Yay or nay on this vintage 1970s headboard?

Question

For some reason, I'm drawn to this ugly 1970s veneer headboard because of its unique shape. It's only $10 on Craigslist! I'm thinking it would look great with a glossy coat of bright white or maybe with a bold coral to match the sun in the artwork above the bed. Our bedroom is small and rectangular, so we keep the aesthetic on the minimalistic side. Opinions please!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

In my opinion the piece is quite large for your bedroom. Why not think of other ways to repurpose it since you like it so much.Maybe split the piece up and make a unique piece of art work and then paint it the color you choose.

Katrina Warren · Answer

@Fiona Janine For 10 bucks, I say go for it! (don't expect it to be actual wood though, it's most likely the hard formed plastic from the time period, not that it matters once it's painted etc...) I think it would be great either solid white, white with colorful accents on the molding, or an all over pastel bright. Have fun with it!

Ino1738714 · Answer

I actually quite like this headboard , I always like to have things that are always different . It goes great with the style of your mirror. I would not paint it solid white as it would get lost against your light wall Have fun and please post your end result.

Z · Answer

Though it doesn't fit the style of the rest of the cleaner lines you have in your room, since if you like, I'd still go for it. Sometimes using something that's unexpected, makes the whole room. 
 Katrina, is probably correct in that the 'carved' parts are more than likely plastic, which makes it all the more reason to paint it.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Agree with inodessey - goes great with your fav. mirror. Don't paint unless you do the mirror, too. You may not be in this rental forever so I wouldn't paint at all. Just my opinion, but your artwork is too small for over the bed. Can you re-orient your bed on the longer wall. Pic would be more in scale hanging over your nightstand - make sure you don't hang it too high. .

Maud du Plooy · Answer

Definite thumbs up. It is very nice - i too agree with inodessy and Marion Nesbitt.

Maggie Connor · Answer

Get it…and in white or coral will be smashing!

Connie Sawada · Answer

Yes, I love that its unique. Paint it coral or maybe turquoise. You can make your pic bigger by getting a bigger frame and a mat sized to fit.

Connie Sawada · Answer

and get a printed bedspread to add variety.

Patricia P · Answer

I like the turquoise idea, but I would change the color of the bedspread if you do paint the headboard. Maybe a subtle print with red in it?

MARY · Answer

I think I'd paint it multi-colors by painting out the details. You can have an all over base color then use the coral and teal for example for the grooves and medallion. Have fun!

Kim Eley Judd · Answer

Yes, it is a wonderful purchase. If or when you wish to replace it one day, this headboard would make a fantastic bench for an entry way, mudd room or hallway.

Z · Answer

I wouldn't change the bedspread to a print. You want the headboard to the 'IT' object in the room.

Rhondalea · Answer

I agree with Becky...leave the bedspread. A print will fight for attention. The headboard can be a beautiful focal point for you, as you walk into the room. Mary's idea is perfect...use a nice base coat of your choice (maybe a color to match the dresser) then work in all the pretty colors you desire. Bring in different shades to match the bedspread and the sun. Add a few more colors. Have you ever seen or heard of Unicorn Spit? Do a search for Unicorn Spit and look at some of those projects and think about that technique. The ideas are endless and you have a beautiful piece sitting in front of you! Be sure to post pictures when you are finished AND throughout the project! They are always wonderful for all the Hometalk people to marvel at and to learn and be inspired. Good luck!

Lance irwin · Answer

YES!  I think any color you make it it'll look cool. If you decided you didn't want to use it for a headboard you could make it into a bench. However seeing the pictures of the wall behind your bed this certainly would add character and fill the space w/something unique  and cool looking.

Shari Veater · Answer

I vision it in a chalk turquoise, distressed  :)

Fay · Answer

Always purchase and add to your home what you love. I think I would try a chalk turquoise ( or any flat finish paint) on the headboard. Or if you like the dresser, use that color as inspiration. How about a coral throw on the bed to bring out the color of the picture or perhaps a rug with the colors of coral and turquoise ? I also think I would replace the lamp on the dresser for a bigger vintage find and paint it the same color.

Sharyn Diaz · Answer

Go for it...you can do it coral with white semi dry-brushed on the the raised design ...it will look fab with your clean minimalist decor.

Vickie · Answer

I love the style of the headboard for your room, the entire room for sure has a 70's vibe, love the mirror and agate on the branch - something I would have loved in my bedroom when I was a teenager in the 70's. Also love the simplicity of the beautiful lace curtains that add to the decor by sunshine coming through the pattern, oh and the cool little chair as a bedside table is awesome. I think if you like it as is, leave it, add some bedside lamps, pillows on the bed with some orange in them to for sure bring in the 70's color. Now if you want to change the color, go for it, my Mom was all in to 'antiquing' furniture in the 70's which is the equivalent of our distressed craze and back then any color went. She antiqued a desk in red, a hutch in golden yellow, a some other piece in blue. Now if 70's is not what you want, I would say paint it dark gray but that is just because at his point that is one of my favorite furniture colors so just decide what is your favorite and go for it, after all such a small investment you might bring out the decorator in you!

Alethea S · Answer

For $10, what have you got to lose?

Jan Marie Caruso · Answer

Paint it a bright turquoise, then use liming was to soften it a bit. Maybe visit Mackenzie-Childs for some fun but more work involved for a VERY FUN edition...don't be afraid a jazzing it us, looks like you could use some. Forget the turquoise go straight to the mackenzie-childs web here is a start http://www.mackenzie-childs.com/Furniture/Beds-Bedroom-Furniture/ look forthe catalog and flip through it. Happy Decorating

Denise Boyce · Answer

I say Yea! yea! yea!!! [ =

Jen Calvert · Answer

It's a total yea, great deal! The gray is fabulous. post after pics please?

EmDirr @ DustandDoghair.com · Answer

Something like this?

Janie · Answer

I would make a bench out of it.

Fiona Janine · Answer

I found a before and after of the same exact headboard on Pinterest! I hope we end up getting it. Our car is too small. My husband is trying to see if he can borrow a friend's truck.  I don't know if it's worth it to rent a truck for a $10 headboard. Ugh! I have my heart set on it now. I want to paint it a light French gray.

Rhondalea · Answer

It is a specific stain. If u sand your project n wipe it clean, us Boulder have any problems.

Rhondalea · Answer

Stupid smart phone!!! 
You shouldn't have any problems!

Bron · Answer

I think the before and after picture looks good. Painted a lighter color. I think if you use it as a head board on the bed you will need a lot of fun colorful pillows on the bed just to soften the look as it is quite a heavy looking item. I think it has an interesting appeal about it but does need to be lighter. ( I really like your mirror :) ).

Fiona Janine · Answer

We're going to pick the headboard up tomorrow. I'm so excited. Now I'm looking at paint online. I'm going to need zinsser primer, since it's veneer. I'm considering Behr colors Sparrow, Light French Gray, Reflecting Pool, and Dream Catcher. I'm thinking a light gray with a tiny hint of blue would be nice. I like having a project! Hopefully, I don't regret its funky 70s grooviness. I'll update on how it turns out.

Yay or nay on this vintage 1970s headboard?

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Yay or nay on this vintage 1970s headboard?

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