'How to Headboard on a Shoe String Budget'

Revamping your bedroom décor does not necessarily require a budget of gargantuan proportions. All it takes is a little bit of ingenuity and materials that you can find readily: a curtain rod and set of blackout curtains or coverlet – to create a dramatic headboard (example above).

Whether you are looking to buy a new headboard for your bed, or to draw some attention to your existing headboard and bed, this how-to project is quick, inexpensive and easy-to-follow.

Here’s what you will need:

- Coverlet, a set of blackout curtains, or fabric that measures at least 4 inches wider than the bed on either side.

- Curtain rod kit

- Pencil for marking

- Screwdriver and/or drill

1. To find the perfect height: The headboard can measure anywhere from to 3 to 6 feet in height. Remember that you do not want to have your headboard touching the ceiling, especially if your ceiling is not too high. Starting from the bottom of your mattress, measure your desired height and mark the walls on either side with a pencil.

2. Center the curtain rod over the bed where you have placed your markings. Make any extra markings that you might need in order to attach the brackets.

3. Attach the brackets to the wall and then the curtain rod.

4. Once the curtain rod is securely in place, drape your blackout curtain over the rod and pull it to straighten.

5. Tip: To add weight to the bottom and keep the fabric even and flat, attach weights to the bottom of the hem of the curtain. The small weights will give the curtain more of an appearance of a drape and less the appearance of a curtain without a window. If the curtain drapes too low, use some fabric tape to shorten the bottom.

6. All that’s left now is to fluff up those pillow, to lie back and relax!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of Womansday.com

'How To Make Your Own Headboard'

Give your bed a facelift by creating a headboard out of a favorite fabric, print or paint color. The move not only adds instant style to a bedroom, but diverts focus to the bed. For smaller rooms, a headboard gives the illusion of depth. Read on to see how to accomplish this quick and easy project:

Option 1

Frame your bed by tacking molding that measures 12 inches from the width of the mattress and extends 3 feet above the mattress. Before attaching, paint the molding pieces and the wall. To give the impression that the bed is resting in a cozy alcove, opt for paint colors in the molding that contrast with the bedroom décor. Try neutrals like beige or taupe inside the frame for a touch of warmth. Make sure to use finishing nails.

Option 2

You’ve seen mosquito netting. How about using a luxurious silk or chiffon fabric in a rich purple or crimson hue? The backdrop especially adds height to a room with low ceilings.

Mount hooks to your wall, measuring about 4 feet above your bed and 3 feet apart. Loop a cord around each hook, letting at least 6 inches hangs on each side. Drape 2 yards of fabric over the cord. If buying unfinished fabric and are a novice at sewing, not to worry. Sewing tape (also known as stitch witchery) finishes the edges with the help of an iron. Loop a decorative tassel around both hooks to complete the look.

Option 3

You don’t need to be an artist to create your own wall art. Pick a print fabric that lights up the room, try anything from a paisley to a geometric pattern. Then, secure the fabric onto two canvases by using a staple gun. To give the impression of a headboard, hang the canvasses vertically about 4 feet above the mattress and with at least 3 inches of space between them. The result is an eye-catching, 3-dimensional look to an area that was one flat and uninspiring.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of roomdecoratingideas.net