How to make a curvy, carved headboard complete with handpainted monogram.
I built and painted this simple carved headboard for my girl #1:
Inspired by the Monarch bed from Land of Nod:
I designed a similar layout and cut the headboard from 1/2″ MDF with a jigsaw.
It has a low profile and pretty, girly, curvy lines:
And I added her monogram to make it personal and add a bit of color:
Her bed sits in a funky spot right under the eaves so this headboard made for a good fit:
It’s attached to the wall with a French cleat and not to the bed.
Supplies cost:
1/2″ MDF (4′ x 8′ sheet) = $24
French cleat = $15
primer, paint, poly (had on hand)
Total cost to make this headboard = $39
I gave her space a makeover, here’s the complete before and after:
Here’s how I made the headboard:
1. Draw headboard design on craft paper (only half of size needed):
This is a full size at 55″w, the paper is 27.5″.
2. You need 1/2″ MDF cut at 55″w x 48″h.
Layout the pattern at the halfway point and trace the curvy edge:
3. Flip the pattern over and repeat for the other side:
4. Cut curvy design with jigsaw:
(MDF cuts like butter but it’s heavy, you could use plywood but it’s much more difficult to get a smooth, curvy cut.)
5. Sand rough edges:
6. Prime one coat Zinsser cover stain.
Paint two coats Benjamin Moore high gloss white enamel:
7. Print out monogram.
I used Monogram KK font at 500 and 625 point:
8. Using a ballpoint pen trace the letters with heavy pressure:
9. The pressure of the pen leaves a slight indent in the MDF, just visible enough here:
10. Using a DecoArt Traditions round #3 brush and Americana acrylic paint in peony pink:
11. Paint on and inside the indent, two coats needed:
12. Seal with spray clear acrylic gloss:
13. Attach one side of French cleat to back of headboard:
And other side to wall:
Hang and enjoy.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
June 25, 2012 at 12:31 PMi love the shape of that! awesome!
the cape on the corner says
June 25, 2012 at 2:16 PMfabulous! exactly like the inspiration, but better b/c you made it!
Vickie @ Ranger 911 says
June 26, 2012 at 11:03 AMWow! You are a one woman dynamo! What a sweet bed for a little (or big) girl!
KCoake says
June 26, 2012 at 1:34 PMSo pretty! You sure are great with wood! Do you think this same idea would work for a King size bed? I was thinking I could try it to make a headboard for us.
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
June 26, 2012 at 2:47 PMHi, I'm visiting from Primitive & Proper and I just love your headboard!! What an amazing job you have done! 🙂
Twigs and Twirls says
June 26, 2012 at 6:58 PMThis looks beautiful. Great inspiration as I am looking to make a headboard for my daughter.
Karen Mary Butterfly says
June 26, 2012 at 7:51 PMBetter than Land Of Nod…..it's great! Love the before and after pictures. Wow, it's a wonderful transformation.
Meg I am..... says
June 28, 2012 at 1:59 PMI've been dying to make a headboard… just can never decide what I want! LOVE this one! Totally girly shape! Wonder what my husband would think of that in our room….. 😉
Stopping by from Primitive & Proper
http://megschmitt-neveradullday.blogspot.com/
PitterAndGlink says
June 28, 2012 at 6:07 PMSooo beautiful! I am in love with this!
The Bold Abode says
June 29, 2012 at 12:35 AMYour headboard is beautiful! I'm so impressed!
Rosemary@villabarnes says
June 29, 2012 at 12:35 AMWhat a fabulous build. Great shape, and I love the lettering.
Courtney says
June 29, 2012 at 9:54 AMI so thought you were going to say you used your silouhette to do the monogram…but no!! You hand painted it, well done!! Looks gorgeous!!
Mel says
June 29, 2012 at 10:00 AMThank you for sharing how you made and hung this adorable headboard.
Adorable.
Rasonda @ Lake Cottage Dreams says
June 29, 2012 at 7:36 PMWow! That is awesome. It makes me nervous just looking at it though. I do not think I could EVER do that. Great job.
Addicted2HomeDecor says
July 2, 2012 at 12:06 AMJust beautiful!!! I found you at DIY Project Parade and I'm your newest follower! Would love to have you stop by for a visit! Blessings ~ Judy
Tara says
July 3, 2012 at 2:47 AMI love that! We just made a headboard (an upholstered one, not painted) too! You did a great job. I TOTALLY thought that the monogram was a vinyl decal…I'm SO impressed that you painted it!
DIY Show Off says
July 6, 2012 at 11:16 PMSuper pretty! Amazing job and great tutorial. I've been wanting to make a headboard so bad – I've considered donating the ones we have! lol You're not helping! 😉
Thanks so much for sharing your creativity and hard work. I always love seeing what you've been up to!
Frugal Home Designs says
July 15, 2012 at 9:37 PMThat looks awesome. Great job.
Kerry says
July 20, 2012 at 4:40 PMWhat is the bed on now? A metal frame?