I received an email from a reader about my column that ran May 16 entitled Unique ideas for unusual spaces. The column was about finding solutions for decorating atypical rooms such as an attic bedroom with angled walls.
One suggestion I had made in that column was to opt for a low-profile headboard to fit against a short wall. The reader who emailed me was asking where she could find a low-profile headboard. I just assumed readers would know you'd probably have to create your own headboard to suit this unique situation or purchase a platform bed. I guess I need to realize not everyone has the wherewithal to tackle such a task. I told my reader to stay tuned to today's column, as I would elaborate on my 'simple' headboard suggestion.
A headboard can be made from many wonderful things. In order to make a low-profile headboard, you just have to cut things down to size, literally, or find items that fit the bill. One idea I've always liked is to use an old wooden, raised panel door as a headboard. The width of the door is perfect for a low-profile headboard. Leave the hardware on for added interest. Leave the door distressed or paint it in a fresh colour to brighten up the space. A unique headboard like this would fit the unusual style of a loft or attic space.
Louvered doors can be another option when placed horizontally at the head of the bed. Paint them in a distressed finish or leave them plain wood, whichever suits your style.
You'll have to brace the backs of these doors so they don't fold up on you. For either a regular door or a louvered door you'll have to add legs if you want to attach it to the bed frame. Simple 2 X 4 wood stock pieces will suffice. You also have the option of hanging either door right onto the wall at the head of the bed using brackets. You can adjust the height of the headboard by where you hang it on the wall.
For a softer headboard, consider using large, box cushions for the headboard. Suspend them from a sturdy, decorative drapery rod installed at the appropriate height. Sew ties to the cushions so they can be easily attached to the rod. Large floor cushions might be a good option. Large chair seat cushions might work as well and come with ties already attached. Even a body pillow could work in the right size. You can slipcover it with great fabric and change your look on a whim. A washable cover is handy as well.
Fake a headboard by using wallpaper, a mural or wall decals (you can find headboard-shaped decals online) on the wall behind the head of the bed. You could also use a splash of paint in an appropriate-sized rectangle in the same manner. Vivid colour will add some drama to the head of the bed. Take this idea another step by painting a pattern onto the wall like wide horizontal stripes or a checkerboard, for example.
In the past I've made my own headboard from plywood covered in batting and fabric. It sat directly on the floor and was just tucked between the bed and the wall. Some fabric, batting and a hot glue gun is all you need. Easy-peasy.
A rectangular piece of mirror could be hung on the wall to use as a headboard. Whether it's framed or not, it will add dimension to the room.
Glue or hang a piece of great fabric behind the bed as a headboard. Use the colours in the fabric as a jumping-off point for the rest of the room. A vintage quilt might fit the bill as well.
Your current headboard might be able to be cut down to fit a low-profile wall. You might be able to simply remove or cut the legs off and rest the headboard on the floor. Consider painting the newly cut piece in a fresh, new colour to mix things up a bit.
Install an appropriately-sized floating shelf (or set of shelves) on the wall at the head of the bed to act as a unique headboard. Fill the shelves with great accessories to create some drama.
If you need more ideas, simply do an Internet search on headboard ideas and you'll find an array of great photos for inspiration.
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