20 Beautiful DIY Headboard Ideas that You’d Never Guess Were DIY
These DIY headboard ideas include all kinds of gorgeous, inexpensive headboards that will completely transform your bedroom.
When it comes to bedrooms, the bed is pretty much always the focal point so a great headboard can really set the tone for the entire room. And while there are lots of headboard options you can buy, they tend to be either super basic or crazy expensive.
Personally, I love a good DIY headboard. There are just so many ways to make a stunning DIY headboard for cheap whether your interested in building a wooden headboard, upholstering a headboard, or making something more unique.
What about the bed frame?
You’ll probably notice that many of these headboards don’t have an integrated bed frame. Keeping the headboard and bed frame separate really just gives you more options. Many people will use the same basic bed frame for years but change out their headboard as styles change.
Most of these DIY headboards are wall-mounted so they are easy to use with any simple bed frame. A few are stand alone and a few have instructions for attaching the headboard to a coordinating DIY bed frame.
If you need a new bed frame as well as a headboard, I have a step-by-step tutorial for a simple solid wood platform bed that would pair well any of the headboards in this post.
DIY Headboard Ideas
These DIY headboards include all kinds of gorgeous budget-friendly ideas from easy beginner projects to more advanced woodworking projects. There are plush upholstered headboards, headboards repurposed from unusual items, beautiful wood headboards, and one-of-a-kind headboards that look like they’re straight out of a magazine.
I’ve organized the list of headboards by type to make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
You can find more details about each diy headboard along with the full tutorial at the link below each photo.
Upcycled Headboards
Old Door Turned Headboard from Lovely Etc.
I made this headboard for my son’s room from an old door I found at a thrift store. Old doors work great for headboards because the size and shape is perfect and you can usually find some really nice wood for cheap. My own door was in rough shape, so I stripped the old paint, added some trim, and finished it with a paint wash and now it looks amazing!
Wood Panel Headboard Tutorial from Scratch and Stitch
This one-of-a-kind headboard was super easy to create using three wooden wall decor panels. This is such a smart idea and I never would have guessed it wasn’t always meant to be a headboard!
Vintage Sheet Headboard from Happiness is Homemade
This headboard is made from wood cutout panels that are typically used over mirrors. Instead, Heidi from Happiness is Homemade, attached several together and then backed them with foam and a cute vintage sheet. You could do something similar with any favorite fabric or leave the back open. Best of all this headboard is super customizable and it’s easy to change out the fabric as your tastes change.
DIY Wood Headboards
Curved Wood Headboard DIY from Pine and Poplar
I love the classic lines of this beautiful curvy wood headboard. And I would absolutely NEVER have guessed it was made from a sheet of plywood!
Herringbone Headboard Tutorial from At Lane and High
I’m always a sucker for herringbone, so it’s no surprise I love this DIY herringbone headboard. This headboard was inspired by a similar Pottery Barn headboard and I think the DIY version is just as beautiful as the inspiration (but much, much cheaper!)
DIY Plywood Headboard from Anika’s DIY Life
If you want a more streamlined headboard, this is a gorgeous option. It’s made from a single piece of plywood, but those angled lines add so much style.
Wood Plank Headboard – Lovely Etc.
I made this headboard several years ago and I still love the juxtaposition of the rustic wood planks and the ornate shape. Despite the fancy shape, this headboard is super simple to make and only requires a few tools.
Mid Century Modern Wood Headboard from DIY Candy
This beautiful mid century headboard is built with a clever mosaic design using one type of wood cut to three different thicknesses. This is another gorgeous headboard option that looks like it could be straight out of a magazine.
West Elm Inspired Headboard from Jen Woodhouse
This gorgeous West Elm inspired headboard and bed frame is made from simple pine stained to look like reclaimed wood. I love that chevron pattern and how beautiful the different shades of stain look.
Wall Mount Wood Headboard from At Home with the Barkers
This simple wood headboard is made from a combination of inexpensive plywood and trim boards. The clean, simple design would look amazing in a whole range of stain or paint colors to go with your personal style.
DIY Wood Block Headboard from A Life Unfolding
This wood block headboard really highlights the beauty of wood grain in a fun way. I love the pops of color, but you could also stain all the wood blocks with the same finish for a more subtle textural look.
Wood Slat Headboard Tutorial – A Piece of Rainbow
This simple wood slat headboard is a great blank canvas for adding your favorite finish or paint color. I love that it is taller so it can really be seen even if you have mounds of pillows.
Upholstered Headboards
Upholstered Headboard Tutorial from In My Own Style
This DIY upholstered headboard has a beautiful classic look and it’s perfect if you’re new to upholstery. This headboard can be made in any fabric you want and requires no sewing or other special creative skills.
Large Upholstered Fabric Headboard from Hey There Home
This is another great upholstered headboard option. This headboard has a simple large-scale tufted design and the tutorial includes lots of tips for making this an easy no-fail DIY.
Blue Velvet Tufted Headboard from Place of my Taste
This beautiful headboard may look like it’s straight from a furniture store, but it’s actually a DIY that started out as regular plywood, batting, and velvet. The finished upholstered headboard is gorgeous – I can almost feel how soft and cushy it is just from the photo.
Upholstered Leather Headboard from The Handyman’s Daughter
This unique DIY upholstered headboard is the perfect mix of rustic and modern. I love that beautiful leather in the center, but you could also create something similar using a different type of fabric.
Unique DIY Headboards
Modern Headboard Tutorial with Cushions from Houseful of Handmade
If you want a custom headboard that really stands out, this one is a great pick. This wall-mounted headboard combines a great designer look with a functional design. The attached back cushions make this headboard ultra comfy while also eliminating the annoying task of moving mounds of pillows on and off your bed every day.
Modern Headboard with Caning from Refresh Living
Caned furniture has become really popular in recent years, but it can be pretty pricey. This DIY caned headboard is a great way to get the look for much less and the simple, clean design would look great in almost any style of bedroom.
Unique DIY Wooden Headboard from Pine and Poplar
This geometric headboard is great if you’re looking for something unique. You can make this headboard to use alone or use it together with that awesome DIY canopy bed.
Plywood Print Headboard DIY from The Merry Thought
This fun headboard is proof that furniture doesn’t have to be traditional or complicated to be beautiful. This headboard doubles as an art piece and I love how they incorporated a favorite photo.
There are so many gorgeous headboard I would love to make one day in this collection. I hope you were able to find the perfect inspiration for your own home!
I’d love for you to pin this post on Pinterest!
