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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Transform Your Furniture » DIY: Create Your Own Custom Headboard

DIY: Create Your Own Custom Headboard

by Lindsay Ballard on July 29, 2009 77 Comments

After tackling our living room, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom and sewing/craft room, my son Zack was feeling a little left out. “When are we going to do a craft for me, Mama?” he asked.

Who could resist that question?

I’ve been wanting to work on Zack’s room for a while. It’s very boring with the highly-functional-but-blah blonde furniture and builder’s beige walls.

Zack’s bedroom is going to undergo a big change next week while he is vacationing with his grandparents. I can’t wait to surprise him with his new digs when he returns! Until then, he’ll have to settle for a smaller change that makes a huge statement.

How to Create Your Own Custom Themed Headboard

1. I wanted to make a vintage Volkswagen Beetle themed headboard for Zack’s bed, so I found an image online that had the look I was after. Why a Beetle and not one of the cars that’s actually on his bedding? I don’t know. I just wanted to.

On the computer, my husband enlarged it to the size I wanted (the widest part of the car slightly larger than the width of Zack’s existing headboard), but it probably would have been easier to rent an overhead projector from the library and enlarge it that way. It printed out over several (like 30!) pages, so I taped them all together so that I would have one very large image.

2. I cut out the image and traced it onto a 4×4 sheet of MDF. We chose MDF because it’s easy to cut and and has a very smooth finish. We had to buy a 4×8 sheet (for around $20 at Home Depot), but they cut it ifor us so that we could get it home easily.


Yes, Zack is already excited about his car, although at this point he had no clue about what was going on.

3. Using the jigsaw, we cut out the outline so we would have a perfect car shape. Visit my guest post over at the Blah Blah Blahger to learn all about how to use a jigsaw. It’s so easy!

After cutting out the shape, my husband used his router to slightly round the edges of the car so that there wouldn’t be any sharp corners. This step is completely unnecessary, although it did give it a nice finished look. I think he just wanted an excuse to use his router.

4. Tom created a “slipcover” of sorts so that the new headboard would just fit on top of the existing headboard. He took the measurements of the boring headboard and basically made a slightly larger little box out of MDF and screwed it to the back of the car. This will allow us to add the new headboard without damaging the old headboard.

If you don’t already have a headboard, you can just screw the new headboard to your wall once it is finished.

5. Next, I primed the car and drew in the details, such as the headlights, bumper, windshield, etc. I was originally going to get very detailed with the, um, details, but when I realied how long that was going to take, I decided to take it simple. I used my super fantastic newspaper tracing trick and it took no time at all.

6. Using the basic acrylic paint that sells for under a dollar a bottle at the craft store, I painted the car with foam brushes and small bristled artist brushes. I was able to do the entire thing with four bottles of paint – bright blue, white, black, and red. I mixed the colors in little disposable plastic bowls to form the different shades I wanted to use.

I also had the most adorable dog in the world assist me. Look how mistreated he is. He just wanted to play ball, but mean ‘ole Mama was busy painting. Everyone say ‘Hi’ to Duke!

When painting, I started with the lightest color and worked out to the darkest color. That way, I wasn’t so worried about having one color bleed through another if they overlapped a bit (I am so bad at painting inside the lines). I did two coats of each color before I moved on to the next color.

The double coat fully covered the pencil markings left over from tracing out the detailing.

7. The next part is where I got REALLY nervous. I outlined each of the details I painted with a black permanent marker, which was pretty simple. But then, I had to freehand all of the other details, such as the lines on the hood. I drew them with a pencil before I used the marker, and I learned that I could use a white eraser to erase any stray pencil lines without messing up the paint. Score!

8. I touched up the paint on the areas where the black marker outline didn’t cover up stray paint marks, added some highlighting to the headlights, and again used my newspaper tracing method to add Zack’s name to the license plate.

9. Next, I used wipe-on poly to protect the car from my three-year-old. I was worried the marker would smear when I wiped the poly on it, so I tested it on the back. Yep, I was right. So, I sprayed a clear acrylic sealer I had on hand and let it dry first before I used the poly. It made all the difference. I used two coats of poly and let it dry for about 36 hours before we brought it inside.

10. Now, all that was left to do was to just slide it on Zack’s existing headboard!

Remember the before?

Well, here’s the after!

I love that you can’t see his license plate until we take off the pillows and he climbs into bed. He always says, “Look, Mom! It’s my Z-A-C-K!”

What do you think? Do you think your little one would like a bed like this? I think mine does.

