47 DIY Headboard ideas for your bedroom. From simple to extravagant to rustic, you’re sure to find one that fits your style & budget!
We all know that headboards can be expensive. In fact, a quick search online will show you prices anywhere from $200 to over $1000! Luckily for us, there are plenty of DIY alternatives out there. We’ve collected some of our favorite ideas to inspire your own headboard masterpiece.
Most people don’t think of a headboard as something that you can DIY. But with this post, we hope to change your mind. We have 47 unique and beautiful DIY headboard ideas for you to choose from! Whether it’s an old door or a large piece of wood, there is no shortage of creative ways to give your bedroom the perfect finishing touch.
There are many reasons why people might want to create a DIY headboard. For starters, it can be a lot cheaper than buying one from a furniture store. Secondly, it can be a lot more fun to make something yourself than to purchase something pre-made. Finally, creating a DIY headboard can be a great way to show off your creativity and DIY skills.
If you’re looking for a headboard that is both unique and stylish, we suggest trying one of these DIY projects. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you created something beautiful yourself. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our ideas below!
Bookshelf Headboard
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider building a DIY headboard out of a bookshelf. Perhaps you want to be able to store books directly on your headboard, or maybe you’re looking for a way to easily add extra storage space to your bedroom. Additionally, bookshelves make for great DIY headboard ideas because they’re typically very sturdy and can support a lot of weight.
DIY Fabric Headboard
Hanging a textile on your wall is one of the more inexpensive headboard alternatives. Choose something with a pattern and/or texture that you like and just hang it behind your bed. You can go as simple or extravagant with your hanging configuration as you’d like. One of the nice things about DIY fabric headboards is that you can quickly change the fabric – like you would swap curtains – to give your bedroom a seasonal update. This is perfect for giving your guest bedroom a Christmas makeover.
Source: Design Sponge
Boxed Wood Headboard
A boxed wood headboard is a great way to add some extra storage space to your bedroom. Additionally, they’re typically very sturdy and can support a lot of weight, making them a perfect choice for those who are looking for a DIY headboard that will be able to withstand frequent use. Plus, they are super simple to make!
Old Fireplace Mantel DIY Headboard
If you don’t want to spend money on a headboard, consider using a mantel instead. A mantel can make a great headboard because it is already the right height and it’s already got a built-in frame.
To use a mantel as a headboard, start by measuring the width and height of your bed. Then, measure the width and height of your mantel. If the dimensions of your mantel are different than those of your bed, you may need to adjust the size of your headboard accordingly.
Can’t find the right mantel to fit your space? This tutorial will show you how to make a headboard that looks identical to a fireplace mantel, giving your room the designer flair it deserves.
Source: Ana White
Shaped Wood Headboard
If you want something simple, but not too simple, these cut-out shapes of plywood combine to make a minimalistic but attractive headboard.
DIY Headboard Using Ceiling Tiles
You can create some really distinctive DIY headboard ideas by combining ceiling tiles into a pattern of your choice. The cost will depend on whether you use tin, fake foam, or other ceiling tiles. Choose whether you want to go big or small; it’s entirely up to you!
Source: Pinterest
DIY Repurposed Door Headboard
Old doors are a great way to add vintage charm to the bedroom. If your old door is in good condition, simply remove the hinges and mount it to your wall. You can either use screws or heavy-duty Velcro strips to keep it in place. Plus, they can be sourced through places like Habitat for Humanity ReStores meaning that you can add something unique and wonderful to your bedroom AND help people in need. It’s a win-win!
Source: Decoholic
DIY Framed Box Headboard
Some paint-grade wood can quickly be transformed into a sleek yet sophisticated headboard that even your most novice of woodworkers can create.
Painted Rainbow Slats DIY Headboard
Slats of wood are painted in the colors of the rainbow to create this bright and cheerful DIY headboard.
Reconstructed Pallet Board Headboard
You can often find old pallets for free if you are willing to hunt for them. Once you’ve got the pallet (or pallets) home, they can be taken apart to make your own design, or simply leaned against the wall as a simple, rustic DIY wood headboard perfect for the country-styled bedroom.
Source: 6 Clever Sisters
DIY Painted Headboard
Paint the walls around your bed to create the impression of a headboard. Choose something simple like a geometric shape, or go all out with an architectural silhouette design.
Source: Contemporist
DIY Room Divider Headboard
One of the many benefits of using a room divider headboard is that it can help to partition off a sleeping area from the rest of the room. This can be especially helpful in small bedrooms, where maximizing every inch of space is essential. Additionally, a room divider headboard can help to create a sense of privacy and intimacy in a shared bedroom or if you are setting up a home office in your bedroom and don’t want people seeing your bed on zoom calls.
