How to use Vintage Headboard & Ideas to update the headboard

Today I’m sharing how to use vintage headboard ideas to create extra space within a small bedroom and how to makeover an old headboard.

Y’all know we have been renovating our guest cottage as well as the Beach Cottage since last summer.

Both bedrooms in the guest cottage are tiny and require creative thinking to add headboards.

Most people ask, “how can you use an antique headboard with a modern mattress and bed frame?”.

Many antique beds are smaller than current-day mattresses. Therefore, using the side rails and footboard may not be an option.

If you follow along with Thrifting with the Gals, you know I found an antique vintage headboard to use over the summer.

Although the side rails and footboard were included, I knew they would not work with the mattress. So here is what we did.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

Vintage Headboard Ideas

You may remember that I previously shared about using a yard sale shutter to make a headboard for the master bedroom in our guest cottage.

In searching for a bed to go in the additional bedroom, I knew I needed a lightweight headboard that would work in front of a window.

Refinish Vintage Headboard

The vintage headboard had minor scratches and dings in the wood, but it was a great price.

Although there were some blemishes, I wanted to keep some of the natural wood, so I painted some of the headboards and left some wood showing.

To achieve this technique, you first need to tape the areas you want to leave natural with painter’s tape.

Next, paint the exposed areas of the headboard with a paint color of your choice. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Amsterdam Green for my accent color and then used a mixture of dark and clear wax to finish.

In addition, I touched up the natural wood with Annie Sloan Dark Wax. This resulted in the wood looking brand new and eliminating any scratched areas’ visibility.

How to Attach the Vintage Headboard Idea

The challenge in our guest cottage is space. The only good area for the headboard was in front of the only window in the room.

Because we needed a blind on the window, it was necessary to attach the headboard slightly away from the window.

Brad built a couple of blocks to use as spacers from scrap 2 x 4 wood we had on hand. He then drilled a couple of holes to countersink the attachment screws. This allows space for the screws to attach firmly and securely to the wall.

Next, using wood screws, he attached the two blocks to either side of the window.

Fortunately, both blocks were attached to a wall stud for extra security. However, if you don’t connect to a stud, you need to use wall anchors to add stability to your headboard.

Be sure to place the blocks at a point they can be easily attached to the bed headboard.

Disclaimer: Please note that extra security should be taken to assure that the headboard is firmly attached to avoid it falling onto the bed. You may need additional attachments if your headboard is heavy or doesn’t have legs. The headboard we used is very light weight and the legs also rest on the floor. All of our attachment screws are imbedded in secure wall studs. If that is not the situation, you will need to use proper wall anchors that are recommended for the weight of your headboard.

Attach spacer blocks if using a vintage headboard in front of a window

Finally, to ensure that the old wood doesn’t splinter, drill pilot holes in the headboard at the points of attachment.

Then attach the vintage headboard to the block spacers using at least two wood screws per side.

See Video Tutorial

Vintage Headboard Ideas

Now add your mattress to a bed frame and slide the bed frame up against the headboard.

These bed frames are very inexpensive and allow you to be creative with your headboard choices.

I hope you got some ideas about how you can use vintage or antique headboards in your home. Many are inexpensive because they are smaller than today’s beds. Therefore, you can get a great deal.

You can see more vintage and thrift store shopping ideas here.