When I moved, I was gifted with a new queen-size mattress and box spring.  Since my previous bed was a full-size, my old bed frame would not work. This was advantageous because I was looking for a bit of a change. Like everyone else, I scoured the internet for ideas. Initially, I thought of buying a new headboard. After searching both online and in brick-and-mortar stores, I just couldn’t find anything that appealed to me that was affordable or my style. Eventually, I came across this image in an article on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

{photo from Better Homes and Gardens website}

The article outlined how to make a lightweight headboard with fabric. While I didn’t necessarily want to make a headboard out of fabric, it inspired me to want to make my own headboard rather than buy one. So, I continued to troll the internet for more ideas.

I found an article about wallpaper on ApartmentTherapy.com. They specifically mentioned paintable wallpaper from Graham & Brown website. If you haven’t been on the Graham & Brown site, you should take a gander. It’ll make you rethink wallpaper because it’s definitely not your grandma’s wallpaper. I fell in love this pattern.

{Squares Paintable from Graham & Brown}

I ordered the wallpaper from Graham & Brown. For those that don’t want to spend too much for paintable wallpaper, I have come across textured, paintable wallpaper at Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wal-mart for good price. Once I ordered the wallpaper, I headed to my local hardware store to buy the rest of my materials. I originally had planned to buy a 48″ x 72″ MDF board. After consulting with one of the helpful employees, I purchased particle board at a whooping $8.98 for a 48″ x 72″ sheet. In addition to the wood, I purchased Kilz paint primer, wallpaper glue, paint for the wallpaper and a paint roller.

Here’s how I made the headboard:

1. Sanded and primed the particle board with paint primer. This was important because the particle board was a little rough because it’s made with pressed wood shavings and sawdust. Primer is key because it gives the wallpaper a good surface to adhere to.

2. After the primer dried, I applied the wallpaper. Rather than go through all the steps of applying the wallpaper, here’s a link to About.com article on How to Hang Wallpaper. Don’t be afraid to use a little pressure when applying the textured wallpaper. No matter how hard you press, you won’t permanently damage the wallpaper.

{images courtesy of author’s personal collection unless otherwise noted}

3. I let the wallpaper dry overnight before I proceeded to painting. For this, I recommend applying interior wall paint with a roller made for textured walls. Do not use spray paint. I tried spray paint and it was an awful mess. I ended up painting my headboard two different colors because the first color I selected was too light. Thankfully, the wallpaper is very forgiving and I was able to paint over it with a darker color.

4. Install the headboard. I simply placed it against the wall behind my bed. No hanging hardware needed. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you may want to secure the headboard with hooks and wires.

After 2 days and $60 of materials, I had a new headboard. Here’s a photo of my completed project. Sleeping Myles the pup not included.