One of my very first decorating projects was a DIY headboard. Furniture can be expensive, and there are so many ways to make a headboard, that it seemed like the perfect place to dip my toes into the DIY waters! It made a big impact in a sad little bedroom, and gave me the confidence to go on to more and more projects. One of the reasons that it was my first is that it is an easy way to make big impact. These DIY headboard ideas are all simple tutorials with tons of step by step directions. These have come a long way from my first attempt! If you have a bedroom that needs a little update, then pick one of these out, get off to the store for supplies, and get to DIY’ing! It doesn’t matter if it’s your first DIY project or your 100th. Your bedroom will thank you. Promise.

Collage of DIY headboard ideas including wood, upholstered, and modern designs with text “16 easy DIY headboard ideas”

Plywood Headboards

Plywood is one of the most versatile materials when it comes to DIY bed headboard ideas. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and can be customized to fit modern, rustic, or minimalist styles.

Plywood Headboard with Gel Stain

Anika’s DIY Life’ made this DIY headboard out of one sheet of plywood, some 2×4’s and some really pretty gel stain. It has a modern look to it, but still looks warm and inviting.

Plywood headboard with warm wood stain and simple modern design

Faux Live Edge Plywood Headboard

Another plywood DIY headboard tutorial comes to us from ‘Classy Clutter’. This headboard project used inexpensive plywood to create a faux “live edge” look. Simple instructions and super pretty.

Plywood headboard with faux live edge detail and natural wood finish

Minimalist Plywood Headboard

We found this amazing minimalist plywood DIY headboard idea over at ‘Roomed’, but we couldn’t find the tutorial. (Might be because there was no English to be found? :)) So we went out and found an almost identical one over at ‘Mr. Kate’, with step by step instructions.

Minimalist plywood headboard with clean lines and light wood tone

Woven Plywood Headboard

Believe it or not, this woven headboard idea from ‘Lowes’ is also made using plywood! This look is elegant without being stuffy, and not expensive to make.

Woven wood headboard made from plywood strips with textured pattern

DIY Headboard from Plywood

This simple DIY headboard from ‘A Life Unfolding‘ shows how to create a clean and modern look using plywood. It’s a great option if you’re searching for wood headboard DIY ideas that are beginner-friendly but still make a big impact.

Modern plywood headboard painted mustard yellow with geometric trim detail

Ikea Headboard Hack

If you love a high-end look without the price tag, this DIY headboard idea using an Ikea piece or simple board is a great solution. A little creativity goes a long way.

Faux Brass Ikea Headboard

We are in love with this faux brass DIY headboard from ‘Sugar & Cloth’. And apparently, so was a local magazine! This is actually an Ikea hack, but you could use any white melamine board as well. Their secret for the gold metallic look? Go jump on over and find out! (Spoiler: It’s super easy!)

Gold metallic headboard made from an Ikea panel with a faux brass finish

Upholstered and Fabric Headboard DIY Ideas

If you’re looking for something softer and more traditional, these DIY fabric headboard ideas are perfect. Upholstered designs can make a bedroom feel cozy, polished, and custom.

DIY Upholstered Headboard with Custom Fabric

This tutorial from ‘The Design Confidential‘ walks you through creating a custom upholstered headboard with your choice of fabric. It’s one of those headboard DIY ideas that lets you fully personalize your space.

Custom upholstered headboard with neutral fabric and layered pillows in a cozy bedroom

DIY Upholstered Headboard Using Basic Tools

Apartment Therapy‘ shows how to make a beautiful upholstered headboard using simple tools and materials. This is a great beginner-friendly option if you want a softer look without complicated steps.

Simple upholstered headboard with clean lines and a dog sitting on the bed

Headboard Using a Duvet for Padding

This clever idea from The ‘Homesteady‘ uses a duvet insert for padding, making it one of the easiest DIY fabric headboard ideas to try. It’s budget-friendly and super cozy.

Upholstered headboard made using a duvet insert for padding with neutral bedding

DIY Fabric Panel Headboard Wall

A House in the Hills‘ shares this fabric panel headboard idea that creates a full wall effect. It’s a stylish alternative to a traditional headboard and works well in modern spaces.

Neutral fabric panel headboard wall with soft upholstered squares behind a bed

DIY Diamond Tufted Headboard

This stunning diamond tufted headboard from ‘Homemade by Carmona‘ adds a high-end, classic look to any bedroom. If you’re looking for more advanced ideas for DIY headboards, this is a beautiful option.

Light gray diamond tufted upholstered headboard with button detailing and white bedding

Headboard Pillow Idea

Not all headboard ideas DIY projects require building. Sometimes the simplest ideas can still make a big impact.

Hanging Pillow Headboard

This DIY headboard idea isn’t really a serious project… more like hanging pillows on a wall behind the bed. But look! From ‘Sarah Sherman Samuel’, this simple idea makes the room look cozy and finished, without having to pull out the power saw.

Blue pillows mounted on wall as a soft headboard alternative above a bed

DIY Wood Headboard

Classic wood designs are always a great option. These DIY wood headboard ideas are simple, timeless, and easy to customize.

Simple Wood Headboard

A Piece of Rainbow’ made this simple wood headboard, and they have a complete tutorial. Including tips on how to choose lumber that is safe, and pretty. Nice Monstera plant by the way!

Simple wood headboard with natural finish and clean rectangular shape

Simple Wood Slate Headboard

This headboard idea from ‘The Merry Thought’ is super inexpensive, but looks high end. They used cheap wood furring strips to make the wood slat look. That’s it!

Horizontal wood slat headboard made with narrow boards in a simple design

Scandinavian Slated Headboard

Here is another wood slat DIY headboard idea from ‘Liz Morrow Studios’. They used 2×2 lumber, but you could also use furring strips like the tutorial above.

Wood slat headboard made with evenly spaced boards for a modern look

Geometric Wood Headboard

If you love West Elm, you will love these modern headboard plans from ‘Ana White’. From cut list to step by step directions, these free plans will have you building this headboard and/or bed for much less than you would pay for in a retail store.

DIY Headboard Ideas for Every Style and Budget

We’re pretty confident you found at least one of these amazing headboard ideas that will work for your bedroom! (And remember,  you can make one for every bedroom!) We think you will definitely want to check out our post on DIY Bed Frames and Charming but Cheap Bedroom Ideas. Also check out our post on Shared Bedroom Ideas for Kids over at OhMeOhMy!


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4 Comments

  1. Maria April 5, 2015 at 9:32 am

    Nice ideas! Thank you for sharing. I love all of them.

    Reply
  2. Cemre March 3, 2021 at 12:50 am

    Everyone is good but this headboard pillow idea is something new I like it so much..

    Reply
  3. Cemre March 18, 2021 at 3:14 am

    This buffalo paint is really good…

    Reply
  4. Rachel April 22, 2021 at 3:34 am

    Absolutely love these especially the woven one, it’s stunning!

    Reply

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