HEADBOARDS

[Rest your weary head.]

My son and I taking a nap in our headboard-less bed.

While the above photo isn't necessarily flattering, it does prove a point. I am in need of a headboard!

Two years ago, my family moved from Colorado to Illinois. A time in our life we now refer to as, "The Two Year Vacation", due to the fact that we only lived there for a period of two years. That was a time of picturesque postcard scenes for my family. Blue skies and mountains everyday.

 

With our decision to move back to our home in Illinois, we rented a largest moving truck we could drive ourselves - and it still wasn't large enough. The truck had to carry all of our belongings. So, in an effort to bring only the most important items, my headboard had to stay behind.

 

A curtain is a cost effective alternative to a traditional headboard.

A curtain can help center a bed on a wall
and hide unwanted architectural elements such as windows.

 

 My husband and I have discussed purchasing a new headboard, but some other expense always ends up trumping. As you can see, another main issue in our headboard discussions is what to do with the window, which is off center, above our bed. I have seen curtains used as the headboard, to help center the bed on the wall, even with un-centered windows. (see above) While this is a great idea, its doesn't really feel like "us". I do like the idea of sheer curtains framing the bed as a make-shift canopy or four poster bed, as seen in this photo:

 

Curtains hung can give the illusion of a four poster bed.

 

 

 

 

Canopies aren't really my style. I like a more industrial feel, and not so formal. After much shopping, researching and planning - I received this email from my husband yesterday:

"Send me a photo of the headboard you want. I will build it."

Aren't those the sweetest words you have ever heard? Its not even my birthday? I have inundated his email with photos. I love the idea of repurposing wood to build this headboard. Finding so many amazing photo's, I decided, why not involve "everyone in this fun process?

Clever ideas:


 

This bookshelf ( available at Ikea)
hung sideways makes a useful headboard.

Old doors and a chandelier dress up a bed.

This looks great, but I can imagine my husband bumping his head on this old mantle.

Very bohemian and ecelctic for those who sew.
(I am not one of those who sew.)

 

After much consideration, I decided we should make our "new" headboard out of old barnwood. Here a few of my favorites I am using as inspiration:

Looks like an old pallet.

 

Almost there... I like this one.

And, (drum roll, please) this is my favorite:

 

So, there you go. Hopefully within the next few weeks, this will be my new headboard. I will post photos once the project is completed.

 

- Stacey Olson, Featured Contributor

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.