• Gallery Wall. I know there is a hot debate about the safety of using shipping pallets as furniture, so let's not even go there today, but I will say that creating a gallery wall around a simple bed frame — even one with no headboard at all — creates an instant focal point. Pick objects that can be affixed securely to the wall, and if you're in the earthquake zone, skip the suggestion entirely. Make sure that your hanging art is hung high enough that sitting up in bed won't cause an avalanche.
• Painted Headboard. You can be as elaborate (picture 3) or as minimalist as you'd like, but defining your sleep-space with a drawn or painted headboard is the most cost effective way to anchor your bed, especially one lacking in an ornamentation.
• Fabric Headboard. There are several ways to spruce up a bed with fabric, some being more costly and labor intense than others — think queen canopy — but simply hanging a tapestry or yard of fabric behind the bed will anchor the space and give it an instantly "finished" look. Use regular curtain rods or simple dowels and eye-hooks to affix them to the wall, and be creative about where you find your fabric — think table clothes, twin flat sheets, etc.
• Wallpaper and Decal Headboard. The decal craze may have lost some steam in the last few years, but it's still a great alternative for renters, dorm dwellers, or anyone seeking to spruce up a plain-jane frame without breaking the bank. Check out Blik and uppercase living for some great headboard decals, or follow Martha Stewart's instructions for creating your own out of wallpaper.
Images: 1: Serena & Lily, 2: via decorpad, 3: Apartment Therapy: Chicago, 4: Homes and Gardens, 5: Southern Accents, 6: Martha Stewart, 7: uppercase living
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"In many homes, the bedroom often gets the least decorative attention even though it's the room where we normally spend the most time. And it's no wonder, bedroom furnishings aren't easy on the wallet."
I don't think cost is the reason at all.
Given a $5000 budget, most folks would rather spend their money on a new HiDef big screen TV, 5.1 Surround Sound system and a large leather sectional that they can show off to visiting friends & neighbors for a few hours than a new upholstered headboard, high-end bedding and a large multi-drawer dresser & nightstands that their friends might see for only a couple minutes on a tour of their house.
ok, I rarely complain about AT because, well it's awesome and free, but I will projectile vomit if I read another headboard post. Did I miss something? Is it like headboard month, or got forbid, headboard year? If it is, ok, but I really need to know what's up with this recent influx of article about headboards? jussayin.
Also - picket fences! I freecycled, asking for a picket fence and a woman was in touch with me the same day. I attached it to a long board on the bottom, to give it height above the bed...and it's been an awesome fixture in the bedroom! Love it!
Picture here
Bedroom furnishings are not easy on the wallet?
I would agree as far as the bed is concerned, but nobody needs to spend $500 on a duvet cover set. Other than the furniture, it just takes some persistence, research and creativity. Headboards are not so difficult to make, night tables can come for second hand stores, etc.
I really like the painted and printed ones. Very creative and simplistic!
I like the simplicity of the pallets, issues aside.
Love the last photo!
I don't get it. For the time and money people spend on these peojects, most with ugly results, they could have bought a decent looking headboard, or even an entire bed frame, from Ikea, or other cheap stores, even over the internet, or from craigslist.
The last pic is nice, but that bed has a headboard. The fabric ones are a nice headboard alternative. But if you want a headboard, why not get a headboard?
It's true that one spends most of one's time in the bedroom, but all of those hours are typically spent asleep. Our bedroom has gotten little attention because I'd rather put my focus and budget on the parts of the house in which may family and I spend most of our waking hours-- like my living room, dining room, and kitchen.
I do like that bed in the last photo-- It would be perfect for my room. Any idea where it's from?
I really like the look of the second one. I like that AT shows unconventional stuff sometimes.
"I do like that bed in the last photo-- It would be perfect for my room. Any idea where it's from?"
IKEA Malm
Love the first picture, but is that bed really short? It looks like those fake half-length beds they have in some department stores...
I love the pallet one - making your own is so satisfying! My partner and I made a constellation headboard out of some old wood, paint, and a leftover string of christmas lights. It's not a work of art, but we love it. Sleeping beneath it is a reminder that we can do anything together.
I absolutely love the green room with the pallet headboard. I wish it would've been my bedroom as a teenager. Maybe I can give my daughter a room that is that cool someday.
@ textiles
I get what you are saying, but not everyone wants a store bought bed that looks like everyone else's. Also, sometimes I am too cheap even to spend $150 at IKEA. Also, it doesn't have to be as complicated as all that. I chose to splurge on a good mattress and built a simple box to house it and attached a painted carved door as a headboard. I really love it and it took about one-half Saturday's worth of work and about $60.
my fave is the fabric headboard. gorgeous + it's quick and easy to switch up!
@bepsf If I'm ever so lucky to have $5000 to spend just on furnishings for my home, I definitely would not buy a big screen tv, speaker system, and a giant leather couch. I can't imagine what I would buy to be honest. It would be nice just to have the chance to replace all my crappy hand-me-down living room furniture.
@LittleMissSunshine---LOL! I noticed the overabundance of headboard posts, too, and discovered that it is officially National Adopt-a-Headboard Month in Kishnev.