Over the years I have done many different headboards! It is such an easy way to make your bedroom have so much more character and bring a focal point to ground the space. Not to mention how inexpensive some of these options are which can allow you to elevate even just a simple bed frame. Below I am running through 7 of my past headboards that I have created that don’t break the bank!
First up…
This was an idea I came up with for my niece but was inspired by Libby from @behrnecessitiesrv as it is a very lightweight option for RV dwellers! It is comprised of bamboo garden stakes that I had “flower” off a half moon plywood cut out. I used gorilla glue and a screw in each bamboo stake to hold them in place. I decided to hot glue some left over rattan material I had on the backs of each bamboo loop. This made it really pop against the sage green painted arch I did behind it. Lastly, I added a little eucalyptus greenery and a neon sign from 5 below! Find everything used here!
This is a relatively easy headboard that makes a huge statement! I chose to make it wide enough to be a backdrop for our California King bed and side tables which came to 12ft wide. Using 2×4’s we created a 5ft tall stud wall to bump the section out so that the top could act as a shelf. Once the 2x4s were secure to the wall, we attached the shiplap to those and capped the sides with trip pieces. Next we placed a stained 2×4 across the top as the shelf and decorated. The most difficult part is if you have outlets in the area, you will need to bump them out by getting deeper outlet extenders. You can find everything used here!
Would you believe me if I told you I used pool noodles to create this tufted look? I made this using a sheet of plywood cut in half with 2×6 pine boards secured between them to act as shelves for my sons books. I used a jigsaw to round the corners of the front piece of plywood and glued down pool noodles that I cut in half. Took an old curtain and secured it over the pool noodles with a combination of spray glue and staples. Painted the plywood and stained the shelves so they would contrast and of course decorated the top shelf. Such a perfect way to have his books hidden away but very easy to access! You can find everything used here!
I have done this a couple different times, one being in our studio and the other in my sons room. I don’t really have a plan with these except I start out with placing a diagonal 1×2 board and then just adding more on the wall in an abstract pattern. I use 1x2s and caulk all seams and paint everything the same color for a monochromatic look. You can also do a portion of the wall and add a shelf at the top, like I did in the navy blue example above. This is a very simple way to give visual appeal to an entire wall behind a bed instead of using a headboard.
This particular headboard was done in one of my trailer renovations but it can be done just the same in a house! I started by taking 1x4s and making a board and batten wall with two long sections on either side that I filled with cedar planking on a diagonal. For the center section I divided it into equal square parts so that I could hang artwork in them. I also added an extra molding piece on the inside of the square battens to give more detail. A mix of paint and stain makes for a big contrast!
Something as simple as hanging artwork above a bed can be just enough to not need an actual headboard. In this case a set of 4 square wood designs stacked together created a headboard look. This can also be done with tapestries, or even a framed shower curtain!
This brick paneling comes in 4’x8′ panels to create a faux brick look giving great texture to the wall. Adding a high shelf in small spaces and lighting can be just enough to act as a replacement of needing a headboard. If multiple panels are used, you can use joint compound to the seams. They come brick colored and you can add joint compound for a german smear technique or just paint them to hide seams.
Hopefully this list has given you some inspiration to look beyond the traditional headboard and think outside of the box. So many things can be done to change the entire feel of a space and a bold statement behind the star of a room (the bed!) can really enhance your space! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or need suggestions for your headboard needs!
