DIY: Creating a unique headboard

The headboard in a bedroom is an important design element. Most bedroom sets come with a headboard which can be made of many types of wood including oak, maple, cherry and mahogany. Another common headboard material is brass and also white painted iron. When these are just not cutting it, what options are available? The options are limitless. Here are a few tips for creating a unique headboard for your bedroom.

Padded headboard

Some padded headboards are available in stores. These are usually made from a plastic or velvet type of materials. You don’t need to settle for something that can be found in a store. With a little work and a little imagination, a unique one of a kind headboard is easy to make.

First stop is the local lumber yard where a piece of plywood needs to be purchased. Measure the size of the bed that the headboard will be used with to make sure the piece being purchased is large enough. 

Depending on the height of the ceiling and the size of the bed, two or three feet tall is a good height. Purchase glue that will work for attaching padding to the plywood and a heavy duty stapler. Head to the fabric store with measurements in hand. Purchase padding, batting, and fabric. The padding is glued onto the plywood and the batting and fabric are stapled to the rear of the headboard. Buttons may be added to the front to create a tufted effect.

Not everyone wants to do a craft project to create a unique headboard. Many beautiful and unique headboards can be created from items that are purchased already made. One place to look for unique items for a headboard at stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Mantle

One interesting option is to paint and hang a pre-made mantle. Painting the wall behind the bed in a focal color sets the tone for the room. The mantle can then be painted white or stained a color to match the rest of the wood in the room. The mantle now is placed on the wall behind the bed about a foot and a half to two feet above the pillows. It can be used to display a special collection, family pictures or just about anything including lighting. If you prefer an antique look, places like Black Dog Salvage offer some amazing mantles that have been rescued from demolition.

Thanks to Pintrest https://www.pinterest.com/explore/fireplace-mantle-headboard/

Mirrors

Another unique headboard option is a mirror. These can also be purchased at the big box stores but also check out antique and home décor stores. Placing mirrors on a wall makes the room look larger and also increases the feeling of light in the room. To create a headboard, place the mirrors in a line behind the bead at the height of a normal headboard. Mirror tiles can be used or framed mirrors, just be sure to place the mirrors right next to each other to create a clean line.

Art

Art is a great focal point as a headboard. Art can be purchased or it can be created. It can be placed in one frame or several frames and lined up behind the bed. If you have some great photos that you have taken these can be blown up and used as art.

Shutters

Shutters make a great headboard. Purchase tall ones, paint them a color that matches the room and then attached them to each other. They need to be attached to the wall with nails, glue or Velcro. Shutter purchased at stores like Loew’s and Home Depot can be plastic which is quite light.

Doors

A door painted and placed on the wall behind the bed is a unique and pretty headboard option. New ones can be purchased or used ones at tag sales or second-hand stores.

For my headboard, I have a peiece of wrought iron art that I found at Pier One, I love having a headboard that is attached to the wall, not the mattress. 

Creating a unique headboard is only limited by your imagination.  Let these tips get you started and let your own tastes find what will make your bedroom truly unique.