Brainstorm about all of the adorable shapes you could use to make your own custom headboard – butterfly, princess tiara, soccer ball, baseball cap…the ideas are endless. This is such a simple project, but it creates so much fun in a little one’s room.

Do you think you’ll try this at home?

I’ve added this post to Kimba’s DIY Day over at A Soft Place to Land. Head on over to her site to see some wonderful DIY projects!

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

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Comments

  1. The Blushing Hostess says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:39 am

    A great idea which I will not attempt! The local ER will thank me…

    Reply
  2. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    July 29, 2009 at 7:38 am

    A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!!! I love how you left in all the little details on the car. 🙂 I laughed about your husband and the router, b/c my hubby is the same way! He loves an excuse to use his tools. That is a wonderful head board, and I bet it's even more special b/c you made it instead of spending $$$ at a store. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Emily@remodelingthislife says

    July 29, 2009 at 7:44 am

    Great job, Lindsay!! It's awesome. My son wants a car bed now 🙂

    Reply
  4. Kimm at Reinvented says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:11 am

    Unfortunately, my kids are too old for such a freakin' adorable headboard. great job!

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:40 am

    This is wonderful idea Lindsay! I have been thinking of something to do for my deal son. But I think my search is over! Will show you my results when done.

    Thanks for sharing! Brilliant

    Sarah

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:50 am

    great job! I LOVE it! I did some Winnie the Pooh characters for Walker's nursery a few years back using a very similar technique, so your post brought back many memories!
    hope Zach will LOVE it!

    jodi@back40life

    Reply
  7. Amanda-TheEckLife says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:54 am

    that is the cutest idea EVER!!! you did an amazing job! your such a good mom.

    Reply
  8. Empty Nest Full Life says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:00 am

    Wow! You do such a terrific job!!!!! I know he must love that custom headboard. Now if you have time I would love to hear some of your wonderful ideas for my desperate kitchen. Jackie

    Reply
  9. Jo - To a Pretty Life says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:11 am

    Oh, that is adorable! Perfect for your little guy's room!

    Reply
  10. michelle@somedaycrafts says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:15 am

    Your son is so lucky to have a mom like you that does amazing things like creating a VW bug headboard!!! Darling!

    Reply
  11. Songbirdtiff says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:28 am

    This is awesome! Makes me want to adopt about JUST so that I can do this. (is that wrong motivation?) 🙂

    Reply
  12. The Summer Kitchen Girls says

    July 29, 2009 at 9:36 am

    What a darling idea~~love the blue color too!

    Reply
  13. Princess Ang-hamin says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:35 am

    So honkin' cute! I've been planning a car/truck theme remodel in my son's room, so we'll just have to use this idea!

    Reply
  14. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:40 am

    You're a jack of all trades…great at Statistics and great at DIY. : )

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Lindsay, that is adorable. My "little guy" is now 28 y/o and bet he wouldn't appreciate it nearly as much as Zack does. I had an idea too…if I would/could/should make one, I'd use those stick-on touch lights ( http://bit.ly/k85dY) to make the headlights really light up. Oh, I wanna make one :-). Love this idea and you did a great job.

    Reply
  16. Just Beachy says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:36 am

    That is so adorable .
    No boy here so no won't be making one for us , but you have one lucky boy there ,
    Chris
    Just Beachy

    Reply
  17. Vanessa says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:47 am

    What an awesome job!! Simply love it!! Amazing! Great job!

    Reply
  18. arkie says

    July 29, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    That is so cute! What a lucky little boy!

    Reply
  19. Tins and Treasures says

    July 29, 2009 at 7:24 am

    That did turn out very cute. No little ones here, but if my girls were little, they'd definately have a tiara to sleep under! Happy Hump Day ~Natalie

    Reply
  20. Centsational Girl says

    July 29, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    Lindsay, you are crazy creative ! I am so smitten with your headboard….especially since I have a three year old boy OBSESSED with anything with wheels. Vrooooom Vroooom. I think this would be a fabulous art statement on a boy's wall, even if it wasn't such a handy headboard. You're brilliant !

    Reply
  21. Jessica says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:29 am

    So cute! My son has the same car pillow from Target! 😀

    Reply
  22. Mandi @ Finding Home says

    July 29, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    This is fabulous!! You are one cool mamma. I bet he's gonna love his new makeover. Can't wait to see it!

