DIY Woven Dowel + Rope Headboard

Determine Placement

Note: To determine the final cut length for the 2x4s, add 4" to the width of your mattress. Lay everything out and use a tape measure to evenly space the dowels from the center. We spaced ours 5" apart. Keep in mind, the tighter your spacing, the more dowels you’ll need.

Mark Holes

Using a tape measure and marker, mark where you'll drill holes for the dowels. Be sure to mark both the top and bottom boards accurately so the dowels will line up.

Bore Holes

Using a 1" spade bit, bore holes approximately 1/2" deep in both boards. If you don’t trust your eyes, place a bit of painter’s tape with a 1/2" depth mark on the bit as a guide.

Insert Dowels

Place a drop of glue into each bored hole, then insert the dowels. Tip: This is easier if you have one person insert dowels into the top 2x4, while another person inserts the other end into the bottom 2x4 simultaneously.

Hammer to Secure

With the dowels in place and one person bracing the bottom board, use a rubber mallet to make sure each dowel is fully inserted into the top board. Hammer across the top, then swap jobs and let your friend hammer along the bottom board. If you’re flying solo for this part, brace the frame against a baseboard, moving everything carefully while the glue is wet.

Strap Tightly

Use tie-down straps or bungee cords to keep tension on the frame while the glue dries. This will ensure every dowel is secure and your frame is built to last.

Paint Frame

After the frame has fully dried, move it onto a drop cloth for painting. We painted it black for a clean, transitional look. Keep it simple and go with spray paint — just use light, sweeping motions, especially along the top board to avoid any visible drips or splotches.

Secure Rope

Once the painted frame is dry to the touch, begin the weaving process. Start at the bottom corner of the headboard frame. Knot one end of the rope around the outermost dowel, then secure with hot glue and allow to dry.

Weave Rope

Weave the rope back and forth horizontally through the dowels moving from left to right and working your way up toward the top of the frame. Tip: The weaving part will go a bit faster if you do it with a friend.

Complete Woven Design + Attach to Wall

While weaving, skip the section that’ll be hidden behind the mattress and box spring. Once you’ve trimmed and tied off the other end of the rope, secure it in place with glue. Stand it up and secure the backside of the headboard to the wall with a few long strips of hook-and-loop tape.