Inspiration: Upcycled DIY Headboards

We don't have a headboard at present, but we have flirted with the idea of going the DIY route — and these upcycled headboards have given us plenty of ideas to ponder...

Here are some pretty nifty items you can upcycle to make a very cool and creative headboard:

Pieces of patchwork

A 1966 Wall Hanging

Miscellaneous moldings and shelves brought into a grouping

Old books!

A large chalkboard

Window shutters

Vintage signage letters

An upholstered bench cushion

Colorful fabric panels

A salvaged door

Do you have any DIY headboard ideas?

Comments (15)

#8 is really playful -- it's like a negative-space version of #10.

i wonder how comfortable the vintage letters would be for a little light bedtime reading. the rest, however, are lovely.

I've always wondered why I haven't seen FLOR tiles used as a headboard. With the ease of cutting and the range of colors and patterns, it seems like it would be an good fit for someone who really didn't have a lot of space for a conventional headboard.

I absolutely love #1, such an elegant cozy feel and #3 with simple elements making a strong impact.

I like #8 a lot, but it's been taken down from the BHG DYI site where it originally came from. Does anyone recognize the bedding, by any chance?

j'adore the vintage letters....

Hey CBB love your idea of using runners. Can you tell us how you did it?

tpgirl, this was just four World Market table runners (SRP $14.95 each, may have been on sale for less) tacked up with staples. I don't usually like stapling to walls, but I liked this look enough to not mind it here. Plus, it's a small bedroom and this is really the best wall for the bed so I'm not likely to want to move it. I aligned the top edges of the runners to the top edge of the wall. This is a somewhat low profile (older, not pillow-top) full-sized bed and the runners end in just the right place - a couple of inches below the top of the mattress.
Full disclosure: this was my daughter's idea. :-)

these are lovely! i have DIY headboard that i made from large pieces of vintage wood i had in the garage and these cool printers blocks. i made an arrangement above my bed and stuck them to the wall with industrial strength velcro. looks great!

wow - that old book one is really impressive. might be a little much with that patchwork quilt thing on the bed, but very inspiring nevertheless!

my hubby and i have a dilemma - our bed is currently at an angle in the corner of our bedroom. we'd love to put a headboard in but are afraid it'll ruin the walls if the bed bumps it against them at the ends. anyone have any ideas? i bought a door a while ago that'd look amazing, but i'm not sure how to 'install' it. again our bed is in a corner...

dahliamoon, your idea sounds amazing! Do you have any photos??