There are two main reasons I love DIY headboard ideas:

1. They save you a ton of money
2. They are unique and add a ton of character to your bedroom.

When we started decorating our first home on a budget, I realized just home expensive & generic headboards could be. It was quite surprising actually. They seem so much simpler than a dining room table or dresser and yet could cost even more. The store bought options were very vanilla to me and didn’t add much interest to the room. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a number of DIY headboard ideas that I really fell in love with the ability of headboards to transform a room.

1. $70 DIY Slatted Headboard

What would you say if I told you could make this headboard that looks like it is straight out of the West Elm catalog for $70 and one hour of work? Sign me up! That is what I would say at least. And if you haven’t checked out this blog before, make sure you do because she does such amazing work. (via Vintage Revivals)

2. Live Edge DIY Headboard

This DIY headboard is feasible even for the beginner and only takes a couple hours to complete. It is simply cut out of one large piece of plywood. The end result really anchors the room, giving it a gorgeous natural backdrop. I also love the attached sconce lights. (via Classy Clutter)

3. DIY Plywood Print Headboard

If you have not done an engineer print yet, you must! No matter how many times I do it, I think I will still be amazed by how inexpensive it is. You can order these large prints at Staples like pictured above for about $5. They even have color versions now. Picking the photo to use will honestly be the toughest part of this DIY. Other than that, all you really have to do is attach it to a large sheet of plywood and then to the wall. (via The Merrythought)

4. Colorful Geometric DIY Headboard

Add a fun pop of color to your room with this DIY headboard that is really a statement piece. You will be surprised by just how easy it is to make using craft foam sheets. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

5. DIY Tapestry Headboard

Are you going for a boho chic bedroom design? This is the perfect, super simple DIY headboard idea for you. Above your bed, simply hang a tapestry or rug that you can make yourself or buy. (via Apartment Therapy)

Here is an example of a DIY hand-printed rug you can use as a headboard to recreate the look above. This one is super simple and only costs about $20. Just make sure to adjust the size depending on what type of bed you have. (via The Merry Thought for Poppytalk)

6. DIY Rustic Reclaimed Wood Headboard

Rustic DIY headboard ideas like these are beautiful and versatile. The reclaimed barn wood works perfectly with farmhouse decor, but it also works for a more minimalist look. This post also offers some great ideas on how to style your headboard. For instance, add a clothes line of photos above it, paint on your favorite quote, or string a strand of globe lights across it. (via Design Sponge)

7. Ikea Hack: DIY Headboard

This Ikea hack looks so darn expensive thanks to the use of Stikwood. Learn all about it in the tutorial. It really opens the doors for those of us who love reclaimed wood projects yet aren’t the most well versed in woodworking. I am already brainstorming what else I could make with it. (via Sugar & Cloth)

8. DIY Tufted Upholstered Headboard

I had to include this tutorial on how to make a tufted upholstered headboard because she does it so beautifully. She made her luxe-looking headboard for under $50. Quite a steal considering you can’t even find a cheap version in stores for much less than $200. So, this adds up to major savings. (via Home Made by Carmona)

9. DIY Faux Metallic Headboard

While I think this DIY gold metallic headboard is totally fabulous, it is probably best suited for a smaller twin sized bed. A king sized headboard of gold metallic sheen may be a tad too much. I adore the styling with the pink & green tropical theme that makes this bedroom feel like a vacation getaway. (via Sugar & Cloth)

10 & 11. DIY Herringbone Headboards

(via IHeart Organizing)

(via East Coast Creative Blog)

These two wooden herringbone headboards are so classic and expensive looking. I would have never guessed that they are homemade. These headboard ideas would be perfect for a bachelor pad or a rustic industrial bedroom design.

12. DIY Flower Wall Headboard

I envision this super creative & unique DIY flower wall headboard in a teen bedroom or dorm room. It is super inexpensive to make and you could have it done in less than an hour. In fact, if you had a bit more time and really wanted to cut costs, you could make your own paper flowers instead. (via Sweet Teal)

13. Paint Illusion DIY Headboard

While, at first glance, this may look like an upholstered navy headboard. In fact, it is simply a navy rectangle painted on the wall to mimic a headboard’s outline. This genius optical illusion anchors the room like a headboard, but for mere pennies. This could also be a perfect solution if a headboard is not in your budget right now or you’re planning to upgrade beds soon. (via Paper & Stitch)

14. Painted Plywood Headboard

I can totally picture this being the perfect headboard for your first college apartment. You want to make a statement and feel a bit more settled than dorm life, but it’s certainly not the right time to invest in an expensive headboard when you are a broke student and aren’t sure where you will be moving next. Make this super cheap & easy DIY headboard out of some plywood and paint on whatever design you like. (via A Bubbly Life)

15. DIY Lightbox Headboard

This DIY lightbox headboard is amazing! It is a bit more involved than some of the other options on the list, but worth it if you are up for a DIY challenge. You can enroll in their online course to watch step by step videos on just how to make it, but they do show you the supplies you’ll need for free. Considering the course is <$10, it is worth it when you consider how much you will save compared to buying it at a store. In fact, it would be tough to find anything like this unique DIY headboard. I’m already brainstorming the messages I would put up. (via Poppytalk)

16. Faux White Brick Wall Accent

While this isn’t necessarily a headboard, this accent wall serves the same purpose of anchoring the room around the bed. You’ll never guess how they make this DIY faux white brick wall that looks so realistic. Make sure to watch the video – you won’t want to miss it.

17. DIY Book Headboard

This may be the most unique and creative idea on our DIY headboard ideas list. I am a bit of a home decor blog junkie and I have honestly never seen this before. Simply buy used books at thrift stores or garage sales and you can make this quite inexpensively. This headboard will really inspire you to read at night. (via Design Everday Blog)

18. DIY Woven Headboard

This gorgeous woven headboard is actually made by placemats and rugs sewn together. You can get the exact same ones and create this brilliant idea in your own home today. Isn’t it so creative? (via Sarah Sherman Samuel)

19. Stacked Crate DIY Headboard

You don’t even need a tutorial to recreate this DIY headboard idea. It is that easy! Simply stack wooden crates behind your bead to creates this organic shelving. It not only looks amazing but also gives you tons of extra storage if you are tight on space. (via Unapizcadehogar)

20. Geometric Wood Headboard

This DIY headboard idea definitely does not look homemade. The toughest part of this project is making all the wood cuts with the miter saw. So, you will have to have some basic woodworking skills or ask a favor of a friend. Once done, assembly is a breeze and the final product is certainly worth it! (via I Spy DIY)

21. Macrame Wall Hanging DIY Headboard

Our list began and ends with gorgeous DIY headboard ideas from Vintage Revivals. Macrame wall hangings are so popular and serve as the perfect focal piece for your bedroom as a quasi-headboard. (via Vintage Revivals)

One of the most important things I took away from this list of incredibly unique DIY headboard ideas is to let go of the traditional headboard concept. Some of the best design comes from breaking the rules. Use a tapestry or old books to create a one of a kind headboard that imparts so much more character to your room.

What other types of unique DIY headboard ideas do you love?