How to Use Fencing for a Bed Headboard

With a bit of creativity and a willingness to think outside of the box, decorating can be fun and save a lot of money that would otherwise be spent in expensive furnishings. Those with a romantic flair, an appreciation of a country theme, or a yen to bring a bit of nature indoors might like the idea of using fencing to make a creative headboard.

Things You'll Need

• Fencing
• Silk flower
• Faux butterflies
• Nails
• Nailgun or hammer
• Staple gun
• Stapes
• Saw (hand or electric)
• Measuring tape
• Stencils
• Craft paint
• Paint brushes
• Adhesive
• Safety goggles
• Safety mask

Instructions

1. Determine what theme the fence headboard is to meet. Some choices would be a country motif, a garden motif, or just a yen to bring the outdoors inside. Whatever the choice, this decision will have an impact on the remaining steps.

2. Choose the type of fencing that will best match the theme as determined in Step 1 above. For example, a country motif would likely be better met by using old, repurposed fencing that can often be purchased as a country home or barn is being dismantled. It is also possible to purchase weathered fencing from some lumber dealers and/or home decorating stores. On the other hand, if the idea is to create a garden theme, then white picket fencing that can be purchased at any lumber dealer or home decor store might fit the bill perfectly. Finally, bringing the outdoors inside might include a bed headboard of beautiful cedar fencing.

3. Decide if any other decor will be added to the fencing or if it will stand on its own. For a garden theme, for example, one might opt to add silk flowers and/or greenery into the mix by winding ropes of them around fencing posts. On the other hand, if the theme nature driven, then one might opt to use faux butterflies or birds to finish off the design. Butterflies adhered to the boards of the fence or birds sitting in artificial nests on the bed post can help finish off a unique and clever design.

4. Draw out the design on paper to help finalize the design.

5. Measure the bed itself to determine the width of fencing required. The headboard should match or be one to two inches wider than the actual bed itself. Also determine how far above the bed the headboard should stand. Decide how the fence headboard will be attached to the bed. This information, along with the actual height of the bed as is, will be necessary in order to figure out the height of fencing required. If the fencing is attached to a standard bedframe, then it will typically be placed from 12 to 18 inches above the floor. If, on the other hand, the fencing will be attached to the wall or be free standing, then the height will be based on those individual factors.

6. Using the fencing purchased, put together enough sections to make the width of the headboard as determined in Step 5. If the fencing chosen is too wide, then make the necessary cuts to bring it into line with the width requirement. Connect the sections with nails using a nailgun.

7. Stain or apply a clear coating over weathered or distressed fencing as desired. Fencing purchased "as is" will not require this step.

8. Fasten the headboard to the bedframe or wall, if desired, or place free standing headboard between the wall and the bed.

9. Decorate the headboard as designed, if that is part of the overall plan. For a garden theme, stencil or hand paint flowers and insects along the headboard. For a three dimensional effect, adhere butterflies and/or birds into the mixture. For a country theme, stencil or hand paint farm scenery and/or animals.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the design clean and simple.

• Be creative and have fun.

• Use the right type of paints for the type of fencing material being used.

• Use adhesives appropriate to the materials being used.

• Always wear safety goggles with power equipment.

• Use a mask whenever working with toxic chemicals.

• Be sure to choose stains and paints that are safe for use in the home.