Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Rooms
  3. Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
  4. Headboard
  5. 38 DIY Headboard Ideas for a Low-Cost Bedroom Refresh
Refresh

38 DIY Headboard Ideas for a Low-Cost Bedroom Refresh

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole Updated May 14, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
bedroom navy blue headboard
Credit: CARSON DOWNING

A headboard adds style to your bed and turns it into a focal point. These budget-friendly DIY headboard ideas will show you how to make a statement piece from inexpensive items like wood shims, old shutters, and upholstered panels. Try one of these creative headboard projects to give your bedroom a low-cost update.

Start Slideshow

1 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Headboard with Wood Trim

diy bed trim headboard
Credit: Adam Albright

When used in creative ways, inexpensive materials can create a custom DIY headboard that looks way pricier than it is. This beautiful wood headboard, for example, was crafted using door and window trim that cost just $90 at a home center. Using a miter saw, cut the ends of the casing pieces at a 45-degree angle. On a piece of plywood cut to the width of your bed, arrange the white-painted and unfinished casing to create an alternating pattern. Secure the pieces with wood glue and add flat trim around the top and sides to form a frame. Attach the headboard to the wall behind the bed by screwing it into at least one wall stud.

1 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tapestry DIY Headboard

bedroom décor with colorful headboard
Credit: Jacob Fox

Drape a colorful tapestry behind your bed to create an eye-catching statement. You can use a simple curtain rod to mount the tapestry, or for a more eclectic look, fashion your own rod using birch logs to create this easy DIY headboard idea. To avoid damaging the fabric, insert the rod through the pocket at the back. If your tapestry lacks a pocket, use curtain clips or self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape ($7, The Home Depot) to secure the fabric.

2 of 38

3 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pretty Embroidered Headboard

bedroom navy blue headboard
Credit: CARSON DOWNING

Rows of cotton sash cord update a plain, painted plywood board. The look is similar to embroidery or cross-stitch, yet isn't overly difficult. We love this DIY headboard for a modern bedroom where sharp lines and clean designs are at the forefront. Plus, it's an inexpensive headboard to make from a large wood board. Get the look by drilling holes in the plywood, then weaving cord through. To hang the headboard, attach D-rings to the frame and mount on screws.

3 of 38

Advertisement

4 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Simple Cutout Headboard

DIY headboard circular cutouts
Credit: CARSON DOWNING

Budget-friendly DIY headboards don't have to be complicated. Circular cutouts keep this DIY wood headboard simple yet striking. Start with a 62x36-inch piece of plywood. Lay out circular shapes to create your design. Drill a pilot hole at each marked point, and saw through the hole with the desired hole saw blade. Sand the edges of each hole. Cut 1-inch x 3-inch x 8-foot boards to fit the perimeter of the headboard. Attach boards on the underside of the headboard, creating a frame. This step isn't necessary, but it does add a nice dimension to the headboard. Finish by sanding the entire headboard, staining or painting it the desired shade, and hanging on the wall.

4 of 38

5 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Woven Flashing Headboard

DIY woven headboard
Credit: CARSON DOWNING

Flashing is a hardware store staple, but it rarely makes its way into the home. This unique headboard project changes that. With a little bit of creativity, vinyl flashing transforms a large piece of plywood into a woven wall hanging. It's a great addition to any size bed, from a twin to a king headboard. Plus, the process is super simple. You can make this DIY headboard in only six easy-to-follow steps.

5 of 38

6 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Tufted Headboard

DIY Tufted Headboard
Credit: CARSON DOWNING

This DIY tufted headboard packs a lot of impact into a small space. The secret is to pick a bold—and budget-friendly!—fabric. This brush-stroke design acts as a piece of art just above the bed. It's perfect for a textured wall that doesn't lend itself well to hung frames or other artwork. Bedding supplies stuffed between the fabric and the headboard plywood base add an effortless upholstered feel to the piece. Fabric-covered buttons complete the tufted look.

6 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wood Block Headboard

DIY Wood Block Headboard
Credit: CARSON DOWNING

One-inch-thick slices of 4x4-inch wood posts come together to form a gorgeous rustic headboard for your bedroom. These puzzle-like pieces create interesting patterns that showcase the natural wood grain of your posts. Its pieced-together design makes it a perfect fit for an eclectic bedroom. Make this eye-catching DIY wood headboard with simple materials, such as cedar posts, stain, and MDF. Our how-to project shows you how to make a queen-size headboard, but this project can be adjusted to fit any mattress size.

