Asked on Aug 20, 2015

Inspiration to refinish headboard

Dollie
by Dollie
I bought this headboard and footboard at a thrift store but there were no rails. I already have a metal frame but wonder if I can build my own rails. Also what would be some ideas on how to transform this from old and scratched to fabulous? Thanks!!!
Headboard by itself
Headboard and footboard.
  15 answers
  • The Chirping Frog The Chirping Frog on Aug 20, 2015
    How about wallpaper, lots of variety and it's a really easy project. Here's one I did earlier this year, http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/walls-republic-wallpaper-challenge-8098833. I'm sure whatever you choose to do it'll be gorgeous. Be sure to share an after with us.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Aug 20, 2015
    Am sure you can buy the hardware if you want to make rails. Personally, I'd forget the footboard. I really like the pattern and the colours which makes it unique and gives it character. Some oil should help cover the scratches. However, depends on your style and colour palette.
    • Dollie Dollie on Aug 20, 2015
      Yea I'm thinking it would be best to forget the footboard. Maybe use it for something else. 😊
  • Upstater Upstater on Aug 20, 2015
    Can you attach the headboard and footboard to the metal frame? I would cover the headboard and footboard with foam and batting and then fabric for an upholstered look! I would love to find pieces like these!
  • The Road To Crafty The Road To Crafty on Aug 20, 2015
    I'd think you could totally put the metal rails with that :D What is the theme of the room you are putting this in? Does it have mostly this color wood, or something different? We got some old beds and upholstered them, and I think that's a really cool way to go. But if you prefer keeping the wood, there's really so much you could do with this :D
  • Jean Moore Jean Moore on Aug 20, 2015
    I'd nix the footboard too. It's an ankle buster. You should be able to affix the headboard to the frame with bolts/nuts you can find at any hardware store. Paint is a cheap, fast and easy way to go for the finish.
  • Dollie Dollie on Aug 20, 2015
    I'm starting from scratch. I have mismatched pieces and want to try to coordinate them all. I do have one dresser that closely matches the color of the headboard. My bed linens and curtains are chocolate and kinda of a royal blue. Faux silk.
  • Dollie Dollie on Aug 20, 2015
    I think I need to upload a pic of my bed linens too. That will help. I will do that later after work.
  • Ellen DeVilbiss Ellen DeVilbiss on Aug 21, 2015
    Personally, I like the wood grain pattern in this. I would nix the footboard and use it as a shelf, countertop, or something else. You say one dresser is a close match. Does that mean other pieces aren't? Paint those.
  • Louise Louise on Aug 21, 2015
    I would not use foot board and paint the headboard with cream/ white chalk paint and distress it so the wood shows through on the edges
  • Darla Darla on Aug 21, 2015
    Please don't paint that beautiful wood grain! I guarantee you will never find veneer like that in new furniture. If you want to build the bed from scratch, I suggest you look at the ana white furniture building site and adapt her bed plans.
  • Winnie Conners Winnie Conners on Aug 21, 2015
    Go to used furniture store and buy a cheap bed frame and attach to the headboard. I would pad and cover that head board. Just sew it like a wide pillow case and slip it over the padding. Or you can buy the fabric and staple gun it onto the frame.
    • Dollie Dollie on Aug 21, 2015
      Oh I like that idea! That way I wouldn't lose the wood veneer and could change the fabric whenever I wanted!
  • Winnie Conners Winnie Conners on Aug 21, 2015
    Oh yes, I would lose the foot board in the process. The bed will be easier to make anyway and you can use that wood for another project.
  • Mollee Kauzlarich Mollee Kauzlarich on Aug 21, 2015
    If you upholster the headboard you will still have the wood to go back to if you redecorate. Also chose fabric to compliment your bedding and paint your mismatched pieces to highlight your fabric.
  • Dollie Dollie on Aug 21, 2015
    I really leaning towards upholstery. i will upload pics later so you can see how it turns out. Thanks so much everyone!!
    • Joline Cosman Joline Cosman on Aug 27, 2015
      @Dollie You could upholster with a neutral, then use the cover idea to make it beautiful !!! You could make a cover for any season, or whim !!! Good luck !!!
  • Caryn Moy Caryn Moy on Aug 21, 2015
    Well, you can let the natural wood speak for itself maybe? Otherwise there as are some really beautiful colored stains out there that would still allow you to see the beautiful woodgrain while adding a POP of color. Or how about stenciling a design right onto the natural wood? Personally, I love that wood grain and would not upholster it!