50 Easy and Unique DIY Headboard Ideas That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Space
From wood and fabric looks to clever designs with storage, these beginner-friendly projects will guarantee sweet dreams.
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A statement-making headboard can transform a bedroom from bland to grand. Gone are the days when headboard design was one-size-fits-all — now the options are endless. Bold headboards upholstered in funky patterns add playful accent colors to a room, while wood bedposts lend a casual, organic feel. Likewise, solid-colored headboards are perfect for playing second fiddle to lively, eclectic interiors. With a little creative thinking, give your bedroom a simple design upgrade with these DIY headboard ideas that are unique, beginner-friendly and make great upcycling projects.
If you're in need of inspiration, you'll find that everything from recycled barn doors to custom wood paneling and wallpaper can serve a new purpose in a bedroom space. Items you might even already have on hand — such as blankets, shelving and even extra curtains — can be turned into a recycled bed frame that will bring a bit of flair to a primary bedroom, guest room or kids' room.
So, browse through our collection of clever designs that give their respective rooms new life. See how designers think outside the box in order to create one-of-a-kind bedroom setups. We promise, after checking out the list below, any doubts about opting for this unique DIY project will be effectively put to rest.
And for more even bedroom upgrade ideas, check out these stylish bedroom accent walls, chic minimalist bedroom designs and striking black-and-white looks that are timeless.
Barn Door
Go rustic with a set of barn doors as your headboard. It's a creative and resourceful way to bring intrigue and texture to your bedroom.
Traditional Trimwork
Adding raised trim behind a bed creates visual interest to not only the bed, but to the entire space. Custom trimwork will make the room instantly feel chic and elevated.
Splash of Paint
If getting your hands dirty appeals to you, then a DIY painted headboard might be for you. It's an idea that gives you total creative control—paint color, design and detail are all in your hands.
Add a Dash of Drama
This is the perfect way to bring some dramatic details to your space and get a beautiful headboard in the process. There are so many design patterns and templates out there, so you can find the perfect fit for your room.
Curtain Chic
Curtains don't only belong besides a window. Why not take some pretty drapes and have them frame out a headboard behind a bed? Get creative with different fabric colors and patterns, or stick with neutrals.
Bring in the Art
Using a large piece of art as a headboard is a chic way to create a focal point in a bedroom. Whether it's traditional or contemporary, the art itself can be handpicked to fit any style and space.
Minimalist Headboard
A headboard doesn't always have to be the most striking feature of a bedroom. Keeping it simple allows the other design elements of the space shine through, like the striking wallpaper and art on the walls, as seen in this bedroom.
Go Coastal
For a coastal-inspired room, go to the beach for headboard materials. Driftwood or recycled oars bring a bit of the beach inside, and come together beautifully to frame a bed.
Add a Blanket
For a quick update to an existing headboard, simply drape a blanket. Blankets with pretty patterns, or even just a new color, add a fresh take to a room.
Utilize Existing Elements
Architectural elements, such as built-in shelves can often be used as headboards. This bedroom utilizes a simple built-in as the centerpiece of the room and keeps things calm with clean lines and neutral colors.
A Beautiful Mural
Talk about a wow factor! A custom floral mural behind a bed pulls the attention to one point of this bedroom.
Make it Quilted
Quilts are classic bedroom elements, so why not bring one to the headboard? With a variety of patterns and colors to choose from, a quilt-covered headboard brings a traditional design element to any room.
Tulle Canopy
Transform any bedroom space into a magical place with a sheer canopy. Any little girl's room is sure to be the most whimsical with soft tulle framing the bed.
Go Boho With Macrame
A macrame wall hanging functions as a faux headboard in this neutral space. There are tons of different colors and patterns out there, so get creative — maybe, you could even learn to make one yourself.
Find Your Favorite Wallpaper
Get crafty by using wallpaper to frame out a headboard and define a space. With so many peel-and-stick wallpapers on the market, you can find a non-permanent solution that best suits your room and vibe.
Keep it Classic
A tufted headboard is a classic style that is sure to stick around for years to come. If you're looking to bring a little femininity and elegance to your space, this style will be perfect for you.
Custom Wood Detail
If you really want to create depth and visual interest, add custom wood paneling behind your bed. This chevron wood detail adds a modern and sophisticated element to this bedroom space.
Wonderful Wainscoting
Bring a nautical design element to the bedroom with wainscoting. Not only is it classic, but it's the perfect material to define a headboard design.
Go for Yellow Wallpaper
Creating a headboard out of wallpaper is an easy way to make a statement. Bring the wallpaper from floor to ceiling for an eye-catching focal point in the room.
A Magical Pink Canopy
For a bedroom fit for a princess, add a beautiful canopy above the bed. Stunning fabric will bring a bit of whimsy and wonder to any child's room.
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with over five years of experience writing lifestyle content. She has written for a variety of publications, including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com and Parents, where she covered all things home, travel, food, health and holidays. Her sister's German Shepherd, tennis and mystery books are a few of her favorite things
Alicia Mies is an editorial intern at Chairish, an online marketplace for vintage home decor. Before covering interior design for Chairish, she completed journalism internships at local newspapers and earned her B.A. in Urban Studies from Brown University. She is based in the Bay Area where she eats plenty of pho and Korean barbecue.
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