Skip Traditional Headboards: Turn Placemats Into A Boho-Style Alternative

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Tired of hitting your head on your solid headboard every time you dive into bed? There's a cuter way to decorate your bedroom with vintage charm. If you want something that's grounding, has some texture, and goes well with your boho décor scheme, skip traditional headboards. Instead, try this creative alternative to instantly upgrade your bedroom. All you have to do is glue rattan-style placemats onto poster boards to DIY a headboard that's the perfect mix of eclectic and modern design.

This DIY headboard idea is simple and won't take up much of your time. Plus, it isn't too costly since you don't require a lot of supplies. Besides a few woven placements (or a rug), you need a poster board (or some old cardboard) to serve as your base. Now, if you live in a studio apartment and have a narrow bed or want to prettify your dorm room a little, a 22 by 28 inch, $0.50 white poster board sheet from DT will work. But if you have a nice-sized bed, a trifold poster board, like the Pen+Gear 36 by 48 inch White Tri-Fold Corrugate Project Board, will do. Keep in mind that you may require more than one poster board if you want expansive coverage, that want your headboard to span the entire length of the wall behind your bed. Additionally, keep a sharp pair of scissors, a tape measure, a roll of twine, a couple of heavy-duty hanging strips (like Command), and some strong adhesive, such as E6000, handy. Also, you may use hot glue to promote instant adhesion.

Start by measuring the space behind your bed. This will give you an idea of how big your poster board should be and how many you'll need. In case you require more than one, attach the two with tape as well as glue. Plus, stick a single piece of cardboard to their back to stabilize the boards and give them a strong backing. Otherwise, they might pull apart under the weight of the mats. When you have your base, get your placemats and conduct a dry run to figure out the best style for laying them down. You could place them all vertically or horizontally, or alternate between the two to add some visual interest. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and textures to find the right fit for you. And when you're happy with their placement, take a picture and pull them off the board.

Though optional, give your store-bought mats a wash to ensure there's no dirt and dust hidden in their weaves, as this could worsen your allergy if you're exposed to them every night. Once they dry, you may paint them in earthy or vibrant tones to DIY a one-of-a-kind headboard. Finally, plug in your glue gun and grab the bottle of E6000 before adhering the mats per your finalized design. If you notice some gaps in between, get your roll of twine, cut out a string, and roll it up tight before gluing it in place. Wait for the glue to cure, then stick a few Command strips along your poster's back and mount your boho headboard. You can even add a few tassels along the corners, such as Aekao's 20-pack Hemp Rope Burlap Tassels, for a fun finish.