7 of 38

8 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ruffled Fabric Headboard

DIY Orange fabric headboard
Credit: Jay Wilde

Take a fabric-covered headboard to the next level with a pleated ruffle technique. This funky design is perfect for a teen's room where innovation and creativity can run wild. A fabric headboard is easy to personalize to match the rest of the room's decor, and you can even whip up a matching bed skirt to complete the look. Take a look at our helpful steps to achieve this textured design.

8 of 38

9 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tapestry Headboard

DIY patterned tapestry headboard
Credit: Brie Williams

Hang fabric behind your bed for a simple DIY headboard that packs a patterned punch. Almost any fabric will do, including vintage quilts or tapestries, drapes, or even a pretty flat sheet. Cut and hem your chosen fabric the same width as your bed. Hang the fabric from hooks or a curtain rod. You can even use some extra fabric to sew up a slipcover for an accent pillow.

9 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Rope Headboard

bedroom hanging rope rustic headboard
Credit: Nicolas Gourguechon

Repurpose curtain rods and rope for a rustic DIY headboard. First, match the length of the rods to your mattress size. Attach the rods to the wall at your desired heights. Knot the rope to the bottom rod, then drape the rope over the top rod and wrap under the lower rod. Repeat to achieve your desired look, and knot the end of the rope to the bottom rod. A few dots of hot glue between rope and rod will hold the arrangement steady.

Editor's Note: This treatment is not appropriate for kids' beds or other rooms where children may sleep.

10 of 38

11 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Caned Headboard

bedroom with striped bed spread and caned headboard
Credit: Blaine Moats

Cane furniture, a design trend that dates to ancient Egypt, is having a 21st-century moment. Three panels made of poplar boards and binder cane team up to create a headboard for this full-size bed. When you weave your own panels, you have total artistic control over the pattern and size of the weave. For instant gratification, shop for pre-woven caning material. To complete the look, add a floating shelf above the headboard and outfit it with plants.

11 of 38

12 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Tile Headboard

bedroom blue accents painted bed white tile inlay chandelier
Credit: Jason Donnelly

Affordable penny tiles are easy to fit into curvy shapes such as this vintage headboard and footboard. First clean, prime, and paint your furniture piece the desired hue. Let dry. Working on a level surface, arrange the tile sheets on your project. We created a paper template for the top of the headboard and footboard and cut the tile sheets to fit. Adjust the tile sheets on the furniture, using spacers as needed, and number the order with painters tape. Set tile aside. Protect painted portions with painters tape. Using a trowel, spread a thin layer of tile adhesive on the furniture. Repeat with remaining sheets and let dry. Use a tile float to apply grout the same color as the penny tiles—it really helps camouflage imperfections. Finish your DIY headboard by removing grout residue with water and a tiling sponge.

12 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salvaged DIY Headboard

white bedroom with antique headboard
Credit: Paul Dyer

When you get creative, anything can be a headboard. A pair of salvaged doors are the perfect alternative to an ordinary headboard, especially when paired with farmhouse-style decor. To get this look, find doors that measure about the width of your mattress. Preserve the finish and prevent paint chips or wood slivers by sealing the surface with a clear sealer. Prop the doors against the wall and position the bed directly in front of them.

13 of 38

14 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Headboard for Less

You'll be surprised by which home store staple serves as the foundation for this stylish headboard. Your guests will be impressed, too, when you tell them you made this one-of-a-kind piece all by yourself! Watch and find out what we did, plus see how easy it is to make a DIY headboard for your bedroom.

14 of 38

15 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Woven Rope Headboard

Woven headboard in green bedroom
Credit: Jay Wilde

Embrace two trends—rope decor and industrial accents—with this DIY headboard. This macrame-inspired headboard would look great with many styles including eclectic, cottage, and farmhouse. Plus, it's fun to make! Put on some good tunes and settle in for an afternoon of weaving. The process is only six steps long, and the entire project can be completed in one weekend. Trust us, this budget headboard is worth the work.

15 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Wood Headboard

DIY Wood Headboard
Credit: Jay Wilde

Wood shims aren't just for builders. This inexpensive material is perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind DIY headboard. We love the natural finish of this headboard, but you can also personalize it with a fresh coat of paint. The gridded design here is unique but simple to create. Alternatively, feel free to play with the board layout to create your own custom design.

16 of 38

17 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salvaged Modern Headboard

bedroom rustic reclaimed wood headboard
Credit: Adam Albright

Repurpose barn boards into a new headboard with a modern twist. Cut a piece of plywood to your desired size (ours fits a queen bed). Gently clean the boards with a damp cloth, but don't scrub or sand away the weathered character. Cut boards as needed, and nail them to cover the plywood. For the whitewashed finish, we diluted 1/3 cup white paint with 1/2 cup water and brushed on the mixture. When dry, we taped off boards and created color blocks using a blue spruce hue. The soothing shade works perfectly in a bedroom, and the color blocks add a modern touch to the piece. Screw the headboard into studs in your wall, or hang with wood cleats.

