Have you thought about making one? There are loads of tutorials online.

i love ballard designs, but i only buy from there when i can't find what i want elsewhere because some of their stuff is pricey, and their shipping costs can really get up there quickly. lighting is the only category i think is priced really reasonably.

for something like a headboard, you don't need to splurge IMO because it's behind the bed and you'd never discern a difference between a $1000 headboard and a $300 headboard in the same style.

check overstock - there are lots in similar styles as to what ballard has, and less than $300 usually with free or very inexpensive shipping.

also, you might check your local big furniture stores. i got a queen size upholstered headboard with nailhead trim for either $199 or $249 from their stock collection for our guest bedroom.

Pottery barn has inexpensive ones if you dont mind simple; and they come with washable slipcovers

I have a Ballard headboard in mind for my master. One day. They have 15% off all the time (in most decor mags there is a code each month). There is one, the Camden maybe, that sells additional slipcovers. That is my plan.

My aunt and cousin have headboards from Wayfair. They are very happy with them.

I agree with maggiepie that you won't be able to tell from afar how much you spent on the headboard, so go with one you like shape-wise and is the best deal.

Do you have a Tuesday Morning store nearby? Ours usually nice linen covered headboards available at resonable prices.

ML

IKEA has a cotton--synthetic-linen-look upholstered headboard, King size for 300.00

Target for even less

and I think West Elm has, too.

Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA upholstered headboard

Today on Ballard's web site they have 20% off on purchases over $500, I think, but I also literally got a catalog in the mail 20 minutes ago with "save 20% off everything" splashed across the cover with a code to use on the back cover. Just FYI.

You may even want to try a bricks and mortar store. Headboards are easy to store and its something I often seem to see at clearance sales.

Just in case anyone else was having trouble viewing the photo.

The online shop Wayfair his having a sale on upholstered headboards today and possibly for the rest of the week. I was just looking at them myself as DD would love one for her new apartment.
Lynn