Old headboards seem to abound, thanks to people upgrading their beds to a larger size, getting tired of their bedroom design, and moving but not wanting to take old, heavy bedframes with them. They're a dime a dozen (or close to it) at used stores.
But you don't just have to use a headboard for a bed, or in the bedroom at all, for that matter. There are tons of cool ways to reuse a headboard and we hunted down just a few of them to showcase the many, many faces of the headboard. Next time you're faced with an old dinosaur, consider giving it another chance to wow!
This used to be a twin headboard, and now it's a bench; the footboard was employed as well, to make the sides of the bench. Check out the painted details, the distressed sponging, and the warm welcome!
Bella Tucker took a very different tack with this headboard: she turned it into a sign. It's a fantastic use, because the posts for mounting it are built right in. If you do decide to upcycle this way, make sure to use colorfast paints rated for outdoor use, and consider adding a sealer to protect the paint and the wood.
Over at Bliss Ranch, a headboard shows up as a rustic bench with a sleek hint of sophistication thanks to the staining and finish. Very cool adaptation of a classic piece of furniture.
I love porch swings with a passion bordering on the obsessive, and Claire has a really gorgeous one made from a recycled headboard. Her building materials were understated and beautiful to begin with, and her choice of paint color is great.
Another supercute headboard bench. This one's more minimalist, with a simple rustic feel that's very flexible. Change the color up, distress the paint, add some texture or sponging, and you'll have a totally different look and feel. Barb's project would make a great foyer bench but it would also fit in the garden (as seen here) or in a reading alcove; pile it with pillows and let the fun begin!
Feeling inspired? Tell us about your headboard craft projects!
