DIY Headboards: 53 Original Ideas for Easy Style

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15 Easy DIY Headboard: Picket Fence
This rustic-chic headboard was made from an old picket fence. The pickets were cut up into small pieces, cleaned and then refinished in a few different stains. Then the pieces were fitted into a frame made from more weathered lumber.
Photo by: Susan Teare ©Joanne Palmisano
Susan Teare, Joanne Palmisano
This is hard to believe now, but for too many years, the only headboard project we featured on DIYNetwork.com was made from chain-link. It's still here, with a cult following, even rumored to have been tweeted by an edgy celebrity highlighting, ahem, alternative styling rather than the original design, which was for a boy's room.Recent years have seen a sea change in headboard projects, videos, styles and options. And with the upcoming holidays bringing bedrooms and guest rooms into focus, why not take the opportunity to build the headboard you've been wanting (or at least steal the look)?
Budget-Friendly Headboards
See All PhotosDecal Dreams
A decal is one budget-friendly way to add style to the head of your bed. Rate My Space contributor dodi used the decal as inspiration for the room's design.
Low-Cost Luan
Designer Kara Paslay made this headboard from a thin piece of stained luan for this small bedroom. She adorned the luan with spray-painted painter's tape in a geometric motif. The look is great for dorm rooms or guest bedrooms.
Whimsical Silhouette
A do-it-yourself headboard is the best way to get a one-of-a-kind look without the cost. Designer Maureen Toribio used some wood, chalkboard paint, primer and a handmade stencil to create this whimsical headboard. The silhouette adds a youthful touch and the chalkboard allows for fun and creativity. Silhouette image courtesy of Susie Harrington of Petite Prints.
Photo By: QUITNGUYEN
Behind Closed Doors
Rate My Space contributor fleamarkettrixie loves to reuse items she has around the house. She used old closet doors and a settee to make this truly vintage headboard.
Vintage Textiles
A great, simple way to personalize a standard white headboard is by using vintage textiles. In this bedroom, designer Jennifer Jones used a kilim rug down the center of the headboard to add pattern and to reference the client's love of travel.
Color Happy
When choosing a headboard, pick one bright color as your inspiration. Rate My Space contributor sford used yellow, black and white pieces of fabric and old frames to create a fun, dramatic effect in her bedroom.
Elegant Alternative
Hanging artwork behind the bed is an elegant alternative to getting an expensive headboard. Designer Andreas Charalambous adds the artwork as the sole source of color in this bedroom.
Chalkboard Frame
A headboard doesn't have to span the entire width of the bed. Designer Melaine Thompson painted an old round frame to match the four-poster bed then painted a piece of wood with chalkboard paint. This budget-friendly headboard allows the mind to be creative by being able to write different messages.
Two-Tone Plywood
Designer Nicole Potter uses a two-tone, oversize plywood headboard as an inexpensive way to create warmth and drama in this room. The darker wood frames the headboard giving it a defined look. The recessed light creates a calming effect.
Photo By: unknown
Wallpaper Magic
Give an ordinary headboard an extra flair with a little wallpaper, paint and glaze. Designer Kara Paslay used a roll of paintable wallpaper along with hanging wall decor to create this unique, inexpensive look.
Glamour on a Budget
Rate My Space contributor Tendenza Fl was on a small budget when designing this Hollywood-style guest bedroom. To save money, she chose to skip out on buying a headboard. However, she was able to add this glamorous design with some painter's tape and a bold paint color.
If price is your main concern, but you still want projects that are fun to put together with original styles, then look no further than below, where tree branches, reclaimed wood and even T-shirts can be converted into conversation pieces — explaining why this headboard gallery is also our most popular.
Easy-to-Make Headboards
See All PhotosSweet Dreams
Old picture frames and salvaged lumber were turned into a personalized headboard for a little girl's bedroom. "Sweet dreams" was spelled out and each letter was embellished with flowers. Create your own personalized message or spell out your child's name.
Photo By: Susan Teare ©Joanne Palmisano
It's Not Metal
This industrial-style headboard is made out of PVC pipes that were painted silver. Twine was strung between the pipes, then clothespins were added to display vintage postcards. The next photo shows another version of this same headboard.
Photo By: Susan Teare ©Design by Joanne Palmissano, Photo by Susan Teare
Enchanted Forest
To make this pretty girls' bed, an old thrift store headboard was painted white. Then branches were also painted white and attached to the headboard. The branches were then adorned with pretty birds, ribbons and glitter.
Photo By: Susan Teare ©Design by Joanne Palmissano, Photo by Susan Teare
Homemade Slipcover
An old wood headboard is draped with an inexpensive canvas drop cloth. The drop cloth is held on by ribbons tied at each side. To give the slipcover a shabby-chic look, we placed a piece of old handcrafted crewelwork in the center of the drop cloth.