17 of 38

18 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fabric Headboard Makeover

DIY Fabric Headboard Makeover
Credit: Adam Albright

Not all fabric headboards require you to be an expert at the sewing machine. Update an old wood headboard with a fabric slipcover and a tension shower rod. It's a super-simple way to refresh a piece you already have. This project only requires a few beginner sewing skills, so it's a great way to dip your toes in the sewing world. While you're at it, sew a pillowcase for an accent pillow to tie the whole bed together.

18 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clever Headboard Solutions

diy paneled headboard stenciled placemats
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

If you're not finding a headboard you love in the stores, look somewhere you normally wouldn't consider for bedroom accents. Paneled doors rescued from a salvage shop can be repurposed into cheap DIY headboards. Another vintage find—a plastic place mat—created this stenciled design. This eclectic piece looks gorgeous as a headboard and certainly brings a unique touch to the space.

19 of 38

20 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Carpeted Headboard

blue bedroom carpeted headboard
Credit: Adam Albright

Look to carpet for more than just flooring purposes. You can also use it to fabricate a headboard. Cut a pattern from kraft paper in your desired size and shape. Trace the pattern onto plywood, and cut using a jigsaw. Sand, prime, and paint the edges of the plywood using semigloss latex paint, and let dry. Place carpet tiles on the plywood, allowing them to overhang all sides of the plywood. Use adhesive caulk to secure the carpet tiles one at a time to the plywood, and let dry. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the carpet tiles to the shape of the plywood. Use a rubber mallet to nail in large nailheads 1 inch from the edge and around the sides and top. Hang the headboard at the desired height using a cleat.

Editor's Tip: Place a second piece of clean, dry plywood or another heavy object on top of the carpet tiles to weigh them down as the adhesive dries. To care for the headboard, clean with a vacuum attachment to remove dust.

20 of 38

21 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hand-Drawn Headboard Design

diy painted frames headboard
Credit: GREG SCHIEDEMANN

With crafts store supplies, you can make a DIY headboard that nods to a classic wrought-iron bed frame silhouette. Assemble two 36x48-inch frames from canvas stretchers. Positioned side-by-side, the frames will fit nicely behind a full-size bed. Paint frames and let dry. Cut two pieces of off-white linen, leaving enough material on all sides so it can be pulled tautly across the backs of the frames and stapled. Sketch half of the headboard design on each piece of linen with a pencil, and draw over the outline with a black king-size permanent marker. Lay the linen facedown on the backs of the corresponding frames. Use a staple gun to secure linen to frames. Staple the center top first; stretch the linen and staple at the bottom. Repeat for the sides. Continue stretching and stapling until linen is secure. Mount the framed canvas headboard on the wall with sawtooth hangers—using two per frame—and secure with removable adhesive strips.

21 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Architectural Salvage Headboard

cottage bedroom diy shutter headboard
Credit: Jean Allsopp

Turn old architectural elements into a stunning headboard. In this cottage bedroom, pairs of shutters topped with decorative moldings do the trick. This is a great way to incorporate beloved fixtures from childhood homes or room makeovers into your bedroom. You can also give them new life with a fresh coat of paint! However, shutters, paneling, and other elements can be quite heavy, so be sure to install your finds securely to the wall.

22 of 38

23 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wallpaper Statement Headboard

diy floral pink wallpaper headboard
Credit: Marty Baldwin

Create the look of a floor-to-ceiling headboard with wallpaper. Install wallpaper on the wall just behind your bed to give the illusion of a grander headboard. This DIY look turns your entire wall into its own art piece, so you don't need to worry about dressing up the walls with extra expenses. However, before you adhere the wallpaper, make sure your bed is positioned in a place you're happy with. Moving this DIY headboard is a little tricky once it's set.

23 of 38

24 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Framed DIY Headboard

photo headboard
Credit: Robert Brinson

Inexpensive picture frames can be found at garage sales or thrift shops and made into a magnificent DIY headboard. Choose artwork in black or white for a cohesive look before hanging the frames side-by-side. For an upholstered look, remove the glass from the frame, and cut quilt batting the same size as the frame back. Cut fabric to size, adding 2 inches on each side. Lay the fabric face down, center the batting on the fabric, and add the frame back. Wrap the fabric and secure it to the frame back with duct tape. Insert into the frame.

