One of the easiest ways to update your bedroom without spending a fortune on new furniture is a diy headboard. Are you looking for a sophisticated timber design, a soft upholstered look or a plain rustic style? When you create your own headboard, you have entire control over the size, colour, material and overall look.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a master woodworker to begin. With simple tools, inexpensive materials and only a few hours of work, you can build a fashionable headboard that looks custom-made for your bedroom. You’ll learn how to build a headboard step-by-step in this article, as well as useful DIY headboard ideas to adapt to different bedroom types.
Why Make Your Own Headboard?
Pre-made headboards can be costly, especially if you want something special. Often you may build a DIY headboard for considerably less, yet still have something nice and professional appearing. With a headboard DIY project, you may also choose materials that fit your existing furniture. Reclaimed wood can give a farmhouse impression, smooth plywood can complement a modern bedroom, cushioned cloth works well in softer or more sumptuous areas for example. Another advantage is size. Store-bought headboards tend to come in standard sizes, but a DIY headboard may be customised to fit your bed and wall perfectly.
Materials You May Need
What materials you use will depend on the type of DIY headboard you are building. You may need a basic wooden headboard:
- Boards of wood or plywood
- Wood, screws
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- sketched
- Sand paper
- Wood stain or paint.
- Brush or roller
- Wall mounting hardware
- Safety glasses
You may also require foam, batting, fabric, scissors, and a staple gun if you want to make an upholstered design. Carefully measure your bed before you buy materials so you know how broad and tall the finished headboard should be.
Measure Your Bed and Wall
Take Accurate Measurements Learning how to create a headboard starts with measurements. Measure your mattress width, or your bed frame. You can build your headboard the exact width of the bed, or you can make it several inches wider on each side for a heavier look.
Next, determine how high above the mattress you want the headboard to be. A modest headboard keeps the look clean and modern, or a towering one makes a statement piece for the bedroom. If you want to see the size when finished before you cut your materials, mark the approximate dimensions on the wall with painter’s tape.
Choose Your Headboard Style
There are different headboard options so choose a design that matches your bedroom. One of the easiest solutions is plywood panelling. One huge piece of plywood can be cut, sanded, stained or painted, and placed beneath the bed. Another common choice is a wooden headboard in a plank shape. Multiple boards, either horizontal or vertical, can be connected together for a rustic or farmhouse style.
For a softer bedroom look, consider an upholstered headboard. Staple foam and batting to plywood, then cover with fabric. Another DIY headboard concept is to use reclaimed doors, wooden slats, cane panels, peel-and-stick wood items and ornamental wall panels.
Cut the Material
When you have selected your design, measure and mark the material carefully and cut. If you are using plywood, just use a pencil and ruler or straight edge to mark straight lines to cut. A circular saw or table saw is suitable for larger parts. Cut each board to the length required for your design. Measure twice, cut once. Old adage “measure twice, cut once” might save you time and material. If you do not have power tools, many home improvement businesses will cut plywood or lumber for you to your specifications.
Sand the Surface
If you are working with wood, sanding is even more vital. Begin using a medium grit sandpaper to smooth down any rough spots, and then finish with a finer grain sandpaper. Special attention should be paid to edges and corners where splinters may form. Wipe dust off with a clean cloth before applying paint, stain, or any other finishing product. This little step can take the homemade DIY headboards to a whole new level of sophistication.
Paint, Stain, or Upholster the Headboard
You can change the look of your project now. If you have painted designs, use primer if needed, then two coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry according to manufacturer’s recommendations. If you want to show off the natural grain of the wood, another good option is wood stain.
For an upholstered headboard, put the plywood on top of foam and batting. Wrap the batting around the borders and staple it to the back. Do the same with your selected fabric, keeping the material taut and smooth as you go. Some common headboard options DIYers love are neutral linen, velvet, textured fabric, natural wood and painted geometric designs, which are very versatile because they go with a lot of bedroom types.
Attach Support Pieces if Needed
Some do-it-yourself headboards are attached to the bed frame itself while others are attached to the wall. If your design has legs, put solid wooden planks vertically on the back of the headboard. These supports then can attach to the bed frame.
A French cleat is a popular choice for wooden headboards for wall mounting as it distributes weight over the wall. Heavy strength mounting brackets will work as well. Always select hardware that can support the weight of your headboard and the type of wall you have.
Install the Headboard
Place the completed headboard behind the bed and make sure it is centred. Use a level before you make anything permanent. If you’re attaching the headboard to the wall studs, first locate the studs with a stud finder and mark their locations. Wall-mounted headboards must be firmly secured to avoid movement. Once installed, push the bed back into place and ensure the headboard feels secure.
Easy DIY Headboard Ideas
If you want something a little more imaginative than just a wood panel, check out these DIY headboard ideas. A headboard with slatted wood can add a sleek contemporary look. Vertically – tiny strips of wood – with little spaces between them. A reclaimed wood headboard can be a great fit for rustic bedrooms. Different wood tones and defects add to the individuality of the finished piece.
A cheap approach is to paint a large rectangle or arched form right on the wall behind the bed. While it is not a traditional physical headboard, it can provide the same visual impact. You can even design a headboard with integrated shelves to hold books, lamps or ornamental items. Another innovative way is to extend the wooden panels across much of the wall rather than confine the pattern to the width of the bed. This style can make the entire sleeping area feel more purposeful.
Tips for a Better DIY Headboard
Remember the scale of your bedroom when you choose a design. An extremely huge headboard can dwarf a tiny room while a very little design can be drowned visually behind a king-size bed. Choose colours and materials that tie together with other furniture in the bedroom. Using your wood tone on bedside tables, for example, can help the space feel cohesive.
You should also consider cleaning and maintenance. In general, smooth painted or stained hardwood headboards are easier to maintain than densely textured textiles. Most essential, make sure your headboard is firmly fastened, especially if it’s heavy wood.
Final Thoughts
When you learn how to create a headboard, you may customize the design to suit practically any decor style. Try several headboard designs, go for low-cost materials, and pick a style that suits your know-how. Whether you like contemporary, country, padded or sleek, there are plenty of DIY headboards you can make at home. With exact measurements, the correct materials and a little time, your next DIY headboard might be one of the most apparent enhancements to your bedroom.
