If it’s time for a new headboard but there’s no money in the budget to buy one…or you can’t find the exact thing you’re looking for, try designing and making your own. You’ll be surprised how many different, clever ways you can make one, and at a budget price too (especially if you can use repurposed items)! Here’s an updated collection of various tutorials that I’ve handpicked from around the ‘net, some quite easy using basic tools and materials while others are a little more advanced. Then at the bottom you’ll find a few quick tips for different items you can use…a little bit of everything here, enjoy!
Nailhead: A wood base is cut to size and shape, covered with layers of batting & fabric then finished by adding nailhead trim.
Paneled Tutorial: A grid made with pieces of MDF board is nailed to the wall then caulking to fill gaps, paint to finish.
Salvaged Window = Wallpaper Frames: Result is a nice decorative piece that can be used in place of a headboard.
Door: A solid old door, refinished and hung sideways with a strip of crown molding along the top edge for a neat finish.
DIY Tufted Upholstered: Made with lightweight wood, foam, quilt batting, spray glue and a few other supplies.
Handmade: Mainly finishing ideas are presented but there is a reference link to the plans.
Patchwork: Squares of coordinating fabric are used for this project, you’ll also need stiff florist’s foam, 1/4″ plywood and quilt batting.
Woven Plywood Project: You don’t have to be a skilled woodworker to transform plain plywood into a handsome headboard. Dimensions provided for King, Queen, Full & Twin.
Hardwood – Round Top: Includes free cutting and project diagram downloads (pdf), skill level noted as Intermediate. Dimensions for King/Queen/Full/Twin provided.
More Projects & Ideas
- Hang a decorative quilt or tapestry panel. You can either frame it or hang on a pretty decor rod (such as ornamental or brass).
- Hang a large framed mirror or framed picture above the bed or make an arrangement of smaller framed pictures.
- Attach a narrow shelf to the wall above the bed and place assorted decorative pieces, candles or a large picture above the shelf. You’ll want the shelf to be placed high enough so there’s no danger of hitting your head, yet low enough to look suitable.
- Arrange fabric panels (pleated or smooth), or painted wood panels, or fabric covered panels from sturdy material, floor to ceiling behind the bed. The fabric panels can be tied back against the wall (like drapes) and place a dried floral swag, mirror or picture in the center.
- Make a faux headboard from wood garden lattice, paint in a complimentary color to your bedroom’s color scheme. Frame the lattice for a “finished” look.
- Place a bookcase that’s the same width of the bed behind the bed.
- Paint a decorative design directly on the wall, or paint wide dramatic stripes from floor to ceiling (see picture) or paint a mural with a border.
- Place a silk fabric or folding screen behind the bed.
- Hammer together some wide pieces of lumber (see picture) in widths wall to wall or slighter wider than the bed. Fix directly to the wall or nail to wooden supports (legs). Paint or stain, or upholster with quilt batting and fabric.
UNEVEN CANVAS ROOM DIVIDER
Supplies needed:
1. Side of the road furniture legs. Remove the legs from furniture which has been tossed out. Table legs, dresser legs, all sizes.
2. Old canvas paintings (thrift shops–be careful not to use a famous artist’s)
3. Paint, brushes, fabric, beads, photos, etc.
4. Glue, hammer, screw driver/drill.
5. Hinges. 5″ BRASS HINGES. Use two on each “join” . (TOP AND BOTTOM)
DIRECTIONS:
HAVE FUN DOING THIS. Invite friends to help and serve Margaritas!!!
Screw a base on the bottom of the main canvasas. a 3″ X 1″ wood will do. Now screw two short legs onto the bottom of the tall canvas. (panel ONE complete).
Now use a longer leg. Screw one long leg on the bottom right corner of a shorter canvas. Place panel ONE flat on the floor and place a shorter canvas next to it so you can tell where to place hinges. MEASURE THE DISTANCE SO THE LEGS WILL STAND EVENLY IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. The top does not have to be even.
THERE, now you have a two-panel room divider, add as many more panels as you like.
TO DECORATE YOUR ROOM DIVIDER:
I use a large piece of brown paper and create my design first. Then I transfer my ideas onto the canvas screens. I use fabric to cover the back, and sew beads and pockets into it. On the front, I do art collage with bright colored ribbon, paint, beads, photos, etc.
enjoy!!
Wow thanks a bunch for sharing that great project J. C. Wolf!
I live in a very small apartment and everything has to fit. I use a drying rack when I wash clothes and couldn’t figure out where to put the fold up rack when it wasn’t drying clothes. I bought some upholstery fabric and made a simple, easily removed cover and now it is my headboard too.
I like the bookcase idea. I think that would work great for rooms that have little space for night stands.
any ideas on making bed canopys with barely any materials like out of a embroidery hoop and fabric or other unique ways i just want the look of a canopy without all the bedrails and stuff
So many great ideas thanks for sharing!