How to Build a Cloud Headboard

A cloud headboard is a fun and whimsical headboard perfect for a child’s bedroom. You can use a jigsaw and other easy-to-find materials from the local hardware store to build this cloud headboard in about 5 hours or less.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
• Picture hanging brackets
• Screws
• Power drill
• Primer
• White latex paint
• Black latex paint
• Paint brushes
• Paint roller
• Paint tray
• Jigsaw
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Sand paper

Cut Out the Headboard

1. Measure the width of your bed with a tape measure.
2. Cut your sheet of MDF to this width and 3 feet tall. Your home improvement store can make these cuts for you.
3. Draw a cloud shape on the sheet of cut MDF. Work as close to the edges as you can. You want the outline of the cloud to fill up as much of the MDF as possible.
4. Cut out the cloud with your jigsaw. Discard the excess pieces. Sand the edges of the MDF if needed.

Paint the Cloud Headboard

5. Paint the cloud with white latex primer. Roll the paint on for the smoothest coverage.
6. Let the primer dry and then paint the cloud white with latex paint. Roll this on with a roller as well.
7. Dip a paint brush in some of the black paint. Use this to outline and add shadows to the white paint while it is still wet.
8. Outline the cloud with the black paint. Blend the white and black paint to create shadows.
9. Let the paint dry for 24 hours.
10. Flip the headboard over. Place your picture hanging brackets on the back about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the cloud. Put one bracket on the right side and one on the left side 5 inches in from the edge.
11. Mark the holes with a pencil. Predrill the holes with your power drill. Do not drill through the sheet of MDF. Only start the hole.
12. Screw the picture hanging hooks into the MDF.
13. Screw 2 wood screws into studs in the wall. Hang the cloud headboard above the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Oil-based paint is easier to clean than latex paint once dried on the headboard.
• To make this headboard lighter you can use a sheet of plywood. It weighs about half of what MDF does.
• If you use oil-based primer you must use oil-based paint. You can use a latex primer and an oil-based paint, though.
• This headboard must be hung on studs in the wall because MDF is heavy. Use toggle bolts if there are no studs above the bed.

Who Can Help:

• Find Remodeling Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Contractors Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Landscaping Design and Installation Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.