Skip Traditional Headboards: A Cuter Way To Decorate Your Bedroom With Vintage Charm

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There is something truly embarrassing about diving into bed and smashing your head against a solid headboard. Protect your noggin from moments of poor depth perception, and ditch the bulky headboard for a creative alternative, like a homemade or store-bought quilt, to add a soft, vintage look to your bedroom.

There are several methods to hang a quilt as a headboard, and all recommended methods are DIY-able. This headboard does not cost a lot to make, especially if you use a homemade or thrifted blanket. Instead of splurging on an expensive headboard to upgrade your bed, you can hang a free or low-cost design that's more meaningful. It's a cuter way to put a grandparent's thoughtful gift to use and add a personal touch to your living space. It simultaneously upgrades your bed, softens your living space, and adds a stunning piece of wall decor.

This idea has another perk over traditional headboards. You can swap out the quilts throughout the year to keep the look fresh and exciting. Hanging up quilts is a great way to store them. If properly taken care of, it'll keep them in good condition, unwrinkled, and unfolded instead of smushed into a closet.

There are several techniques for making hanging quilt headboards. Common methods involve using clips or a hanging rod. For the first method, pick up a set of wall hanging clips, like the YuchinWayne Tapestry Hangers. These clips are often made of wood or plastic, and come in different colors that are easy to match with surrounding furniture. Measure the quilt beforehand, so you know how high to install the clips. Don't let the quilt pool or drag on the ground, where it will collect dust and dirt over time. Ensure the weight is evenly distributed to avoid distorting the fabric.

For the second idea, you can use a curtain rod and brackets, and drape a quilt over the top. Simply purchase an affordable curtain rod set, like the Atuhola Curtain Rods for Windows. Ensure the chosen curtain rod can extend to the same width as the bed. This may be anywhere between 38 to 72 inches, depending on the mattress size and bed frame. For a unique hanging rod, cut two strips of leather into 1- or 2-inch straps and fold them over. Drill the leather into the wall and stick a one-inch wooden dowel through the straps. Then, place the quilt on top.

There are some things to keep in mind before using your quilt as a headboard. If using wooden clips or rods, be mindful to swap or rotate the quilt every few months. This will keep the wood from discoloring the fabric. Excessive sunlight can bleach and break down a quilt over time, so you should also seek out cute ways to cover windows and add vintage charm if your room is especially sunny.