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These DIY headboards with plans are simple enough that you can make them over a weekend. Check out our epic list of 104 different styles and types of design.
There are few home projects with such a significant impact on decor as a homemade DIY headboard or a headboard alternative. It transforms the bedroom, and it can make or break your entire interior design.
That’s why, if you’ve decided to save some money and create your piece, you have to take it seriously. And we’ve come up with this article as your ultimate guide to building the best headboard you can make yourself.
From rustic farmhouse styles to modern fabric tufted ones, from simple projects for your bed frame to boards with shelves, lighting, and storage. We have a tutorial and plans with instructions for each and every type of headboard that you can use to make your own.
Read through it to find the materials, tools, and considerations needed to take on such a project, then choose the right tutorial to make it really easy for you. Let’s get crafting!
How to Make a DIY Headboard?
Look, here’s a quick recap. It depends on how complicated you want it to be. A headboard can be as simple as a wall-mount embellishment (it’s a faux thing). It can be a simple project too. On the other hand, you can go as far as creating an intricate design (upholster it with fabric) and adding lighting or built-in nightstands. This tutorial on building a wooden headboard on Instructables as basic as it gets, and it’s a good start for the project.
Choose from these specific styles and types of DIY headboard idea to make yours.
DIY King Headboard
This is an impressive king size unit made entirely from pallets in a nice barn style look. Follow the link to get the full details and instructions.
DIY Queen Headboard
A queen size accessory will fit most bed frames, including twin XL. It’s easier to adjust the measurements for your custom needs using these plans too.
Cheap Headboard
This fabric covered bedroom accessory looks impressive. And you can make one for your bedroom too. The best part is that you can choose your fabric pattern and it really is cheap to make. Follow the link to see how it’s done.
DIY Twin Headboard
These units are for the smallest size beds which can fit one person. They are usually designed for small spaces and include storage, lighting, and shelves to make a functional piece of furniture.
DIY Wood Headboard
We love it when home DIYers aren’t afraid to work with wood and stains. So when we saw this project, we had to include it here. Read this website for the entire guidance.
DIY Upholstered Headboard
An accessory upholstered with fabric adds color to the bedroom and that’s what we want. It’s a beautiful accent to have and it makes a big statement. No wonder top designers like Emily Henderson use them a lot in their interiors.
DIY Tufted Headboard
Opting for a tufted piece is a classic choice. Such an accessory adds softness, color, and lots of beautiful appeal to bedroom decor.
DIY Pallet Headboard
The pallets are the most available material for your DIY projects. Chances are you’ve already built something from it. So why not make this project too?
DIY Rustic Headboard
Rustic is all the rage right now so if you’re making unit from lumber you will love making it in this style. It’s a cozy and homey style that everyone finds endearing. If you make it right, everyone will go crazy about your handmade bedroom accessory.
Headboard with Lights
Do you like reading before sleep? You probably already have a nightstand lamp but a bed with lights can be a much more functional. It’s especially useful in small bedrooms where a nightstand might not even be an option. Lights can also have decorative value.
DIY Storage Headboard
Do you have a tiny bedroom where storing things is a problem? Did you know you can use your top of the bed for extra room? That’s right, under the bed is no longer the sole savior of confined places.
Wall Mounted Headboard
Follow your style while making an upholstered unit that you can mount on the wall. This tutorial will show you how to make your plan and stick to it.
DIY Fabric Headboard
Upholstering can be a one hour project, and this tutorial is proof of that. It’s so great because you can choose the right fabric for your bedroom decor.
Padded Headboard
You don’t need to get all fancy to build a decent unit that will improve the look of your bedroom. Check out this great tutorial.
DIY Bookcase Headboard
The idea of using a bookcase at the top of the bed is big and very common. It’s the ideal solution in a small bedroom where storage space is of prime value. By adding a bookcase at the head of the bead, you get all that shelf space that you can use to store things and create displays. It’s the best solution for the organization and decor.
Repurposed Door Headboard
Transform an old door into a (nearly) new bedroom accessory. Read the link to find out how it’s done.
Diamond Tufted Headboard
It gets easier and easier. This tutorial will show you how to create impressive deep diamond tufting. Check it out.
