I’m an avid user of Pinterest. Every time I refresh the page, I get some new great idea, but some of my newest, most favorite ideas are in the form of headboards.
I know, I know… headboards? The thing at the head of our bed? Yes, that, and you should be excited about your headboard if you’re not already. It’s the most defined part of your bed, and thus, your bedroom.
Finding traditional headboards that fit your style isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes, it can lead us to settle for something we’re just “fine” with. But we don’t have to settle! Here are few ideas to help you spruce up your bedroom:
Try Something Different
Not all headboards need to be physically attached to the bed – or tangible at all, for that matter. Sometimes just the idea of a headboard is more wonderful than anything we could buy. I’ve run across a few people that have gone so far as to paint a headboard onto the wall at the head of the bed.
It’s amazing what a little chalkboard paint and chalk can do for the feel of your bedroom. But, maybe you’re not overly artistic… that doesn’t mean you can’t still create your own headboard using paint or other coloring utensils.
Here’s another one. All you need to do is paint a square (or any other shape you feel like) behind your bed on the wall, and you’ve got a simple, stylish headboard:
Now, changing your headboard – and the feel of your bedroom – is easy, as all you have to do is paint over it and paint a new one.
Re-Purpose Old Materials
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all my years in the DiY/home improvement racket, it’s that the more you can re-purpose, the more flexibility you have. Sometimes you can come up with some really neat ideas, as well.
Here are a few great ideas that definitely define the room:
These two antique wooden doors give the room a quaint, unique feel that really fits with the motif the owner is going for.
Again, wood doesn’t have to be finished to be overtly stylish and functional in the bedroom. These two old pallets work perfectly with the room’s color scheme.
Maybe you want a more regal feel. What better way to achieve that than with an oversized mirror.
Build Something Unconventional
You may not have these items just lying around, but if you’ve got a handyman (or gal) around the house, you can create a headboard that truly fits your personality and the feel you’re going for in your overall theme. Check this one out:
NEED INSPIRATION?
Sometimes we need a little inspiration, too. And because we live in a busy world where we’re always on the go, here are a few mobile apps that should help bring a little design inspiration to your bedroom.
Phaidon Design Classics – (iPad, $28.99) Is it a little pricey? Yes. But for all that money, you get a comprehensive collection of great designs and other products. Browse their huge collection and get inspired.
Houzz – (iOS, Free) Another great app for home design ideas. CNN called it the “Wikipedia of interior and exterior design,” featuring more than 500,000 design photos. Sort by style, room and location for greatest inspiration.
Home Interior Ideas HD – (iPad, $1.99) With this app, you can customize your ideas and watch them take life right on your iPad. This is another great way to sort your ideas by room and find the perfect design element for your room.
The most important thing is just to be yourself when picking a headboard. So go out and conquer the bedroom!
Diane Kuehl is a freelance writer and DiY/home improvement enthusiast. She lives in Springfield, Illinois with her husband and two kids.
