Great DIY Headboard Ideas for Affordable Bedroom Style

By Erica Young

 

A bedroom doesn’t look complete without a headboard. But if you’re pinching pennies, a store-bought headboard for your bed might not be in the budget. Instead, make your own! Don’t worry. You don’t have to be a professional carpenter to attempt these DIY ideas. Break out of the box and get inventive. A headboard can take on many forms. Check out my favorite simple and affordable ideas below.

 

 

1. Wallpaper

A couple of strips of wallpaper are all you need to create a beautiful and original headboard. You can cut the wallpaper to create a headboard shape and hang it up on its own. Or for a more finished look, use wood molding to create a frame around the wallpaper. Plan on the wallpaper headboard to be slightly wider than the bed; for height, go as tall or short as you want, depending on the style you’re going for. Taller will look more traditional and make a bigger impact — Shorter will create a more modern feel.

 

 

2. Washi Tape

Similar to wallpaper, washi tape is another “stick and go” method for creating a headboard. For traditional bedroom style, shape the tape in the form of a conventional metal rail headboard. For a more whimsical look, perhaps in a kid’s bedroom, go for something playful and unconventional like a city scape or triangular mountain range. And of course, if you ever get sick of your design, simply peel it off and start anew!

 

 

3. Plywood

If you want a minimalist vibe in the bedroom, a simple plywood headboard will do just the trick. Bolt a sheet of plywood to the wall behind your bed, and you’re done! Add a couple of wooden crates for nightstands to complete the rustic-modern look. This is a great idea for a dorm room because it’s simple, cheap, and trendy.

 

 

4. Wood Door

Use a wood door as a headboard to create vintage-eclectic style. Salvaged doors are abundant at flea markets and thrift stores, and won’t cost you much. Choose a solid wood door for durability and look for one with unique style paneling. Paint the door for a pop of color, or leave it unfinished if you prefer a neutral look. Hang the door directly on the wall behind your bed. Be sure to mount it to wall studs for stability.

 

 

5. Wood Pallet

For a truly free headboard, make one out of a wood shipping pallet! There are several places to find free pallets. Check out local schools or small businesses. Their shipments usually come on pallets, and many are willing to give them away for free. Mount the bottom of the pallet on a plank of wood, then attach the mounted pallet to two legs made out of 4-by-4-inch wood. You can then bolt the metal bed frame directly into the wood legs. Voila! A rustic, unique headboard, practically free of cost!

 

 

Before spending hundreds on a headboard, consider the DIY route. You’ll save money, and you’ll have fun creating a one-of-a-kind piece. Plus, with simple ideas like these, you’ll be done before bedtime. Sweet dreams!

 

Images used with permission, courtesy of www.shutterstock.com