23 DIY Headboards You Can Make This Weekend
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Are you tired of looking at your plain, boring wall behind the bed? Same. A headboard can completely change the vibe of your bedroom, but store-bought ones? Expensive. Fortunately, you can DIY a stunning headboard for a fraction of the price. And if you’re anything like me, you probably already have half the supplies lying around somewhere.
Grab your coffee (or wine—I don’t judge), and let’s dive into some ideas that will have your bedroom Pinterest-worthy in no time.
1. Pallet Wood Headboard
Got some old pallets lying around? Or a neighbor with a suspiciously large pile of them? Perfect. Sand them down, stain them in your favorite shade (walnut is a personal fave), and attach them to the wall or directly to your bed frame. Add some fairy lights for a cozy touch.
This look screams rustic charm, and the best part? It’s practically free if you’re resourceful.
2. Upholstered Headboard (AKA “What Fancy People Have”)
Here’s a little secret: you don’t need to spend $500 to get that chic, upholstered look. Grab some plywood, a staple gun, foam, and fabric. The hardest part is choosing a fabric you won’t get sick of (ask me how I know). I even saw this idea using cardboard!
Steps:
- Cut the plywood to your desired size.
- Wrap it in foam for extra comfort.
- Cover it with your fabric of choice and staple it down.
- Attach it to the wall or frame.
You’ll feel like you’re staying in a five-star hotel—minus the room service bill.
3. Barn Door Backdrop
Okay, this one is for my farmhouse-style lovers. Buy an old barn door, clean it up (or don’t, if you’re into that weathered look), and secure it behind your bed. Done. Seriously, that’s it.
If you want to get fancy, paint it a fun color or distress it further. This option doubles as wall art, so you’re killing two decor birds with one stylish stone.
4. Bookshelf Headboard
If you’re a book lover or just need more storage, this one’s for you. Take an old bookshelf, flip it sideways, and place it behind your bed. You can use the shelves to store books, knick-knacks, or even a plant you’ll probably forget to water.
Bonus points if you add baskets or bins to keep things tidy. Functional and pretty—chef’s kiss.
5. Shiplap Headboard
Shiplap isn’t just for walls anymore, folks. Cut a few planks to size, paint or stain them, and attach them vertically or horizontally for a sleek, modern headboard. Pair it with crisp white linens, and you’ll feel like Joanna Gaines personally blessed your room.
6. Fence Picket Headboard
Who says fences are just for your yard? Fence pickets make a charming and affordable headboard. Arrange the pickets in a straight line, or get creative with a chevron or herringbone pattern. Paint them for a polished look or leave them raw for rustic vibes.
This one’s perfect for farmhouse or cottage-style bedrooms.
7. Upcycled Headboard
I bought a headboard for $3 at a junk store and painted it with some chalk paint I had on hand. You can see it here. BUT, you could also do something like the one underneath it with peel and stick wallpaper or stenciling.
8. Window Frame Headboard
Find some vintage window frames, clean them up, and mount them behind your bed. You can leave the glass panes in for a reflective look or remove them for an airy feel. Bonus points for adding a wreath or string lights for extra charm.
9. Reclaimed Wood Headboard
Head to your nearest salvage yard and grab some reclaimed wood planks. Sand them down, stain them (or don’t), and create a stunning, eco-friendly headboard that oozes character.
10. Placemat Headboard
Yes, placemats—those things that keep spaghetti sauce off your table—can actually make a chic headboard. Pick up some woven or patterned placemats, and arrange them in a grid or overlapping pattern. Secure them to a piece of plywood or directly to the wall with adhesive strips or a staple gun.
This is a great way to add texture, and with so many styles available, you can match virtually any decor. Bonus: it’s budget-friendly and renter-approved!
11. Headboard Made from Decorative Wall Panels
Decorative wall panels are a secret weapon in DIY decor. They’re lightweight, easy to cut, and available in so many styles—from tin-style panels to modern geometric designs. Mount a few panels horizontally or vertically behind your bed for an instant statement piece.
Paint or spray them in a metallic finish for a luxe vibe, or go bold with a bright pop of color. No one will guess how simple (and affordable) it was to pull off.
12. Faux Carved Wood Headboard
Love the look of intricate carved wood but not the price tag? Cheat the system with a stencil, peel and stick wallpaper, or wood appliqués from your local craft store. Attach the appliqués to a flat wood board, paint it in one cohesive color, and voilà—an elegant, carved-look headboard for a fraction of the cost.
This idea is perfect for boho or vintage-inspired bedrooms.
13. Old Door Headboard
Find an old door at a salvage yard, thrift store, or your great-aunt’s barn. Sand it down, paint or stain it (or leave it shabby chic), and mount it horizontally or vertically behind your bed. The panels on the door create a natural design that’s rustic and charming.
For extra character, add some decorative knobs or hooks for hanging fairy lights or garlands.
14. Faux Ceiling Tile Headboard
This would be so cheap and easy to make. You could use a piece of plywood (or even cardboard if you’re hanging it) and stick these tiles to it. You could leave them like they are or spray paint them in one (or all different) matte colors.
I feel like I’ve seen something similar at Dollar Tree, but if not, here’s a link to some on Amazon:
15. Wooden Dowel Headboard
Minimalists, this one’s for you. Create a sleek, Scandinavian-style headboard using wooden dowels. Attach them vertically to a frame or directly to the wall for a clean, modern vibe.
For added dimension, stain the dowels in varying shades of wood, or paint them in ombre tones. It’s simple, but oh-so-stylish.
16. Cedar Shingle Headboard
Cedar shingles aren’t just for roofs—they make a warm and rustic headboard, too. Arrange the shingles in a layered pattern on a plywood backing for texture and character.
Leave the wood natural for a cabin vibe, or whitewash it for a softer, coastal look. Bonus: cedar smells amazing, so your bedroom will get an instant upgrade in the aroma department.
17. Macrame Headboard
Nothing says boho quite like macramé. Either buy a macramé wall hanging or make your own (YouTube has tutorials galore) and hang it behind your bed. Pair it with light, airy bedding and a few plants for that effortless, free-spirited vibe.
This idea is perfect for renters since you only need a nail or two to install it.
18. Shutter Headboard
Upcycle old shutters into a charming headboard. Paint them a bold color or distress them for a shabby chic look. Attach a few shutters side by side for a horizontal headboard, or stand them vertically for a more dramatic statement.
It’s a quick project that adds a ton of personality to your space.
19. Pegboard Headboard
A pegboard isn’t just for organizing your tools—it can also double as a modern, functional headboard. Paint it to match your decor and use the holes to hang decorative hooks, baskets, or even a small shelf.
This option is super customizable, so you can change the look whenever you want. Plus, it’s great for small spaces where storage is key.
20. Pillow Headboard
Cozy and functional, a pillow headboard is basically a dream come true. Not only does it add a plush, inviting look to your bedroom, but it’s also super practical—perfect for leaning back with a book or catching up on Netflix.
To create this look, hang a curtain rod or sturdy dowel above your bed and attach oversized pillows with loops of fabric, ribbon, or even ties sewn onto the pillowcases. Choose pillow covers that complement your room’s color scheme, and don’t be afraid to play with textures like velvet or linen.
21. Hanging Rug Headboard
Transform a beautiful rug into a headboard by hanging it on a curtain rod or dowel behind your bed. This is a great way to repurpose a rug that’s too small for your floor but too pretty to toss.
Opt for a Persian-style rug for a vintage feel, or a bold, graphic pattern for a modern touch.
22. Wallpaper Panel Headboard
If you’re not into traditional headboards, create one using wallpaper panels. Frame sections of your favorite wallpaper and hang them behind your bed to mimic the look of a headboard.
This is especially great for renters since it’s easy to switch out and doesn’t require heavy hardware. Choose a bold print to make your bedroom pop!
23. Shower Curtain Headboard
Don’t underestimate the power of a shower curtain! Find one with a bold pattern or design you love, and use it as the centerpiece for your headboard. Stretch the fabric over a wooden frame or plywood for structure.
Check out this video tutorial for an easy guide to making this chic and affordable headboard.
Tips for Success
- Measure twice, cut once. Trust me, you don’t want to eyeball this.
- Anchor it properly. No one wants their headboard falling down in the middle of the night.
- Choose materials wisely. If you’re using heavy wood, make sure your walls can handle it.
There you have it—five easy and affordable ways to upgrade your bedroom. The best part? Each of these projects can be done in a weekend (or an afternoon if you’re ambitious). So, what are you waiting for? Pick one, and let’s get started!
If you try any of these, I’d love to see the results—tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your before-and-after pics. Happy DIYing, y’all!
