No reason not to use it, except when i think of a footboard, I imagine it reaches only 1/2 up my back; not exactly comfy. However, it would be better than nothing at all. I guess you could always place pillows against footboard for added comfort

check craigslist for footboard

Mother had a high headboard and low footboard.....she didn't like the high headboard so exchanged it for the footboard....looked good and she liked it. She could put her pillows leaning against it with no problem. I think with your bed in front of windows, it would be ideal. Not sure about open wrought iron but a wood one would do.

Get an adjustable bed and you won't have to use a headboard to lean against.

I had an antique brass bed and as others have posted, it's not that comfortable to prop pillows up against if you really like to read in bed or even watch television.

Yes! footboard for headboard. I believe they come as a pair, but it could be worth checking out if one can be purchased separately.

Some beds come with footboard optional, so you should be able to buy just the footboard. I saw a couple on eBay, and on wayfair i think, but they looked very low. Why not go for a low upholstered headboard. Or check used furniture shops and restores for something you wouldn’t mind discarding the headboard. Or make one. I made an upholstered headboard out of a used hollow core interior door. I cut the corners in a radius with a jig saw and covered it with foam, batting and fabric, and attached wooden legs to raise it to the correct height and make a place to drill holes to bolt it to the bed frame. Plus the simple shape was easy to make slipcovers for so they were washable or just for a change of scenery. Cheap and dirty fix, but it served for 10 years until we bought a better bed.