5 Genius Headboard Alternatives That Won't Break The Bank

When it comes to decorating and kitting out your bedroom, there are a few key pieces that can completely transform it into a cozy and safe respite. Your bed is one of the most important fixtures, mainly because you spend about a third of your life in it. Along with the mattress and base, a headboard can create a unique aesthetic. But, according to the practice of feng shui, headboards are also useful in bringing stability to your life. They provide benefits that go beyond appearance, turning your sleeping space into a calming, focused area. According to Jysk, they will also protect your walls from damage, which will save you extra work when it comes to repainting or moving things around.

While owning a bed with a headboard might be the ultimate goal, they can be pricey and somewhat bulky (depending on the build), which might not fit your lifestyle right now. But, not to worry; these alternatives will still give you a perfect look without breaking the bank (or commandeering the whole room). So instead of hitting the big box stores, why not explore your creative side and try a different bedroom design approach? The following ideas can help transform your coziest piece of furniture from basic to breathtaking without too much fuss or frustration.

One of the most simple and elegant ways to frame your bed without an actual headboard is a wall mural. You can choose from pre-made murals or wallpapers to create an eye-catching backdrop that perfectly complements your décor or paint your own. This method is easy and will also create a unique aesthetic that can be left on its own or built up with accents. Choose a mural that will match your existing theme, as larger designs can become overwhelming if they don't have similar colors or prints that pull them through the space.

The painting or mural doesn't have to cover the entire wall behind your bed, either. If you choose to use wallpaper, it might be easier to implement an accent wall, but homemade designs or even store-bought options can just frame the bed without branching too far out. Simple designs are just as effective as bold ones at drawing in the eye and giving off an artistic vibe. According to Rebel Walls, creating the illusion of a headboard with a mural that provides intricate details or textures is easy.

Wood palettes have become useful for many household DIY projects, and headboard creation is no exception. Recycling one of these (or several, depending on the size of your bed) can give you a unique and engaging backdrop. You can keep the original wood visible or paint it to match your interior design. These palettes not only look chic and savvy, but they will provide a suitable support unit that sits nicely against your wall. In addition, they are usually easy to find and sometimes can be obtained at no cost to you, making them the perfect budget-friendly option.

Another perk of using palettes for your headboard is the variety and styles to choose from. While some units have gaps between the slats of wood, others can be built in a way that leaves no visible holes. These options produce a sturdy aesthetic, while the former suggestion allows you to string lights through the spaces or add fun décor like fake vines. LifeStorageBlog recommends sanding the wood before painting to eliminate coarse areas that could cause the color to flake off or, worse, splinters. However, once you've sanded, painted, or primed, no one can tell if you purchased it at a store or made it yourself.

Not all headboards have to boast a hard surface. In fact, using large cushions or pillows to create a frame can be both cozy and ergonomic. This technique is super simple and only requires you to enlist the help of bigger, slightly sturdier pillows that can be seen behind those you sleep on. You can place them against a wall or hang them from a rod you attach with nails above the bed. Once the rod is hung, you can sew on strips of fabric to the cushions to allow them to hang, preventing the possibility of falling down or getting squished.

Whether you keep the pillows a simple color that matches any bedding or opt for a design, this alternative is a cheap, easy way to make a headboard without mess or fuss. According to Lonny, you can actually make your bed look longer by combining matching pillow shams with your duvet. This effect is not only an easy hack for adding length, but it also pulls the bedding through the room, producing a well-planned aesthetic.

If you love items that serve multiple purposes, you might want to consider using shelves as your headboard. You can purchase frames that feature shelving at the head of the bed, but you can also DIY these clever units for half the cost. You can thrift and upcycle older pieces that just need a little TLC, painting them to match your theme and making them look like new again, or you can grab an inexpensive set from Ikea or Target. According to the Decoist, you can pick the size of the shelves to suit your preference, not the height or width of the bed. Taller, larger units will make a bigger declaration in the space, but smaller ones can still be bold and impressive.

Once you've picked out and set up the shelves, it is all about how you fill them. The ornaments, accessories, and accents will transform them from basic storage to a unique and individualized statement. So not only will your favorite reads be within reaching distance when you curl up for bed, but plants, ceramics, and paintings can all sit on different levels to create a truly amazing backdrop.

Getting creative with your headboard can also incorporate treasured items you want to display or connect with passions and hobbies you enjoy. For example, if you have old sporting goods like rackets or oars, you can put them to good use by creating a fun and unique frame. In addition, finding older, unused pieces on the internet or in thrift stores will allow you to design a funky headboard perfect for any themed bedroom, even if you don't own items related to your interests.

Depending on the materials you plan to use, you'll need a few basic tools to fashion any headboard. According to HomeBNC, you'll need a hammer, wrench, and screwdriver within easy access when the building process begins. A drill might also come in handy, especially when adhering to bigger items like those seen in this photo. You might want to have spare pieces of wood to create a backboard for singular pieces, giving them a solid base to connect with. Every project will require different tools and instructions, but part of the fun of DIY is figuring out the best way to make your vision become a reality. With alternative headboards, the sky is the limit as long as your imagination knows no bounds. Happy building!