©Design by Joanne Palmissano, Photo by Susan Teare
Duct Tape Headboard
Colorful duct tape is wrapped around a big piece of cardboard to make this racy kids' headboard. This is an inexpensive and easy project to make with your kids. No power tools are required, and kids can use their creativity to the fullest.
Photo By: Susan Teare ©Design by Joanne Palmissano, Photo by Susan Teare
Reclaimed and reused objects are perfect mediums for headboards, where screens, signs and shutters — among other items — can transform into headboards simply by mounting them on the wall.
Creative Headboards
See All PhotosTrash to Treasure
A headboard made from salvaged materials can add tons of charm and unique style to a bedroom. In this space, an old door found in a burn pile was paired with a vintage gate — reclaimed from a dump and brightened up with a mist of white spray paint. The end result is a whimsical, one-of-a-kind headboard with enough substance to balance the king-size bed. Design by Funky Junk Interiors
Photo By: Funky Junk Interiors
Industrial Chic
Who knew metal roofing could be so stylish? Designer Kara Paslay created a rustic yet glamorous headboard by cutting an ornate shape out of corrugated tin, bringing out its subtle sheen and wavy texture. The silhouette may be traditional, but this headboard is anything but ordinary. Best of all, this DIY project only cost about $30.
Rustic Romance
In this airy bedroom, a headboard made from a pair of reclaimed doors adds visual weight and a hint of ruggedness to an otherwise dreamy space. The weathered doors retain just enough white paint to complement the room's crisp bedding and sparkling chandelier. Design by Dreamy Whites
A Good Sign
After a thorough scrub and a bit of paint to touch up the faded lettering, this reclaimed convenience store sign looks as good as new and makes an eye-catching backdrop for a daybed. Not only does the vintage sign provide a theme and color palette for the room, but its historic significance also makes it an exciting conversation piece. Design by Funky Junk Interiors
Photo By: Funky Junk Interiors
Exotic Flair
A hand-carved Indian Rosewood screen purchased at a flea market adds texture and an ethnic touch to this bedroom. The perfect width for a king-size bed, the four-panel screen was installed directly against the wall above the baseboard to save space. Photo courtesy of Adeeni Design Group
Pallet Perfection
Echoing the navy-and-white stripes painted in the closet, a headboard made from wooden shipping pallets is a standout feature in this nautical-themed boy's bedroom. To create a coordinated look, designer Lakeitha Duncan paired the pallets with two wooden nightstands in a natural finish.
Country Goes Contemporary
Who would guess that this modish headboard was once a barn door window? The window was first fashioned into a mirror, which designer Jessica McKay of Birdhouse Interiors frosted to reduce distracting reflections. With a modular look and monochromatic color scheme, this formerly rustic window now makes a distinctive, modern headboard.
Bright Blue Mante
This bright headboard, featured on Cousins on Call, is an old wooden mantel that was found in the home during construction. After some sanding and a fresh coat of paint, the mantel acts as a statement piece in the bedroom.
Photo By: Chris Amaral
Practical and chic, there are a number of ideas for headboards that bring a sophisticated feel to a room with materials like fabric, bookshelves and framed artwork.
Unique Headboard Ideas
See All PhotosA Fresh Canvas
Add a splash of color to a muted or white bedroom with a favorite painting hung over the bed. Be sure to hang it high enough so the pillows won't rest against the canvas. Design by Andreas Charalambous.
Bold style statements can be made through rustic painted wood (our most popular headboard how-to), nails and canvas board or bright paint with decals. You can even make a slipcover for an existing headboard, and of course all these headboard projects are easy on your budget.
Simple DIY Headboards
See All PhotosTaste of the Tropics
A trio of palm-print panels creates a focal point behind the bed and adds a hint of tropical style in this bedroom. Neutral bedding and sky-blue walls allow the panels to steal the show.
Photo By: Jeff Herr ©Rustic White Photography
Get Creative With Cane
Sleep in style with the addition of this lightweight cane and wood headboard in your space. Whip it up in an afternoon, and easily mount it to the wall with screws or a couple of metal brackets for a fresh and trendy design.
Photo By: Reprinted from A Well-Crafted Home. Copyright © 2017 by Janet Crowther. Photography by Julia Wade. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.
Contrasting Wood Planks
Whitewashed planks of wood beautifully contrast against a handsome black wall in this rustic-industrial guest bedroom. Visual interest is created by placing the planks at different heights.
Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography
Teenager Friendly
This soft and cozy teen bedroom features sophisticated decor and gold accent details. A lavender forest accent wall combines with a classic tulle canopy to create a whimsical backdrop behind the bed.
Photo By: Full Spectrum Photography
One With Nature
Bring the peacefulness of being out in nature into your bedroom with a faux greenery headboard. Simply wrap artificial shrub panels around an old or inexpensive headboard, and use a staple gun to secure the greenery in place. Add a furry throw blanket and colorful pillows to complete the look.
Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography
Peel & Stick Planks
White, distressed peel-and-stick wood planks offer the look of real shiplap without the hassle of using a saw or screwing boards to the wall. You just cut the planks to size using a utility knife, then peel and stick — that's it! These planks look great on an accent wall or used as an oversize headboard, as seen here.