DIY Vintage Shutters Headboard
When it comes to adding a rustic look to your space, refurbish old shutters. Then, after you’ve finished them (yes, it’s really pretty simple), hang them behind your bed.
Source: House of Winchester
DIY Shelf Unit Headboard
One of the easiest DIY headboard ideas is to simply use a shelf unit as your headboard. This project can be completed in just a few hours, and it’s a great way to recycle any old or unused shelf units you may have lying around (or can find at a thrift store or garage sale).
8. Books Aren’t Just for Reading
This DIY open book headboard is a real show-stopper, and it’s surprisingly low-cost, which makes it perfect for the budget decorator. Simply collect some old hardback books (either from your own collection or spend some time at local thrift stores) and attach them to a wooden frame.
Source: Apartment Therapy
DIY Wooden Slats Scandinavian Headboard
If you’re looking for a simple and chic DIY headboard idea, consider using wooden slats. This project is perfect for those who are new to DIY projects, as it doesn’t require any complicated carpentry skills. In addition, this headboard can be made for under $50 USD.
Gallery Wall Headboard
One of the easiest to personalize headboard ideas is to find a collection of art you like, hang it up in a collage-style gallery wall above the bed and call it a night. For a simpler version, simply find two identical pictures of yourself or your partner (or pets) in black and white. Then frame them to create an inexpensive yet sweet DIY art piece behind the bed.
Source: DigsDigs
Woven Macrame Headboard
Once you master the art of macramé, you’ll never want to stop! Hang your creation on a curtain rod or piece of driftwood when you’re finished. Tapestry wall hangings also work really nicely as a quick and easy headboard.
Source: Pinterest
Framed Panel Headboard
A framed panel headboard is a great way to add some extra visual interest to your bedroom. This type of headboard is also a great choice for those who are looking for a DIY project that doesn’t require any complicated carpentry skills.
DIY Folding Screens Headboard
A folding screen, besides being a fantastic method to break up the space in a room, is one of the most low-key headboard ideas imaginable. Simply lean it against the wall behind your bed and you’re done!
Source: Shelterness
DIY Wallpaper Headboard
Wallpaper is a fantastic way to cover up the wall behind your bed. The following DIY headboard design shows a framed form, but you may also emphasize only one section of the wall.
Source: D. Marie Interiors
Painted Fabric Headboard
One simple and affordable DIY headboard idea is to create a painted fabric headboard. Even if you have the most basic artistic skills, this project can be completed in just a few hours, and it’s a great way to add some extra personality to your bedroom.
No Need to Feel Quilty About This Idea
There’s a little nostalgia involved in quilting your old clothes or other fabrics that have sentimental meaning to you. Plus, your finished quilt will provide a lovely backdrop for you as you snooze.
Source: Cosmo Cricket
Painted Skyline Headboard
If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching DIY headboard idea, consider creating a painted skyline headboard. This project is perfect for those who are new to DIY projects, as it doesn’t require any complicated carpentry skills. Alternatively, you can use fabric tape to create a similar look.
Framed Fabric Headboard
If sewing is too much work for you, find some pretty fabric and fit it into a frame! Mix and match colors, sizes, and patterns for full creative control. In this example, an added layer of some fabric paint was used to bring the individual pieces together to create a complete art installation.
Source: Pinterest
Pallet Board Headboard
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable DIY headboard idea, consider using pallet boards. With a bit of hunting, you can find the perfect pallet to finish off your bedroom with next-to-no carpentry work.
Lighten Up Your Bedroom
A headboard made of light bulbs will provide a lovely warm glow to your late-night reading. It’s surprisingly simple and inexpensive to construct one, and the end result is magnificent.
Source: Pinterest
Simple Shelf Headboard
Create a built-in shelf that serves as a beautiful headboard while also providing storage space by combining two tasks into one. Add a single shelf to the wall or invest in a full stand-up shelf to use as a backstop for your bed.
Source: Adore Magazine
Simple DIY Plywood Headboard
A simple DIY plywood headboard is a great way to add some personality and visual interest to your bedroom on a budget.
DIY Pegboard Headboard
Pegboards are a fantastic way to add some storage to your bedroom, and you can use them in different ways – including as a DIY headboard. They’re not only inexpensive, but also simple to construct, install, and adjust.
Source: YouTube
Draw Your Own Headboard
If you can’t afford a headboard, don’t worry! You may make one on your own by drawing directly on your wall. The design can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like.
