Creative Headboard Options You Can Source Secondhand

Let’s face it: Most beds do not look complete without a headboard of sorts behind them. However, by no means do you have to go the traditional route and source an expensive wooden or upholstered headboard if you are looking to veer off the beaten path or simply save some cash. There are so many creative ways to fake your own headboard of sorts using secondhand items.

Below, we share some of our favorite inspo pics along with tips for how to get the look at home. 

Try a Tapestry 

Tapestries are beautiful in any room of the house but will really make a statement when positioned behind a bed. They’re available in a range of sizes and color palettes, so there’s truly an option for everyone. Tapestries are having a big resurgence in the design world and can cost a pretty penny at antique stores, so searching for them at estate sales is definitely going to be beneficial for your wallet. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Emily Sermons (@shoebox.designs)

Make Use of a Mantel

Add instant character to your bedroom by placing a vintage wooden mantel behind your bed in lieu of a headboard. As a bonus, you can use the top of the mantel to store small items (just be mindful about what you place there; things do have the potential to fall!) or simply to display a garland or a strand of twinkle lights. Hello, major cottage charm! 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gina Beck Lytle (@ginalytlehome)

Repurpose a Windowpane

Bring a rustic touch into your bedroom by repurposing a vintage windowpane and hanging it behind your bed. You can paint the windowpane or leave it in its natural wooden state depending on the aesthetic you’re looking to achieve. Since the windows are of course see-through, the end result doesn’t appear too heavy or visually overwhelming. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chey & Brandon l Scully House (@scullyhouse_)

Showcase a Folding Screen

Folding screens are a go-to solution for small space dwellers looking to divide up rooms or hide unsightly items such as exercise equipment, but they can also double as chic headboards, as seen in this space. Whether you opt for a painted design like this one or seek out a folding screen covered in fabric, this is such a fun, stylish way to add color and pattern to your bedroom and draw attention to your sleeping nook. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Julie Brautaset (@jules.byjules)

Display Pretty Placemats

If you’re looking for a super simple, budget-friendly DIY approach, scout out the placemat selection at the next estate sale you attend. If you’re lucky enough to come across a set of six or eight placemats you love, think about adhering them to the wall behind your bed to create your very own fabric headboard. Here, jute placemats bring an organic, boho style touch into this bedroom, but there’s truly a design for everyone—chintz placemats are perfect for the grand millennial, stripes are ideal for a nautical space, and so on.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Stacie (@stacieemichelle)

Written by:

Sarah Lyon

January 28, 2025     Updated 01:01 PM

Sarah Lyon is a Washington, DC, native living in New York City. As a freelancer, she frequently covers pieces pertaining to interior design, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her pieces have appeared in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and more. When she isn't writing, Sarah works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots (and can't stop rearranging and redecorating her own apartment, either!). She has a penchant for shopping secondhand and loves giving preloved pieces new life. Sarah’s own spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz, and Washingtonian.com. Her Dupont Circle apartment was featured in both the spring 2019 print edition of Small Space Decorating and the January 2019 print edition of Washingtonian Magazine.

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