How to Change Your Headboard

Paint or stain the headboard a different color. Sand the headboard first with fine- to medium-grade sandpaper and clean away all of the dust with a rag to get a smooth coat of paint. If you prefer an aged look, use a crackle medium on the paint to make it look antiqued.

Stencil a design onto the headboard with one large image in the middle or a smaller border along the edges of the headboard. Adhere the stencil to the headboard using masking tape to keep it in place. Use small, even bursts of spray paint or use a sponge to dab liquid paint over the stencil design. Avoid using large amounts of paint that can seep under the stencil. Remove the stencil when the paint is nearly dry.

Screw off knobs or other decorative pieces if the headboard has removable pieces on it. Cut off decorative knobs or curved edges on a wooden headboard with a saw to give it a new profile if you cannot screw them off. Draw a line as a guide using a level to ensure it is straight before cutting off the section. Sand down the cut edges before painting it.

Add detail to a plain headboard using trim or wood finials, which are ornamental wooden pieces that often go on the top of a post. Nail the finials to the tops of the headboard posts. Attach decorative trim such as crown molding along the top edge of the headboard using finishing nails so they don't leave large holes.

Reupholster your headboard with a new color or pattern fabric if it has an upholstered panel on it. Pull out the staples from the back of the headboard and remove the old fabric. Lay the new fabric on the floor with the right side of the fabric facing down so you are able to lay the headboard on top of it. Pull the fabric tightly without shifting it to the back of the headboard, stapling it in place. Work around the headboard, pulling the fabric tight each time to staple it securely.

Drape fabric down onto the headboard. If you have a four poster bed, drape the fabric between the four poles of the bed. Use flowing fabrics like silk, sheer fabric, lacy material or tulle.