Headboard Hack

4/24/2015

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Is he or she ready for a big kids bed, but you're not ready for the big bed price? Headboards and bed frames seem to be the furnishing "mostly likely not to succeed" of newly designed rooms. It's understandable when the average price tag for a quality headboard or frame are in the hundreds. A D.B.O. (don-by-others) look from major retailers run around $600-2,500+tax and shipping.

The time it takes to complete this D.I.Y. headboard hack project also makes "cents", average time to complete runs half a day to a day. Truly, worth every penny and every minute.

All Things Campbell - Prep with foam and batting

All Things Campbell - Original bedfraem, FJELLSE $40

"PYT"
Our first upholstered look was discovered on a blog by Lisa Campbell, All Things Cambell. She provides wonderful step-by-step images, written instructions and anecdotes from her experience. Such as, invest in a $25 dollar automated nail gone. Your hands will thank you.

All Things Cambell - Finished bedframe

All Things Campbell - Shaped headboard addition

All Things Campbell - Finished frame, all in a days work and budget!

All Things Campbell - Details on doing the mattress frame

"And this ones just right!"
In my own desire to find just the right upholstered bed frame to fit my budget and my measurements I realized I had to go D..I.Y. I just didn't know where to start. I found that you want to start with an inexpensive, plain Jane, but sturdy frame...most usual suspects are from IKEA. We chose the slight more expensive version, Tarva at $179. I did a lot of research to make sure an IKEA frame would be a good quality choice. Recommendations pointed to this style.

Like Lisa Campbell, in my research for how to tackle recovering a wooden bed frame, I found a great How-To example on Manhattan Nest. Her completely customized look was done for just under $125 dollars. WOW is right! That included her IKEA bed frame, all materials AND a new nail gun. I'm with her, use an electric gun!

My look below using a foil stamped, jute burlap purchased at Joann's was the perfect combination for the deconstructed-chic aesthetic we were going for in our bedroom. (I apologize for the quality of these images, we are in the midst of a master bedroom & bath remodel, so this is the best I can do for the moment.)

I used an egg crate we already had in storage for the foam and already owned a staple gun. The cost for this sleeping beauty is another WOW!

Bed frame: IKEA - Tarva queen, $179
Foam based: $0 (cost about $35)
Exterior Upholstery Fabric: $60
Staples: $5
Total cost: $244

IKEA - Tarva queen bed frame with Luroy slats

Joann Fabric - Utility Fabric Burlap Large Circle Foil Silver $14.99 sq. ft.

"Copy Cat"
If an upholstered look isn't what you're after, check out this wood plank design from Ana White, created by Shanty2Chic. It's inspiration is the Pottery Barn Teen Hampton planked platform bed headboard. Ana White provides detailed plans with measurements and instructions on how to create this look. See a few below.

While the PBT is no longer available it costs approximately $500. This version estimated $100. Plus you get to customize the paint or stain color compliment your room design.