24 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Plank Headboard Wall

DIY barnwood planks headboard
Credit: James Carriere

Go beyond the basic headboard and make the entire wall behind your bed a headboard. Distressed barnwood planks run the length of the wall behind this bed. To create a DIY wood accent wall, measure your wall to determine what length of planks you'll need and how many it will take to cover the wall from top to bottom. Starting at the ceiling, secure the planks using nails at several points along the board, ensuring some of the nails are driven into studs. Continue down the wall, butting the top of the next board against the bottom of the previous board. You might need to cut a board horizontally when you get to the bottom. Including a regular upholstered headboard with the bed will add comfort to the wall.

25 of 38

26 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vintage-Look Headboard

DIY vintage feed sack headboard
Credit: Michael Partenio

Add a vintage country look to your bedroom with a feed sack-covered headboard. A large feed sack provides enough fabric to cover a twin-size headboard. Staple two layers of batting over the front side of a piece of plywood, then staple the feed sack on top of the batting. Pull the fabric taut as you add staples to the center of each side and then as you work your way to the corners. For a stunning finish, nail a piece of architectural salvage to the top of the upholstered headboard.

26 of 38

27 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tin Tile Headboard

DIY white tin tile headboard
Credit: Kathryn Gamble Lozier

Try tin ceiling tiles for vintage-style DIY headboard materials. Cut a pattern from kraft paper in your desired size and shape. Trace the pattern onto plywood, and cut using a jigsaw. Place tin tiles on the plywood, allowing tiles to overhang. Use adhesive caulk to secure tiles one at a time to the plywood. Use tin snips to cut the tiles to the shape of the plywood. Grind down any rough edges. Paint the tin and sides, and let dry. Hang at your desired height using a cleat.

27 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quilted DIY Headboard

DIY Quilt Headboard
Credit: Jason Wilde

Turn childhood relics and family hand-me-downs into something that grows with your family. With a little basic carpentry and a beautiful old quilt, you can create this charming headboard. It's the perfect project for memorializing an old quilt or adding a bit of extra color to a bedroom.

28 of 38

29 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Industrial-Style DIY Headboard

Metal headboard eclectic style bedroom
Credit: Jay Wilde

Unlikely materials are often the ticket to eye-catching headboards. Here, corrugated metal roofing was fabricated into a headboard by cutting out the shape with a jigsaw. The edges were smoothed with a grinder before the piece was screwed to the wall. The headboard falls right in line with on-trend farmhouse-style decor. This will look great against a wood accent wall or paired with DIY pallet furniture.

29 of 38

30 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Home Center DIY Headboard

DIY headboard medium-density fiberboard
Credit: Adam Albright

For less than $100, you can make a headboard out of basics from your local home center. On a piece of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), draw a design that's as wide as the mattress and about 40 inches tall; cut it out. Use wood glue to cover the MDF with a piece of beaded board cut into the same shape. Glue strips of veneer over the rough edges. Glue or screw trim to the top edge and a finial in the cutout. Paint the entire piece. When dry, mount the headboard to the wall with 1 1/2-inch spacers.

30 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fabric Square DIY Headboard

DIY oversize upholstered headboard
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

Break an oversize headboard into small squares for an easy upholstered headboard project. To make this headboard, cut plywood into enough squares to fit your space. Ours are 18-inch squares. Wrap the front of each square in quilt batting, stapling it to the back. Cut a square of fabric at least 2 inches wider (on each side) than the plywood square. Stretch the fabric over the batting, and staple it to the back of the plywood. Trim away excess fabric—especially at the corners—to make hanging easier. To hang, place a sawtooth picture hanger on the back of each panel, and arrange them on the wall above your bed.

31 of 38

32 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Headboard Project

DIY fabric panel headboard
Credit: Jay Wilde

This no-sew, no-tools-required update is an easy and affordable way to revive a metal headboard. Simply drape a length of fabric—whether it's yardage, a woven floorcloth, or a blanket—over an existing headboard. Clip both sides of the fabric together with curtain rings, and loop ribbon through the rings and around the bed frame, securing with a bow. Use several curtain rings on both sides of the headboard.

32 of 38

33 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Storage Headboard

built-in dresser drawer headboard
Credit: Adam Albright

Create a one-of-a-kind headboard with built-in storage using old dresser drawers. Search salvage shops and secondhand stores for cast-off drawers and old dressers. Plan your layout on the floor, using fillers such as storage cubes and leaving spaces where the wall can show through. Once you've perfected your design, screw the pieces together. We also cut plywood doors to fit a few openings and secured them with hinges. To embellish your headboard, give it a few coats of paint, and wallpaper the drawer backs and doors. Hang the headboard on the wall using a few 1x4-inch cleats.

