Use a Element Shelving Organisation as a Headboard

Instructions

1

Select a shelving unit that is the same width as the bed. If the shelves are wider or more narrow than your bed, it will be difficult to disguise lower shelves, and you will also find it more difficult to integrate the shelves with the decor of the bedroom.

2

Paint the shelving unit to match your bedroom. Do this before placing the shelves behind the bed to prevent paint from staining your walls or floors. Use spray paint appropriate for use on metal, found at your local hardware or home improvement store. Choose a color that is less likely to draw attention to the material the shelves are made from. In most cases, darker colors will disguise the shelves better than lighter colors.

 3

Move your bed out away from the wall and move the shelves into place. If the shelves are adjustable, move the lowest visible shelf in the unit so it is level with the top of the mattress.

4

Cut wooden boards to sit on top of each visible shelf, including the top shelf. Take the dimensions of the shelves with measuring tape, then use a circular saw to cut the wooden panels to the correct size. You may use wood veneer, or wooden planks. Stain or paint the wood to match the decor of your room. When the paint or stain is dry, lay the wood on the shelves and, if necessary, secure the wood to the metal grates with wood glue. The wood will enhance the warm, decorative quality of your "headboard" and further hide the metal. As an alternative to wood, you may also choose to cover the shelves with a decorative cloth that will match the curtains, bedding or other colors in the room.

5

Place a dresser or nightstand on both sides of the shelving unit. This will hide the lower shelves on the sides, making the structure look more like an authentic headboard. Move the bed back into place so that the head of the bed is against the front of the shelves. Each side of the bed should line up with the side of the shelves.

6

Hang flat-panel curtains on both sides of the shelves, covering the side of the shelves, for an additional flare. These same curtains may also be used to cover a small portion of the front of the shelves. When pulled back with ties, these curtains give your shelves an enclosed, bookcase-like appeal. Use Velcro attached to the edges of the metal shelves and sewn to the curtains to keep the curtains firmly in place.
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