Create your own headboard

Okay, company is coming to town or you are just tired of not having a headboard for your bed. Here are a few easy, inexpensive ideas for you.

Buy painter's canvas from a craft supply store and you can cover with fabric or paint. I have done this project both ways and it is one of the easiest and quickest ways to add that "wow" to your room. Painter's canvas comes in many different sizes. For the headboard I would recommend canvas that is at least 28" tall. You can either place the canvas panels right next to one another on the wall or leave a few inches in between each one. For a twin bed I recommend two panels. For a double I would do three. For a queen I would do three to four (depending on your spacing) and for a king I would go with four panels.

Have fun with this project. For a girl's room you could paint butterflies or flowers on the canvas. For a boys room try painting sporting equipment. If you are artistically challenged you can paint the background of the canvas and then cut out wallpaper border for the images. Simply cut out images and use wall paper paste to glue down on the canvas.

For a teenagers room you can get creative using geometric shapes and a variety of colors. This is your opportunity to allow them to select the colors they want but if you need to sell the house tomorrow you can pull off the canvas hangings and alas, a plain wall emerges. I have also made one of these for a teenagers room (not for over his bed but running across the length of a wall). I used a brick as an outline to create a "wall" on the canvas and then the teenager did his own "artwork" on it. Great way for him to have a say in his room decor and easy if he wants to go from skater to jock...just repaint or cover the canvas with fabric!

For a master or guest bedroom I recommend using fabric wrapped on the canvas. It is a great way to introduce new colors and bold patterns.

For those who are anti-craft store, no worries, there are other items you can use. You can use an old cottage style door turned on it's side. Paint in a soft shade of gray, off white, blue or green and the distress the edges using sandpaper. This makes a great headboard for a girl's room or a Shabby Chic style home.

Another easy low cost idea is taking a bold color or wall paper up to the ceiling the width of your bed. Outline that strip of paint or paper with wooden trim. Paint the trim white or an accent color. Great option for those not wanting to commit to an entire room of paint or wallpaper but need a little pizazz!

Last but not least is for those who are into purchasing, not painting. You can purchase a screen or room dividers from such stores as Pier One. From metal to bamboo, there are many styles out there. Just place the screen behind your bed between the mattress and wall.

Sweet dreams!