58 DIY & Upcycled Headboard Ideas

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

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August 05, 2020

By: Morgan Faulkner, Farima Alavi, and Rrita Hashani

Related To:

Taste of the Tropics

A trio of palm-print panels creates a focal point behind the bed and adds a hint of tropical style in this bedroom. Neutral bedding and sky-blue walls allow the panels to steal the show.

From: Terracotta Design Build

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.

Make It: How to Build a Framed Cane Headboard

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.

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 Photos: Guest Bedroom From HGTV Dream Home 2019

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Teenager Friendly

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

From: Little Crown Interiors

One With Nature

Bring the peacefulness of being out in 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

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.

Upcycled Leather Belts

Instantly take your bedroom space from cold to cozy with a headboard made from a plethora of leather belts. Using belts with an array of textures and brown hues creates a high-end look with added interest and dimension.

Make It: How to Make a Headboard From Upcycled Leather Belts

Go Graphic

Graphic lines and playful colors make this headboard a modern addition behind the bed. Choose a color palette that works for your space, grab the supplies and craft this eye-catching headboard in a weekend or less.

Make It: How to Make a Geometric Wood Headboard

Designer 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.

Make It: DIY Woven Dowel + Rope Headboard

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.

Make It: DIY Rainbow Headboard

From: Jill Tennant

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

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.

Make It: No Boards About It: DIY Alternative Headboard Options

Headboard Trick

No space for a headboard? Upholster the wall instead. In this small-space bedroom, 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 Photos: 11 Small-Space Design Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Rustic Warmth

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

From: Butter Lutz Interiors

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. Dive on in!

Make It: How to Make a DIY Tufted Headboard From Pool Noodles

Geometric Gem

The geometric headboard above the bed is a custom walnut headboard created by Susan Jamieson of Bridget Beari Designs. She used custom paint colors named after her favorite pups (proceeds go to rescue groups).

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

Statement Wall

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

Make It: How To Install a Planked Platform Headboard Wall

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

Removable Wallpaper

Wallpaper is pretty and trendy, and thanks to removable versions, your dorm room 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

Bright Lights

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

See More Photos: 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 to create a cozy, clean look.

Make It: No Boards About It: DIY Alternative Headboard Options

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

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 are all about the rustic chic, or you prefer a more polished aesthetic, this faux barnwood headboard can fit seamlessly with any style.

Make It: Faux It 'Til You Make It: A DIY Barnwood Headboard

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

An "Oar-ignal" Design

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

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 results have a DIY feel that’s modern and rustic at the same time.

DIY Shabby Chic

Infuse a touch of upcycled elegance in your bedroom with a striking headboard made from two vintage doors propped up against the wall. Pair with soft colors and feminine accents for true shabby chic design.

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.

Make It: How To Make a Faux-Leather 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

Bold and 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.

Make It: Rustic Yet Chic Wood Headboard

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) brings moments of 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 Photos: International Style: A Philly Condo With Global Appeal

Rustic Chic Bedroom with DIY Wood Headboard

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.

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 look.

From: sKout

Drop Cloth Turned Headboard

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

Watch the Video: DanMade Padded Headboard

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.

Make It: How to Make a Nautical-Inspired Headboard With a Sail

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

Statement Piece

In the main bedroom of this home, a striking headboard was created out of gray leather panels that reach all the way up to the ceiling. The different-shaped panels combined with the wood planks on either side create rich texture in the space.

From: DKOR Interiors

Picture This

Take your headboard area from boring to princess-like status by upcycling a large picture frame and filling it with your favorite fabric.

Make It: How-to: Picture Frame Headboard

From: HGTV Magazine

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.

Make It: How To Make an Upcycled Headboard From a Wood Pallet

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.

Make It: Coastal Cottage-Style Shutter Headboard

A-Door-Able

A vintage door was given a whitewash treatment, turned on its side and hung behind the bed in this shabby-chic bedroom. Simple hooks were added on either side for extra practicality.

Make It: DIY This A-Door-Able Headboard

Storage Solution

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

Make It: 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.

Make It: 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

Save Space and Show Off

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

Make It: How to Make a Bulletin Board Headboard

The Power of Paint

Freshened up with a coat of flat white paint that shows just the right amount of wear-and-tear, this new headboard looks like a well-loved family heirloom.

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

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.

Make It: How to Make a Kid's Headboard With Built-In Nightlights

No-Sew Fabric Headboard

Update your bedroom with an upholstered headboard without ever bringing out the sewing machine. This no-sew craft will take less than a day and will give your room a brand new look.

Make It: 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.

Make It: How to Build a Headboard From an Old Picket Fence

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.

Make It: How to Make a Two-Dimensional Upholstered Headboard

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 old blankets to create a collage of color over your child's bed.

Make It: How to Make a Headboard Out of Old T-Shirts

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.

Reclaimed Mantel as Statement Piece and Headboard

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.

Tall and 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.

Make It: Upholstered Headboard With Nail Head Trim

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.

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58 DIY & Upcycled Headboard Ideas

Related To:

Taste of the Tropics

Get Creative With Cane

Decorative Screen

Contrasting Wood Planks

Teenager Friendly

One With Nature

Reinvented Room Divider

Peel & Stick Planks

Upcycled Leather Belts

Go Graphic

Designer on a Dime

Renter-Friendly Rainbow

Handsome Headboard

Commitment Free

Headboard Trick

Rustic Warmth

Make a Splash

Geometric Gem

On Display

Statement Wall

Vintage Americana

Removable Wallpaper

Bright Lights

Dollar Store Chic

Vintage Beauty

Barnwood Hack

Wow With Wallpaper

An "Oar-ignal" Design

Two Is Better Than One

DIY Shabby Chic

Pleather Headrest

Eye-Catching Artwork

Bold and Rustic

Special Significance

Rustic Chic Bedroom with DIY Wood Headboard

Open Shelving

Drop Cloth Turned Headboard

Set Sail

Trendy Tapestry

Statement Piece

Picture This

Repurposed Shipping Pallet

Cottage-Style Shutters

A-Door-Able

Storage Solution

Low-Sew Slipcover

Not Just for the Floor

Save Space and Show Off

The Power of Paint

Light It Up

No-Sew Fabric Headboard

Save the Picket Fence

Double the Style

T-Shirt Collection

Low-Cost Luan

Reclaimed Mantel as Statement Piece and Headboard

Tall and Dramatic

Sweet Dreams

Shop This Look

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