One of my biggest decorating pet peeves is seeing a bed without a headboard. A headboard frames and “anchors” your bed and gives your bedroom a finished look. Most often than not, the bed is the focal point in a bedroom, so they need to have a presence and importance. A headboard does just that!

I know that decorating a bedroom usually takes the backseat to the main living areas if you are on a slim budget. Maybe some simple and inexpensive DIY ideas will help you get going with your bedroom décor, starting with the headboard. Instead of ignoring the fact that a bed needs one, there are ways you can fake it till you make it.

We all have odd ball, left over items in our home that we no longer use that could easily be repurposed: An old rug, a quilt, fabric, old doors and so on. Why not look at them with fresh new eyes and see if they have the potential to be headboards?

Here are some inexpensive fake headboard ideas that are sure to finish your bedroom décor.

Paint

Yes, Paint! Simply taping off a shape behind your bed that works for you and painting the illusion of a headboard makes a bold statement

Stencil

Similar to painting the shape of a headboard, you can paint one on using a stencil. You can create your own or use this one I found on GoodHouseKeeping.com. Click here to download the PDF. Click here for the grid that will help with the layout

Tip:You only need half a stencil — you can flip it for the opposite side.

Old Doors, Windows and Shutters

Shopping at architectural salvage yards are a lot of fun. That is a great place to go to find old pieces that will work perfectly as headboards

 Old Books?

As a designer, I have a pretty creative mind, but this one caught me by surprise. If you enjoy old books, then this is an awesome functional way to display them

 

Draped Fabric

Now this  pictured below might be a bit more elegant and formal than how most of us would like to live, but these principles can be applied in a less formal way, by the use of more casual fabrics and furnishings.

A Curtain (Or Bed Sheet)

You may already own a curtain panel that is too short for your windows, or a bed sheet that you no longer need. Here’s a great way to repurpose them as a headboard

 

 A  Rug

Now, this has to be my favorite fake headboard so far. What a fabulous way to bring in the look of ethnic chic into your bedroom. Of course any rug with the appropriate size for your bed will do, but I love the fact that this sisal rug is round.

 Upholstered

Now I know you are thinking that an upholstered headboard isn’t really faking it, but I am talking about  a simple one that you can do yourself. The headboard below is a smaller version of an upholstered headboard. You can see that it does not extend all the way to the floor, and it is a bit thinner than a regular upholstered headboard. This could be an easy weekend DIY project

You can click here for an article I wrote about upholstered headboards

 

A Shelf

Shelves are readily available at any home improvement store and easily installed. They provide wonderful storage and display, while functioning as a headboard.

 

 Decals

You can purchase wall decals and customize a headboard design to suit your style

Here are a few more inspiring ways to fake a headboard

How inspiring are these amazing fake headboard ideas? With any of these headboards in your bedroom, there’s no need to fake it.

I’m dying to know – which one would you try in your bedroom? Leave me a comment below!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Be Inspired!