Create a Stunning Headboard With Vintage Shutter: Yard Sale Find
If you are looking for a creative headboard for your home, consider searching at yard sales and thrift stores for a unique find. I’m sharing how to make a DIY headboard from a vintage shutter that is a recent yard sale find. I’ve included tips for securing a heavy headboard to the wall for safety. You can use these techniques to create a headboard from old doors, shutters, architectural finds, and more.
We are renovating our guest cottage here at The Ponds. We used the guest cottage as a second home before building our farmhouse and moving here full-time. Many updates were needed, and the master bedroom needed a new headboard. We found the perfect piece at a recent yard sale.
In addition, to create a cozy, welcoming guest cottage, we’ve updated the master bedroom with new bedding and new paint and painted the old nightstand for a fresh update.
We recently found a great deal on an old shutter at a friend’s yard sale. I knew immediately that it would make a great headboard for the guest cottage. However, it was cumbersome, and I was concerned about it falling on someone’s head. Yikes!
So here’s what we did.
Table of contents
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Materials for DIY Headboard
We had some 1″ by 4″ lumber left over from a previous project, and it was exactly what we needed to make two legs for the shutter.
Because of the shutter’s design, it was necessary to add some spacers. We used leftover 2-inch thick boards and a few screws to secure the spacers.
Begin by deciding where the headboard rests on the wall above the bed.
Next, measure from the floor upward to a position approximately in the center of the headboard once it’s attached to the wall. Then, cut the 1″ by 4″ boards to the correct length.
Using a cordless drill and wood screws, secure the legs to the headboard from the backside.
Note: Be sure the screws are the correct length to avoid them coming through the front of the headboard when attaching the legs.
We used some of these techniques when making the DIY Address Sign for our front porch.
Secure DIY Headboard to the Wall
Now, attach the spacers to the wall to align with the wooden legs attached to the shutter. Secure with a minimum of two screws reaching into a wall stud.
To attach the headboard, use a screw that will be long enough to go through the headboard, the leg, and the spacer and, if possible, into the wall stud itself.
Insider Tip
Disclaimer: Please note that extra security should be taken to ensure the headboard is firmly attached to avoid falling onto the bed. You may need additional attachments if your headboard is heavy or doesn’t have legs. Since the shutter is heavy, we used extra precautions by attaching the legs that rest on the floor. All of our attachment screws are embedded 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.
Paint and touch up the Headboard
Finally, paint the legs to match your wall paint color so they are less visible. You should only see them when the bed isn’t fully made.
Because of the rustic nature of our head broad, we did not try to disguise the screw heads. However, if your design is less rustic, you may desire to counter-sink the screw and fill it with wood putty and paint.
The Remodeled Master Bedroom
Since all the renovations, I’ve loved the look of the master bedroom. The headboard is so fun and unique.
The carpet has been removed, and new laminate flooring has been installed. The walls are painted Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore, and we have new bedding.
The new bedding is by Lev Tex Home, and the comfortable quilt is the perfect color for the updated bedroom.
If you like yard sales and thrift stores, be sure to check out these Thrift Store Decor Ideas.
Simple Chalk Paint Makeover
Painting the existing furniture in the guest cottage is a simple way to update it without spending a fortune.
See the video of the nightstand’s simple makeover.
You can also learn more about chalk painting on How To Use Chalk Paint.
Making the guest bedrooms cozy and inviting has been a priority since we began renovating. The new headboard and bedding changed the appearance of the room.
I hope you enjoyed the DIY Headboard Tutorial and all the other updates to the master bedroom. Stay tuned for more renovations and updates to the guest cottage.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.
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Love the new headboard! I wanted to do that but haven’t found the right piece for it yet! xo
Stacy,
Maybe today will be the day. Good luck thrifting.
It is looking really good, Rachel! You were so fortunate to have found the perfect chippy piece and just the right size! Do you know I have had to do the same bracing technique with a store bought headboard that was attached to a bed frame, but not to the wall, and kept bumping it?
Chloe,
I can believe that. With limited space, it’s just easier to attach to the wall. Drywall can be patched easily and if the headboard is bumping anyway, you still get damage.
What a fabulous find! That is probably the coolest shutter I have ever seen. Everything in the guest room blends so well together, and looks so relaxing. Good job, Rachel.
Miche,
I was so lucky to get a great deal. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Love it Rachel! You always come up with the most unique things! Thanks for sharing!
Margie,
I like to be different. LOL. Thanks for your encouragement.
You found a great old shutter and a perfect place for it. Love the texture and color.
Marlene,
I really appreciate this. I was so happy to find it.
Thank you for the How-To!!!! I love the headboard and it looks wonderful with the updated side table, bedding, and rug!!!👏🏻😊
Sue,
I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for your sweet compliments.
Rachel this is so chippy I love it so much🙌🏻
Ann,
I knew you’d like it. We have such similar taste.
This is a fantastic project. I love tge chippy look and rustic character.
Cindy,
Thanks so much for this. I’m so glad you like it.
So lovely and farmhouse! Love all your creative ideas and thrift store/yard sale transformations!
Oh thanks so much.
I missed this project! Now that was a good find! Really cool looking shutter!
Jennifer,
Thanks so much. I’m glad you found it.
I love this headboard idea! Looks amazing!
Stacy,
Thanks so much.
Love your style-have a great weekend 🙂
Sue,
I really appreciate this. Thanks so much.
I love this idea, Rachel! We’ve been talking about updating my daughter’s bedroom and this give me all sorts of inspiration for what we can do.
Jen,
I’m so glad you found this helpful. thanks for stopping by.
Love the look- you have a great eye for your DIY’s. Amazing bedding – however Lev Tex Home is for wholesale only. Any suggestions re: purchase? Thank you.
I enjoy reading your posts
Kim,
Let me see if I can find some shopping links.
Very cool shutter!! I love how you made it into a headboard. Brilliant!
Cheryl,
I’m so glad you liked this project.
What a fabulous find Rachel and I love how you used it. The bedding looks great and gives the room a very cozy feel.
Wendy,
Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel, I love the shutter headboard!! I have some amazing pieces of barnwood that I got when my neighbors razed their old barn. I want to make a headboard out of the old wood and this gave me some great ideas. Thank you!
Colleen
Oh, that sounds amazing. I love items from old barn wood. I hope you’ll send me a photo when you complete your project. Thanks for stopping by.