    Reply
  23. Empty Nest Full Life says

    July 29, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    Thanks for your input. Do you think the painted cabinets would be OK with the rest of the trim stained? All of my woodwork is stained all over my house. The room adjoining is guacamole green, very bright, but I love it. The dining room is ajou pear( sherwin williams)I am planning on a dark countertop that is laminate with a granite look. My daughter has them in her house with beveled edges, and she has had several people mistake it for granite when they first saw it. That is what I would like. I may go with a buttery color, and definitely changing the hinges and hardware. This project will probably be slow go, but am looking forward to some changes. I would love any other suggestions that you have. You have some amazing projects and I am inspired by all of your creativity. I am trying to get a little back over here. Thanks for all your help. Jackie

    Reply
  24. Victoria@WhimsybyVictoria says

    July 29, 2009 at 8:47 am

    So fun! Love it! My boys would definitely want a headboard like this for their beds. Very creative.

    Hugs,
    ~Victoria~

    Reply
  25. Reese says

    July 29, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    Totally cute!
    I'm impressed!!

    Reply
  26. Dream Mom says

    July 29, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    Wow, that turned out great! Loved the colors and the license plate!

    Reply
  27. Sarah@Neoteric.Traditional says

    July 29, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    Wonderful!

    Reply
  28. Heather says

    July 29, 2009 at 11:04 am

    Love it!!! What a darling little boy and what a great bed!!!

    Reply
  29. Gwen says

    July 29, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    I have been waiting to see this! It is so cute and you did such a great job. Beep Beep!

    Reply
  30. lupismore says

    July 29, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    that is soooo cute!, great job! you're super talented

    Reply
  31. Kara@ Creations by Kara says

    July 29, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    That is just the coolest! Looks like it was lots of work, but from that last photo, I'd say it was all worth it. So cute!

    Reply
  32. Pam says

    July 29, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    OK – that totally rocks. I am a little curious about one thing, though. How did your hubby blow up the car on the computer and get it to print out on 30 different sheets perfectly? That's the part that would keep me from trying it.

    Reply
  33. Richella says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    No way! I can't believe you did this! This is awesome.

    Prepare yourself–I have a feeling you've got some linky features coming up. You're going to get a lot of traffic with this. GREAT JOB!!!

    Reply
  34. Aura says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    That is the cutest thing!!! You could make so many different designs, too.

    Reply
  35. Jenn-It'sSewSweet says

    July 29, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    LOVE it! Can't wait to see the room when it's all finished!

    Reply
  36. Rachel@oneprettything.com says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    WOW! That is fantastic! What a lucky boy, this is just wonderful! I'll be linking.

    Reply
  37. Gayla says

    July 29, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    HO. LEE. COW. you have really outdone yourself here, or at least outdone me! lol. i am so impressed with not only your skill but your patience in completing all those steps to get your end result! what a cutie zack is, too!

    -Gayla

    Reply
  38. Rebekah says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:18 pm

    That is so stinkin' cute! Great work, Lindsay!

    Reply
  39. Cynnamama's Cafe says

    July 29, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    It is so adorable!! You did an awesome job… now your son has probably wants to go to bed or naps more often! ha!

    Reply
  40. Its So Very Cheri says

    July 29, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    That came out really good.

    I am starting a NEW Mr. Linky party. It will begin on Aug 10th so everyone will have a week and a half to think about their first post. I have a poll up for votes on which button should be the new button. The "party" is called The Knock Off Knock Out-where THRIFTY meets creative sensation. Go over and learn more about the new weekly event and I would appreciate if you would cast your vote and HELP pick the new button design and its the last week for the July GIVE-A-Way, if you would like to be a part of that event..
    Cheri

    Reply
  41. Linds@ THAT'S SO CUEGLY says

    July 29, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    WOW! Great job Linds!

    Reply
  42. Anny says

    July 30, 2009 at 10:03 am

    This is adorable! I can't believe how well it turned out – you couldn't have purchased a nicer headboard! I can't wait to see the rest of the room 🙂

    Reply
  43. My Three Girls (The A girls) says

    July 30, 2009 at 9:37 am

    that was super cute!!! great idea.

    Reply
  44. Nancy says

    July 30, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    This is darling and what a great job you did!! You should put real lights where the headlights are 🙂

    Reply
  45. Jennifer Rizzo says

    July 30, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    Very cute! It looks great!

    Reply
  46. Sarah says

    July 30, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    WOW, I'm super impressed. You did a fabulous job AND made it look easy! God's blessings, Sarah 😀

    Reply
  47. jackie says

    July 30, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    That looks great!! My 18 month old has the same bedding, your giving me ideas!

