Pretty DIY Wooden Headboards
Updated on August 12, 2019
In our house, we often think of whether or not we can actually make something we need by hand ourselves before we remind each other that we could, in theory, just go and buy that thing at the store. That’s because we often find the process of making something and putting it to good use so much more satisfying than just buying it pre-made and setting it up! Our most recent discussion of this nature surrounded the idea of getting a new headboard for the master bedroom, which is why we’ve been scouring the Internet for awesome DIY headboard tutorials that might help us get started.
Are you quite enamoured with the idea of making your very own headboard from scratch as well? Check out these 15 fantastic ideas, designs, and tutorials that we’ve come across so far in our search for inspiration and guidance!
1. Simple DIY rustic stained wood headboard
Like us, have you totally fallen in love with the whole rustic chic aesthetic that has been so popular in DIY and home decor lately, but you’re also new to working with wood so you’re not feeling the most confident in your woodworking skills? In that case, we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Primitive Star Quilt Shop kept things easy in making this basic but beautiful stained wood headboard from upcycled wood.
2. Basic wooden framed headboard
Just in case you really like the easy stained wooden headboard idea but you’re also not sure you want your edges to look quite so unfinished, here’s an idea that shows you how to frame the top and sides a little more effectively! Take a closer look at the tutorial featured in great detail on DIY Network to see how it’s done.
3. Reclaimed, unfinished wooden headboard
Are you absolutely a fan of the fully framed shape of wooden headboard we showed you above but you’re also not sure that you want yours look look quite so glossy and finished in terms of its actual colouring and texture? In that case, we have a sneaking suspicion you might get along a little bit better with something like this rustic chic, purposely unstained and un-sanded headboard outlined step by simple step in Ana White.
4. Multi-toned pallet headboard
Maybe we’re really nailing your aesthetic in the basic concept of making something reclaimed and quite naturally rustic looking, but you can’t help feeling like you’d still prefer to have some kind of design element involved, just for a bit of extra visual appeal? In that case, we think you simple must take a look at how Fresh Crush made this awesome multi-shaded pallet headboard that lets a few different grains and finishes show through in one piece. It really creates depth!
5. Geometric wooden slat headboard
Do you simply adore the idea of fitting different pieces of wood together to create some kind of wooden visual design in your homemade headboard but you’re also just not sure that you want to stick with natural wooden shades, since your personal sense of style also usually has a little bit of glam to it? In that case, we think you might get along better with this tutorial from I Spy DIY that shows you how to make a beautiful natural wood, white, and gold painted fitted slat headboard that’s very impressive indeed when it’s all finished.
6. Cedar shingle headboard
Are you still thinking about how much you loved the concept of making a piece that’s quite natural and unfinished but you can’t help thinking that you might really like to add even more visual and physical texture than the pieces you’ve seen so far have? In that case, we’d definitely encourage you to take a better look at the way East Coast Creative layered their wooden pieces the way shingles would be.
7. Plywood headboard with shelves
Are you still feeling very enthusiastic about the whole wooden headboard idea but you’re also the kind of person who prefers a slightly more minimalist style in your decor? Well, particularly if you also like a little bit of storage near your sleeping space, then we think you’ll get a real kick out of the way Mr. Kate made this light, simple plywood headboard featuring a few built-in floating shelves in convenient spots for decor or a glass of water and a book.
8. Wooden herringbone headboard
Just in case you’re still not quite over this whole idea of doing a bit of wood collaging but you’re also still not sure you’ve seen the specific idea that quite has you convinced, here’s another alternative but similar pattern for your consideration! Take a closer look at the tutorial outlined step by step I Spy DIY to see how they made theirs to have a multi-coloured wooden scheme in a lovely herringbone pattern! It’s actually easier to do than it looks.
9. DIY wood slice headboard
If you’re going to start piecing sections of wood together within your headboard project, would you actually much rather do something a little closer to actual collage or mosaic, since you love working with smaller pieces? In that case, we’d be willing to bet that this idea from East Coast Creative for fitting a whole headboard together from square shaped wood ends might be a little more up your alley!
10. Live edge wooden headboard
Are you actually feeling quite torn between the idea of keeping things quite natural, simple, and minimalist, but you’re also a little bit intrigued by the idea of adding at least a little bit of visual detail? Then we have a feeling you might appreciate the way Classy Clutter made this lovely headboard with a uniquely cut top edge that they left purposely unfinished like a live edge!
11. Painted wooden pegboard headboard
If you’re still interested in the idea of repurposing something but you’d rather work with something besides pallet wood, like we’ve shown you in some of the earlier ideas on this list? In that case, we’d definitely suggest taking a look at the way Our Sixth House made a series of pegboards into a headboard, painting an awesomely colourful design all the way across.
12. Picket fence headboard
Just in case you’re still thinking about upcycling but you’ve never been one for painting or stencilling, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at the way Do It Yourself made their headboard from the individual pieces of a wooden fence! We find that this idea gives the whole room a nice, homey feeling, especially if you stick with neutral colours (although we’re totally intrigued by the idea of painting every picket a different bright colour like a rainbow).
13. Bohemian wood and tile headboard
Do you already have a large wooden piece that you’re prepared to make a simple headboard from, since you’re intent on using wood but you’re not feeling that confident in your handy-working skills, but you’d really like to add some kind of unique detail or character to it? Then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at the way A Designer At Home gave the edges of their piece a makeover using pretty patterned ceramic tiles!
14. Woven wood headboard
Believe it or not, this woven wooden headboard idea is actually a whole lot easier to make than it looks! This is because the thickness of the boards is a bit of an illusion; they’re actually quite thin and therefore easy to bend into place. Get the full details for making it happen in the right layers on Little Bit Funky. We think it would look awesome painted in just about any colour you please!
15. Rustic farmhouse reclaimed barn wood headboard
Are you actually still thinking about how much you adore the concept of making a piece that looks very farmhouse chic, but you’re also kind of intrigued by the idea of actually repurposing the materials from a real farm? In that case, we’re feeling rather confident that you’ll love the way Lil’ Luna created a simple wooden headboard from an old set of actual barn doors.
Have you made another kind of awesome DIY headboard before that you were very happy with indeed and still have up but that you don’t see here on our list? Tell us all about what you created and how you did it or link us to photos of your finished work in the comments section!