If you’re like me, searching for an inexpensive, but cute headboard was difficult and time consuming. So I thought, why not just make one? I searched for different tutorials on creating the perfect one, but I ultimately landed on inspiration from my “Insta-friend” Lindsay over at Frills and Drills. While I didn’t follow her tutorial verbatim, I did use it as inspo. (But, her tutorial is amazing — so be sure to head to her blog to check it out).

Because both the kids’ bed didn’t have a headboard, I would be building two — one painted white to match Olivia’s room, and the other stained dark wood to match Jordan’s room. They were incredibly easy to build — I promise even the most novice DIY’er can build this. It took about an hour to build one — the longest part was the typical, waiting for the paint to dry.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Wood screws
Caulk & Wood Filler
Paint or Stain of your choice
Nail Gun (or Hammer and Nails)
Drill and 1” wood screws
Painting supplies
Sanding block

Lumber**
- 1 x 6 for the slats
- 1 x 3 for the legs
- 1 x 2 for the top

**This headboard is made to size for a full size bed. You will need to adjust cuts for the size of the bed you’re making your headboard for.

THE PROCESS:

To start the process, cut your 1x3 pieces to size according to the appropriate height you want. Next, measure the width of your bed, and that will be the length of your 1x6’s
Lay your 1x3’s down on the ground and start laying your 1x6 boards on top of the 1x3’s going across. (see image to the right) This will be the BACK of your headboard so the nail holes are not in the front.
For this next step, you can either use your nail gun and 1 1/4” brad nails OR you can use a a drill and wood screws. I didn’t have 1 1/4” brad nails at the time, so I used a drill and wood screws, I pre-drilled by using a drill bit. Screw or nail in the 1x6 boards to the 1x3 so its nice and flush.

4. Next, flip/turn over the headboard — this will be the front.

5. This is where you will add the top pieces (1x2). I added two on top of each other, but you can create whatever look you want!

6. Be sure to sand everything down, fill holes with wood filler, and caulk the seams.

7. Next use a paint or stain of your choice to complete the project! You might need 2-3 coast depending on the level of color or stain you want.

8. Assemble to your bed frame with bolts/screws and you’re done!

Here is the finished product of both headboards. Olivia’s headboard is painted in “Bohemian Lace” by Valspar Paint. Jordan’s headboard is stained in “Dark Walnut” by Minwax.