DIY Beadboard Headboard

Sketch out a shape for your headboard. Beadboard works best as a sheet of material, but if you decide to make any decorative cuts, you will need to finish the cut edges with paint or trim material.

Measure the width of your bed. Take note of the height of your mattress and the height where you want the top of your headboard to be. If you have an old headboard that is your ideal size, use that as your guide.

Choose your ideal beadboard style from your local home improvement store. A professional at the store should be able to make your cuts for you per your measurements at little to no extra cost. However, be sure of your measurements because there are no refunds on cut pieces.

Prime and paint your headboard as desired. Latex paint is ideal for beadboard to give it a slightly gloss finish. Before painting your beadboard, consider sanding with a fine grit sandpaper lightly over the board surface.

Cut a piece of plywood to the same size and shape of your headboard for added stability. This is an optional step, but is ideal if you want your headboard to function with the same sturdiness of a traditional headboard. You could also use wall panel adhesive to glue your beadboard to a ready-made headboard.

Mount your beadboard to the wall. You can use mounting hardware designed to support the weight of your custom headboard. If you are attaching your beadboard to a ready-made headboard, this won't be necessary.