How to Make a Hanging Headboard

Customize the look of your room's decor with a do-it-yourself headboard.

A headboard is a great way to complete the look of a room by adding a level of sophistication. Fortunately, it is a project that is easy to complete and inexpensive. There are many different ways you can construct a hanging headboard, so choose the method that most appeals to you and your skill level. Below, you will find three different yet equally simple methods to make a creative hanging headboard using canvas, MDF or a vintage door.

Things You'll Need

• Stretched canvas
• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Paint
• MDF (medium density fibreboard)
• Foam
• Batting
• 6-panel door
• Picture frame hanging kit
• Glue

Instructions

Blank Canvas

1. Measure your bed. Find a blank painter's canvas large enough to stretch the width of the bed or find three or more that together will fill the space. There are two different methods for decorating the canvas. If you are an artist or confident in your ability to decorate yourself, you may want to decorate the canvas yourself using paints. If not, you may want to choose the fabric method.

2. Stretch fabric around the canvas as tightly as you can and secure it with staples using a staple gun, for the fabric option. Be sure to fold carefully around the corners, pleating the fabric as you staple.

3. Paint the canvas. This second option is great if you would like a very artistic feel to your headboard. You could also paint the canvas either a solid color or a interesting pattern.

4. Hang the canvas or canvases on the wall using a picture hanging kit. Since the canvas are so lightweight, it should not require you to secure the headboard to a stud.

Fabric Headboard

1. Cut a piece of MDF, or medium density fibreboard, to the size of your bed. You can cut additional pieces to add visual interest by creating a unique shape.

2. Cut out the foam to match the MDF piece, and secure it to the headboard using either a staple gun or glue.

3. Upholster the MDF using batting and fabric. Stretch the batting and fabric around the MDF and secure it to the back using staples. Be sure to stretch the fabric tightly for a clean appearance. You can add grommets around the edge or in the center to give the headboard a tufted appearance.

4. Attach the headboard to the wall using a picture frame hanging kit.

Vintage Door

1. Find a vintage door or a purchase a new door at the home supply store.

2. Paint the door in a color that corresponds to your room's decor. Some vintage doors are already painted, but the paint may be peeling or worn. This look is in high demand right now. If this is the case, consider just making sure the door is cleaned up. You can also paint a new door to look this way.

3. Replace or repair broken windows. Many doors have windows or used to have windows in them. You may consider replacing these windows with mirrors. Be sure to remove any broken or cracked windows from the vintage doors.

4. Hang the door horizontally above your bed. If the door is exceptionally heavy, it will probably need to be attached to studs in the wall to prevent damage to the Sheetrock.

Tips & Warnings

• Have plenty of throw pillows to balance the visual weight of the headboard.

• Be sure that your wall can support the weight of the headboard. If there are doubts, be sure to attach the headboard to a stud to prevent costly damage to the wall.

References

• HGTV: How to Make a Foam Padded Headboard