Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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An Arched DIY Headboard

You know nothing makes us happier than some good ol’ DIY. Here’s Elizabeth’s letter:

If you can believe it, I’ve recently tackled a headboard project since becoming a mom seven months ago. I have to thank you for your wonderful tutorials because they have given me a lot of direction to get many things done! I wanted to share this particular makeover with you since I made a headboard inspired by your tutorial. Our bed definitely needed one!

Boards Headboard Before

I purchased a piece of plywood and had it cut to an 82″ length at Lowe’s. Once home, I traced my free-handed design on it and used a jig-saw to cut it out. This was my first time using a jig-saw and it was surprisingly easy. From there, I used some spray adhesive to adhere 2″ foam that I had cut. Then I simply covered it with fabric and I really love how it turned out!

Reader Elizabeth Headboard

Anyway, hope you like it! Thanks for all the inspiration and tips! – Elizabeth

Didn’t Elizabeth do a great job- especially since it was her first time slinging a jig-saw?! You can read more about her big headboard project on her blog. Anyone else out there ready to try something similar?

Comments

  1. Rachel says

    Wow, she did a great job! When we can afford a king size mattress, we’re going to make the modern bed with chunky feet on Knock-Off Wood (from West Elm), but we’re going to do it upholstered (like their nailhead bed). I hadn’t thought of doing a shaped headboard with a jigsaw, but that’s a great idea!

    Reply

  4. Jean says

    This headboard looks fantastic, especially with the throw pillows. I’ve been toying with the idea of making a headboard for a long time. Maybe this is just the inspiration I need.

    I also love those bedside lamps. Maybe Elizabeth would be kind enough to tell us where she got them.

    Reply

  8. Amy @ Journey Mum says

    We have a king size bed in our master bedroom that was an addition to the original house (before we purchased it). The ceiling is slanted so I’m hesitant to add either a headboard or a piece of artwork above it as I think it might just put a focus on the lowered ceiling. Any suggestions? I love the headboard ideas!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Amy,

      The best way to take the focus off of the slanted ceiling is to paint it the same color as the walls (assuming they’re pretty light so it doesn’t feel dark and closed in). That will really blur the line between wall and ceiling, making a headboard or art above the bed something you can add!

      xo,
      s

  11. Patti says

    Nice job and I love the pillow choices! I have a twin bed in my spare room that needs a headboard. You just gave me a great idea!

    By the way, I wanted to share a tip I heard recently on HGTV that helped me…to make the bed stand out and pop in your room, raise it up a few inches. I did this in my bedroom. So simple but effective!

    Reply

  12. Laura (youngDCliving) says

    Love the shape of this headboard! I really need to make my own one of these days, but I don’t have a jig saw (alas!).

    Speaking of pillows from your earlier post, I love hers! Can you post where they are from?

    Reply

  13. Nancy Carolan says

    Kudos to Elizabeth!!! GREAT job!!! Sometimes the hardest part of the job is just working up enough nerve to start! May things in life are a lot easier than they seem….you just have to have the nerve to try.

    Reply

  14. Monique says

    Great job Elizabeth! The headboard tutorial is definatly something I want to try as this summers DIY projects.. Love love love your style :)

    Reply

  16. Erin B. Inspired says

    I’m a new reader to your blog but have thoroughly enjoyed it already.

    This is such a great idea and one that I will definitely hang onto. It’s simple but a great way to add a pop of color and is easily changed. Thanks for the information! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Margie,

      We’re actually on a maternity leave of sorts when it comes to our design service but I whipped up a fun brightly colored mood board-ish post that we’ll be sharing soon (for anyone going through withdrawal). Stay tuned!

      xo,
      s

  22. Carole says

    great job! I just moved our old futon into my office for guest sleeping, and I chopped the arms off so that it would look more like a bed. I think a headboard like this would be the finishing touch, thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  23. Rachel Zerkel says

    DIY headboards a a big topic of discussion at our house. We’re a liiiiittle stumped because we have a really low, wooden framed platform bed. I saw something like this http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/headboards/painted-headboard-panel-project/ on DIY or HGTV (not bhg, but it was exactly the same striped-paint-on-old-doors)…. I don’t love the stripes, though. We’re thinking maybe just a dreamy cream, and paint the bed to match so it feels like one piece, then do our bedroom another color–either just the wall or the whole room. Not sure. Overwhelmed with options and stumped at the same time!

