How to Build a Space-Themed Kid's Headboard With Built-In Nightlights

Learn how to make an illuminated space-themed headboard for a child's room using holiday lights and plywood.

Project Overview

  • Cost: ⚫⚪⚪⚪
  • Skill Level: ⚫⚫⚪⚪
  • Time to Finish: Less than half a day

Tools

  • Drill with large bit
  • Paintbrush or roller
  • Level
  • Jigsaw or circular saw
  • Scissors
  • Hot-glue gun

Materials

  • Sheet of laminated, furniture-grade plywood
  • Semigloss paint
  • 12 to 14 screws
  • String of clear holiday lights (rice lights, which you can usually find at thrift stores in the off-season)
  • Package of glow-in-the-dark stars
  • Large paper bag or piece of paper to make templates

CI-Susan-Teare-Starry-Night-headboard-2_s4x3

©Susan Teare

Susan Teare

This starry-night headboard will provide a warm glow in your child's room. Have the kids help you make and design the headboard. They can create the shapes, help wrap the lights and add self-adhesive stars.

Cut the Headboard to Size, and Paint "Sky"

Cut the piece of plywood to the size of the bed. The lumberyard or retailer where you buy it will often cut it to your exact dimensions.

Paint the plywood the color of your choice. We used rich blue paint to represent a nighttime sky. Let the first coat dry completely and then apply a second coat if necessary.

Create the Template

Create the moon template on paper. A large paper bag works well because it is thick and sturdy.

Outline the Template

Place template on the wood and insert screws around template. Keep the entire pattern on the top half of the board, leaving room at bottom for pillow to rest against.

Insert the screws halfway through the plywood; make sure they do not poke through the back. If you have a hard time not going all the way through the wood. Wrap a little piece of masking tape around each screw at the point where you want the drill to stop. It will prevent you from drilling too far into the wood.

Original_Starry-Night-Headboard-drilled-out-hole_s4x3

Drill for the Lights

Drill hole large enough for the lights to get through near the bottom of the moon where it can be hidden.

Original_Starry-Night-Headboard-paint-screwheads_s4x3

Touch Up Holes

Use paint to touch up the holes and paint the tops of the screw heads.

Thread the Lights Through the Holes

String the lights through hole leaving the plug in the backside of the plywood.

Original_Starry-Night-Headboard-Moon-Lit-up_s4x3

Wrap the Lights

Wrap the lights around the screws in a variety of directions, creating a moon shape, tucking in the stray lights.

Original_Starry-Night-Headboard-hot-glue-stars_s4x3

Add Stars

Use hot glue to adhere the glow-in-the-dark stars around the moon. Save at least four large stars to cover the screws that will be used to attach the board onto wall.

Add Pads to the Back

Place foam floor protector pads (normally used for chairs) on the back of the board to keep it slightly off the wall, allowing the plug to come out the back.

Original_Starry-Night-Headboard-attaching-headboard-to-wall_s4x3

Attach Headboard to Wall

Place the headboard in position on the wall behind bed. Make sure it is level and screw into the wall studs. Place four screws near the top third of the board. Cover the screws with the stars.

Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets.

Next Up

How to Make a DIY Tufted Headboard From Pool Noodles

Pool noodles in the bedroom? Yes, it sounds sketchy but trust us — if you can handle a staple gun, you can make this dreamy DIY headboard. Dive on in!

How to Clean a Child's Car Seat

Nix the dirt and left-behind crumbs from your kid's in-car snack break. Keep your family's car seats and booster seats clean with these easy routines for spot-cleaning and tackling stains.

Upcycle an End Table Into a Cute and Cozy Dog Bed

Transform a thrifted table into a comfy retreat for your pup that’ll look great in your living room or bedroom.

How to Make a Classic Tulle Tutu

This pretty DIY skirt looks adorable as a flower girl dress, a Halloween costume, for ballerinas-in-training or just for the fun of it. Almost no sewing is involved to create this classic tulle tutu, making it a great project for beginner-level crafters.

How to Build a Retractable Canopy

Control the shade by making your own DIY retractable canopy. Open it up to create a shady retreat or close it to let the sun in.

DIY Bike Stand: Upcycle a Crib Rail Into a Bike Stand

Don't toss that old crib rail; upcycle it into a handy DIY bike rack with helmet hooks to keep your kids' bikes and gear safely stowed away.

The 12 Best Cribs for Babies

Give yourself peace of mind and your little one a snug, safe place to sleep with one of these top-rated cribs.

I Tried Eight Sleep's Temperature-Regulating Mattress — Here's How It's Going So Far

Eight Sleep's high-tech mattress promises to improve your 'sleep fitness,' but does it work?

How to Build a Covered Sandbox

This weekend, build a covered sandbox for the kids. The roof on this DIY sandbox will keep the play area well-shaded and free of leaves, twigs and rain.

How to Whitewash Wood: Whitewashing and Pickling Techniques

Easily brighten and add rustic charm to furniture and a variety of wood surfaces with these budget-friendly whitewashing and pickling techniques.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.