Asked on Jan 27, 2014
What to do with this headboard?
by
Penny Hughes
+77
i purchased this wooden ugly headboard at a thirft store,I want to put it in my lake cottage. Any suggestions had to make it look fabulous! It is king size, this is what I have in the room currently, a to small headboard.
63 answers
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It's lovely! What about jewel coloured glass behind the fretwork, paint the whole of it in gilt and add enamel jewel colours to the button details - it'll bring out the Arabic feel to your mirrors :) Think Alhambra!
Kelli Di Capri
on Jan 27, 2014
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I love the the design and would probably paint it and leave it at that. The design would make a real statement. It would go with the current mirrors if you painted it white. Just my own idea, but make it your own!
169756
on Jan 27, 2014
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@Penny Hughes White. french country. look at ones on Pinterest.. you can do this.. I think it is kind of short tho, when you put pillows on it you might lose it,, just a thought. I personally like the white one and would remove the mirrors and center the existing headboard and put white shelving around it.. Just a thought.If I lived by you I would buy the white headboard from you if you did not want it.:) Let us know how it turns out. I mean shelving top and sides.. would look fab!
Jackie Golladay
on Jan 27, 2014
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Very pretty! Since it is for your lake cottage, I like the idea of painting it white. Maybe some of those pretty details you can highlight in a litle gold like the circles, or even gray if you prefer a weathered look with the cottage style. Someone mentioned that it might be a little short and lose the details behind pillows, good point - maybe it can be mounted on the wall rather than bed frame and then you can mount it a little higher. Great find!
No longer available
on Jan 27, 2014
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I would distress it and give a vintage feel....and if you want it white...that would work too
Aimee Simon
on Jan 27, 2014
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Are you keeping the same bedding? When I think beach cottage, I think of watery shades of blue. I can envision using white linens and painting the headboard a pretty shade of aqua, or linens in an aqua print and painting the headboard a slightly darker (or lighter) shade of aqua pulled from the bedding. You could possibly even paint it two-toned... the main body of the headboard aqua and the inset circles white, or visa versa. Of course, solid white would be great too but since you already have the white mirrors, a little color would provide a little variation and visual interest on that wall.
Shari
on Jan 27, 2014
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I actually found a Henredon king head board similar to that. $10 at H4H! I was lucky to find a bench at another reuse center that is EXACTLY the same length. I'm going to attach the headboard to the bench, probably paint them and have a great bench with a back for my own back porch. So it doesn't actually NEED to remain a head board. :) I'm also thinking sidelight for a door. Hmm.
Christine
on Jan 27, 2014
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Make a bench out of it for your lake side houses' porch
Judy Jackson
on Jan 27, 2014
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I would paint it a shabby white! Turn the old headboard into a bench!
117135
on Jan 27, 2014
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On HGTV a while back, I saw them add fabric to the back of a similar headboard. It's hard to visualize, but it looked beautiful when it was finished. They painted it first and I think the fabric was padded.
Confessions of a Serial DIYer
on Jan 27, 2014
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This headboard just screams for a wedding ring quilt
Marian taylor
on Jan 28, 2014
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I would paint it a color that really pops. Something blue
Haifa
on Jan 28, 2014
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I found a headboard exactly like this one at an Estate Sale. I painted mine in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Provence. It was gorgeous! It sold the first week to a client for her beach house! Good luck @pennyhughes!
Janice Phillips (JP)
on Jan 28, 2014
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I'd paint it a white chalk paint and maybe use a soft blue or green for the detail pieces that connect the rings. Sharon@Lilikoi Joy's suggestion of mounting it higher on the wall is great!
MikkiGirl
on Jan 28, 2014
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make a fantastic ornamental mantle over a fire if a shelf was added and a long thin mirror behind the ornate bit at the top
Laura Tweed
on Jan 28, 2014
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I assume you will keep it as a headboard. I would paint and distress it if you like that look or paint it and perhaps use a metallic paint on the round medallions to bring them out. Another idea is to use two shades such as tan or grey for the frame and white or cream for the circles. Regardless, I LOVE it! Great find!
Joan @ Nicer Than New
on Jan 28, 2014
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Wow, what a lovely pattern, I like it. I'm sure you'll get tons of suggestions. People are very crafty here. But good find and can't wait to find out what you did with it.
Anna Ibarra
on Jan 28, 2014
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Yes , Cindy... Perfect ! :)
Confessions of a Serial DIYer
on Jan 28, 2014
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What a great find. Geometric designs are really getting hot again and this circle pattern has so much potential. You mentioned painting it in a metallic paint and I think it could be beautiful especially given some of the new metallic mediums and colors. There are some new metallic looks to consider. One that I like looks like both silver and gold. It is sometimes called Champagne but then on some pieces you can tell it is actually a technique using both silver and gold. You aren't limited to one metallic color these days. There are beautiful examples of silver or gold used with bronze. If you can, look at some examples in a furniture store or if that isn't convenient, do a search on "metallic furniture finish" and you find lots of examples, both DIY and furniture manufacturers. Stein World, Pulaski, and Horchow are some of the furniture companies with some beautiful finishes. I'd love to see a photo when its finished.
