How to Do My Own Scrolled Headboard

Scroll shapes, like that of a violin head, use turns to create intricate, gentle patterns.

Scroll patterns use twists and turns to create delicate detail on different crafts, such as wedding invitations or furniture. On a headboard, for example, a scroll pattern gives the bed a posh, luxurious feel. Purchasing a headboard with a scroll top is a pricey purchase. Making your own, however, is not. Using plywood and a jigsaw, create your own scroll headboard to give your bedroom a rich feel on a tight budget.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood, 3/4-inch
• Jigsaw
• Rotary tool (optional)
• Sandpaper
• Indoor wood stain
• Paintbrush
• Measuring tape
• Stud finder
• Nail gun
• Nails

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to match the desired dimensions of the headboard. For example, if the mattress is a twin and you want the headboard to stand 24 inches above the top of it, cut the plywood to 24-by-39-by-3/4 inches.

2. Draw a scroll shape along the top edge of the plywood. Use as much of the plywood as possible. Cut the scroll shape out using a jigsaw. Use a rotary tool for tighter twists and turns in the scroll design. Sand the edges of plywood.

3. Apply indoor wood stain to the cut plywood using a paintbrush. Use long strokes, following the direction of the wood grain. Let the stain dry overnight. Apply a second layer of stain, if desired, to achieve the color desired.

4. Measure the height of your bed from the floor to the top of the mattress. Record the height.

5. Locate studs on the wall where you want to hang the headboard. Use a stud finder, running over the wall until it beeps. Mark the studs on the wall with a pencil.

6. Hold the scroll headboard against the wall covering at least one of marked studs. Place the bottom edge even with the height you measured in Step 4.

7. Attach the headboard to the wall using a nail gun. Place the nails along the outside edge of the plywood, 1 inch in from the edge. Space the nails 6 inches apart.

8. Set your bed and bedframe under the headboard.

Tips & Warnings

• If necessary, cut two pieces of plywood to achieve the desired size. Secure the two pieces together using a brace made from pieces of plywood.

• Make plugs for the nail holes using cut out circles of stained plywood, if desired.

References

• Dormia: Mattress Dimensions and Bed Sizes by Dormia
• Sherwin-Williams: Applying Wood Stain