Old Headboard Ideas: 13 Clever Ways to Give a Tired Headboard a Brand New Life

Old headboard ideas are having a real moment, and it is easy to see why. A headboard is solid, shapely and often free at a yard sale or on the curb. This month a headboard makeover video from a popular home DIY channel passed about 503,000 views in just three weeks, far ahead of everything else it posted. People love watching a bulky piece that was headed for the dump become a bench, a coat rack or a garden trellis. Most of these projects take a weekend and a can of paint. Here are 13 clever ways to give a tired headboard a brand new life..

Old Headboard Ideas That Save a Bed From the Curb

Every week, sturdy old headboards get dragged to the curb, and every week someone else turns one into a bench, a trellis or a coat rack. This month a headboard makeover video from a popular home DIY channel passed about 503,000 views in three weeks, far ahead of everything else on the channel. You can watch the headboard repurpose video for the full step by step. Which of these makeovers fits your home..

You will need: An old headboard, sandpaper, paint or stain, screws and a helper for lifting.

How to make it: 1. Clean the headboard and check that the wood is solid. 2. Pick a project that fits its size. 3. Sand, paint and build, with an adult on any power tools.

Old Headboard Ideas: The Classic Entry Bench

This is the most loved headboard makeover of all. The headboard becomes the bench back, the footboard is cut in half to make the arms, and a wide plank becomes the seat. Paint it a soft color, add a pillow and a basket underneath, and your entryway suddenly feels like a farmhouse. Make sure every joint is screwed and braced so it is safe to sit on. Wouldn’t this be the perfect spot to pull on boots?

You will need: A headboard and footboard, a 2×4 frame, a wide plank or two, wood screws, paint and a saw for an adult.

How to make it: 1. Have an adult cut the footboard in half for the side arms. 2. Build a 2×4 seat frame between the pieces and screw it tight. 3. Add the plank seat, sand and paint.

A Headboard Coat Rack With Peg Hooks

Among practical old headboard ideas, a coat rack is hard to beat. Paint a flat wooden headboard a soft blue or a deep green, screw a row of wooden peg hooks across the middle, and mount it to the wall studs. Suddenly every coat, bag and scarf has a home. It works in a mudroom, a hallway or even a kid’s bedroom. Use strong wall anchors or screw into studs so it holds the weight. How many hooks does your family need?

You will need: A wooden headboard, paint, five or six peg hooks, a drill for an adult and long screws or heavy wall anchors.

How to make it: 1. Paint the headboard and let it dry. 2. Mark evenly spaced hook spots and screw the hooks in. 3. Have an adult mount it into the wall studs.

Frame a Mirror With an Ornate Headboard

Some of the prettiest old headboard ideas are mirror frames. Paint the headboard white or a soft cream, then mount a mirror in the center opening, or simply attach a mirror to the front. Lean it on a dresser or hang it on the wall. It looks like a pricey antique from a fancy shop. Be sure to secure it to the wall so it cannot tip. Which room needs a little more light and charm?

You will need: An ornate headboard, a mirror cut to fit, mirror clips, paint and wall anchors.

How to make it: 1. Sand and paint the headboard. 2. Fasten the mirror to the back or front with mirror clips. 3. Secure it to the wall with anchors.

Recover an Upholstered Headboard

If the headboard is padded but the fabric looks tired, you can give it a whole new life in an afternoon. Pull off the old fabric, add a fresh layer of batting if needed, and staple a new pretty fabric tightly across the back. Add nailhead trim around the edge for a finished look. A floral or a soft check makes any guest room feel like a cozy inn. What fabric would you pick?

You will need: Fabric, cotton batting, a staple gun, scissors and nailhead trim.

How to make it: 1. Remove the old fabric and staples. 2. Lay new batting and fabric over the front. 3. Pull it tight and staple across the back, then add trim.

Old Headboard Ideas for the Garden: An Iron Trellis

An old iron headboard is almost made to be a trellis. Push its legs deep into a garden bed, or stake them firmly, and plant a climbing vine at the base. Clematis, sweet peas and morning glories will wind through the bars in a single season. Chippy white paint only makes it look more charming. It is one of those old headboard ideas that looks better every year. What would you grow on yours?

You will need: An iron headboard, two strong stakes, zip ties and a climbing plant.

How to make it: 1. Dig the legs into the soil or tie them to stakes. 2. Make sure it stands firm. 3. Plant a vine at the base and guide it up the bars.

