A-Door-Able! DIY Upcycled Door Headboard: A Vintage Twist for Your Bedroom
- Jennifer Reyes
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
A-Door-Able! DIY Upcycled Door Headboard: A Vintage Twist for Your Bedroom
I saw this project years ago but haven't been able to put it into motion. After seeing a pair of beautiful doors at a local antique store I thought, well, let me see if I can put together some instructional information that might help spark this project in someone who wants to take on this fun activity. With a little creativity and a vintage door or group of doors, you can transform an old piece of history into a stunning headboard that steals the show. Upcycling doors into a headboard can be a fun project that adds instant charm and character to your space.
Whether you’ve got a door sitting in your garage or have just discovered some forgotten gems at your local antique store, this project will show you how to breathe new life into it. Here’s how to make your very own upcycled door headboard that’s sure to be the focal point of your bedroom!
What You’ll Need:
Vintage doors (any type, interior or exterior)
Sandpaper (medium to fine grit)
Paint or stain (optional, depending on the look you want)
Wooden support boards (to attach to the back of the door)
Screws or brackets (for mounting the headboard to the wall or bed frame)
Drill and screwdriver
Measuring tape
Wood filler (if there are holes or imperfections you want to smooth out)
Clear sealer (optional, to protect the finish)
Decorative elements (optional, think hardware, stencils, or reclaimed wood accents)
Step 1: Find Your Perfect Doors
The first step to any upcycling project is finding the perfect vintage doors. Look for doors with good bones, something sturdy and solid. The beauty of using vintage doors is that they have so much character already, so even if they have some imperfections or old paint, it will just add to the charm of your final product. If you only find one door, all of these steps apply, but when you mount the door, you will be positioning it horizontally across the head of the bed instead of vertically. If you can find two or three doors similar in size, then you can attach them together to make one bold statement. Either way works!
If you're unsure about what type of door to use, interior doors work well for a cozy, traditional look, while an exterior door brings a bit more rugged, farmhouse-style charm. Go for a door with glass panels if you want a little extra light streaming through or stick with a classic solid panel for a more understated look.
Step 2: Prep and Sand
Once you've chosen your doors, it’s time to give them a little TLC. If the doors have old paint, dirt, or any visible damage, now’s the time to clean them up. Sand down the surface with medium grit sandpaper to remove old finishes or rough patches. For a smoother finish, you can go over them with fine grit sandpaper once the main roughness is removed.
If you want to highlight the wood grain, you can apply a wood stain of your choice. If you’re aiming for a painted look, choose a color that complements your bedroom style. Classic whites and grays give a fresh, modern vibe, while deep greens or blues can evoke a cozy, moody atmosphere. Don't forget to add a protective clear sealer to preserve your hard work!
Step 3: Add Support Boards
While your doors will be the star of the show, you’ll need a little behind the scenes help to mount them properly. To do this, attach wooden support boards to the back of the doors. These boards will help give the headboard the structure it needs to be secure and sturdy.
Using screws or brackets, secure the support boards vertically along the length of the doors. You’ll want the support boards to align with where you plan to attach the headboard to the bed frame or wall. Make sure these are positioned to ensure that the doors sit tight against the wall or bed frame once installed.
Step 4: Mount the Headboard
Now comes the exciting part, mounting your new headboard! You have two options here: attach it directly to your bed frame or secure it to the wall behind the bed for a more dramatic effect.
For a bed frame mount: Measure the distance between the headboard and the top of your bed frame, then drill screws into the support boards. If your bed frame has built in brackets for attaching headboards, you can use those to secure it.
For a wall mount: If you prefer a floating look, simply use brackets or screws to mount the doors directly into the wall. Make sure it’s centered above your bed and securely fastened to the studs in the wall for safety.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Now that your headboard is installed, it’s time to get creative with the finishing touches. This is where you can truly personalize your upcycled door headboard. Consider adding:
Hardware: Old knobs, handles, or even vintage hooks can make great additions for hanging scented sachets or dried flowers.
Decorative stencils: Add a touch of whimsy or even some elegant patterns with stenciling.
Reclaimed wood accents: For a more textured, rustic look, you can attach reclaimed wood strips to the surface of the doors for added dimension.
Fairy lights or sconces: Create a cozy, ambient vibe with lighting attached to the top or sides of the doors.
Step 6: Style the Rest of Your Bedroom
The beauty of this upcycled door headboard is that it’s versatile and complements a wide range of bedroom styles. To really make your headboard pop, style the rest of your bedroom to match. Think cozy bedding, vintage lamps, and perhaps a few plants to bring some greenery into the space. Add a few decorative pillows, and you’ll have a room that feels both unique and inviting.
A-Door-Able! DIY Upcycled Door Headboard: A Vintage Twist for Your Bedroom
Final Thoughts:
As always, happy crafting, and enjoy the process!
Jennifer
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