Is there anything better than the feeling of making something yourself for SUPER cheap, and having people think it was store bought and expensive? Nope. Not to me anyway. Especially when it's something that completely changes a room. A perfect example of this type of project was a PVC headboard that looks like iron. #fooledyou
This bed frame and headboard set from Urban Outfitters is $800. My bed frame and headboard set was about $50. And $35 of that was spent on the plain metal sturdy frame. Enough with the numbers, the other great part is how relatively simple it was to make!
You Will Need:
4- 10' PVC pipe poles 3/4" thick
2- PVC elbow joints for 3/4"
14- PVC t-joints for 3/4"
PVC pipe cutters
Measuring Tape
Sharpie
Spray Paint
Plastic sheeting or area okay to paint it
1 piece- 60"
2 pieces-6"
2 pieces- 18"
6 pieces- 24"
10 pieces-11.5"
I know 11.5" is kind of a weird measurement but using the t-joints adds a tiny bit of length. Using a full 12" would make the detailed section too long for the top bar and too wide for the bed. Push all the pieces firmly together. You can use a rubber mallet if you're having trouble getting them as tightly as possible. After this picture, I added t-joints to the bottom pipes too.
To paint, I used Rust-oleum in hammered finished antique pewter. It has a primer in it and is also suitable for plastic. Give it all 2 coats and a day to try between each one.I just happened to have these large sheets of plastic still around from when I bought my mattress. They were perfect to guard the background from rogue spray paint. Be sure to wear some kind of shoes though - the bottoms of my feet were antique pewter for a week, Ikidyounot.
After it dries thoroughly just put it behind your bed. I haven't attached it in any way, just let it rest between the bed and the wall in the corner and it's fine. I wouldn't lean on it myself but it's perfect for pillows and looks cute with a blanket over the top rail as well.
Can you tell it's made of $10 worth of PVC and a good can of spray paint? What color would look best in your room? I'd love to know!
Sheila
You are a genius.
ReplyDeletehaha why thank you! I'll take that description over just really cheap...
DeleteI've been looking for a way to get this look and here it is! My grandparents had a black iron bed when I was small (so yes, that would have made it an antique now, lol) and I've been wanting to replicate it. I don't know why your site never came up all the other times I looked, but I'm sure glad it did today!~~Debbie
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found it and love hearing of the memories. I hope this version helps create the look you remember!
DeleteOH my gosh! This looks just like the headboard I remember on my grandparents bed when I used to spend the night with them! There's one exception....it was made of black iron and had a sheet of tin across the top space with a "story" punched in the tin. It had a man and woman beside a cabin with a few trees and some deer. That was 60 years ago and I've never forgotten. I am so thrilled to have found your tutorial and am going to try making this for my own. Thank you so much for the memories!
ReplyDeleteThose types of memories are so special. That headboard sounds like it was made with true craftsmanship! It sounds beautiful! I don't have any suggestions for for the tin but if you DIY it I'd love to see.
DeleteI was thinking of this and found ur post and was exactly what i want cept taller also canopy
ReplyDeleteIt might not be strong enough to make a canopy with the PVC bit if you used actual pipes I bit it could work! I'd love to know any changes you made to get the look you're dreaming of!
DeleteLove it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteI gotta favorite this website it seems very helpful . loose headboard
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's been a while since I've posted but I'm thinking of getting back into it.
DeleteWhat size bed did you make this for?
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie! This was a queen size bed, but I think it would work for any size if you adjusted the measurements proportionately. If you make it I'd love to see what adjustments you make!
DeleteThis is perfect for college kids and their parents who do not want to lug a headboard up 4 flights of stairs. Thanks. I am creating this with some added iron rod plastic decorative fencing I found at the dollar store.- Still less than 15.00 in the project. - AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic idea! Definitely super easy to move and add character. Exciting to hear that you're personalizing it too!
DeleteI am redoing my bedding in brown with pink sheets. I’m thinking about rose gold.
ReplyDelete