DIY Rustic Headboards
Headboards for beds come in all kinds of styles and materials. They can be minimalist and modern, dark and substantial or wrought-iron and romantic. If you're going for a rustic look, and you haven't found anything that's just right, you can make your own headboard with a few tools, wood and fabric. Making a headboard is a relatively easy project. If you start in the morning, you should have it done well before the end of the day. When it's time to say goodnight, you can enjoy your handywork. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- 1-by-2 wooden posts
- Saw
- Sheet of 5/8-inch plywood
- Jigsaw
- Marker
- Batting
- Staple gun
- Fabric of your choice, such as raw silk or flannel
- Stud finder
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Drill and drill bit
- Anchors
Instructions
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1
Measure the width of the bed. The finished headboard will be the same width as the bed and will extend about 3 feet above the mattress.
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2
Cut two 1-by-2 posts to measure. Each post should be 36 inches to accommodate the height of the headboard, plus 12 inches that will extend beneath the headboard. So each post should be 48 inches, or 4 feet.
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3
Plan the headboard. Using a jigsaw, cut a sheet of plywood to size. The sheet should be 3 feet high and the width of your bed. Draw the headboard shape on the wood, using a marker. Most headboards are rectangular, but you could experiment with a rounded top.
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4
Cover the headboard with batting, stretching it taut, and stapling it in place with a staple gun. Repeat with the rustic fabric that you have chosen. Textured fabric, linen and raw silk work well for a rustic look. Another option is flannel, especially a red and black plaid or a green and brown plaid.
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5
Using a stud finder, locate the studs in wall where you want to attach the headboard. Mark the spots on your wall.
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6
Place your headboard face-down on your work surface, and mark the spots on the back of your headboard that correspond to the spots on the wall where you've found the studs. For example, if the studs are 2 feet apart, position your posts 6 inches in from each side of the headboard so that they're 2 feet apart on the headboard, as well. The posts should extend 12 inches below the bottom of the board. Using a drill and screws, attach the headboard to the posts.
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7
Attach the headboard to the wall. Using your drill and screws, drill a screw into each post and wall just below the headboard. If necessary, drill another screw into each post 6 to 8 inches below the top screw.
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Tips & Warnings
If the headboard needs additional support at the top, use toggle bolts to attach it to the wall.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
