The Best (and Cheapest) Way to DIY Your Headboard
Bed frames and headboards can be expensive, but a comfortable, cozy bedroom is a must for even the most basic decor taste. You can get the best of both worlds with a DIY faux headboard no matter your tastes or budget.
Why do you need a headboard first
A headboard is often considered just a decoration, but it is also functional. Sitting in bed and reading is much more comfortable with some support. Also, having something between your head and the wall, especially if you toss and turn a lot, can save you from getting hit with your head.
What you need to make a fake headboard
You won’t need a lot of tools for this project other than a tape measure, a nail locator, and a few wall hooks. There are actually many different hooks you can use, but the best type will be blunt enough to avoid damage if you accidentally bump into it.
You will need two hooks that can be securely attached to the wall on a hairpin behind the bed. If you don’t have the thorns in the right places, you can use a picture strip that can fit between the thorns, or just a plank as wide as your bed, onto which you can screw hooks. You will also need a pillow the size of your bed. (Not a pillow the size of the photo in the title above, but a huge version that covers at least the width of your bed.)
Find the right cushion for your bench
To determine the location of the hooks and the width of your pillow, measure the width of your bed. Then you can choose a pillow that fits well. Bench cushions are a good candidate because of their shape, but you can also order a bespoke cushion for a relatively low price. A bonus for this type of pillow is that it comes with ties already attached, so it’s easy to hang. They come in a variety of colors and different fabrics, so you’re sure to find something that’s right for you.
A great alternative to pillows if you know how to sew.
If you know how to sew, you can also make a bespoke pillow by stitching four pillowcases together and adding ties to the top two corners. Leave the pillowcase open side out and the closed side down the center. Then put one pillow in each drawer for a custom, oversized pillow that’s perfect for your bed. One of the main advantages of this method is that you can wash the headboard cover in a regular machine, making cleaning easier.
How to install an artificial headboard
Once you’ve chosen your pillow, it’s time to set up the hardware. Measure the width and height of your pillow. Measure the height of the pillow from the bed and attach a hook to the wall for each corner. If you are using a board or handrail to attach the hooks, first find the studs and attach the board or molding, then screw the hooks into the added piece. Then use the strings to hang the pillow and you have a super simple, functional and economical artificial headboard.