How to Make a Headboard: 7 DIY Headboard Ideas

Text by Amanda Sims, AD CLEVER

The thing about a headboard is that it's not free. And what does it do, exactly, besides make your bed look like it's meant to be there? (Very little.) Even the non-crafty might consider a DIY headboard for the simple fact that it will be more cost-effective than buying one new, but then there is the question of how to build a headboard. . . and where to find the time . . . and one's ineptitude with tools. Fortunately for everyone considering such a task, some of our favorite DIY headboards are more like instant-headboards—they require very little DIY-ing at all. Architects Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger found a pair of foamy acoustic panels and simply hung them on the exposed brick wall behind their bed (and they probably could have used sticky Command hooks to make such lightweight panels stick). Take their cue or pick from 17 other options below. You might need to hang something, or wedge it between the wall and your mattress—but serious tools can be put away for another time. The hardest part will be choosing which you like best.

Lean Up Old Windows

Classic flea market find: old windows and shutters. The more character the better. And no installation required!

Image: Domestically-speaking.com

Drape a Throw Over a Rod

You can either hang the rod from the ceiling using fishing wire or use a curtain rod and secure it directly to the wall.

Lean Art on a Shelf

Only works, of course, if your bed can be pushed up to a shelf on the wall (windowsills count!). Art is just one option for what to put there, but it's certainly more sturdy than, say, a vintage bottle collection.

Thrift an Antique Headboard

And do nothing to it. Easiest option ever.

Get creative with Scrap Wood

A plain piece of plywood is inexpensive and easy to install. Best of all, you can add shelves or customize it to your heart's content.

Add Stackable Storage

A tower of cubes behind the bed opens up your storage and display options.

Image: Decoist.comBook It

Raid your bookshelves or the bargain bin at your local used bookstore for hardcovers and nail them to a plywood board for this literary piece.

Feature Image: Pexels