Connie K
on Jan 28, 2014
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This is NOT an ugly headboard! It is very nice looking and 1000% better than what you have in there now! Paint it and use a wash to compliment the other colors in the room. The idea of using the old headboard for the back of a bench is pretty good...can you use it on another bed somewhere. It looks like a nice old headboard. If you want to add fabric behind the rings, that would be an interesting look...I think that you found a great buy at the thrift store.
Jim L
on Jan 29, 2014
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paint it black and use silver gilding wax on the medallions or do a mutli tone like ASCP coco, graphite and old ochre it would look fabulous and still using some gilding wax
Red Wind Studio
on Jan 29, 2014
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I would use metallic paint to give that beautiful design some sheen. Martha Stewart puts out some really pretty colors. I would use a contrasting metallic on the ornamental pieces connecting the circles. What a lovely piece!
Victoria Larsen Stencils
on Jan 29, 2014
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It is an awesome headboard, I would tape off the little metal pieces & paint it. Paint can't do wonders....
Debby Boyle
on Jan 29, 2014
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Paint it and add fabric with a lot of batting behind the fabric so it billows (peeks) through the openings.... Easy diy project!
Sarah Wilcox Davolt
on Jan 29, 2014
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Chalk paint is great. It looks wonderful and has afairly easy application. The white gives a very quant cottage feel. If youwere looking for a more advanced DIY, there are a ton of stripping and woodbleaching tutorials online. That would give a weathered and beachy feel, makingthe metal accents a real statement. Good Luck. Jovana Ferra CertaPro Painters of Southern Rhode Island
Certa Pro Of Southern Rhode Island
on Jan 29, 2014
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since it is your lake house, I would paint it with chalkpaint..maybe a dark cream, then wind pliable branches and twigs and grape vines throughout the circles, making it look more rustic. cheri dittler
Cheri Dittler
on Jan 29, 2014
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Weirdness! I have this very same headboard, it's an old Drexel piece, very well made. I painted mine a gloss white and it is beautiful. I'd really like to do something else with it though someday. The medallions come off, you can just take them off to paint.
Lori Fay Bugher-Dieter
on Jan 29, 2014
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If you would like to use it a back to a bench in your house or yard, paint it with Rustolem paint and build a box seat with cushions. I try to think out of the box on things like this
Ellen Collin
on Jan 29, 2014
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If you are going to use this as a headboard, I would paint it white; but remove the ornaments connecting the circles first. After painting, replace them. You can even paint the ornaments a metallic color so they pop out. Please remove the mirrors on eaither side of the bed, they would crowd the wall with the new headboard. I would love to see what you finally decide to do with it. Good luck.
Liliana Wells
on Jan 29, 2014
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I think it would look great with either a chalk paint/wax finish, or just a good distressing and wax finish. I would also paint the medallions with an antique bronze or other metallic paint. Incorporating a nautical them in the room would look great with that headboard.
Kim Houston
on Jan 29, 2014
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It would make a great bench back, don't you think?
Ivy Lynne
on Jan 29, 2014
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with mirrored furniture being so hot, it might be interesting to put mirror tiles behind the cut outs after it is painted if you did not want to use fabric.
Linda J S
on Jan 29, 2014
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I love it. I would sand it down and paint it white with the metal pieces black. I would then remove the mirrors on either side and put them somewhere else. They take away from the look of the headboard.
Deb289574
on Jan 29, 2014
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Yes, paint the headboard but put a double layer of fabric in back of the open areas. Organza, silk, a good quality polyester with some sheen to it might work also. A double layer because it needs to be strong enough to staple onto the back and something with a slight shine would be more formal than a flat look. Looks great and I would have bought it, too!
Anne
on Jan 29, 2014
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Shabby chic it
Debra
on Jan 29, 2014
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think it would be cool as wall decoration, keeping just the decorative part and painting it
Melissa
on Jan 29, 2014
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Looking at the room, I would take the medallions off the new headboard, paint the headboard with antique white chalk paint, then replace the metal... Then I would use the current smaller headboard as a bench at the end of the bed... Many tutorials on making benches out of headboards on this site, even if you have to cut it down... Paint it also in the white chalk paint... Then I see end tables... One white, one dark... Paint them as well. I would use the mirrors on either side, but put some silk greenery draped around the top to break up the plain mirrors... Lastly, the grey wall color is nice, but I would paint that particular wall a darker grey to set off the white pieces... Maybe use it for a few accents, window frames and door and leave the other walls the lighter grey. Just some ideas!
KAT
on Jan 29, 2014
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If you don't want to use actual mirrors behind circles (which is a great idea-- along with attaching it higher on wall so don't lose details behind pillows). You could use Krylon's looking glass paint on plexiglass for the antique mirror / mercury glass finish. With an antiqued white finish wood and antiqued silver metal accents would be beautiful. Home improvement stores will cut the plexiglass at minimal to no cost for you.
