74 DIY & Upcycled Headboard Ideas

Looking to add major style to your bedroom but tired of run-of-the-mill furniture pieces? Refresh your space with a creative DIY headboard instead. Room dividers, wallpaper, old doors, washi tape and even pool noodles can be crafted into a one-of-a-kind headboard that everyone will be asking about.

A stylish and unique headboard can add instant appeal to a bedroom but often comes with a hefty price tag. Whether you're renting, decorating a dorm room or simply looking to beautify your bedroom on a budget, save money (without sacrificing style) with one of our handmade and upcycled headboard DIYs.

As seen here, a trio of trendy leaf-print panels creates an eye-catching focal point and adds a hint of tropical style to this breezy bedroom. Recreate this look in your space by framing three large panels of fabric or wallpaper, then hang them symmetrically behind your pillows.

Whether it's custom-made, found at an antique market or bought at a well-known home store, a decorative screen is one of the easiest ways to create a unique-yet-stylish display behind the bed.

Go cabin-chic with this rustic custom headboard project from Lowe’s. The DIY design assembles thin 1-by-3-inch strips of pine wood in a chevron pattern to create a woodsy focal point for your sleep space.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Chevron Wood Headboard

Wallpaper is pretty and trendy, and thanks to removable versions, your dorm room or apartment walls can get in on the fun, too. This lovely bird-themed pattern is breathtaking on its own, but it’s the application that really takes this accent wall over the top. Watch the video below to learn how to recreate the whimsical look.

This rustic wooden headboard was once a room divider. Now, its weathered wood complements the striking black wall behind and adds texture to this cozy bedroom.

White, distressed peel-and-stick wood planks offer the look of real shiplap without the hassle of using a saw or screwing boards to the wall. You just cut the planks to size using a utility knife, then peel and stick — that's it! These planks look great on an accent wall or used as an oversize headboard, as seen here.

The graphic lines and playful colors of this haute headboard create a modern focal point behind the bed. Choose a color palette that works for your space, grab the supplies and craft this statement-making piece in a weekend or less.

Bring the peacefulness of nature into your bedroom with a faux greenery headboard. Simply wrap artificial shrub panels around an old or inexpensive headboard, and use a staple gun to secure the greenery in place. Add a furry throw blanket and colorful pillows to complete the look.

Whitewashed planks of wood beautifully contrast against a handsome black wall in this rustic-industrial guest bedroom. Visual interest is created by placing the planks at different heights.

Rainbows are trending everywhere in decor, and HGTV Handmade’s Jill Tennant has a clever hack for creating a padded twin headboard that looks ultra-chic and expensive. The secret: pipe insulation. This whimsical headboard is budget-friendly, renter-friendly and so incredibly cute.

Vibrant colors and fun patterns bring a stylish contrast to this small guest room. Funky gray and white wallpaper is trimmed in light blue wood frames to create mock headboards for each of the twin beds, while a coral starburst mirror provides a pop of color in between.

Sleep in style with the addition of this lightweight cane and wood headboard in your space. Whip it up in an afternoon, and easily mount it to the wall with screws or a couple of metal brackets for a fresh and trendy design.

Not just for crafting, brightly colored washi tape draws the eye directly to the wall in this space. With so many design options and possibilities, this DIY "headboard" is a great project for those who like to change up their decor and color palette regularly.

Pool noodles in the bedroom? It may sound odd, but trust us — if you can handle a staple gun, you can make this dreamy DIY headboard.

This soft and cozy teen bedroom features sophisticated decor and gold accent details. A lavender forest accent wall combines with a classic mosquito net canopy to create a whimsical backdrop behind the bed.

Show your school, country or state spirit by displaying its flag in your space. Here, a vintage American flag is hung above the mattress as a headboard alternative and way of bringing fresh color into the bright-white room.

Add a touch of upcycled elegance to your bedroom with a striking headboard made from two vintage doors propped up against the wall. Pair with soft colors and feminine accents for a truly shabby chic look.

Color lovers unite in this bedroom that displays an array of vibrant, happy hues. An apple-green paneled wall creates a modern headboard while preppy blue and creamy white bedding add coolness to the room.

Make a fun, illuminated space-themed headboard for a child's room using holiday lights and plywood. Have the kiddos help by creating shapes, wrapping lights and adding stars to the display.

