29 Headboard Projects You Can Do This Weekend
A one-of-a-kind headboard can make a bold statement that doesn't have to cost a lot. Browse our favorite projects for inspiration and step-by-step instructions.
Bold and Rustic
A wood headboard adds style, luxury and comfort to any bedroom, but it can come with a hefty price. Designer Ana White of Ana-White.com shares a simple way to build a headboard that any beginner woodworker can accomplish, and customize it in any color.
Get the step-by-step instructions: Rustic Yet Chic Wood Headboard
Tall and Dramatic
A headboard can be the statement piece in a bedroom, this one sure is. Janell Beals of Isabella & Max Rooms extended the upholstered headboard to the ceiling to add height to the room. It was not as complicated as it looks, it was built using glue, staples, plywood and a few basic sewing skills.
Get the step-by-step instructions: Upholstered Headboard With Nail Head Trim
Upcycle Leather Belts
Collect leather belts from your closet, friends, the thrift store or the flea market to craft a high-end looking ombre headboard.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Headboard From Upcycled Leather Belts
Statement Wall
An apple-green paneled wall creates a modern headboard in this rustic meets refined master bedroom. The bright green pops against the white walls, and the white ceiling and trim with gray undertones. Large custom wall art by artist Bert John pulls in the green from the headboard and the warmer tones used in the space.
See More Photos: How To Install a Planked Platform Headboard Wall
Pleather Headrest
This beautiful leather-like headboard is easy on the budget but looks like it cost a fortune. Plus, it's earth-friendly vegan!
Get the step-by-step instructions: How To Make a Faux-Leather Headboard
Low-Sew Slipcover
If you have an outdated, battered headboard, simply cover it up. Holly Mathis of Holly Mathis Interiors made an easy slipcover with minimal sewing. The best part? It's easy to replace as you change your bedroom's design style.
Get the step-by-step instructions: Make an Easy Headboard Slipcover
Picture This
Take your old headboard from boring to princess-like status by upcycling a large picture frame and filling it with your favorite fabric.
See How It's Done: How-to: Picture Frame Headboard
Cottage-Style Shutters
With a little bit of paint, Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage was able to transform these unfinished shutters into an inviting headboard. Make them your own by painting stenciled designs or adding embellishments.
Get the How-to: Coastal Cottage-Style Shutter Headboard
Tufted Royalty
Feel like royalty with this beautifully upholstered headboard. Wings, pleating and button-tufting create a stately and cozy backdrop for your bedroom.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Tufted Wingback Headboard
Use a Rug or Tapestry
Instead of a standard headboard, add drama to your bedroom by hanging a bold textile behind your head. Use a sisal, shag or flat-weave kilim rug or try a tapestry, throw or bedspread.
Get the How-To: Hang a Rug as a Headboard
Drop Cloth Turned Headboard
This expensive looking headboard was made simply and inexpensively using a canvas drop cloth, batting, foam, plywood, and then framed in upholstery tacks. If you don't have a lot of power tools, have the plywood pre-cut at the hardware store.
Watch the Video: DanMade Padded Headboard
A-Door-Able
If you're into the shabby chic look, we’ve got the perfect headboard for you. This old door was given a whitewash treatment with chalk paint, hung on the wall then capped off with a little ledge. A couple of hooks were added so the owners can hang their hat.
See How It's Done: DIY This A-Door-Able Headboard
Library Over Head
Maximize storage by building handy cubbies and built-in nightstands into your headboard. Some craft experience is required for this DIY project.
Get the step-by-step instructions: How to Make a Headboard With Storage
Get Geometric
If you’re looking for a stylish way to add personality and color to your bedroom or your kid's bedroom then this DIY modern art headboard is the perfect project for you.
See How It's Done: How to Make a Geometric Wood Headboard
Framed Cane Headboard
Tightly ready-woven cane, surrounded by a simple wood frame, will breathe freshness into your bedroom. Whip up this lightweight headboard in an afternoon and easily mount it to the wall with screws or a couple of metal brackets.
Get the step-by-step instructions: How to Build a Framed Cane Headboard
Repurpose a 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.
Watch the Video: DIY Upcycled Rustic Headboard
Save Space and Show Off
Short on space? No problem! Create a beautiful headboard that does double duty as a bulletin board or jewelry display.
See How It's Done: How to Make a Bulletin Board Headboard
Light It Up
Make an illuminated space-themed headboard for a child's room using holiday lights and plywood. Have the kids help you make and design the headboard. They can create the shapes, help wrap the lights and add self-adhesive stars.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Kid's Headboard With Built-In Nightlights
No-Sew Fabric Headboard
Update your bedroom with an upholstered headboard without bringing out the sewing machine. This no-sew craft will take less than a day and will give your room a brand new look.
See How It's Done: How to Upholster a No-Sew Headboard
Two-Times the Style
The most thrilling 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, make a double-frame headboard.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Two-Dimensional Upholstered Headboard
Handy Storage Pocket
Revitalize an old headboard by sewing a slipcover to go over it. It's an easy and inexpensive way to update your bedroom decor.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Headboard Slipcover with Storage Pocket
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 then 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
Showcase Your 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, sport jerseys or old 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
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, finally, the old sail was hoisted in between the pipes.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Nautical-Inspired Headboard With a Sail
Simple Cottage-Style
This classic headboard's uncomplicated design makes it a perfect project for a beginner woodworker.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Simple Cottage-Style Headboard
Flannel Fun
Whether you want to hide a dated headboard or just freshen up your look for the season, this fitted headboard slipcover will transform your bedroom without the commitment and cost.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Headboard Slipcover with No-Sew Piping
Salvaged Wood Frame
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.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Headboard From Salvaged Wood
Rustic Dream
Add style, color and texture to your bedroom with this do-it-yourself headboard that looks anything but DIY. A great project for newbie woodworkers, this headboard can be completed for less than $100.
Get the How-To: How to Build a Rustic Wood Headboard
Sweet Dreams
Picture frames and salvaged lumber were turned into a personalized headboard for a little girl's bedroom. Create your own personalized message or spell out your child's name.
Get the How-To: How to Make a Headboard With Picture Frames
