How to Make a Rope-Wrapped Painted Headboard

Step 1

Remove any decorative hardware from the headboard.

Step 2

Sand it to scuff up old varnish and smooth out nicks. Wipe clean with a cloth.

Step 3

Paint the entire headboard, and let dry. Hummingbird Blue by Martha Stewart Living Paint was used here.

Step 4

Decide where you want the rope to go—it’s great for camouflaging imperfections—and loosely wrap it around the headboard. Don’t adhere it yet; this is just to help you decide on placement and give you an idea how much rope you need.

Step 5

Once you’re satisfied with your placement, brush the glue onto the headboard in the spots where you’ll place the rope.

Step 6

Starting at the bottom of the glued area, adhere the end of the rope to the back of the headboard with a little extra glue.

Step 7

Wrap the rope around the headboard so you can’t see any gaps, pressing it to the glue and holding it in place until the glue starts to set. If you’re wrapping a large area, apply the glue and wrap the rope in sections so the glue doesn’t dry before you cover it with rope. Secure the rope’s end to the back of the headboard with extra glue.