A long, live-edge slab of wood serves as a headboard in this modern, eclectic guest bedroom. The piece offers a sense of warmth while earning major style points as well.

This dreamy custom headboard was crafted from the same cedarwood used for the ceiling beams in this beautiful master bedroom. Contemporary metal wall lamps in a brass finish were mounted on each side for sophisticated illumination.

Show off your free spirit by hanging an oversized, boho tapestry above your bed with nails or removable stick-on strips.

In lieu of a traditional headboard, vintage baskets filled with lights provide a striking design feature in this feminine bedroom.

This playful headboard quickly comes together with just a few spare minutes and a couple of low-cost supplies. To create the look, simply install a curtain rod above the bed. Then, hang your choice of chair pillows for a cozy, clean look.

Love a rustic look? Recreate this gorgeous barn wood-style headboard using peel-and-stick planks or attach real barn wood to backer board using wood screws. There are plenty of tutorials online ranging from easy to expert to fit any skillset. Happy building!

Take your headboard from predictable to palatial by upcycling a large picture frame and filling it with your favorite fabric.

Ribbons crisscrossed and attached to the periwinkle-colored walls in this teen bedroom allow the occupant to display postcards, photographs and other mementos all over the room without damaging the walls. And the best part? The art can be changed out at any time. This easy project makes a gorgeous headboard wall that can grow with kiddos through the years.

Real barnwood can be hard to come by and expensive when you do. But creating faux barnwood is easier than you might think. Whether you love a rustic chic look, or you prefer a more polished aesthetic, this faux barnwood headboard can fit seamlessly with any style.

A bed with a bookcase headboard fits perfectly in the niche under the angled ceiling in this girl's contemporary bedroom. But this look isn't just for kids! Fill a larger bookcase with treasured tomes and trinkets and place it behind the bed to save space in a dorm or small bedroom.

Infuse your bedroom with vintage charm by repurposing thrift finds into uniquely stunning decor pieces. Here, an antique mantel was given new life and now serves as an eye-catching headboard in this bohemian bedroom.

The reclaimed wood accent wall in this master bedroom creates a warm, rustic focal point and eliminates the need for a traditional headboard. Recreate this look at home with peel-and-stick planks, lumber stained and cut to size, or reclaimed barn wood.

Your little ones won't mind drifting off to sleep in this adorable bed! This DIY furniture piece features a house-shaped headboard and footboard, plus three drawers for storage.

New and vintage paddles are stood up to create this swimmingly fantastic headboard idea for a coastal-inspired bedroom.

Looking to infuse custom color into your bedroom aesthetic? Piece together painted walnut slats in a geometric pattern like designer Susan Jamieson of Bridget Beri Designs did here.

The twin beds in this room become a design statement with headboards that form a complementary pattern. Made from interconnecting links that hang from pegs at the top of disconnected headboards, the result is a DIY feel that’s modern and rustic at the same time.

For all you thrift store flip enthusiasts, this project is for you. Easily create this inexpensive-yet-impressive headboard using unfinished shutters, paint and sandpaper.

Another financially savvy solution for a headboard: wall art. Frame your favorite artwork and hang it directly above the bed for a personalized, visually-appealing solution.

Put treasured textiles on full display by hanging them above the bed. Here, an indigo African textile becomes a makeshift headboard in this cool, earthy bedroom.

Kids often have a hard time parting with their favorite T-shirts even after they've outgrown them. Use old T-shirts, sports jerseys or worn blankets to create a collage of color over your child's bed.

Dial-up the drama in your bedroom with an exaggerated, floor-to-ceiling headboard. Here, German oak wood makes for a handsome statement piece that's sure to impress.

Short on space? This one-of-a-kind DIY project pulls double duty behind the bed as a bulletin board and colorful headboard all in one.

Get a high-end look for less by crafting a chic headboard out of a drop cloth. Using foam, batting, plywood and upholstery tacks, this project quickly comes together for a magazine-worthy look.

A wooden headboard adds style, luxury and comfort to any bedroom, but it can come with a hefty price. Designer Ana White shared a simple way to build a customizable headboard that any beginner woodworker can accomplish.

Wooden dowels, 2x4s and jute rope combine to create this woven headboard that's ideal for DIY enthusiasts. Pair with soft-hued linens to allow the natural texture of the rope to steal the show.

