Headboard Ideas

We bought an 18" high cherry headboard and footboard for $10 at our local Restores. So, I've been kicking around headboard ideas for almost a year.

Part of the problem was not knowing what I wanted to do for the headboard. The other problem, we needed side rails, slats and bed rail brackets to complete the frame.

I narrowed my headboard ideas down to an old door or using leather or burlap to cover a piece of plywood.

Our shelving unit and nightstands are slip covered in cotton duck. I thought another fabric instead of all wood was the way to go.

I researched the internet for inspiration and came across a few headboard ideas. I had inspirational photos bookmarked for quite a long time so I decided, no more procrastinating.

We already had an old door so I decided this was the way to go. While discussing my plans with Greg and showing him photos I had saved, we came across a photo of a coffee bean burlap bag headboard. Greg reminded me about a local specialty hardware store that carries coffee bean burlap bags.

A trip to the hardware store and I was in burlap heaven. The bags were only $1 each, we bought three to cover the old door. If we get tired of the burlap it can easily be removed and we will have the door to use as our headboard.

Warning, the burlap mixed with coffee beans has a "different" odor. Airing the bags out a few days and spraying with Febreeze or a natural deodorizer is recommended. The smell will fade over time.

Laundering does not make the smell fade completely. The burlap will fray, so use caution if you launder the bags.

I thought while I was at it I'd cover a few floor pillows with the burlap bags. I laundered them first and than ironed the bags before placing them on the pillows.

The burlap bags I used for the bed are heavy and thicker than the burlap bags I used for the floor pillows.

Of course, since the bed looked so good it was time to refinish an 80 year old bedroom dresser Greg's mom gave us. It only took a few hours and the antique dresser looks amazing.

Our total cost for making the headboard and bed frame was about $50. It depends on what you already have on hand as to what the cost will be.

Supplies Needed for Headboard

• Door or Plywood
• Coffee Bean Burlap Bags
• Upholstery Staple Gun or Staple Gun with 9/16 Inch Staples

How to Attach Burlap Bags;

For the ends of the door, remove stitching from each side of two sacks so they will slide on each end of the door. For the center, remove stitching from both sides so the sack will slide into the center of the door.

Position the sacks on the door. Fold access burlap over the top of the door and staple to the back side.

Supplies Needed for the Bed Frame;

• 1 1/2 Inch Wood Screws
• 2 - 1 x 10 (Side Rails)
• 2 - 1 x 2 (Attach to Bottom of Side Rails to Hold Slats)
• 5 - 1 x 4 (Bed Slats and for Headboard Bracing)
• 4 - Bed Fasteners or Bed Rail L-brackets (bed fasteners are not easy to find. Check your local specialty hardware store or order on line.)
• 1 - Foot Board with 1 Matching Low Headboard (check your local junk stores, Goodwill, or Restores)
• Stain ( I used 1 coat of red mahogany and 4 coats of Sadona red for the bed rails and to touch up nicks on the foot and headboard.) Polyurethane for the bed rails.

How to Make Your Own Bed Frame;

Measure length and width of box spring. The box spring needs to fit inside the bed frame. Cut bed rails accordingly. Cut and attach 1 x 2 on inside of each bed rail to hold slats in place. Stain and polyurethane or paint bed rails. Attach bed fasteners to rails and headboards. Assemble bed frame; measure inside bed rails for slats, cut 1 x 4 according to measurement, use 4-5 bed slats to hold box spring and mattress.

Measure from the top of the burlap headboard down to the lower head board. Cut four 1 x 4's and attach head board to lower headboard.