Reinvent a Room: Budget Decorating Projects

How to Make a Headboard Out of Old T-Shirts (page 1 of 2)

Kids often have a hard time parting with their favorite T-shirts even after they've outgrown them. Use their old T-shirts, sport jerseys or old blankets to create a collage of color over their bed.

By Joanne Palmisano, Salvage SecretsMore in Decorating

Courtesy of Design by Joanne Palmissano, Photo by Susan Teare

The possibilities are endless with this easy and inexpensive headboard project. Use floral pattern fabrics, old concert shirts, souvenir shirts or beach towels.

All About…

Materials and Tools

paintbrush or roller
jigsaw or circular saw
scissors
hot glue gun
miter saw
hammer
one full 4' x 8' sheet thin plywood (luan)
one half 4' x 4' sheet thin plywood (luan)
paint
wood glue
batting material
12 T-shirts
3 to 4 yards hook-and-loop tape
wood filler (if needed for mitered corners)
small nails
ply cap trim — two 8' pieces

Determine Layout and Materials

Gather your T-shirts and all the needed materials. Sketch out the design and determine the size of your headboard.

Cut the Luan to Size

Cut the full sheet of plywood close to the size of the bed, but make it a little bigger than you need just in case you have to adjust the size later, and leave enough space for trim.

Prep the Trim Pieces

Miter cut the trim pieces. Paint them and set them aside to dry. Apply a second coat if necessary.

Cut the Squares

Cut the half sheet of plywood into twelve 10" x 10" squares.

Cover the Squares

Cut the batting into twelve 11" x 11" squares. Cover each of the wood squares in batting, wrap the edges around the back and use hot glue to hold them in place.