A Headboard Potting Bench Backdrop

Gardeners love this one. Fix an old headboard to the back of a simple potting bench and you have the perfect spot to hang trowels, gloves and twine. Add a few hooks and a small shelf across the top for seed packets. It keeps everything in reach and looks charming in a shed or on a patio. Seal the wood so it handles the weather. Isn’t it nice when storage looks this pretty?

You will need: A wooden headboard, a simple bench or table, hooks, screws and outdoor sealer.

How to make it: 1. Seal the headboard for outdoor use. 2. Screw it firmly to the back of the bench. 3. Add hooks for tools and a shelf on top.

A Spindle Headboard Mug Rack

Spindle headboards have a sweet farmhouse feel, and in the kitchen they make a great mug rack. Mount the headboard to the wall, then screw small cup hooks along the rails. Hang colorful mugs from the top and tea towels from the lower rail. It turns your coffee mugs into wall decor and frees up cabinet space. Who in your house has the biggest mug collection?

You will need: A spindle headboard, white paint, cup hooks and wall anchors.

How to make it: 1. Paint the headboard and let it dry. 2. Screw cup hooks along the rails. 3. Mount it securely and hang the mugs and towels.

Old Headboard Ideas for Pets: A Cozy Bed

Pets deserve a real bed too. Attach a small headboard, like one from a twin or crib, to a low wooden platform and add a thick cushion. Your dog or cat gets a cozy spot that matches your furniture. Keep it low to the floor so older pets can climb in easily. Round off sharp corners with sandpaper. Of all the old headboard ideas here, this one gets the happiest reviews. Would your pet love a bed like this?

You will need: A small headboard, a plywood platform, short legs or blocks, screws, sandpaper and a pet cushion.

How to make it: 1. Build a low platform from plywood and blocks. 2. Screw the headboard to one end. 3. Sand the edges smooth and add the cushion.

A Chalkboard Family Message Board

Old headboard ideas can be useful too. A headboard with a flat center panel makes the perfect family message board. Paint just the center with chalkboard paint and leave the frame in natural wood or a pretty color. Hang it in the kitchen for grocery lists, chores and sweet notes. Add a little ledge or a cup for chalk. It is a great way to keep everyone on the same page, especially during the busy holidays. What would you write first?

You will need: A headboard with a flat panel, chalkboard paint, painter’s tape, a brush and chalk.

How to make it: 1. Tape off the frame around the center panel. 2. Paint two coats of chalkboard paint. 3. Let it cure, then season it by rubbing chalk over it and wiping clean.

Old Headboard Ideas for the Porch: A Loveseat

Have two matching twin headboards? Use one as the back and cut the other into two arms, then build a seat in between. You get a charming little loveseat for the porch. Paint it white or a cheerful color and add outdoor cushions. Build the seat frame strong, since two people will sit on it. It is a weekend project that gives you a lovely spot to sip coffee. Who would you share it with?

You will need: Two twin headboards, a 2×4 seat frame, plywood, outdoor screws, exterior paint and cushions, plus a saw for an adult.

How to make it: 1. Have an adult cut one headboard into two arms. 2. Build a sturdy seat frame and screw all pieces together. 3. Paint for outdoors and add cushions.

A Gold Headboard Jewelry and Scarf Display

An ornate headboard painted gold becomes a showpiece for jewelry and scarves. Screw small hooks along the carving and hang necklaces, bracelets and scarves so you can see everything at a glance. No more tangled chains in a drawer. It adds glamour to a bedroom or a walk in closet. For more makeover ideas, see our furniture flips. Which piece of jewelry would you hang first?

You will need: An ornate headboard, gold spray paint, small hooks and wall anchors.

How to make it: 1. Spray paint the headboard gold outside. 2. Screw small hooks along the carving. 3. Mount it firmly and hang your jewelry.

A Headboard Photo Display With Twine

This last idea is sweet and simple. Hang an open frame headboard on the wall, string rows of twine across it, and clip family photos with little wooden clothespins. Swap the photos with the seasons or add holiday cards in December. It turns a forgotten piece of furniture into a family story wall. It is one of the easiest old headboard ideas to finish in an hour. Which photos would you hang?

You will need: An open frame headboard, twine, small nails or eye hooks, mini clothespins and photos.

How to make it: 1. Screw eye hooks on both sides of the frame. 2. Tie twine across in rows. 3. Clip on photos and mount the headboard on the wall.