I often get asked, how do you pick out things at a thrift store? What do you look for? or What would you do with this? So I decided to start a little series, sharing second hand finds and how I would transform them into something that I’d LOVE to have in my home!
Look at this headboard!? Sure it’s dingy and the brown painted frame looks a little cheap, but new fabric, and paint would make this look like a million bucks!
Headboards are pricey.. DIYing headboards can also be pricey (typically at least $100-$200) due to the amount of supplies (wood, foam, batting, fabric, etc) needed. Finding a headboard that needs a little work is a great way to cut costs and time!!
To get started, I’d remove the fabric panel and foam (I’d probably replace the foam – look for a 50% off foam sale at Joanns (last time I was also able to stack a 20% off regular and sale items too!) or use a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby, or purchase an egg crate and use the smooth side up)
Reupholster the panel in something like this
or this
Or go classic with a solid linen and nailhead trim around the edge, like this bed from Restoration Hardware.
Sand the frame and prime the frame with a durable primer, such as Zinsser Cover Stain or Kilz Bonding Primer. Finish with a top coat of durable paint, such as Sherwin Williams Pro Classic.
Reattach the panel and you’re done! This project could easily be done in a day with limited supplies – upholstery stapler, scissors and paint brush/paint are all that you’d need! Depending on fabric choice, this project would most likely be complete for under $100!
p.s. anyone local to Knoxville, TN, as of today, headboard still available at Karm thrift store on Kingston pike! $50 for a king!
If you’d like to know what I’d do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week!
Sarah Just The Bee's Knees says
Great series Sarah!! LOVE the dark wood/malachite combo!
Lil says
I'm going to like this new segment!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Love these ideas, great headboard.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
great idea for a series! i love the second option- so fun!
Lily L-M says
These are AMAZING ideas! that marblized look is so chic and the idea of nailhead trim is a classic. Can't wait to see more in this series!
x Lily
whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com
Brenda says
Great idea for a series.
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
Your second headboard mock up was my favorite. Would that be an amazing show stopper in a room or what?!
Carrie @ Cosy Carolina Interiors says
I love this new series! The agate graphic is my favorite. I'm such a reluctant painter, I really appreciate the tips on painting. 🙂
pam {simple details} says
What a fun idea Sarah! Great headboard inspiration!
Leslie Stewart says
Beautiful ideas! But then…all your ideas are beautiful!
Leslie
House on the Way
Sarah Truman says
I'm a new follower to your blog & didn't realize that you're in the Knoxville area! I am too! Hubbs & I are in the middle of our master bedroom redo & desperately need a headboard!! Where is the Karm on Kingston Pk?? I'm out that way all the time but haven't seen a Karm!! TIA!
beautifulhealer says
I love this new WWSD post! That first option looks right up my alley. Too bad I already have a (dark and dreary) bed frame.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
That could be almost a dead ringer for that RH bed with new fabric and nailheads. Gosh, I love upholstery… 🙂
Julia Konya says
OMG what a great piece. The price is awesome and your ideas are the best