simpler for DIY.
Safety
Proper installation is key to safely integrating lighting and electrical components into a headboard. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully and check for certifications from safety organizations like UL or ETL. High-quality, durable materials will also provide long-lasting safe functionality.
Headboards with built-in lights and USB charging ports offer the best of both form and function. The integrated lighting provides the perfect illumination for reading comfortably in bed or creating just the right ambience for relaxation. Conveniently located USB ports mean you can keep your devices charged and ready for use overnight.
From LED strip lights to reading lamps and backlighting, there are many lighting options to suit your needs. And with various USB port configurations available, you can easily power up phones, tablets, e-readers, and more. Consider your bed size, room decor, and installation requirements to find the perfect headboard to upgrade your space.
With the right headboard choice, you can enjoy the coziness of integrated bedroom lighting and the convenience of always-charged devices. No longer do you need to clutter your bedside with lamps and phone chargers when you have this essential tech seamlessly incorporated into your headboard design.
Compatibility with Smart Home Systems
Many modern headboards with integrated lighting and USB ports now include options for connecting to smart home systems. This allows users to enjoy voice assistant or app control of the headboard's lights and charging ports.
Using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or proprietary apps, you can power your headboard lights on or off, dim and brighten them, and activate different lighting scenes or colors. You can even set schedules to have the lights turn on automatically before bed or slowly brighten in the morning to ease waking up.
Smart USB ports allow you to check charging status or even designate which connected devices receive priority charging. Smart integration allows total hands-free voice control or automation for optimal convenience.
Adjustable Brightness and Color
Headboards equipped with LED lighting often provide ways to adjust the brightness and color settings. This level of control lets you customize the lighting to create perfect ambience for reading, relaxing, or sleep.
Dimmable LED strip lights allow fine-tuning of the illumination level. You can brighten for reading or dim for soft nighttime lighting. Dynamic color-changing LEDs offer options for setting your preferred lighting tone, from energizing blue-hued daylight to soothing warm shades of amber.
Wireless Charging Capabilities
Newer headboard models with tech integration now include wireless charging pads in addition to standard USB ports. These pads allow you to power up compatible smartphones and earbuds simply by placing them on the charging surface, without fussing with cords and adapters.
Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power directly to devices. Just set your phone on the conveniently located pad on your headboard to charge inductively overnight.
Integrated Sound Systems
Beyond lighting and charging, some high-tech headboards now incorporate Bluetooth speakers or full audio systems right into the headboard design. This allows you to stream music, podcasts, meditation tracks, or audiobooks directly from the headboard for relaxing in bed.
Integrated speakers provide immersive surround sound. Streaming audio wirelessly from your smartphone or connecting TV sound completes your all-in-one entertainment hub anchored by the headboard.
Sleek, Modern Designs
While headboards with built-in tech used to have a more utilitarian look, modern design advancements allow for incredibly sleek, seamless integration. Contemporary headboards with lights and charging can now blend perfectly into minimalist, modern bedrooms.
Hidden wiring, integrated shelving, touch controls, and subtle LEDs create a clean, streamlined look. Smart technology disappears discretely into the headboard so you enjoy the convenience without any clutter or techy aesthetic.
When shopping for an illuminated headboard, look for models utilizing energy-efficient LED lighting. This long-lasting, durable lighting technology consumes a fraction of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs.
LEDs generate very little heat, allowing for integration into headboards without fire risk. And with LED lifetimes measured in decades rather than months, you won't have to replace burnt out bulbs in your headboard anytime soon.
Choosing an LED-lit headboard provides beautiful, functional lighting for many years while also saving energy and replacement costs compared to other lighting options.