    Reply
  48. Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says

    July 30, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    Oh this is adorable!!! Love it!! I bet he is just in heaven!

    Reply
  49. Lisa says

    July 30, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    Completely fantastic!

    Reply
  50. Becky says

    July 30, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    Amazing! You are a COOL mama! I can imagine that he is just so thrilled.

    Reply
  51. Stacey says

    July 30, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    Lindsey, that is amazing! He is so proud of his new headboard. You should be very proud too. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Julie says

    July 30, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    WOW now that is pure talent!!!

    Reply
  53. Cheryl says

    July 31, 2009 at 10:05 am

    Popped over from Kimba's. You totally rock! That is a cool headboard and I can tell by your son's face he loves it too! Thanks for sharing how you made it. My kids are a lot older, but this will be a great idea to use when I have grandkids someday.

    Reply
  54. designdazzle.blogspot.com says

    July 31, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    found you via my favorite "one pretty thing". i'm featuring your bed. You are one clever gal!! Love it.

    Reply
  55. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    July 31, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    Well done~ this is great! I am visiting via ASPTL.
    Please drop by and enter my giveaway.

    Have a blessed weekend!

    Reply
  56. kirwin @ graceful creative says

    July 31, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    This is so cute! I've got to ask: Does your husband roll his eyes at your projects, or is he used to it by now? Because mine used to roll his eyes…now he just gives a little smile, because he knows there's no stopping me. Once I get an idea into my head…here we go!!

    Reply
  57. jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas says

    July 31, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    Waaaay cool! Great job! I have my little guy's headboard on my "to do" list … this is encouraging me to get at it!!

    Reply
  58. Alisha says

    July 31, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    SUPER CUTE!

    Reply
  59. Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says

    July 31, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    That is soooo cute! Great job. You're awesome. Someday I want to utilize power tools in my crafting! I'm sure my husband would be stoked. My 3 year-old would LOVE a headboard like that (as would my 18 month-old, come to think of it). Thanks for sharing your how-to wisdom!

    Love, Heather

    Reply
  60. Nikki says

    July 31, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    Great Job! I think any little boy would love this.

    Reply
  61. Christa says

    August 1, 2009 at 8:51 am

    So cute! I am impressed by your creativity!

    Reply
  62. Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says

    August 1, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    You did an incredible job with this headboard! Love that it's a classic VW instead of a generic car 🙂

    Reply
  63. Christina says

    August 2, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    truly fantanstic!! oh my, I'm sure your son is just thrilled.

    Reply
  64. Sturgmom says

    August 2, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    You made that look WAAAAAYYY too easy!

    Reply
  65. Amber says

    August 3, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the headboard! I have been talking to my husband for weeks about doing something like this for our 2 year old. I saw you post on Design Dazzle Friday and was like OMG this is it!! Thanks for the breakdown of how you did this, makes it easier than just trying to do it in my head!

    Reply
  66. Brittany at Mommy Words says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    WOW! That is awesome! I am alread thinkong of what to make for my daughter's/ What a fab idea! Smarty pants!

    Reply
  67. celebi74 says

    August 4, 2009 at 5:25 am

    You are great
    but a child can be so happy
    your health
    I think the figures may be used in other
    Bye

    Reply
  68. kari says

    August 4, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    WOW what a cute headboard! Ok now I am changing my mind for my son's big boy bed! no plastic toddler bed here… "honey go get your saw" I have a project 🙂
    By the way,where did you get the bedding for his bed?
    Thanks
    Kari

    Reply
  69. Cindy says

    August 11, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    Wow! That looks great! What a crafty one you are!

    Reply
  70. Mary says

    April 26, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    So, I’m trying to figure out my daughter’s headboards. How did your husband enlarge the picture exactly??

    Love the car idea! Wish I had a boy to do it for! 🙂

    Reply
  71. OliviaKI says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    I’ve just found this site holdenhistory.com, could I just borrow the technical
    articles from the site or do I need some kind of permission?. I’m writing a project for school.

    Olivia

    Reply
  72. Sandy says

    June 1, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    Love this Car themed bed Headboard sooo cool !

    Reply
  73. Kate says

    June 2, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Is it ok for children to breathe in MDF all night? Foam brushes? Acrylic paint? Not sure this is healthy. Sorry, just wondering.

    Reply
  74. sheila justice says

    June 2, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    I think my “HUSBAND” would love this… he used to refinish vw’s and take them to car shows…lol

    Reply
  75. Susan kidder says

    June 2, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Really cute, but might have been easier to just paint it on the wall!

    Reply

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About Makely

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.


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