65 DIY & Upcycled Headboard Ideas

Give your boring bedframe a boost with one of these budget- and beginner-friendly headboard projects and DIY design ideas.

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June 23, 2021

By: Morgan Faulkner, Farima Alavi, and Rrita Hashani

Related To:

Taste of the Tropics

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.

SEE MORE: 15 Easy Upgrades for a Teen Girl's Room

From: Terracotta Design Build

Decorative Screen

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.

SEE MORE: 100 Stylish and Unique Headboard Ideas

Chevron + Chic

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

Removable Wallpaper

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Install Temporary Wallpaper

Reinvented Room Divider

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.

Peel & Stick Planks

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.

Go Graphic

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Geometric Wood Headboard

One With Nature

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.

From: Laura Umansky

Contrasting Wood Planks

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.

SEE MORE: Guest Bedroom From HGTV Dream Home 2019

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Renter-Friendly Rainbow

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Rainbow Headboard

From: Jill Tennant

Wow With Wallpaper

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.

From: Rachel Oliver

Get Creative With Cane

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build a Framed Cane Headboard

Commitment-Free

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: No Boards About It: DIY Alternative Headboard Options

Make a Splash

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a DIY Tufted Headboard From Pool Noodles

Teenager-Friendly

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.

From: Little Crown Interiors

Vintage Americana

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.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

DIY Shabby Chic

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.

Statement Wall

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How To Install a Planked Platform Headboard Wall

Light It Up

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Kid's Headboard With Built-In Nightlights

Lovely Live-Edge Wood

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.

Custom-Built Headboard

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.

SEE MORE: Master Bedroom Pictures From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

Trendy Tapestry

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

BUY IT: Urban Outfitters, $39

Bright Lights

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

SEE MORE: Tour a Stunning Historic Savannah Home Filled With Contemporary Art

Dollar Store Chic

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: No Boards About It: DIY Alternative Headboard Options

Rustic Wood

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!

From: Carley Montgomery

Picture This

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

GET THE HOW-TO: How-to: Picture Frame Headboard

From: HGTV Magazine

Wall of Memories

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.

From: Bronwyn Poole

Barnwood Hack

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: Faux It 'Til You Make It: A DIY Barnwood Headboard

For the Bookworm

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.

From: Regan Baker

Vintage Beauty

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.

From: Kim Lewis Designs

Wall of Wood

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.

From: Kirsten Holmstedt

Dreamy Playhouse

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a House-Shaped Kid's Bed With Storage

An "Oar-ignal" Design

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

Geometric Gem

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.

Two Is Better Than One

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.

Cottage-Style Shutters

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: Coastal Cottage-Style Shutter Headboard

Eye-Catching Artwork

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.

From: Justin DiPiero

On Display

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.

From: Natalie Myers

T-Shirt Collection

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Headboard Out of Old T-Shirts

Handsome Headboard

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.

From: Chas Everitt International Property Group

Save Space & Show Off

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 THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Bulletin Board Headboard

Drop Cloth-Turned-Headboard

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: DanMade Padded Headboard

Bold & Rustic

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: Rustic Yet Chic Wood Headboard

Design on a Dime

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Woven Dowel + Rope Headboard

Antique Map Mural

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.

From: Landing Design

Headboard Trick

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.

SEE MORE: 11 Small-Space Design Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Upcycled Leather Belts

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Headboard From Upcycled Leather Belts

A-Door-Able Headboard

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY This A-Door-Able Headboard

Open Shelving

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.

From: sKout

Double the Style

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Two-Dimensional Upholstered Headboard

Low-Cost Luan

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.

Set Sail

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Nautical-Inspired Headboard With a Sail

Special Significance

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.

SEE MORE: International Style: A Philly Condo With Global Appeal

Corrugated Metal

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!

Reclaimed Mantel

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.

The Power of Paint

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: Give a Dated Wood Headboard Fresh Farmhouse Charm

Sweet Dreams

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.

Pleather Headrest

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How To Make a Faux-Leather Headboard

Storage Solution

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

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Headboard With Storage

From: Chip Wade

Low-Sew Slipcover

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make an Easy Headboard Slipcover

Not Just for the Floor

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.

From: Anthology Interiors

Repurposed Shipping Pallet

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How To Make an Upcycled Headboard From a Wood Pallet

No-Sew Fabric Headboard

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Upholster a No-Sew Headboard

Save the Picket Fence

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build a Headboard From an Old Picket Fence

Tall & Dramatic

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.

GET THE HOW-TO: Upholstered Headboard With Nail Head Trim

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Lowe’s

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography

Photo By: Patrick Cline

Photo By: JANIS NICOLAY

Photo By: DAN WHITEHEAD

Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Rachel Oliver

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Full Spectrum Photography

Photo By: Flynnside Out

Photo By: Christopher Shane

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Carley Montgomery

Photo By: David A. Land

Photo By: Bronwyn Poole

Photo By: Kamron and Ellie Sanders

Photo By: Regan Baker Design Inc.

Photo By: Joey Puterbaugh

Photo By: Edney Images

Photo By: Jen Woodhouse

Photo By: Frank Murray

Photo By: David Christensen

Photo By: Genevieve Garruppo

Photo By: Claire Esparros for Homepolish

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Chas Everitt International Property Group, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Justin Levesque

Photo By: Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Sam Zachrich

Photo By: RTR Media

Photo By: Skout

Photo By: Seth Caplan

Photo By: Chris Amaral

Photo By: Brittney Gazaway

Photo By: Susan Teare

Photo By: Wade Works Creative

Photo By: Nick Sheerly,NAS Films

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65 DIY & Upcycled Headboard Ideas

Related To:

Taste of the Tropics

Decorative Screen

Chevron + Chic

Removable Wallpaper

Reinvented Room Divider

Peel & Stick Planks

Go Graphic

One With Nature

Contrasting Wood Planks

Renter-Friendly Rainbow

Wow With Wallpaper

Get Creative With Cane

Commitment-Free

Make a Splash

Teenager-Friendly

Vintage Americana

DIY Shabby Chic

Statement Wall

Light It Up

Lovely Live-Edge Wood

Custom-Built Headboard

Trendy Tapestry

Bright Lights

Dollar Store Chic

Rustic Wood

Picture This

Wall of Memories

Barnwood Hack

For the Bookworm

Vintage Beauty

Wall of Wood

Dreamy Playhouse

An "Oar-ignal" Design

Geometric Gem

Two Is Better Than One

Cottage-Style Shutters

Eye-Catching Artwork

On Display

T-Shirt Collection

Handsome Headboard

Save Space & Show Off

Drop Cloth-Turned-Headboard

Bold & Rustic

Design on a Dime

Antique Map Mural

Headboard Trick

Upcycled Leather Belts

A-Door-Able Headboard

Open Shelving

Double the Style

Low-Cost Luan

Set Sail

Special Significance

Corrugated Metal

Reclaimed Mantel

The Power of Paint

Sweet Dreams

Pleather Headrest

Storage Solution

Low-Sew Slipcover

Not Just for the Floor

Repurposed Shipping Pallet

No-Sew Fabric Headboard

Save the Picket Fence

Tall & Dramatic

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