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I’m thrilled to showcase the wooden headboard I made for our king-size bed. Our new DIY Headboard is made from three square, wood, decorative wall panels. This headboard DIY project is easy-to-complete, can be installed in less than an hour, and it’s budget-friendly!
UPDATE: This headboard was originally created almost three years ago and it still looks as good as the day it was installed. It’s held up over these years and there is no intention of changing it. If you’re looking for a DIY headboard update, I highly recommend giving this idea a whirl. I’ve updated this post with additional options for hanging and ideas on where to find wall panels like the ones I used.
A little backstory:
A few years ago we updated our boring metal bed platform to a beautiful Pottery Barn storage bed. We decided not to purchase the coordinating PB headboard because we didn’t like the look, especially for the price. So we lived without a headboard in our master bedroom for quite a while. After recently updating our nightstands and matching dresser (both from Wayfair here and here), I had a strong desire to complete the look of our master bedroom with a stylish headboard.
The hunt for the perfect headboard to pair with our bed and style began. After passing on hundreds of headboards and feeling like I was running out of options. During a routine Target run, I stumbled on some square lattice wall hangings. The instant ah-ha moment ended with three panels in my cart.
How to Make this DIY Headboard. It’s Easy!
You can make yourself a DIY Headboard out of just about any decorative wall panels. Take a few measurements and attach the panels to the wall at the head of the bed. Here are the steps taken to create our king size DIY Headboard.
Measuring for a DIY Headboard
Take measurements of the width of your bed or bed platform before purchasing panels to ensure you get a fit you like. Don’t feel like measuring, here’s a handy chart of standard bed dimensions. Measure the approximate desired height of your new headboard. Make sure to take into consideration the height of the pillows on the bed. The panels used for this headboard were nearly a perfect width match to the bed.
Where to Find Wood Panels for this DIY Headboard
You can find these just about anywhere in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Some great places to look are Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, or Target. I’ve also seen them at Home Good, Michaels, JoAnn, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s, and World Market. A quick google search for “lattice wall panel“, “wood screen insert”, or “decorative wall panel” will give you millions of results. While I used three square panels, there are many decorative wall panels that could work for this DIY headboard project.
Materials & Tools
- decorative wall panels (amount depends on the measurements to fit the width of the bed and desired height of the headboard. I used three 25″ square panels)
- screws * (may come with the panels)
- sheetrock screw anchors (if needed, these may come with the panels)
- painter’s tape
- level
- pencil
- measuring tape
- drill/drill bit
*Optionally, you could use Command Hanging Strips. In hindsight, I would have preferred to use these as it would be easier to get the panels level. Go with the heavy-duty version and use several strips. I used hanging strips to hang my son’s giant ruler.
DIY Giant Ruler Growth Chart
Kids love getting measured! And parents love documenting how much kids grow. Make this easy growth chart ruler with just a piece of wood.
Hanging the Wall Panels for the Headboard
On the back of one of the wall panels place a piece of painter’s tape horizontally to align with the hangers. Make marks on the tape to indicate the center of the hangers where the screws will hang. Make another mark in the center between the two screws. Set aside.
Find where the center of the headboard should be centered at the head of the bed on the wall. Place a vertical piece of painter’s tape at the center to use as a guide.
Carefully, remove the previously marked taped from the back of the wall panel and place it onto the wall where the panel should hang. Take into consideration the height of the panel. Use a level to ensure the tape is level. This is the guide for the center panel.
Drill holes into the wall where you marked on the tape. If your panels are not hanging on studs, add drywall anchors first, then install the screws. If you’re drilling into studs you do not need to use anchors.
Hang your first panel on the screws. Make any adjustments if needed.
Repeat the same steps as above with the remaining panels, making sure to take into consideration the space (or lack of) between each of the panels. I lined these panels right next to each other.
I was able to slightly nudge my panels to get each of them perfectly level to one another.
DIY Hanging Light
See how you can turn pendant light globes into a gorgeous hanging triple pendant light.
The way this DIY headboard turned out is very satisfying. Having the headboard gives our master bedroom a more mature look, and brought the island vibes of the room together.
Would you make your own DIY headboard? Leave a comment below.
Great idea! I’m trying to figure out headboard ideas right now and I love this! And thanks for the tip about using the tape to mark where you’d drill on the wall. I had no idea how to do that! Brilliant!
Thanks! I really love it too :) Yep, that blue tape comes in handy in so many ways.
Your headboard idea is terrific!!! The results look great! I am excited to try to duplicate it for my bedroom! Thanks for the idea AND the detailed instructions for hanging the panels! Excellent!
Linda, I’m so glad you like it. Send pics of your headboard :)
I love this idea! I need a head board and can’t wait to try this thank you!
Awesome! I would love to see how yours turns out. Send pics :)
Where do you get those panels?
These particular panels were from Target. Search “decorative wood wall panel” or “lattice wall panel” and you’ll find a ton of options.
Awesome like your idea I will try in my daughter’s room inshallah
Hi. I love this idea. Quick question – do you lean against yours, like for reading or watching tv with the pillows propped up against the headboard?
Thank you.
Hi Gerri – Not a lot, but I have. I’m guessing you’re wondering if it will hold up to some weight?
We just hung ours but they seem to easily get knocked off the wall. It’s usually because our youngest comes into our room in the middle of the night. He’s a wild sleeper and hits them in his sleep. Do you have any suggestions on keeping them on the wall better?
Hi Sara – What method did you use to hang them? Screws/mails or command strips? I would say a combination of both might do the trick. Or can they be screwed directly to the wall? I’d love to see pics!
I have needed a head board for four years and I love this idea. Thank you
Ha! I know that. We didn’t have one for years, and I finally wanted to feel like a grown-up. This is a great, customizable option for much less than buying a headboard. :)
Are these panels still available from Target?
Hi Donna – I don’t see these exact panels from Target. I’ve had some people show me their headboard made with these panels from Target. There are other similar panels at Walmart and Lowe’s. Or try a google search for “wood lattice panel”, “square wood screen”, or “wood screen insert.” Hope that helps you find some panels you love. :)
Hello. Beautifully done! So the bed just is up against the wall and not anchored or attached to anything? Thx!
Thanks Jean – Yes, this bed is just up to the wall.
Love the idea. I may actually mount the panels to a solid wood panel that would go from floor to the top of the headboard, to avoid the bed from pushing away from the wall and give it something to attach the bed frame to. I think it will make the headboard look more substantial. Thanks for sharing.
What a great addition! Would love to see how yours turns out. :)
Ditto on the exhaustive search for a king headboard! Found 6 panels (2 per pack) TODAY at Big Lots. Hanging horizontally and stacked 2 tall. What a coincidence! Love yours. Great hanging suggestions.
Nice score! I would love to see how it turns out. :) Send pics!
This brilliant . Got to make this thank you
I have 4 panels and want to make a headboard out of them. The bed sits in front of a window so I am trying to figure out how to attach them to each other and sit up high enough that it covers most of the window.( The panels are carved wood mandala like pieces.)Our bed is a king sized Ikea, low sitting with storage drawers on the sides. Right now the bedside tables are kind of in the way when we open one of the drawers so I am trying to figure out how to incorporate some sort of side stand that sits above where the storage drawers open up. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated. I’m sure we’ll figure it out, but if you have suggestions…anyone? ~ Thank you
Hi Jennifer! This sounds like a fun project. We also have a king-sized storage bed. I think I can picture was you’re saying. So you’re panels extend past the sides right? My first thought is to attach floating shelves as your nightstands. I know there are some with drawers if you want that too. You can send me pics if you need someone to brainstorm ideas.
Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks!