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30 DIY Headboard Ideas to Make Your Bedroom Extra Dreamy
Make a one-of-a-kind headboard with stunning results—no matter what your skill level.
Have you ever heard the saying that windows are the soul of the house? Well, think of headboards as the soul of the bedroom. They’re a quintessential part of your bedroom’s look and feel. Want something rustic to match your country cabin’s style? Go for aged wood. Need something simple to match your modern farmhouse vibe? Try a chic black wrought iron bed. But, if you want something totally unique to match your personal style, try a DIY headboard.
Now, before you run to grab the power tools or get nervous about your lack of crafty skills, know that we’ve gathered up a plethora of ideas to match any skill level. Want to whip out your sewing machine? We’ve got crafty fabric ideas! Love the idea of mounting your latest antique store or salvage yard find? We pulled some of our favorite examples of creatively repurposed antiques to inspire you. But, if you want something easy (and renter-friendly), we’ve also included plenty of entry-level DIYs too. So, before you lay your head down tonight to sleep, gather up some inspiration so tomorrow you can hit the ground running with one of these DIY headboard ideas.
Check out our other favorite bedroom decorating ideas:
- Update your space with this hall-of-fame list of bedroom decorating ideas—there are over 90 of ’em!
- Is it your guest room that needs an update? Check out these guest room decorating ideas that may make your guests move in permanently.
- No bedroom is complete without plants. We’ve done the work for you to find the best plants for your bedroom.
Put Up an Antique Screen
A hand-painted antique French screen, scored at a local antiques store, sets a quiet cottage tone for this coastal California escape.
RELATED: Could There Be Anymore Country Charm in This Coastal California Getaway?
Try A Camp Blanket
In this rustic bedroom, designer Max Humphrey opted for a hand-made headboard crafted from a vintage Hudson Bay "Point" blanket thrown over a curtain. You can easily achieve a similar look with a French-return curtain rod and your favorite blanket!
RELATED: Go Antiquing Like a Pro With Max Humphrey’s Insider Tips
Go for Wainscoting
In this dreamy, neutral bedroom, wall-to-wall wainscoting fabricated from V-groove paneling and topped with a narrow shelf serves as a style-me-up headboard. Be sure to adjust the height to make it comfortable for lounging in bed.
RELATED: The Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for a Restful and Inviting Space
Hang Louvered Shutters
A set of chippy green louvered shutters, hung horizontally, add the perfect farmhouse touch to this cheery, historic bedroom.
RELATED: Our Favorite Cozy Farmhouse Bedroom Ideas That’ll Turn Your Space Into a Dreamy Retreat
Install a Mantel
Looking for a feature piece to add a little rustic flair to your bedroom? Try a salvaged fireplace mantel! In this airy upstate New York bedroom, a chippy mantel brings a rustic touch to the bright white walls—plus it provides a fun spot to hold all that bedtime reading material.
Hang Antique Doors
When window placement made it impossible to fit a king-size headboard in this petite farmhouse bedroom, designer Laurie Furber turned to a slim pair of antique doors to make a statement behind the bed frame.
RELATED: 34 Charming Farmhouse Decor Items You Can Buy Now on Amazon
Break Out the Stencils
It doesn’t get any easier than this. If you love your existing headboard but wish it had a little more pizazz, look no further than this extremely easy DIY. All you need is your favorite stencil pattern and a can of paint!
To make: Draw an arched shape on the headboard and paint within the shape using an oil-based paint. Add a thin boarder with your accent color, then place and paint in stencils.
Get the Look:
Stencils: For similar, Fern Stencil on Amazon
RELATED: Get more tips on how to make this stenciled headboard plus the other stenciled projects.
Just Add Cushions
Really, it can be just that simple. Get the same look as this cozy Virginia cottage bedroom with a pair of cushions hung against a plain wood headboard using simple-to-sew ties.
RELATED: Tour More of This Virginia Mountain Cottage That Is Straight Out of a Storybook
Hang a Tapestry
This cabin bedroom expertly displays a mix of pattern and color. The unexpected element—a antique wildlife-themed tapestry tacked on the wall behind the bed frame—steals the show as an “upholstered” headboard.
RELATED: Tour More of This Wisconsin Summer Cabin That Feels Like Happy Hour
Choose Wood Planks in Elegant Silhouettes
Humble wood planks, cut in a decorative arched design by homeowner Darryl McCreary, add rustic elegance to this airy bedroom.
RELATED: Learn more about how this bedroom came together plus tour the rest of the Tennessee cabin.
Go for a Whole Feature Wall
Thinking you want something a little more dramatic than just a reclaimed wood headboard? Try a whole wall! In this rustic bedroom, reclaimed wood planks and precisely positioned sconces set the stage for a cozy escape.
RELATED: 25+ Accent Wall Ideas to Make a Statement in Any Room
Repurpose a Vintage Find
In this converted Tennessee barn bedroom, a vintage leather wrestling mat was hung from the wall to act as a makeshift uphosltered headboard with masculine farmhouse flair.
RELATED: Love this Bedroom? You Can Rent This Tiny Tennessee Barn Retreat on Airbnb!
Bolster a Daybed
Looking for a headboard idea to set your daybed apart? Go for a bolster pillow! In this cozy bedroom, a pair of bolsters act as the headboard and footboard, giving definition and shape to the simple built-in silhouette.
RELATED: Take Inspiration From Our Favorite Relaxing and Cozy Reading Corners
Go for Geometric Appeal
In the mood for a weekend project that involves a power tool? Try this geometric headboard that designer Jenni Yolo crafted with plywood and wood glue!
Get the tutorial at I SPY DIY.
Play with Paneled Shutters
If you’re looking for a more structured look, try lining up antique paneled shutters! They offer an architecturally inspired finish without having to pay tons for a custom paneled wood headboard look.
RELATED: These Are The 20 Best Lessons I’ve Learned From 20 Years of Antiquing
Go for a Classic Barn Door
Nothing says farmhouse style like a pair of barn doors! In this airy bedroom, a set of gray-washed barn doors, complete with hard-wired sconces, act as a scene-stealing headboard.
RELATED: Our Favorite Barn Door Design Ideas That'll Add Classic Country Charm to Your Home
Embrace Herringbone
Take a note from Jenni Yolo, who created a surprisingly simple herringbone headboard for this casual-yet-chic bedroom. You can stain yours like Jenni did here to add some visual texture or keep it simple with a clear coat of sealant.
Get the tutorial at I SPY DIY.
Play with Plywood
This chic and unique headboard is made of plywood and an enlarged photo print. Make one out of your favorite photo for the ultimate in personalization.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
RELATED: These Creative Wall Decor Ideas Will Spruce Up Any Bedroom
Repurpose a Pallet
This budget-friendly project only takes a few steps to get a boho-chic look in the bedroom. You can learn how to make your own using the tutorial below or get an assembled unit online. Add strings lights for a fun, mood-setting touch.
Get the tutorial at Crafty Morning.
Choose a Pre-Cut Decorative Panel
Here, a decorative wall panel from a store display gets converted into a stunning headboard. Use it as inspiration to make your own from a room divider, wall art, or even a vintage find! For added interest, paint the decorative panel a color that contrasts with your wall color.
See more at Shining on Design.
RELATED: Creative Room Divider Ideas That Will Redefine Your Living Space
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
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