Source: Adding Natural Decor Elements
Refinish an Old Headboard
An easy alternative to learning how to make your own headboard is to simply update the one you found at a local thrift store. You can refurbish it to your liking and create something truly unique and wonderful. Check this before and after out for inspiration:
Source: Pinterest
Sliced Wood Headboard
One of the most simple and affordable DIY headboard ideas is to create a sliced wood headboard. Even if you have the most basic woodworking skills, this project can be completed in just a few hours. All you need to do is slice up & cure some old branches (in a variety of widths, but try to maintain the same thickness) and glue them to a flat surface (or directly on the wall) in whatever pattern you desire.
DIY Pillow Headboard
A simple collection of pillows can add a lot of style to your bed. You can simply arrange them on your bed to create the illusion of a headboard. To do so, you’ll need enough to make a statement, but not so many that it takes an hour to arrange them. Alternatively, you can make a hanging pillow headboard with the help of this tutorial.
Source: DIY Enthusiasts
Solid Wood DIY Headboard
This DIY headboard will take a bit more effort to create, but it is well worth it. Some solid wood pieces (although you could use veneer if you’re really talented) with attached sidelights create an impressive display in the bedroom.
Large Wall Art Headboard
One large piece of art hung behind your bed can act as a stunning DIY headboard. Even better if you can paint it yourself or find an old and interesting painting at a local thrift shop.
Source: Pinterest
Striped Fabric Headboard
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable DIY headboard idea, consider using striped fabric. To create your own striped fabric headboard, start by measuring the width and height of your bed. Once you have these measurements, cut three pieces of plywood that are the same width but varying heights. Next, upholster the wood using cotton batting and three different colors that will match the rest of your bedroom’s decor. Then attach the upholstered plywood directly to your wall using anchors or screws.
DIY Upholstered Headboard
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider using a DIY upholstered headboard. Perhaps you want to be able to choose your own fabric and design, or maybe you’re on a tight budget and want to save some money. Additionally, upholstered headboards can add a lot of extra comfort and padding to your bed.
Source: Beautiful Blue Bedrooms
Found Objects Headboard
Make a DIY headboard out of items you enjoy in your everyday life to express your own distinctive style. An Oar-iginal (see what I did there??) This DIY headboard created from old paddles looks amazing in this coastal bedroom, but there are so many DIY headboard ideas that can spring from found or favorite objects.
Source: DIY Network
Barn Door Farmhouse Headboard
Consider using leftover metal or old barn wood for a rustic item. With a barn board headboard, you’ll feel like a farmhouse decor champion!
Source: Pinterest
Tufted Cushion Headboard
Who would have thought that an old futon mattress could look so good! The biggest challenge with this DIY headboard idea is attaching it to the wall.
Repurposed Rustic Windows
Invest in and upcycle some antique windows to complement your room. Then, for a beautiful DIY work of art, hang them behind your bed.
Source: Liz Marie Blog
Minimalist Plywood Headboard
With a little bit of woodworking and a single sheet of plywood, you can make an inexpensive DIY headboard that looks effortlessly modern & minimalist. It’s easy, clean, and cheap (in a good way).
Source: Apartment Therapy
Ikea Hack Headboard
You can take a simple frame and give it your own personal touch, just like Liz Calka did by adding lovely woven canvas strips to a basic Ikea headboard.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Plant Shelf Headboard
Another easy and affordable DIY headboard idea is to create a plant shelf headboard. This project is perfect for those who also want the air-purifying benefits of houseplants in their bedroom.
Curtain Aren’t Just for Windows
If you like the idea of a hanging fabric headboard (shown above) but don’t like the idea of trying to sew your own, curtains will make just as big an impact on your wall while making very little impact on your bank account. Your windows will be jealous!
Source: Pinterest
Painted Wall Headboard
Instead of creating a smaller headboard, consider turning the entire wall behind the bed into a painted display. This is perfect for creating a relaxing bedroom aesthetic.
Lightbox Headboard
A lightbox is a super fun headboard alternative because you can change the message on a regular basis. You may make one yourself with this simple online guide or just buy one and hang it up.
Source: Makeful
DIY Chalkboard Headboard
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider creating a DIY chalkboard headboard. Perhaps you want to be able to write messages and reminders directly on your headboard, or maybe you’re looking for a way to easily change up the look of your bedroom without having to repaint your walls.
Source: Residence Style
DIY Headboard Ideas for Everyone
No matter the reason why you want to create your own DIY headboard, whether it’s to keep your decorating budget within reasonable limits, or you want something that better expresses your personal style, we hope this collection of ideas helped provide some inspiration.
Which is your favorite DIY headboard idea? Let us know in the comments below!