    Reply

  24. jennifer f says

    beautiful headboard. I actually think I have the same, or at least very similar, lamps in our master bedroom. My concern with them was that they looked so small next to the large bed and high ceiling. What are your thoughts…is it ok to have lower, smaller bedside lamps like the ones she is showing? Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Jennifer,

      Yes, we think Elizabeth’s bedroom looks great! But it’s all about personal preference- just play around with things to figure out what works for you!

      xo,
      s

  25. Sharee A. says

    Sweeeeet! After the dust settles (unpacking moving boxes) this will be a project for the guest room. Like Jocelyn, I’m kinda leary of power tools but, this really looks simple enough to take on as a project. Any suggestions on a (reasponable) combo power tool set for beginners?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Good question! We don’t know of one off the top of our heads. Maybe a brand like Ryobi or Black & Decker? Anyone have a suggestion for an affordable combo power tool set for beginners?
      xo,
      s

  29. Jennifer says

    I agree with some others – the headboard is nice, but those PILLOWS!! I like the bold striped one mixed with the bright florals. Hope Elizabeth stops by with the info!

    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  30. Elizabeth Bryant says

    Hi everyone! Thanks for all the lovely comments – they sure make me feel good! :) The floral pillows are from Home Goods almost a year ago and the blue striped pillow is one I made using some IKEA fabric. The lamps are both from Home Goods as well but I added the blue and white stripe trim using a hot glue gun. If you haven’t already checked out Home Goods – you should!

    Reply

  32. Susan says

    Wow! I am totally impressed. The previous headboard design (made with kitchen cabinets) overwhelmed me. However, this design seems possible. I really want to try making a headboard for my guest room after seeing this. Great job! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  36. Amanda @ longroadset says

    That’s pretty neat. I like the shape and the simple color. Those pillows are absolutely wonderful for that room. I think she did a fabulous job! I hope my headboards turn out this well!

    Reply

  37. Jamie says

    Love it! We’re actually gearing up for a DIY headboard project this weekend using an old interior door that we replaced earlier in the year. I picked up batting and faux leather fabric tonight and once I buy a heavy duty stapler, we’ll be good to go. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

    Reply

  38. wendy says

    Hey guys! I know this is probably not the right place for this but I wasnt sure where to tell you this so….I wanted to share that I used you monogram-framed art thing from you r post a while back about frame-arrangements, and used it to propose! I made a newspaper style font and the layout of an article, wrote my own article with the first letter of his last name being the monogram and then I blew it up at the nearby kinkos and framed it…So much fun and the ending of the ‘article’ is the proposal. Thanks for all your great ideas!

    Reply

  39. Derek says

    Great website! I just discovered it today. I am planning to build a new house. Just getting started. Have selected an architect and am about to give him some notes and sketches. The city needs 3-6 months to approve it…there’s a huge bureaucracy in our town.

    Reply

  40. Queenie says

    Hi Sherry and John ,I found your blog less than year ago ,you are both amazing and talanted ,theres not too much that I see that you cant tackle so I have a challenge for both of you to think about in the near future …… ,sewing on a sewing machine ,its so rewarding ,and really economical to be able to afford to have designer items laying or hanging around your home . I shop e-bay for designer fabric remnets that are only sold to the trade and never have a problem recouping my money when its time to change colors or I get bored with it because I tend to keep up on the mini-trends and I dont like to have the same cookie cutter items as everyone else . Congrats on your new Tuesday post ,look forward to seeing it each week .

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Queenie,

      It’s definitely on our to-do list! My mother and all of her sisters (she’s one of seven) along with her mother and aunt are huge sewing fans. And I actually dabbled a bit when I was younger but lately have just been too swamped to take a sewing project on. Hopefully when we find more hours in the day (and finally purchase a sewing machine) we can tackle a few sewing projects!

      xo,
      s

  44. LiveLikeYou says

    Okay…I’ve decided I want to tackle making a headboard. Will check out your tutorial!! Working on a temporary apartment for a client in NY. It’s amazing how much of a budget can be spent on a headboard. Even Restoration Hardware is $ 2000!!!

    Reply

  46. Lauren says

    …..You guys have enough challenges and projects on your hands to last quite a while, but I was hoping for a little of your time!….We also had a backyard wedding (and “borrowed” more than a few of your ideas) and have been fans of the blog ever since….

    Here’s our conundrum…. picture this……

    1) a 12×20(ish) bedroom….
    2) a large, nay, huge, nay… monstrous bachelor pad friendly black leather head/foot board….tufted… huzzah!
    3) a new wife (and thoroughly supportive husband)looking for a little less dark ominous… a little more fresh/clean in the bedroom decor…
    4) a budget which prohibits any large purchases at the moment

    Do you guys have any ideas for reupholstering said black leather monstrosity?…

    thanks for your time!!!!

    Best Wishes,
    Lauren + Brian

    Reply

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