Replace your boring headboard without breaking the bank
A new headboard can completely transform a bedroom, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend tons of money on another average bed set. Give your space a makeover with these beginner-friendly DIY headboard ideas.
Upholstered Headboards
There’s nothing more cozy than an inviting fabric headboard, but buying new can be expensive. Luckily, an upholstered headboard is a relatively easy DIY job. Consider the following upholstery projects below for your updated bedroom.
1. Felt Headboard
Felt is a great headboard fabric because of its natural texture and the wide range of colors available.
2. Diamond Tufted
Eyeing a diamond tufted headboard, but don’t want to spend big bucks buying brand new? Learning how to DIY a tufted headboard is an easy project—even for beginners. All you need is plywood, foam, adhesive, fabric, and a button kit.
3. No-Sew Headboard
No sewing skills? No problem. Use hem tape and a fabric of your choice to create a no-sew slipcover for your existing headboard. Or, fill the cover with foam pads or batting and secure it to the frame with a staple gun for a stand-alone upholstered headboard.
Wooden Headboards
These modern ideas put a twist on a classic headboard material. Get inspired to build your own wood headboard—even without woodworking experience.
4. Wood Planks
Instead of a classic wood bed frame and headboard, consider installing a wood accent wall behind your bed to make it the focal point of the room.
5. Wood Slats
Vertical wood slats create a simplistic yet modern look. Attach shelving or decor like string lighting to switch up the look seasonally or just to add cozy vibes.
6. Wood Pallets
Wood pallets provide a budget-friendly headboard (and bed frame) option. Leave the pallet headboard untreated for a rustic style, or sand and stain the pallets for a softer look.
7. Wood Crates
Simple wood crates can be found for cheap at your local craft store. Stack several wood crates around your bed for a unique headboard that doubles as shelving and storage.
8. Plywood Sheet
A piece of plywood is one of the easiest DIY headboard projects. Simply paint or stain the plywood (optional) and mount it on the wall behind your bed.
Modern Headboards
Modern DIY headboard ideas for a trendy bedroom on a budget.
9. Large Framed Artwork
Find photos, art, and illustrations you love online and print them at your local print shop. Frame the prints and mount them above the bed for a trendy headboard alternative that won’t break the bank.
10. Canvas Artwork
Hang your favorite canvas wall art above your bed, or buy a blank canvas at your local hobby shop and paint your own.
11. Wallpaper Accent Wall
Install a wallpaper accent wall behind your bed in lieu of a headboard for a bedroom design that’s on-trend.
12. Shaped Wood Slabs
Rounded and arched shapes are an easy way to incorporate modern elements into your bedroom. Mark and cut wood slabs to design your arched headboard, or keep it simple by painting shapes directly on the wall instead.
Rustic Headboards
Consider these rustic headboard ideas to complement your farmhouse decor.
13. Reclaimed Wood
If you’re a DIY pro, consider building a headboard using reclaimed wood. If there’s enough material left over, build a simple nightstand or two for a matching bedroom set.
14. Closet Doors
Repurpose those old closet doors taking up space in the garage and use them as a headboard. Keep the doors their natural color for a rustic look, or paint them the same color as your walls for a modern take.
If you can’t get your hands on a set of closet doors, old shutters can achieve a similar look.
Budget-Friendly Headboards
Easy and affordable DIY headboard ideas.
15. Curtains
Curtains make for a simple and cozy headboard option. Hang them from curtain rods at ceiling level for a grand look. If you’re using sheer curtains, try installing a layer of string lights first to for extra coziness.
16. Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a popular multipurpose headboard alternative. Use them to showcase your favorite pictures, artwork, and decor.
17. Gallery Wall
Gallery walls aren’t just for living rooms and stairwells. Add a gallery wall above your bed that includes framed photos, artwork, signage, and other hangable knick knacks that showcase your style and personality.
18. String Lights and Photos
Use fairy lights and your favorite photos to create a chic and very affordable DIY headboard alternative. This option is perfect for apartments and dorms.
DIY Headboards Made From Repurposed Materials
Affordable and creative DIY headboard ideas that are also eco-friendly.
19. Pegboard
A pegboard might not seem like an attractive headboard option at first. However, pegboards are easily customizable, so you can add your own flair. Use it to hang shelving, lighting, and your favorite decor.
20. Woven
That high-end woven headboard you’ve been eyeing is actually an easy DIY job. Start by building a basic wood frame. Then, attach strips of your material of choice (leather, felt, suede, canvas, etc.) and create a weaving pattern all the way across.
21. Macrame
No boho bedroom is complete without macrame. A macrame tapestry can serve as a simple statement piece and double as a headboard alternative. Watch tutorial videos online to learn how to braid your own, or purchase a completed macrame piece from an independent artisan.
22. Metal Arbor or Trellis
If whimsical decor is more your style, a repurposed arbor or trellis is a perfect DIY headboard alternative for you. Add faux flowers, drapery, and string lights to complete the look.
23. Bookshelf
This is quite the solution—a headboard and storage all in one. Repurpose a large bookshelf or multiple smaller bookshelves to make a multi-purpose headboard alternative—no nightstands or side tables required.
24. Vintage Door
Complement your farmhouse style with a repurposed vintage door headboard. Leave it as-is for an eclectic look, or whitewash it to match your bedroom decor, no matter the color.
25. Barn Door
Turn a set of reclaimed barn wood doors into the focal point of your bedroom. Refurbish them before placing them behind your bed for a beautiful repurposed headboard.
