How to make a headboard using old shutters.
I took these shutters:
And made them into this:
A little makeover for our Master Bedroom, we started with this:
(Yes it’s from my husband’s bachelor days but I did paint it white.)
And now have this:
Here’s how I made the headboard:
1. Find old shutters (my neighbor left these out on bulk trash day thank you!):
2. Sand down to smooth then cut each shutter in half, making four equal pieces:
3. Paint one coat Annie Sloan paloma grey:
4. Then paint one coat Annie Sloan old ochre:
5. Sand to distress.
Apply Minwax Early American stain:
6. Prepare backing.
Using 3/8″ plywood cut 1″ less on all sides than shutter layout, attach scrap piece 1x in center for cleat.
Then attach cleat to 1x scrap piece and plywood:
** I also attached a 1x scrap piece near the bottom so the headboard hangs flat against the wall.
7. Place shutters face down (notice I did not paint the backsides) then place plywood backing on top of shutters:
8. Predrill and countersink plywood to shutters using 1 1/4″ wood screws.
Use 4 screws on each shutter at the corners:
9. Secure other half of cleat to wall, be sure it’s level:
(This cleat claims to be able to hold 200# but the headboard only weighs about 40#.)
10. Carefully place headboard side of cleat into wall side:
Now move bed back into place:
And you would never know the headboard is not attached to the bed.
The shutters add a bit of character and charm.
Sweet Cottage Dreams says
January 29, 2012 at 4:42 PMWOW!
I love your new headboard!!!
You did an amazing – AMAZING – job!!!
Thanks for the tutorial, too.
Becky
Amy says
January 29, 2012 at 4:44 PMLove it. Especially the part where you thankedyourneighbors for the shutters… Awesome. I have to try that annie sloan paint. Looks amazing.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
January 29, 2012 at 5:28 PMthat looks awesome! i really love the buttery warm color you used!
Vickie @ Ranger 911 says
January 29, 2012 at 6:00 PMI'm thinking of replacing our full-size ancient brass bed with a king and this would be perfect for a vintage looking headboard. Thanks so much for sharing your awsome idea. And the tutorial too!!
Feral Turtle says
January 29, 2012 at 6:20 PMThanks for the inspiration. I have had some old shutters forever and was waiting for the perfect use. Now I have it! Cheers.
Lucy says
January 29, 2012 at 7:28 PMLove it! I wish our town had good trash days like yours. I've been on the hunt for shutters for some time. These sure do add warmth to the room, both in texture, architecture & color.
Lesley says
January 29, 2012 at 7:46 PMOne of my favs you have ever done! Super cool! Did you change your pic on your profile?? You look completely different! I threw me for a minute. lol
Korrie@RedHenHome says
January 29, 2012 at 9:51 PMThis is just lovely! How wonderful that you were able to get those shutters for FREE!
Meg and Mum's says
January 30, 2012 at 12:08 AMIt looks gorgeous Jaime! Great work and so much better. I'd love it if you'd share this at my Saturday Splendour Party which is still open 🙂
Inspire Me Heather says
January 30, 2012 at 2:53 PMYou. Are. Amazing. Love it Jaime, the prefect amount of shabby too!
Rosemary@villabarnes says
January 31, 2012 at 10:01 PMLove the color. Nice job.
Tisha says
February 2, 2012 at 1:44 AMI have a pair of found-in-the-trash unpainted shutters, already cut in half. I've just been waiting for the right inspiration to hit me. Boom! Thank you!! Pinning, following, and hoping you'll share this great project at my linkup party going on now @ the Delectable Home.
Stephanie says
February 5, 2012 at 2:04 PMPinned it – Love it – Want one too. Thanks for posting. The directions are great abd easy to follow.
Meg says
February 8, 2012 at 1:51 PMThat looks awesome!! I love the shutter look!
Lisa - A Room with A View says
February 10, 2012 at 11:18 PMFabulous work once again..I am impressed!
Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust says
February 12, 2012 at 6:11 AMI really like seeing unconventional ways of making headboards. This looks fantastic! And thanks for showing how you hung it.
Warmly, Michelle
aimee says
February 12, 2012 at 3:42 PMwhat a beautiful idea i love it. it would be great if you get chance to link this up to my party going on now at http://twiggstudios.blogspot.com/2012/02/sunday-show-off-linky-party.html
thanks aimee xxxx
Mel says
January 9, 2014 at 7:58 PMI never even heard of a cleat but I love how it looks like its hanging in air! Great job!