Twin Headboards Makeover....Daybed

 

 These headboards were snatched up for $5 each at a garage sale.

POTENTIAL

Paint or stain would remedy the worn finish, but it was the indented panel design that gave this find added value. Fitted with easy-to-make fabric panel insets, the headboards could achieve a dressy, custom look.

PURPOSE

Rather than use the headboards as they were intended, we imagined them as end supports for a custom-made daybed--perfect for a guest room or den. Propped up against a garage door, the twin headboards were begging to be saved.   They knew that a fresh coat of paint would make them well worth the $10 investment. But why stop there? The fun of any makeover is giving something a brand-new look--and new life!

 

 

Paint  STEP 1:

We applied the Country Living Artisans Collection of decorative finishes to create the green distressed finish on the headboards and side rails.

 

Fabric

STEP 2:
Using foam core, batting, fabric, and gaffer's tape,  the panel inserts were assembled. Command adhesives from 3M made it quick and easy to affix the panels to the headboards.

 

 

Stylish Trims

STEP 3:
For a decorative touch, we framed the fabric panels with a border of ribbon and braid. T-pins held trims in place for hot gluing.

 

 

 

Completed Project

FINISH
We  took on the first weekend's work, having a local woodworker construct the framing for the daybed before we began the finishing process. By using a textured base coat and toner, you can give any piece of furniture a distressed, aged look.

SIDE RAILS
Side rails made of 1" x 8" pine and slat supports for the mattress were all that was needed to make the daybed structurally sound. By adding decorative routing along the top and bottom of the rails, the woodworker gave the bed a more finished look.

PATTERN
Don't be afraid to mix patterns. We chose the Zarafa toile wallpaper from Brunschwig & Fils and the mismatched pillows. The 20" x 60" Cuddledown pillow (partially visible behind) is covered in a check fabric from Jane Churchill at Cowtan and Tout.