Scavenger Chic

2 Twin Bed Headboard Makeovers

• By Joan
• June 8, 2023
• 2 Comments

2 Twin Bed Headboard Makeovers

I rescued this pair of twin headboards from a local salvage yard’s free pile. Judging by the price tag, they had it on their sales floor at one time and when it didn’t sell, out to the junk pile it went.  I didn’t have a need for twin headboards at the time, so it went into my pile of future projects.

The time has come for these twin headboards to get their makeover.  My oldest son and his wife bought an airbnb and they need lots of furnishings, including a set of twin beds. It’s a Scavenger Chic’s dream.

First thing I did was remove the decorative spindles on the tops of the headboards.  There was nothing wrong with the spindles, I just wanted them to have a new look.

Next up, painting the headboards with black chalk paint.  I do paint a LOT of things black, but I do love the contrast with other furnishings and in this case, white sheets.

The chalk paint alone leaves a very chalky finish.  If you like that look and feel, leave it alone.  Otherwise finish the chalk paint with clear or antique wax.  Paint on the wax and wipe off the excess.  When the wax has dried, buff with a fine steel wool.

I tend to sand off the edge of my pieces to give them a worn look but it also breaks up the look of the flat black.  Also, when I finish the piece with the antique wax that line almost disappears and what you’re left with a piece that looks like it has a more subtle aged worn look.

Cut planks to fit the inset.  These were another dump find but any strips of wood will work.

My planks had a beautiful aged patina to them and I had tried to use them before as a top for my DIY bar.  With that alligator crackle finish, they just looked like they were full of lead paint, and sure enough when I used a lead paint test kit on them, it was no surprise when the test turned positive.  Lead paint was not my ideal choice for a bar top but I thought I could make them work here.

Sanding the planks would be the worst thing you could do, as all those lead paint particles would be in the air.  Even sawing the pieces I had to take precautions, do the cutting outside and wear one of my handy dandy covid masks.

All of my pieces were cut, now to seal the paint in.  Four coats of a clear spray varnish and 2 coats of clear wax and all that beautiful chippy, crusty paint has been sealed and preserved.

Glue the planks with a heavy duty construction adhesive.

That rusty thing in the middle of my headboard is a very heavy old jack and is just holding down the pieces until the glue dries.

I’m using some old driftwood to replace the spindles that I removed.  If you have a choice, pick out the pieces of driftwood with the most character, the ones with bends, or knots or anything else that sets them apart.

Cut your driftwood a few inches longer than the  hole you are filling.  Place a mark on the driftwood where it will hit on the headboard and cut a notch so that the piece of wood will lay flat against the headboard.  Nail or glue in place.

I used a tabletop scroll saw to cut the notches.

I believe the mattresses are a lot more fun when you can jump on them on the ground but mommy says we need real beds. 😥

The twin headboards fit perfectly under the sloping roof in this guest attic bedroom.  Totally lucked out on that one, though the posts could have been trimmed an inch or two if necessary.

All ready for guests. BTW, the pillow fabric was leftover from this fun cow cube ottoman project.

As always, until next time, stay inspired.

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