Headboard with Shelves
If you want to add some extra storage with your bed, check out this idea. It’s a simple add-on to a regular unit that gives hidden shelves for books and small accessories. If you like this idea, give this tutorial a try.
DIY Reclaimed Wood Headboard
Make this reclaimed wood project with new wood for less than $50 and minimal skills. Read the article for the full plans.
DIY Barnwood Headboard
Another repurposed project idea you are going to love. If you don’t have the barn door wood at your own home, you can quickly get some at any garage sales and needless to say, it will cost you little.
Repurposed Barn Door Headboard
So, you like everything rustic? Now, if you happen to have an old barn door just waiting to be transformed, here goes your next DIY project. Creating a vintage piece can be done by revolutionizing a traditional barn door or building one yourself.
Depending on the barn door you have, you might need to polish it up and paint it to match your interior, but other than that, you’ll only need a couple of wall mount hangers and some nailing skills. If you have a few more bucks to spend, spend it on installing rustic night lamps on each side of the barn door accessory!
DIY Full Size Headboard
Increase the coziness factor of your bed frame with this custom-made, fabric-covered accessory. Read the article to learn how to do it.
DIY Plywood Headboard
Again, classic as it may look, this live edge piece involves little work. Get a good quality grained plywood, use a jigsaw woodcutter to make the pattern you want and then stain paint using staining pads. The pictures should suffice themselves, but do follow the tutorial for a few extra details.
Leather Headboard
If you’re looking to use leather for your new project, this tutorial will give you all the guidance you need. Make a leather accessory without breaking the bank for a store-bought one!
DIY Farmhouse Headboard
This is an excellent breakdown of a farmhouse bed project from start to finish for those of you who are wanting to tackle it as well. Follow this website to find out how to do it.
DIY Cushion Headboard
We love these floor cushions for their modern and relaxed look. The finished product looks like an excellent alternative to the traditional bed. The project can be completed really quick, and with supplies that would cost you little.
DIY Modern Headboard
Learn how to make a fabric accessory with tufting for a high-end modern looking accessory. The post includes step-by-step instructions for how to make your own project and a list of supplies. Read the post to learn how to do it.
Headboard with Shelf
Give your plain white wall a purpose and create a beautiful do-it-yourself shelf as a statement piece. Made of plywood, and involving some stapling, cutting and batting, this unit can be constructed in a matter of hours.
As this is a two-piece unit, you will need to use a piece of fabric and a few buttons of your preference. Painting is an option if you like your accessory to match the rest of your bedroom, but nothing too complicated for the average handyman. Given that you already have an old shelf to use, you’ll only need to bat, connect, and wall-mount the base frame. Looks great.
DIY Foam Headboard
This tutorial will show you how to cut and upholster a custom piece using foam. You can get any shape you want and a professional looking bed accessory using this tutorial.
DIY Wingback Headboard
A wingback style might seem like a complicated project (it certainly costs more in stores), but by following this tutorial, you can make it too.
DIY Wood Plank Headboard
Take a few boards, cut them to fit the size, and put them together to make an easy project. Follow this website to see how to do it.
DIY Tufted Headboard with Pegboard
Here’s another excellent video tutorial for a tufted piece that uses a pegboard. You’ll need a pegboard of your choice and foam padding to make it.
DIY Upholstered Headboard with Wood Frame
This is a gorgeous wood frame bed top with a velvet middle. It looks luxurious, and you can build it at a fraction of the cost by following these plans.
DIY Light Up Headboard
This one is perfect to give a unique and playful feel to your bed. Ideal for the kids’ room or to put in the guest room. Check out this marquee sign-inspired tutorial to find a step-by-step guide to this project.
DIY Floating Headboard
What an excellent idea to make a floating bed accent with led lighting as an easy craft project. The LED backlight makes the board look as if it’s floating. See the article to get the complete details and instructions.
DIY Coastal Headboard
This reclaimed piece for a proper, grown-up bed was built in less than 24 hours. Follow this website to learn how it’s done. Love the coastal theme on it.
DIY Velvet Headboard
You wouldn’t believe this upholstered piece is a homemade project because it looks so luxurious. You can make something like that at home, and all you need is the right materials. The tutorial will guide you through the process step by step.