Cynthia E
on Jan 29, 2014
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I love the geometric part. Could you saw off the bottom, bulky base? From there, paint & add decorative knobs and hang in a long entry or hallway. There are many uses for the knobs besides coats or towels. You could add photos hung with a ribbon, etc. I did something similar with an old headboard. Mine's still a work in progress. Got the knobs at Hobby Lobby. Can't remember paint color, but it's a soft golden yellow. Used my palm sander to distress & added Valspar Mocha glaze. If there was a nice, clean line to cut it, this could also make a nice vertical piece!
Lex263207
on Jan 29, 2014
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I'll check, Penny. My computer has crashed since that time and I have lost my photo files. If I do, I'll get them to you as soon as possible. JP
Janice Phillips (JP)
on Jan 29, 2014
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I like it just the way it is!
Mary Anderson
on Jan 29, 2014
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Help answer this question...mount headboard to old wooded doors or shutters to make tall use brackets for the bottom and paint white and distress if doors or shutters are to tall chop them off on the bottom to desired height!
Lisa
on Jan 29, 2014
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Make it shabby chic, white distressed paint job.:-)
Carmen
on Jan 29, 2014
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I think fabric behind the geometric shapes would be a good idea. Paint of your choice and as suggested above, remove the mirrors and use elsewhere. Would love to see a photo when you finish with this project.
Sandy
on Jan 29, 2014
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I love this! Such a unique style and so many ideas! You can easily go a brilliant white with this and give it more of that "cottage feel" with the option of creating a shabby-chic look by using a fine sandpaper to make it appear worn. The medallions can be white (giving it that older, vintage feel) or paint them gold. If you're more dramatic, use black, or a black-gray combination (paint the inside of the circles gray then spray paint the front allowing a slight over-spray to edge the gray) That would work only for people who don't demand "perfection" but would give it some great depth. Obviously, painting the medallions (gray, gold, silver, etc) will give it another dimension as well. Looking forward to see what you do with this. Having mirrored glass cut for the back will give it an entirely different effect as well. If you do this, don't forget to paint the back as well (as the mirror DOES show part of the backside!)
Beverly Hullender
on Jan 30, 2014
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I would make a bench out of it.
Shirley
on Jan 30, 2014
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Penny, I love the bedding! Is it still available and if so where did it come from? Some great ideas here. Have you decided yet?
Rebecca
on Jan 31, 2014
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I think raising it up is a very good idea. What about putting antiqued mirrors behind the holes and painting it the deep plum of the velvet bedding. The swirls would play off of each other nicely. The room needs a little pizazz!
Rebecca
on Jan 31, 2014
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Hi I would keep the decorative part of the headboard and saw off the rest. I would sand it and use a your favorite paint color watered down so it it goes on like a color stain and then poly urethane. In between the circles you could display pictures of your memories at the cabin.
Pam Moore
on Jan 31, 2014
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i agree with Shirley ... make a nice bench out of it..it would be really cute on front pouch with nice huge cushons ...
Melody M
on Jan 31, 2014
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It would make an awesome bench back.
Pigaloo Pwincess-o'Eberyfing
on Feb 02, 2014
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You need to make the mirror old, or buy an old mirror that's all pitted and flakinking on the back. That would give you the cottage-y feel you are going for. I'll have to keep an eye open for embossed velvet and make a duvet cover like that. I was just hoping I could buy it ready-made. Thanks anyway.
Rebecca
on Feb 05, 2014
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USTED PODRIA HACERLO UNA HERMOSA BANCA ...
Perla
on Feb 05, 2014
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I would paint it a bright accent color with a high gloss paint.
Kelly Boettcher
on Feb 06, 2014
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Cut in half and make a bench with flat boards for seat.
Sandy Bonson Riley
on Feb 28, 2014
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I like the white shabby chic idea. It looks like you have a white and dark dresser on each side. Keep the medallions dark to match other metals but hang a beautiful colorful picture that speaks the style of the room and pulls in that gorgeous eggplant color. It seems to be missing an accent color in the room which the picture can bring in and maybe then a pillow or lampshade to match
Barbara
on Feb 28, 2014
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Give it to me is the best idea...lol
Renata
on Jan 31, 2015
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Can easily increase height by adding 2 x 4 legs that will be hidden then paint a color of your dreams. Then I would pad and do button tuft on the sections with the circles. Will be fabulous
Linda
on Apr 13, 2015
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This is what I did!
Penny Hughes
on Apr 13, 2015
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Paint the inset (circle section to look like metal -I would go with rustoleum matte black or oiled bronze but you might want it lighter). Paint and slightly distress the frame.
Heather Bussey
on Feb 25, 2016
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Painted it white,kept it simple.
Penny Hughes
on Feb 25, 2016
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Painted it white,kept it simple.
Penny Hughes
on Feb 25, 2016
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Such a great find Penny. I've never seen this style before. My hubby is a bicycle enthusiast and immediately saw wheels - but you probably want to continue with a LAKE theme. I would paint it a weathered white wood and pad over the circles and cover that with canvas. Then I would attach to the wall off the floor and give it some height.
Linda Sherman
on Oct 22, 2016
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