33 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Framed Fabric Headboard

DIY Framed Fabric Headboard
Credit: Jay Wilde

Spice up a bedroom by creating a framed headboard from a graphic print. Stretch fabric over heavy cardboard or foam-core board and secure on the back. Insert the panels into two inexpensive poster frames spray-painted a coordinating color. This modern pattern lends itself nicely to the clean white walls and bedding. Simple decor on the nightstand continues the accented red color throughout the room.

34 of 38

35 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wallpapered Headboard

DIY picture frame wallpaper headboard
Credit: Adam Albright

Looking for simple, inexpensive headboards? Take a trip to your local thrift shop! Scout out a large picture frame from a flea market or secondhand shop and repurpose it as a headboard. Paint the frame to match your decor. Cut a wallpaper piece to fit inside the frame. Apply the paper to the frame backing following the manufacturer's instructions. Although this custom-made design features a queen headboard, it can be adapted for any bedframe size.

35 of 38

36 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Upholstered Headboard

DIY Gold White Upholstered Headboard
Credit: Greg Scheidemann

With a bit of sewing skills, this high-end designer look-alike headboard can be created in a weekend. The shapely top is a nod to traditional furniture styles while the fun, bright fabric gives it a welcoming feel. Details such as a nailhead trim make all the difference in projects like this. Check out our step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful upholstered headboard.

36 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shutter DIY Headboard

upholstered headboard damask pattern
Credit: John Bessler

A headboard doesn't have to reach all the way to the ground. You can easily craft a DIY headboard from objects you already have and hang them at mattress-height to look like a traditional headboard. Here, we turned home center shutters into a one-of-a-kind DIY headboard. We painted the shutters to match the room's color scheme, and choose a coordinating fabric for a beautifully upcycled design.

37 of 38

38 of 38

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Door-Turned-Headboard

Painted blue doors bedroom headboards
Credit: Laura Moss

A solid-pine door makes a bold statement headboard. Set vertically, most doors are wide enough to fit a twin bed, but hung horizontally, doors can stretch across like a queen or king headboard. Cut 15 inches off the bottom of the door. Paint the door and let dry. Mount the door to the wall about 4 inches above the floor using two brackets. Reinforce with one bracket on top. To hide the top bracket, use finishing nails to attach a piece of molding to its top edge, 1 inch above the door. Fill holes with wood filler. Sand and paint.

38 of 38

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Refresh
    View Series
    • How to Effortlessly Style Open Kitchen Shelves in 5 Easy Steps
    • This Holiday Cleaning Checklist Is Your Go-To Guide Before Guests Arrive
    • How to Make an Arched Accent Wall with Leftover Paint and a Pencil
    • 9 Delightfully Easy Tricks to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 38 DIY Headboard with Wood Trim
    2 of 38 Tapestry DIY Headboard
    3 of 38 Pretty Embroidered Headboard
    4 of 38 Simple Cutout Headboard
    5 of 38 Woven Flashing Headboard
    6 of 38 DIY Tufted Headboard
    7 of 38 Wood Block Headboard
    8 of 38 Ruffled Fabric Headboard
    9 of 38 Tapestry Headboard
    10 of 38 DIY Rope Headboard
    11 of 38 DIY Caned Headboard
    12 of 38 DIY Tile Headboard
    13 of 38 Salvaged DIY Headboard
    14 of 38 Easy Headboard for Less
    15 of 38 Woven Rope Headboard
    16 of 38 DIY Wood Headboard
    17 of 38 Salvaged Modern Headboard
    18 of 38 Fabric Headboard Makeover
    19 of 38 Clever Headboard Solutions
    20 of 38 Carpeted Headboard
    21 of 38 Hand-Drawn Headboard Design
    22 of 38 Architectural Salvage Headboard
    23 of 38 Wallpaper Statement Headboard
    24 of 38 Framed DIY Headboard
    25 of 38 Plank Headboard Wall
    26 of 38 Vintage-Look Headboard
    27 of 38 Tin Tile Headboard
    28 of 38 Quilted DIY Headboard
    29 of 38 Industrial-Style DIY Headboard
    30 of 38 Home Center DIY Headboard
    31 of 38 Fabric Square DIY Headboard
    32 of 38 Easy Headboard Project
    33 of 38 Storage Headboard
    34 of 38 Framed Fabric Headboard
    35 of 38 Wallpapered Headboard
    36 of 38 DIY Upholstered Headboard
    37 of 38 Shutter DIY Headboard
    38 of 38 Door-Turned-Headboard

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    38 DIY Headboard Ideas for a Low-Cost Bedroom Refresh
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.