A mural of an 18th Century map of the coast of Maine sourced through the Library of Congress acts as the focal point for this bedroom design. The space is actually quite small in footprint, but has so much volume from the high ceilings. Addressing the headboard wall in a unique and dramatic way seemed to be the only way to fully design the room.

No space for a headboard? Upholster the wall instead. In this small space, the wall behind the bed was upholstered with batting and tartan fabric to create the look of a massive headboard without taking up any valuable square footage.

Instantly take your bedroom from cold to cozy with a headboard made from old leather belts. Using belts with a variety of textures and hues creates a high-end look while adding interest and dimension.

Crafting your own headboard is easier than you may think. With the help of a rustic door, some chalk paint and a few other materials, you can give your bedroom a mega-makeover in just an afternoon.

A shelf structure frames the twin bed in this fun and colorful bedroom display. The open shelving showcases colorful collections that add individual style to the room without cluttering the space.

The best part of building a headboard from scratch is customizing the shape and size to suit your aesthetic and space. To add an extra touch of style, and some extra cushion, easily craft a double-frame headboard out of plywood, foam and fabric. Grab the step-by-step instructions below.

Designer Kara Paslay made this headboard from a thin piece of stained luan for this small bedroom. She adorned the luan with spray-painted painter's tape in a geometric motif. The look is great for dorm rooms or guest bedrooms.

Create an industrial-style headboard with a nautical touch by using PVC pipes and a remnant of an old sail. The pipes were painted silver then fitted together like plumbing, and the old sail was hoisted in between the pipes.

Designer Naomi Stein’s penchant for global accouterments shines in her guest bedroom where a headboard wrapped in a handira (a Moroccan wedding blanket) adds color, pattern and texture to the space. The piece was found on a trip to Morocco that ended with Stein being wrapped in the blanket at the end of a long evening. It now takes on a special significance as a decorative piece in her home.

Who knew metal roofing could be so stylish? Designer Kara Paslay created a rustic yet glamorous headboard by cutting an ornate shape out of corrugated tin, bringing out its subtle sheen and wavy texture. The silhouette may be traditional, but this headboard is anything but ordinary. Best of all, this DIY project only cost about $30!

As seen on Cousins on Call, John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino used an old mantel they found during the Rao home's construction for a headboard. They salvaged the piece, cleaned it up and painted it blue. Now, the piece is a dramatic statement piece that has become the focal point of the room.

Freshened up with a coat of flat white paint that shows just the right amount of wear-and-tear, this salvaged headboard now looks like a well-loved family heirloom. Learn how to paint and distress your own wood headboard, below.

Picture frames and salvaged lumber were turned into a personalized headboard for a little girl's bedroom. Get crafty by creating your own personalized message or spell out your child's name.

Love the look of leather furniture but don't have the budget? This beautiful leather-like headboard is easy on the wallet but looks like it cost a fortune.

Maximize storage in the bedroom by building handy cubbies and built-in nightstands into your headboard.

Refresh an outdated or battered headboard by simply covering it. Designer Holly Mathis made an easy slipcover for her headboard with minimal sewing. The best part? It's easy to replace as you change your bedroom's design style.

Using a rug as a unique headboard alternative is the definition of thinking outside the box. Here, a Southwestern-style rug hangs beautifully above layers of patterned pillows for a cozy, eclectic feel.

This upcycled headboard is easy to build and made almost entirely of salvaged materials. With some careful planning, you can build one in just a few hours for about $20.

Update your bedroom with an upholstered headboard that requires zero sewing skills. This no-sew craft takes less than a day and will give your room a brand new look.

This rustic-chic headboard was made from an old picket fence. The pickets were cut up into small pieces, cleaned and refinished in a few different stains. The pieces were then fitted into a frame made from more weathered lumber.

Make your headboard a statement piece in the bedroom by extending it to the ceiling. Here, designer Janell Beals extended the upholstered headboard to add height to the room using glue, staples, plywood and a few basic sewing skills.

This vintage-chic headboard was made from an old fireplace mantel with a tufted upholstered insert.

We modeled this headboard from one we saw in a popular home-decor catalog. It is very simple to build standard-size lumber is fastened to a large piece of plywood, then the whole piece is painted white.

Salvaged planks are lined up to make a headboard with a family photo mounted in the center. The photo can easily be swapped out to match decor changes.

To make this pretty girls' bed, an old thrift store headboard was painted white. Then branches were also painted white and attached to the headboard. The branches were then adorned with pretty birds, ribbons and glitter.