DIY Distressed Wood Headboard
This is a simple and elegant distressed accent you can make at home. This board can be made in a weekend with a few simple tools. See the article to see how it’s done.
DIY Mid-Century Modern Headboard
We will see blocks being used in a few tutorials on this list. Indeed, it’s a unique way to make a beautiful accent piece. Albeit it is more involved than most other tutorials, it’s all worth it. Check out how you can build a unit from wood blocks in the mid-century modern style.
DIY Shabby Chic Headboard
It’s rustic, with straight lines (no fancy tools needed!) but that would make a statement in a bedroom. Oh, and of course, it’s a budget project. Follow the link to get the full guidance. Love the shabby chic look.
Free Standing Headboard
This is an easy beginner level project that you can make over a weekend. The freestanding unit allows you to fit it to any bed of the right size. These plans are catered to a queen size bed. The included tutorial with instructions will guide you through to build your custom project.
DIY Wood Slat Headboard
Slats make an excellent accent piece. Who knew? Check out the link to find out how it’s done.
DIY Picket Fence Headboard
If you want something big, bold and sturdy and one which looks super classy at the same time, you will love this board idea. Made out of 13 cedar fence pickets which will set you back only about $30, this is also a steal for the size and look you get.
DIY Nailhead Trim Headboard
A large board can have the most significant impact on the entire bedroom decor. And the best part is that you can choose the best fabric based on your needs to upholster it.
DIY Herringbone Headboard
Opening up the bedroom space doesn’t have to be all about the windows and doors. Instead, try focusing your attention of creating a majestic and clean herringbone accent piece, which doesn’t take up a lot of time to complete, and still produces an upbeat and soothing bedroom feel at the same time.
To create it, you will need a pile of boards, narrow and long enough to cover the desired wall area. To secure the alignment of the boards, set up the patterned pieces onto a plywood frame, which will surely need a bit of smoothing and painting to perfect it!
DIY Hanging Headboard
This unique way to upholster a head of the bed takes just a free afternoon. An excellent project for a beginner too.
DIY Tall Headboard
Using wooden planks to make a tiled look. It’s all the rage right now, and you can create this accent for the bedroom too. The tall frame makes a powerful statement. Read the link for the full guidance and instructions.
DIY Canopy Headboard
Looking for something different? You need to go no further than this great spin-off on the very idea of a bedroom accessory. What is more, it is super easy to prepare. All you need are two metal rods and some length of fabric, and there is your canopy piece ready in little to no time. Check out the step-by-step guide on the tutorial to find how to do this.
DIY Macrame Headboard
This is a very different and unique design than others. It’s instead a wall hanging than a real board, but it adds as much decor value nonetheless. And it’s as simple as making macrame. So if woodworking is not your thing, try this project idea. There’s an excellent tutorial for you to follow.
DIY Chevron Headboard
We adore the neat and sophisticated look of this homemade piece fashioned with thick plywood sheets and pine furring strips. Check the tutorial to get a full list of materials you will need for the project and instructions on planning and execution.
DIY Pottery Barn Headboard
Here’s another replica of a Pottery Barn farmhouse bed. It looks just like the real thing. And it’s relatively easy to build too. Read this website to learn how to do it.
DIY Low Profile Headboard
This is a different style of a tufted board without a pegboard or a button pattern. However, this design is unique and offers excellent decor value. Making too is easy!
DIY Lattice Headboard
This one is funky with a rustic flavor to it and would pretty much suit all lightly (and funkily) themed decor. The one in the tutorial is used for a King-sized bed in the master bedroom. But you can make a smaller one if you like and install it on the kids’ room. Check the tutorial to find how easy and fun this whole project is as, also to get some good ideas on how to decorate the wall space right above.
DIY Carved Wood Headboard
This Pottery Barn hack will teach you how to make your budget-friendly carved wood accessory without sacrificing style. Check out the article to find out how to do it.
DIY IKEA Stikwood Headboard
IKEA hacks are our favorites because you can accomplish a lot of things in your home decor without breaking the bank. You can make a beautiful rustic wood imitation piece by using Stikwood sticky tiles on your basic IKEA board very quickly. Check out this tutorial for details.
