I prefer the style without the footboard, it looks softer. Also, I think this is somehow personal preference. I am almost 6 feet tall and find footboards constricting.

I would do without especially if you already have a bench, the bed still looks finished even without the higher footboard. I think it'll look cleaner (that's just my opinion) and will be more accessible from the end of the bed.

I hate hate hate making a bed with a footboard, had one for years and am so much happier with my new bed without.

Footboards are a personal thing - as opposed to an "in or out of style" thing. Sometimes it's an issue of how tall people are, or how much room there is in a space. Sometimes it's an issue of ease of making the bed. Since this bed has the option of a low footboard, you don't have to worry about a bedskirt - which is an "in-style" issue.

As long as you have the space for both the thickness of the footboard, and your bench, That decision will be based on the scale of the rest of your space and furnishings - and the overall style you are going for.

I have a very similar bed and went without the foot board, I love the look of a beautiful tailored bedding, so hate tucking it in, also if you have a the matching storage bench than I defiantly do not think you need the foot board. You will have enough going on, will be beautiful.

Great advice from Michelle! We personally love footboards but functionality should drive the decision.

Sometimes I sleep on my stomach with my toes off the end of the bed, so a footboard would be a bummer for me personally. Otherwise, it's mostly about your space -- a smaller space might feel crowded with the extra vertical intrusion, like having a dresser in the middle of the room.

As far as style goes, I have been told here that I am not qualified to give decorating advice, so I'll just tell you my experience with both...

I love this bed. There's nothing not to like about a padded headboard.

Cons of a footboard is the bed is more difficult to make and some of the duvet is hidden. Because it can also have the appearance of the bed being in isolation of sorts, so I think it works better in a decent size bedroom (what I have now). Plus they tend to be less expensive.

Pros: Makes the bed neater looking and more finished. Duvets now "just" fit because mattresses are thicker....a footboard hides that as you can sometimes lay the comforter sideways (if it's King size and any pattern allows). Without a doubt, a padded headboard with footboard is more welcoming and cozy.

Could be a pro OR a con: It's a place to throw clothes.... :)

Perhaps the consideration of the room size and the orientation of the bed would help you make a decision?

i always liked the footboard on, but having had one for at least 10 years, they do not work when hubby is nearing 6'.

IMO, footboards only look good in a very large room.

I always have a footboard because it keeps the bedspread from sliding off and to me the bed doesn't look complete without it.

How big is your bedroom? My bedroom is so small that I can't have a footboard or I wouldn't be able to open my dresser drawers!

It's really a personal option, but I like it without. My husband is 6'2 so he hates all footboards... When we visited his family, we stayed in the guestroom in a bed with a footboard. He couldn't sleep all night, felt like he couldn't get comfortable.

As the solver of the dilemma, get the second, the LOW FOOTBOARD, which is a far different thing than a headboard alone, still is a complete bed, looks very finished, and allows toe hanging as only the box spring is hidden allowing the mattress to sit above unenclosed... This has become a very common option as mfgs acknowledge the much wanted complete bed look, with no dust skirt, and those who loathe foot boards : )

I prefer the low footboard, especially if you don't have room for a bench-I don't. It keeps the covers off the floor as I am a restless sleeper! And, it won't get in the way of a TV

Without. I had one and it was a right pain to make bed and my husband was forever throwing his clothes over the end, was glad to get rid of it

My comforter always falls off the bottom of the bed when i sleep since I don't have a footboard
If your room is small, don't get one. But if you have a larger room, I would suggest it just for function. Idk if others experience this problem though lol

Yes every single night out covers fall off the bed since we do not have a footboard. Drives me crazy.

I'm 6'-4" and at a hotel, I twisted my knee rolling over in my sleep because my ankle got lodged in a gap in the footboard. If you're tall, or may share the bed with a tall person, heck no.

Growing up, my brother had a hard footboard. The room is long and narrow. Either side of the double bed there's about 1 foot of space. On one side there's a radiator so even less space. This bed is still in this room - it's now a guest room. I have slept in that room. Every time, I leave with bruised thighs from trying to get past it. I ALWAYS catch the corners! Also, if i want to sit down in this room, I have to walk around the dreaded footboard to sit on either side of the bed bc the footboard is in the way and is terribly uncomfortable to sit on! Never never never get a footboard! Especially not a hard one! If you want something in front of your bed, get a nice padded seat flush with the top of or lower than the mattress.