DIY Headboard Ideas for a Dreamier Bedroom

Whether you’re just starting out on your own, casually looking for a few new pieces for your home, or in the midst of a full-fledged bedroom makeover, there’s no doubt you’ve noticed: furniture prices have gone through the roof. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a million bucks to make your home look like a million bucks. In fact, if you’ve got a little time and talent, you can make or build a lot of furniture on your own. And there’s plenty of ideas out there to get you started. “Do it yourself” (DIY) furniture and décor inspo and step-by-step projects can be found all over Pinterest and Youtube for every room in your house.

Out of all the DIY options available, creating a DIY headboard is one of the cheapest and easiest. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite DIY headboard ideas to get that creative juice flowing. Take a look and be sure to click on the links provided for more tips and advice. There are a lot of creative – and cheap – DIY headboards to be found so consider the ease and expense of the choices, pick which one seems most interesting or doable, and get ready to spruce up your bedroom game.

Chic and Cheap DIY Headboard Ideas

Our first category includes a round-up of the most inexpensive DIY headboards. Some of these can be made from materials found in your garage or self-storage unit, meaning you not only get the benefit of a cheap and custom piece of furniture – you also get to upcycle something that wasn’t being used to its fullest. Win win!

1. Hang fabric on the wall behind your pillows using decorative nails, hooks, or even a curtain or shower rod. Tailor the piece to the same width as your bed and make it as tall as you like.
2. Scour your garage, attic or 10×10 storage unit for an old door, or any large other piece of wood. Cover it in a clear sealant or lacquer and attach D-ring hangers rated for the correct weight on the back to create a charmingly rustic addition to your bedroom.
3. Paint the outline of a headboard on the wall and then fill in with whatever detail you like. While it’s not technically a headboard, this solution will give you the exact look you want quickly and easily.

Higher Priced – but Still Budget-friendly – DIY Headboard Ideas

If you’ve got some extra dough to use on this project, you’re in luck. There are plenty of DIY headboard ideas that require a little investment to get the full effect, but still ring up far below the price of buying “off the shelf.”

1. Buy a wallpaper remainder or peel-and-stick metallic vinyl and place it on the wall in the shape of a headboard. Go one step further – and make a big impact – by papering all the way to the ceiling.
2. Visit your local architectural salvage shop for creative materials that can be upcycled. Think shutters, windows, and mirror or picture frames. You might even find a headboard that’s ready for a new lease on life! Either seal or paint and hang securely.
3. Pick up an array of self-stick tiles or wall panels and attach to the wall in a pattern or at random. We love the options that have a 3D element as they add depth and interest to your DIY headboard masterpiece.

Easy Peasy DIY Headboard Ideas

Nothing we discuss in this blog is going to be so difficult that you can’t do it yourself, but some projects are easier than others. We covered the “hanging a piece of fabric” option above, which is a favorite for those of us who don’t have a full set of tools and a workspace and have a few more ideas below that will take a minimal amount of time – and have a major impact.

1. Gather several woven, natural looking placemats or even a table runner, if you can find one, and adhere to the wall. This is one of our favorites because the pieces are easy to remove and can be packed and taken to your next home (or tucked away in a convenient self-storage unit) with ease.
2. Hang string lights in the shape of a headboard behind your bed. Instant illumination and charm in about five minutes. What could be more rewarding?
3. Apply decals on the wall in the rough shape or size of a headboard. You can find a huge selection on Etsy or even have one custom-made if the inspiration really hits!

Complex – But Completely Doable –DIY Headboard Ideas

Some of the DIY headboard options we’ve found involve a bit more than tacking or adhering. While none of the choices presented below is going to require a full workspace or general contractor’s license, they will likely take at least an hour or two – and a little bit of planning – to do right. If you’ve got your tools safely packed away in your self-storage unit like many of our customers do, now’s the time to bust them out!

1. Build a frame in the exact size you need and cover it in foam and fabric for a professionally upholstered headboard look – on a DIY upholstered headboard budget. Follow these instructions on Better Homes & Gardens to add tufts to your creation.
2. Repurpose a horizontal bookcase to gain extra storage and shelf space where it’s most convenient – right next to your bed! Customize the design with bright paint and you’ve got a completely bespoke multi-use DIY headboard.
3. Grab a 62” x 36” of plywood and cut out multiple circles around the edges. Sand the edges (and the entire headboard) and stain or paint it your desired shade before hanging it behind your bed. (Access full instructions here.)