Hang an old window behind your bed in place of a traditional headboard.
The space behind your bed can express your personality, as well as enhance the look and feel of your bedroom. Alternatives to traditional headboards range from old architectural elements to sleek, modern storage designs. Create a focal point for your bedroom with character and individuality. Does this Spark an idea?
Windows with a View
Find an old window or windows at a flea market or architectural salvage yard, and use it to create an nontraditional headboard for your shabby chic, eclectic, country or French country style bedroom. Remove the old paint from the stiles and frame, if you like, and refinish the wood with a fresh coat of latex or acrylic paint. Tape a design template onto the window panes to make the view; trace the design, and fill in with acrylics. You can also create a custom view with vinyl wall art or photographs. Attach the images to the window panes, and hang the window behind your bed so that the images create the view. Hang the window so that the bottom of the frame is above your head position if you sit up in bed. Make sure that the window is secure to the wall by attaching the hangers to a wall stud. If you are concerned about sleeping beneath a window with glass panes, cut out the glass panes with a glass cutter and remove them. Insert photos in place of the panes; glue the edges to the back side of the widow stiles. You can also tape the photos to the wall so that the open panes surround them like a frame.
Doors and Gates
An old wooden door or a wrought iron fence gate also work as an alternative to traditional headboards. Search architectural salvage yards or new garden supply shops to find an old wooden door with character or a wrought iron fence gate that fits your design style. Refinish the old wooden door with stain or paint, as desired, then hang it above your bed. To refinish a wrought iron gate, remove any rusty areas with a wire brush, then clean and dry the metal. Metal spray paint works well to coat the wrought iron design. Always insert the hangers into at least one wall stud to secure the heavy door or fence gate to the wall.
Metal Tiled Headboards
Create a distinctive headboard design using decorative copper or tin tiles. Copper and tin tiles are available in home improvement stores and from online retailers in a wide variety of designs and several sizes. Cover the front of a 1/4-inch thick section of plywood, a framed canvas or a foam core board with the tiles to create your headboard. Glue the tiles to the substrate with construction adhesive. Let the adhesive dry for at least 24 hours before hanging the headboard.
Decorative Shelving
Accent the space behind your bed with staggered shelving filled with decorative accessories. Stack the shelves as high as you like to create a focal point in your bedroom. Alter the widths and design of the shelving to create an eclectic look, or use uniform shelves to make a more traditional headboard design. Decorate the shelves with colorful glass bottles, vases filled with flowers, books, pictures and other personal accessories. Attach the decorations to the shelves with removable interlocking strips for security.
Tags: behind your, wrought iron, fence gate, wooden door, your bedroom, above your