Photo By: JANIS NICOLAY
Renter-Friendly Rainbow
Rainbows are trending everywhere in decor, and HGTV Handmade’s Jill Tennant has a clever hack for creating a padded twin headboard that looks ultra-chic and expensive. The secret: pipe insulation. This whimsical headboard is budget-friendly, renter-friendly and so incredibly cute.
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia
Headboard Trick
No space for a headboard? Upholster the wall instead. In this small-space bedroom, the wall behind the bed was upholstered with batting and tartan fabric to create the look of a massive headboard without taking up any valuable square footage.
Photo By: Rustic White Photography
Rustic Warmth
A long, rough-hewn slab of wood serves as a headboard in this modern, eclectic guest bedroom. The piece offers the room a sense of warmth while earning major style points as well.
Photo By: Amy Lutz
On Display
Put treasured textiles on full display by hanging them above the bed. Here, an indigo African textile becomes a makeshift headboard in this cool, earthy bedroom.
Photo By: Amy Bartlam
Vintage Americana
Show your school, country or state spirit by displaying its flag in your space. Here, a vintage American flag is hung above the mattress as a headboard alternative and way of bringing fresh color into the bright-white room.
Photo By: Flynnside Out
Removable Wallpaper
Wallpaper is pretty and trendy, and thanks to removable versions, your dorm room walls can get in on the fun, too. This lovely bird-themed pattern is breathtaking on its own, but it’s the application that really takes this accent wall over the top. Watch the video below to learn how to recreate the whimsical look.
Photo By: Tomas Espinoza Photography
Vintage Beauty
Infuse your bedroom with vintage charm by repurposing thrift finds into uniquely-stunning decor pieces. Here, an antique mantel was given new life and now serves as an eye-catching headboard in this bohemian bedroom.
Photo By: Joey Puterbaugh
Barnwood Hack
Real barnwood can be hard to come by and expensive when you do. But creating faux barnwood is easier than you might think. Whether you are all about the rustic chic, or you prefer a more polished aesthetic, this faux barnwood headboard can fit seamlessly with any style.
Photo By: Kamron and Ellie Sanders
Wow With Wallpaper
Vibrant colors and fun patterns bring a stylish contrast to this small guest room. Funky gray and white wallpaper is trimmed in light blue wood frames to create mock headboards for each of the twin beds, while a coral starburst mirror provides a pop of color in between.
Photo By: Rachel Oliver
Two Is Better Than One
The twin beds in this room become a design statement with headboards that form a complementary pattern. Made from interconnecting links that hang from pegs at the top of disconnected headboards, the results have a DIY feel that’s modern and rustic at the same time.
Photo By: Genevieve Garruppo
Eye-Catching Artwork
Another financially savvy solution for a headboard: wall art. Frame your favorite artwork and hang it directly above the bed for a personalized, visually-appealing solution.
Photo By: Claire Esparros for Homepolish
Special Significance
Designer Naomi Stein’s penchant for global accouterments shines in her guest bedroom where a headboard wrapped in a handira (a Moroccan wedding blanket) brings moments of color, pattern and texture to the space. The piece was found on a trip to Morocco that ended with Stein being wrapped in the blanket at the end of a long evening. It now takes on a special significance as a decorative piece in her home.
Photo By: Seth Caplan
Open Shelving
A shelf structure frames the twin bed in this fun and colorful bedroom display. The open shelving showcases colorful collections that add individual style to the room without cluttering the look.
Photo By: Skout
Statement Piece
In the main bedroom of this home, a striking headboard was created out of gray leather panels that reach all the way up to the ceiling. The different-shaped panels combined with the wood planks on either side create rich texture in the space.
Photo By: Alexia Fodere
Picture This
Take your headboard area from boring to princess-like status by upcycling a large picture frame and filling it with your favorite fabric.
Photo By: David A. Land
Storage Solution
Maximize storage in the bedroom by building handy cubbies and built-in nightstands into your headboard.
Photo By: Wade Works Creative
Not Just for the Floor
Using a rug as a unique headboard alternative is the definition of thinking outside the box. Here, a Southwestern-style rug hangs beautifully above layers of patterned pillows for a cozy, eclectic feel.
Photo By: Nick Sheerly,NAS Films
Low-Cost Luan
Designer Kara Paslay made this headboard from a thin piece of stained luan for this small bedroom. She adorned the luan with spray-painted painter's tape in a geometric motif. The look is great for dorm rooms or guest bedrooms.
Reclaimed Mantel as Statement Piece and Headboard
As seen on Cousins on Call, John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino used an old mantel they found during the Rao home's construction for a headboard. They salvaged the piece, cleaned it up and painted it blue. Now, the piece is a dramatic statement piece that has become the focal point of the room.
Photo By: Chris Amaral
I hope highlighting these photo galleries makes finding your DIY headboard inspiration easier!