How to Make a Headboard: 17 Creative DIY Headboard Ideas to Try for Yourself
Thinking of a DIY headboard project? While headboards are nice aesthetic elements, they’re not free, and frankly, most possess no real function beyond making your bed look like it’s meant to be there. Thankfully, there are tons of simple solutions for crafting your own DIY headboard, and unlike the other projects burning a hole in your Pinterest folders, these design ideas require both minimal effort and little to no carpentry skills.
Architects Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger found a pair of foamy acoustic panels and simply hung them on the exposed brick wall behind their bed (and they probably could have used sticky Command hooks to make such lightweight panels stick). Take their cue or pick from one of these 17 other instant-headboard decor ideas below. You might need to hang something, wedge it between the wall and your mattress, or pull out a staple gun—but more serious tools can be put away for another tutorial or a different HGTV moment. For now, the hardest part will be choosing which you like best.
Hang a textile
Tapestries and rugs give off the look and feel of a fabric headboard at a fraction of the price. If the weave is loose enough, you can nail one directly to the wall like this lunar stardust option. Choose something equal to the width of your bed or just a smidge wider.
Draw one onto the wall
You don’t have to get as elaborate as @kfrbs did in this dreamy interior design TikTok—but if you’d like to, a projector might come in handy so you can trace a photo or design you like.
$70.00, Amazon
Lean up old windows
Achieve your bedroom makeover with a classic flea market find: old shutters and windows. The more character the better, and the best part? No installation required.
Paint half the wall
Yes, this particular headboard project will require some effort—but you won’t have to paint the whole wall (unless you want to!). A laser level and some painter’s tape will ensure you get the line very straight. Go for a bold arch or a subtle two-tone variation.
$56.00, Amazon
ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape
$11.00, Amazon
Drape a throw over a rod
Hang some sort of rod from the ceiling using fishing wire or use a curtain rod and secure it directly to the wall. Looking for something to mount? Try this abstract blanket from Goodee.
$7.00, Amazon
Project 62 Dauntless Curtain Rod
$35.00, Target
Secure a pillow to the wall
There are tons of leather straps on Etsy. Once they’re trimmed to wrap around an extra-long pillow and then secured to the wall using screws, it might even look like you’ve got an impressive tufted headboard.
$12.00, Etsy
Mosaic a few tiles into a modern headboard
Here’s an easy way to make your bed the focal point of the room. And we won’t even tell if you use vinyl stickers.
Wedge a folding screen flat behind your bed frame
Pick up a room divider from a thrift store, swipe it from your parents’ attic, or even opt for this one from IKEA. Pressed up behind the bed it will flatten out and do the job in an instant.
Lean art on a shelf
Of course, this only works if your bed can be pushed up to a shelf on the wall (windowsills count!). Art is just one option for what to put there, but it’s certainly a funky way to show off cool wall prints like this one from Jungalow.
Over-The-Sofa Organic Gallery Frames Set (Set Of 7)
$360.00, West Elm
Thrift an antique headboard
And do nothing to it. Etsy has plenty of vintage and rustic headboard options that look high-end without breaking the bank. Easy peasy.
Repurpose your macramé
If your obsession with macramé is far from over, easily fashion last year’s knotty boho throw into this year’s rope headboard. Instant wall art and bed decor in one.
Get creative with an upcycled wood headboard
Reclaimed wood, old pallets, or even a plain piece of plywood are inexpensive and easy to install. Best of all, you can add shelves or customize them to your heart’s content.
Add stackable storage
A tower of cubes behind your bed opens up so many different storage and display options. Pick up a whole set like these metal ones from Amazon.
$34.00, Amazon
Hang up a pegboard
Put up a pegboard for endless possibilities. Display art, hang plants, or add a shelf for a makeshift phone charging station.
$26.00, Lowe's
Show you’re book-smart
Raid your bookshelves or the bargain bin at your local used bookstore for hardcovers and nail them to a plywood board for this literary piece.
Draw the line
Use budget-friendly washi tape to create a minimalist geometric pattern or skyline.
$3.00, Amazon
Refashion fabric headboards
If you've already got an upholstered headboard but you’re not too fond of the print anymore, simply cover it up using a staple gun and the textile of your choice.
Neu Master Heavy Duty Staple Gun
$16.00, Amazon
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
