The 15 minute $50 Headboard

BEFORE THE 15 MINUTE $50 HEADBOARD

As a birthday present to myself I am in the process of redoing our small master bedroom. I was getting tired of my old headboard, which I had made from a picket fence about 12 years ago, so I was looking for another inexpensive/crafty idea.

While browsing through Lowe's looking for inspiration for something that I could purpose for a headboard I found this shelf from a closet system looked like it would work well - and at just under $50 it met my inexpensive criteria...plus it only requires a screwdriver and about 15 minutes.

AFTER

I am all in favor of sharing my crafty ideas so I am including these simple instructions.

The only tools needed are a screw driver and a level or tape measure.

HOW TO MAKE IT!

These instructions are for a king size bed but if you have a smaller bed you can buy shorter shelves. They can be used vertical or horizontal, depending on the look you want, and come in three colors, sable which is what I used, cappaccino and white. This one just happened to be the right size for a king (16" x  72") and total cost was $49.86 including sales tax. They are also available in 48" and shorter. Several shorter shelves could be used and mounted vertically for another interesting look.

ALLEN + ROTH ITEM #0339258 $44 (shelf only - prices may vary slightly)
SHELF LINK (CAPPUCCINO)

The store had a better selection than what I could find online. The Sable color was available in my local store as a shelf only (not kit) but I couldn't locate it online so I am providing the link to the cappuccino color.

Stanley Corner Brace 3/4 x 1/2" 4pk/$2.27
(includes screws) - prices may vary
CORNER BRACE LINK

Back view (brackets flush
with back edge)

Attach the corner brackets to the back side of the shelf, under the top rail, making sure they are flush with the back side of the shelf. I only used 2 of the brackets - one at each end - since the shelf is fairly lightweight.

Determine the height you want your "headboard." I had a gap of about 10 inches above my mattress because I figured when my bed is made the pillows will fill the gap. If you don't want a gap you can make it lower or can use two shelves.

Mount to wall

Use a level (I had a small one that worked great) or measure down an equal distance from the ceiling to make sure it is level. Mount the shelf by screwing the attached brackets to the wall. I mounted mine without help and used my bed pillows to hold up the other end while I mounted the first end.

There may be better methods of mounting this but this worked well for me and only took a few minutes to install. I liked that by using the corner brackets it keeps it flush against the wall. Once in place the brackets are barely noticeable, but can always be dabbed with a little wall paint to hide them. Because of how the brackets are mounted I haven't damaged any of the visible surfaces of the shelf so it can later be re-purposed for its original purpose!

Stay tuned because my old picket fence headboard has been cut up and will be re-purposed at my daughter's house. I will post that project in the near future. Also, if you are on a super tight budget and $50 is too expensive for a headboard, I have another great headboard idea that is not only super cute but is just as fast and easy ... and can be done for less than $20! Stay tuned...