DIY Curved Headboard
Talk about being creative in your DIY projects and the choice of materials. Here’s how you can use cheap welt cord to get a nice curved look. An exciting tutorial, indeed.
DIY Tongue and Groove Headboard
This board only looks like it’s made of reclaimed wood. If that’s the look you want, but you don’t want to use salvaged material, you can go for these plans. They are for a king size bed – so if that’s the size you need, it’s the perfect fit for you. The tongue and groove technique makes it easy to get a polished look. Check it out and try it out!
DIY Chesterfield Headboard
This DIY tufted board tutorial offers you a way to use the Chesterfield style for the bed. It’s a different way to style your accessory, and it will make your bedroom decor interesting.
DIY Boho Headboard
A great tutorial which shows you don’t always need wood to create a beautiful bedroom statement. Follow this tutorial to get the basic idea, and all you need to do then is to get some table mats that fit with the decor of the rest of the room. Boho style all the way!
DIY Floor to Ceiling Headboard
It is going to take a lot of pallets to make this piece, but you will love the end product. The floor to ceiling effect is just excellent, and it gives the room more height. Read this website for the complete details.
DIY Wainscoting Headboard
You can use this tutorial to make a bed accent or an entire bed including side rails and footboard. The whole project costs just $115 for an incredibly sturdy, heavy duty, solid wood frame. It’s not real wainscoting but it mimics the look and would perfectly work in a bedroom that has it. See this post to see the full plans and instructions.
DIY Woven Headboard
If you have some old vertical blinds lying around at your garage, you can put them to excellent use to do up a great-looking woven piece for a master bedroom. Building the wood frame would take you some time, and math… and patience! But once you have got the frame ready, the rest is a cinch. Check out the tutorial to find how.
Headboard without Wood
If you want a lightning fast piece on a razor-thin budget, you will love this idea. You will need some faux foam titles, some scotch mounting tape, and absolutely zero DIY skills to prepare this one. And for all that, it looks classy enough. Check the tutorial and give it a try if you want.
DIY Dorm Headboard
For this headboard project, you will need quilt batting, plywood, a staple gun, and your preferred choice of fabric. After completing the job, you will be left with a stunning creation.
DIY Shiplap Headboard
For this project, you will need quilt batting, plywood, a staple gun, and your preferred choice of fabric. After completing the job, you will be left with a stunning creation.
DIY Mirror Headboard
To add a rustic vibe to your bedroom or guestroom, you could consider repurposing a vintage dresser mirror into a fascinating board that is nothing short of being spectacular.
DIY California King Headboard
Simplicity and the exceptional beauty of the wood are combined to create this board, which is designed to transform the look of any bedroom. The project can be completed in roughly two hours.
DIY Kids Headboard
This do-it-yourself tufted picture frame could make the perfect focal point in your child’s bedroom. It is excellent for bringing height and interest to space.
DIY Boys Headboard
Armed with wooden ammo boxes and a few other materials and tools, you will be well on your way to creating this highly functional and decorative headboard for a boy’s bedroom.
DIY Corner Headboard
To add casual elegance and create this stunning corner padding, the tools, and materials you will need include plywood, foam mattress topper, batting, white sailcloth, and a staple gun.
DIY Shutter Headboard
This project is proof that shutters are not just for windows. These former window covers can be entirely repurposed and painted to fit in with the decor and add rustic charm to any bedroom.
DIY Panel Headboard
The sheer beauty on this paneled padded board cannot be undermined. At the end of this DIY project, you will be rewarded with a remarkable custom faux leather accent.
DIY Pillow Headboard
There are only a few things that look and feel comfier than a pillow at the top of the bed. Best of all, this super cool creation can be accomplished in a weekend.
DIY Girls Headboard
What is pink and plush and pretty all over? This stunning accent piece, of course. Grab a pencil, jigsaw, and sandpaper or a power sander and get started on creating this remarkable gem.
DIY Metal Headboard
With its combination of rustic and industrial style, this corrugated metal board is grand, elegant and will have a powerful impact in any bedroom in which it is placed.
DIY Cardboard Headboard
For tufted sophistication on a shoestring budget, this cardboard idea is sure to satisfy the design needs of the thrifty do-it-yourselfer. Hop on this project and gets that creative juice flowing.
