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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wow, serena……………your thrift stores sure are a lot nicer than mine! totally awesome makeover. I WANT ONE!!!! :))
Thanks so much, Karen! I know…I wish I had bought all 3. I really need a storage area to hold all this stuff I am finding. Hubby is getting upset I keep lugging it all home. LOL
This absolutely looks wonderful. I just started re-doing thrift store furniture so this is all new to me, but I’m very excited! Our town is in the middle of building a huge hobby lobby at the mall! I’m excited now because that is where you went for some things. Do you go there alot ?
Hey Jasmine! I don’t get to Hobby Lobby a lot, only because it’s about 10 miles away, in the opposite direction of where I live and work. But when I do, I love to look for dresser knobs, and all kinds of stuff. You can get the same Hobby Lobby fabrics from OnlineFabricStore.net! Search for “Premier Fabrics.” Thanks so much for commenting!!
Job will done
Serena,
What a lovely headboard transformation! Absolutely love the color combination. I’ve just started reading your blog and signed up for subscription. I stumbled onto your blog while looking for ideas to make a craft room. Your blog is so refreshing and your ideas are affordable. Sorry you got so much snow…I live in the rainbow state of Hawaii and don’t miss the snow at all. Have a great trip!
JEALOUS!!! Hawaii sounds like heaven! I was there in Dec ’12 for a friend’s 40th birthday. We stayed on the Big Island. It was a lot of fun. Me and another girl road tripped the whole day around the Big Island! It was fabulous!
Loved how this turned out. Sorry you got more snow- we could use some here need water- but so enjoying the weather its in the upper 80 s. Spring has sprung in California. Stay warm.
I love it! You did a great job. I love the new fabric choice but I also love it without the panels! Classic old caning! In great condition!
Awesome job! I really love the way your blog (i.e. your time and passion to share) really helps us stretch our imaginations to see past the top layers of color or fabric to see the true beauty of the piece itself. Thank you for expanding my brain Serena! Have a wonderful time in the Carolinas!
Girl!!! You should have bought all they had!! I understand money is always the issue but it’s like i tell my hubby, it might hurt now but the reward will make it worth it in the end. I need one sooo bad for my grandchildren’s bedroom. That store is AWESOME!! Which I lived close. We don’t have many of those in South Alabama!! Keep up the great work!!
You definitely should have bought all 4. I bet this will sell super fast in your booth. Love the color combination, and now hoping I can find a similar queen-sized headboard for my guest bedroom. It’s been a long search! 🙂
Wow girl you rocked that headboard!! Love it!! And I love your blog. It’s always a good day when you’re in my inbox!!