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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Oh my Serena what a find! Too bad the other three were gone when you went back. Love the makeover you gave it – so pretty. It caught my eye at the Furniture Feature Friday Party.
Hey Marie! Thanks for stopping over to check out my piece! Means a lot! 🙂
LOoooooooovvvveeeee this!!!
Great job…
=)
Visit this webpage for ideas on banquette seating requirements.
I love it & wish I was near enough to buy it. I’ve never seen a headboard like it around here. Keep up your awesome work!
Hi Joanne! If you’d like to buy it, I can ship it to you via Greyhound! 🙂 I’ve got it in my booth for sale, but I’m thinking of listing it on Etsy. Shipping on Greyhound is pretty affordable!
Great job, it looks beautiful. The fabric you purchased at HL is gorgeous. I love cane anything so I would have left the cane if it was all in perfect condition but what you did turned out beautifully. I would love one like this in KS; however, I bet the chance of that happening is slim to none. Thanks for sharing. I think a bench would look incredible too.
Hi Debbie! Sorry for the late response. Yes, the cane was in perfect condition! I am such a ditz I didn’t even realize it! 🙂 All I could see was that lovely yellow. LOL Thanks sooo much for commenting!!!
Awesome job….thrifting is totally addictive! There are also great Goodwill stores in the Lorton/Woodbridge area! Luv ur posts!!
Hey there! Sorry for responding late. I was away all last week (more on that in the next few posts). Thanks for the tip about the Goodwill stores in Lorton/Woodbridge! I am going to start expanding my thrift diving reach around this DC Metro MD/VA area. LOL. Have you ever been to the Unique Thrift in VA?
It came out great. I love the colors, yellow with grey are so classic colors. Love it. What will you do with it?
Hey Anna! Sorry for the late response. I was away all last week. But I’m back!! I’m selling this headboard in my booth, but I’ll probably pull it out of there and put it on Etsy!
Serna, that is amazing, you did a very good job, take care and stay warm
Wow! It’s fabulous!
Your thrift stores are GREAT! The prices and quality of merchandise blow me away, both are far better than here in Arkansas!
I may have to make hook up my trailer and take a cross country trip next Fall!
Oooooh, you may need TWO trailers after you leave THIS area!! 🙂 Where are the good ones in Arkansas? I want to include them on my list of best places to thrift dive nationally! If you don’t mind sharing, that is! 🙂
It looks so beautiful,Serena you are so talented thank you for sharing :)))