Introduction

Short on headboard ideas? This Seriously Cheap series shows some easy decoration ideas to add a bit of pizazz to that space above the head of your bed. Each of these ideas can be used as the headboard alone, or as an added touch to the wall area at the head of the bed.

Wikipedia says “The headboard is a piece of furniture that attaches to the head of a bed. Its most basic function is to retain the pillow(s) and other bed linens.” I believe a headboard need not be a bulky piece of furniture, nor does it need to keep pillows in place. Creating a headboard is the perfect way to anchor the bed visually and help define the spaces of a room. If it happens to look good while doing so, then all the better!

Part 3 – DIY Homemade tiles

What exactly is a tile? According to some online dictionariesClick to visit this external link, a tile is a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces. With that pesky middle section crossed out, we are free to interpret a tile as nearly any thin block our creative minds can conjure up. With that in mind, let’s create a new headboard out of our homespun ideas and materials. And by the way, let’s keep it cheap!

First, let’s talk color.

I’m a huge fan of color in the home, and as big a fan of color assistant websites. Before attempting to create tiles, consider your color scheme. Would you like the headboard to be a stand-out in the room or to complement the current decor, working as an accent? Either way, you are likely to find a great color scheme at sites like COLOURloversClick to visit this external link.

Find a color scheme that you are comfortable with, then begin creating and decorating your own tiles based on those colors. Be sure to click the thumbnail image above to view a full sample tile headboard image.

Below are some color palettes I’ve created:

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On making tiles

Are we really going to make tiles? Real tiles? The answer is yes, but clay-like tiles using homemade clay and dough recipes. (…but keep reading. There are some alternatives!) The tiles need not be perfect or large. Try this quick and easy homemade clay recipeClick to visit this external link from Chevron Cars.

Tips:

(a) Small 2 to 3 inch square tiles are good sizes to work with. (b) Measure your headboard area ahead of time to determine the number of tiles you’ll need. In using the recipe from the link above, you’ll net around 48 2″ tiles. (c) Flatten the tiles with a kitchen scraper (dough cutter, or similar tool) by sprinkling a little extra flour on top to keep the dough from sticking. (d) Keep the tiles thin as you shape and flatten them. Stay within the neighborhood of 1/8^th inch thickness. (e) And lastly, be sure to poke a small hole near the top center of each tile if you would like to string them up later.

Test run:

If you’d rather try a small sampling of the recipe provided at the link above, use the following measurements: 2tbsp flour, 1tbsp salt, 1tbsp water, 1/4 tsp oil.

After making and baking the tiles, a coat or two of simple acrylic craft paint will go on smoothly. For added effects, glue on some rhinestones from your local craft store or hobby shop. A little glitter spray on the edges can add a nice touch of sparkle as well. Be sure to seal each tile after decorating with a spray-on or liquid sealant (you may opt for high gloss).

On hanging tiles

Applying the tiles as a headboard design can be done in a few different ways. You may choose to attach them directly to the walls one by one (not recommended, but doable), or you can attach them to a board and attach the board to the wall. The easiest method may be to simply hang each tile by a string (like the ever-useful ultra-thin fishing wire).

Thread a line of string through the hole in each tile keeping the tiles equidistance apart. Optionally add some sparkly beads in front of each tile. Hook the end of each string to an inexpensive cup hook as shown in the earlier parts of this headboard series (Part -1-, -2-, -3-). A white cup hook visually disappears against a white ceiling.

DIY tile alternatives

If you’re not much into making and baking, there are options for you. Actually, most any square, relatively thin item can substitute for real or homemade tiles. Consider any of the following: paint chips, fabric squares, DIY shrinky dinksClick to visit this external link, or square bundles of pages cut from discarded books.

Craft stores supply us with lots of graphic paper designs. Gather numerous sheets of paper in various designs and cut out squares. For a touch of whimsy, cut the edges of the paper squares with pattern edged scissors.

Diffuser panel

An easy and inexpensive alternative is to cut squares out of decorative fluorescent light panels. The light panels, also called light diffusers or covers, come in various styles and run about $5 or less per sheet. The panels are the translucent covers you see over lights in the ceilings of office buildings. One familiar design is called “cracked ice.” Score the sheets with a box cutter knife and gently snap the pieces apart. Gently drill a hole in each piece with a tiny drill bit (like 1/16^th).

Get creative and look around. You may find many more tile ideas right around you.

Lastly, as always, step back, enjoy, and take a picture.

You’re done! Take a step back and be proud of your new decor. Be sure to take some before and after shots and share your designs with us!

This Series

Seriously Cheap and Easy Headboard Decorations Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4