A Pretty Thrifted DIY Headboard
I’m still kicking myself over these vintage headboards I found at the thrift store. Why, you ask? Because there were three at least, and I only bought one!!! I wasn’t listening to my inner thrift gut that says, “If you love it, buy it. It won’t be here tomorrow.” SIGH.
Imagine my surprise when I found this pretty little headboard. The wood was gorgeous “as-is”, and I know sometimes you shouldn’t paint wood, but I knew with paint and new fabric, it would look fantastic.
BEFORE
AFTER
Not just ONE…..but there were several there. And for the life of me, I can’t understand why I only grabed “one” of something so good (just like I only took one of those patio tables I found beside the dumpster, when there were three!!!). (Probably money or lack of space).
Because you know when I went back the very next day to the thrift store, all 4 others (yes, I said FOUR!) were totally GONE.
I’m glad that I at least got my hands on one of them because it turned out AMAZING!
AFTER
It’s such a sweet headboard. I really wish I had a place to use it in my own house. I am actually thinking that I may turn it into a bench, with matching cushions/seat. Wouldn’t that be so pretty?!
It’s a full-sized headboard (measures 54″ wide and 28″ tall), but I could see it being a really great seat back, couldn’t you?!
This could make an amazing bench at a dining table!!!
Okay, on to the details….
What I Used – DIY Headboard
-
- Duck cloth fabric from Hobby Lobby
- Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan, with clear wax
- Staple Gun
- Gorilla Glue Epoxy
When I popped out the upholstered panels, I saw there was caning under there. Some people love caning. Me? Not so much…….
I painted the headboard in Paris Grey Chalk Paint®. Ohhhhh…..how I love this color! Remember I did this French Provincial desk in Paris Grey? It’s a very fresh color!
At first, I wasn’t going to paint the wood. It really was in great condition. But this headboard passed all the “rules” of when I felt it was okay to paint wood, so I broke out the paintbrush. (Read the article I wrote When Should You NOT Paint Wood Furniture? for tips for when to leave wood alone).
I even tested using Chalk Paint® on fabric. I see a lot of DIY’ers trying it out. Meh…It did sort of feel like leather and could have been a good alternative if I didn’t have pretty fabric. But I didn’t like the look of it. At least, not for this piece.
I pulled off the old fabric, which apparently, was a reupholstered job itself because even further down in the layers I found another fabric that must have been the original. Third time’s a charm, right?
I didn’t take a picture of it, but I used my staple gun to add the new fabric. It was tough getting around the slight curves, but I think it turned out nicely!
After I recovered the panels, I used Gorilla Glue epoxy to secure them. That stuff is tough! I didn’t have any small upholstery tacks or anything, so glue was my go-to solution!
Here’s another look at the BEFORE and AFTER:
BEFORE
AFTER
I lightly distressed it and applied a nice coat of clear wax. Voila!
So what do you think??
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Simply beautiful!
Great job. I could totally see this as part of a daybed or banquette. It’s not going to be around long.
WOW! Serena!
What a beautiful transformation! It’s so funny because I’m getting ready to re-do my bedroom in dove grey, yellow and white! I thought, what a beautiful combination this will be! With lots of white orchids in vases here & there. Then you send this post out! OMG! You are the TRUTH GIRL! You and these amazing creations! I love everything you do! Oh! And yes. I too walk away from great deals and get home and kick myself but at least you got the one and made it absolutely gorgeous! I might have to still the Annie Sloan Paris Grey instead of the dove grey! Hmmm! LOL! Safe travels my friend! 🙂
Looks terrific! I love the colours and the fabric pattern, great choice!
It is a beautiful makeover. I will also buy just one of a good deal and later end up kicking myself for not getting more. I love your blog. You have inspired me to finally start doing the makeovers on the stuff I have put away for this purpose but never followed through on before. Thank You and I can’t wait to see your next makeover.
I really love the transformation! I am a big fan of grey and yellow together, so much so we redid my Mom’s bathroom in that color combo (plus threw in some white) when we had it redone to be handicap accessible. I love your work and your blog!
Beautiful job, Serena! Love the colors, they would make a pretty bench or for a headboard for a teen girls room or guest bedroom. Glad you guys got the snow! here in Pittsburgh the sky didn’t fall like the weather people predicted. Have a safe trip and keep thrifting!
Sorry, but I would have a very hard time parting with this beauty. You could alway hang it on the wall and then find a bench and cover it with the same material and waaalaaaa, another seating area! I even saw a headboard once placed over a seating area in the kitchen, the kind with built in seats flush to the wall. You did a wonderful job, as usual!
I can’t imagine that this headboard will last long in your booth. I love the combination of AS Paris Gray and the yellow fabric that you used. Great job on this makeover!
Good job and Yes…you should have bought them all, but you would have to dedicate lots more time to them and you got better things to do! I love reading your posts. . .
Hey Neti! You’ve got a point there! I over-extend myself WAAAYYY too much! I can’t save all the pretty thrift store things, now can I? LOL. Thanks for commenting, and I’m glad you enjoy reading my blog! That means a lot. 🙂