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??

Cecilia says
Wow, that turned out beautifully! I can see it as a bench and would love to have it at my dining table. I’d be kicking myself too for not getting the others. Love it!
Sue says
Wow, this turned out to be so beautiful~! Great job, I love it and normally I don’t even LIKE Yellow! But these colors together are fabulous. I can relate to the “get it now or risk losing it” way of thought. I have Always said if I want it I need to grab it up RIGHT NOW. If I wait, it is Never still there later on…hahaha We LEARN…
Great work, love your posts and love your great taste in color, style, Everything…
Serena Appiah says
Exactly, Sue! If you don’t buy something, you’ll miss it! 🙂 LOL. Thanks for your comment! Glad you liked it!
LizzieJo says
Did you need to add batting under the fabric panels?
Therese says
I don’t know how old your children are, but I am raising 3 grandchildren. I for one would love to make something like this into a bench that we could put in ‘our corner’ where we read stories and have just ‘us time’. The piece is beautiful and I am impressed at the care you put into. The headboard has a new life with a new family.
Delia @revivedbydelia says
That’s beautiful! It would have even been amazing if you had just painted the caning! So many options!
Serena Appiah says
Hey Delia! Thanks, and you’re right. Just painting the caning would have worked, too. I love the panels, too.