How To Create A DIY Headboard For Under $20

This post is about how you can create a DIY headboard for cheap!

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DIY headboard featured under a canopy bed in a light and air luxury bedroom.

Why You Should DIY Your Headboard

If you’re feeling tired of your bedroom furniture, listen up. I have 2 favorite ways to make your bedroom feel brand new for (almost) free! 1. Switch up your furniture layout. It’s a simple and quick way to change the way you live in your bedroom. 2. DIY your headboard! Purchasing an entirely new bed set can be expensive, so if that’s not in your budget right now try this instead! Bonus: it only takes about 10 minutes!

Close up of DIY headboard with hotel style pillows.

HERRINGBONE “HEADBOARD” BLANKET | BEDDING SET | LUMBAR PILLOW | BED

How To Create A DIY Headboard For Cheap!

I completely transformed an old farmhouse headboard into a luxury-hotel inspired headboard with this $20 blanket! The secret to this DIY is finding the right fabric to cover your headboard with. (And don’t worry this DIY won’t damage your headboard if you plan on selling it later!)

Here’s how to DIY your headboard in 3 simple steps:

1. Pick A Fabric (I recommend a blanket!)

I chose a blanket because it was thicker & cheaper than going to the fabric store. You can pick whatever fabric fits your needs, but I would consider a few things first. Patterned fabrics can be harder to keep straight, so if your headboard isn’t rectangular just know it might take you a little longer to complete the DIY. Make sure you select a fabric that is thick enough to cover your existing headboards color and/or print. This is the exact blanket I used – it’s herringbone & looks so luxe!

2. Lay Out Your Fabric

Start by laying your fabric over your headboard and positioning it where you want it. This step might be easier with a second person, but it isn’t necessary. Keep the fabric straight, but not too tight. By keeping the fabric looser, you’ll be able to hide any existing tufting or texture from popping through!

3. Attach Your Fabric To The Headboard

Start by attaching the fabric to the top centermost part of the headboard. You can use a power stapler or a brad nailer for this. The stapler will be cheaper, but I personally liked how the brad nailer attached the fabric. (+ a brad nailer is such a good tool to have on hand for more DIY projects!)

Next you’ll want to continue attaching the fabric on the top of the headboard. Make sure you’re adding a nail/staple to one side then mirroring that on the other. Moving evening from side to side will help prevent any bunching of fabric. Make sure you’re taking a step back to look at the whole piece from time to time too.

Once you finish the top, start on the bottom of the sides. Work your way up until you hit the corners. Once you hit the corners, pull the fabric across the back until it’s taut and attach it.

You can staple/brad nail straight into the back of most headboards. The nails will hold the fabric well, but still be able to pull out in the future. Make sure your brad nails are not longer than the thickness of your headboard, or they could poke through the front.

DIY headboard with matching blanket footer on all white bed.

HERRINGBONE BLANKET | BEDDING SET | CANDLE WALL SCONCES | BED

Bonus Ways To Make Your Bed Look More Expensive:

I also used these bed risers under the legs of my headboard to raise it up. Taller headboard are typically more expensive, so it makes your headboard feel a little more luxe.

Buy an extra blanket for the foot of your bed. A footer blanket that matches the headboard will make your bedroom look super custom! Don’t forget to cover the sides of your bed with fabric too or add a straight-style bedskirt!