This cool post from a couple of days ago has a lot of great ideas:

http://www.hometalk.com/149571/get-inspired-...

There have also been a variety of creative headboard projects posted here on Hometalk over ...»

I love using repurposed items, such as old doors, or old fencing. Great patina!

I built this entire bed from Aspen logs....a stand alone headboard could be built as well.

Wow, KMS, that is gorgeous! Bet it weighs a bit too.

I vote Old door. I have seen it mounted straight to the wall. Looks great.

What style are you going for, Judy? I'm making a headboard from garden trellises. I've seen rustic ones made from old pallet wood. Another option is to make a large frame and weave upholstery webbing onto it. I've done this for a pin board, but a larger version as a headboard would look great as well.

Another is to use an old door or you can put several long shutters together. I'm getting ready to do this also.