DIY Curtain Headboard
With sheer or semi-sheer curtains, string lights, and a bit of creativity, you can transform that empty-looking wall space surrounding your bed into a thing of beauty that is sure to impress.
DIY Industrial Headboard
To create this industrial look, PVC material was used to mimic the look of iron. This is a creative and clever undertaking that adds interest.
Moroccan Headboard
To add an exotic Moroccan vibe to your bedroom, this remarkable headboard is definitely the way to go. It provides the perfect backdrop for colorful pillows.
Faux Headboard
When it comes to creating the style at a meager cost, it is hard to beat this faux solution. All you really need is some strategically-placed paint.
Daybed Headboard
With basic carpentry skills, a few tools, and some paint, weekend warrior can get to work on creating this delightful addition to a daybed.
Bamboo Headboard
For this project, you will need Accordion-style bamboo garden trellis, oil paints, linseed oil, natural-bristle brushes, oil-base spray varnish or clear lacquer and a disposable plastic plate or plastic paint palette.
Mandal Headboard
This Mandal design provides a remarkable way to add style and storage. This project can be tackled over the weekend, and the result is sure to stun.
Canvas Headboard
This striking accent was achieved by combining two large pieces of canvas, a used bed throw and two inexpensive blankets, which were used as the filling.
Fabric Headboard with Crystal Buttons
This is an exquisite tufted fabric accessory that is awesomely accessorized by crystal buttons. Among other materials and tools, you will need dimensional lumber, board for backing, fabric, and foam.
Nautical Headboard
For function, flair, and lots of fun times reading in bed, this gray-blue nautical board is a creative complement to space.
Headboard Slipcover
A slipcover provides a remarkable way to transform the look of your bed and give a boost to the overall appearance of the bedroom.
Studded Headboard
This king-sized unit is large, in charge and has been studded to perfection. The dark color complements well and creates a fantastic contrast against the light wall.
Angled Headboard
With the help of four pieces of lumber, a piece of particleboard, fabric, four standard-sized pillows, small hinges, and some screws, you can create this angled design.
Tapestry Headboard
For this cool and colorful tapestry solution, you can repurpose decorative blankets and place them above and behind the bed, instead of on it.
Floating Headboard with Nightstands
In less than 24 hours, you can build this floating board out of storage cubbies. You can take pride in your effort after creating this masterpiece.
Picture Frame Headboard
This inexpensive picture frame was spiffed up, primed, and then spray painted gold. Fabric, batting, cardboard, and staple gun are some of the main tools materials needed for this project.
Painted Wood Headboard
This painted accent adds understated elegance to space. This formerly green headboard was sanded, cleaned up, and painted in a more natural wood tone.
Fish Tank Headboard
This idea brings a splash of nature into the bedroom. Incorporated into an oversized shelving unit, the fish tank perfectly fits into the overall design of the space.
Wrought Iron Headboard
This wrought iron embellishment is easy to complete. Besides, it creates a stunning contrast against the light walls. This low-cost project will make a chic statement in any room.
Mission Style Headboard
This two-toned wooden mission style unit is a work of art that brings a rustic look to the bedroom. It takes some carpentry skills to complete this project.
Minnie Mouse Headboard
This design is made out of ¾-inch MDF that was cut with a jigsaw into the shape of the famous Disney mouse.
Hockey Stick Headboard
For this excellent idea you will need broken hockey sticks, a saw, a sander, and a drill. You will also need a tape measure, screwdriver, screws and hockey tape.
Baseball Bat Headboard
The project could be an ideal addition to the bedroom of the baseball fan in your life. Cut the bats in half and get to creating.
Room Divider Headboard
Taking up pretty much all of the wall space up to the ceiling, this room divider has a stately presence in the room. It will transform the space and add significant interest.
Princess Headboard
Every princess deserves a castle that is fit to house her sovereignty. Made out of an arched door, this design is a great way to inject some fabulousness into the space of a princess.
Seagrass Headboard
With a seagrass rug and flow of some creative juices, this board is designed to make a style statement in just about any bedroom.
Cork Board Headboard
Though designed to be used on your floor, with the help of some adhesive, these cork strips played a considerable role in creating this spectacular design.
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