One of the simplest and most budget-friendly DIY headboard ideas you’ll ever try. Of all my DIY headboard projects, this one requires the least time, effort, and skill—yet still delivers a big visual impact. The best part: you can make this painted headboard any size or shape you want—from a classic rectangle to a large square or even a round design if you prefer. Because it’s painted directly on the wall, it takes up zero floor space, making it ideal for small bedrooms. Read on to learn how to create your own headboard in under an hour.
If you’re on a tight budget or working with limited space, this project is perfect. It’s affordable, quick, and can dramatically change the feel of a bedroom—without a major renovation.
I partnered with 3M and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape to design this easily customizable painted headboard. Choose your favorite color, tweak the size to fit your bed, and experiment with different shapes or patterns. Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions and photos showing the process and final result.
Materials Needed for DIY Headboard
- Painters tape — I used ScotchBlue™ PLATINUM Painter’s Tape for the baseboards and ScotchBlue™ WALLS + WOOD FLOORS Painter’s Tape for the headboard edges.
- Damp cloth for cleaning baseboards and trim (if needed)
- Screwdriver for removing outlet plates (if applicable)
- Tape measure
- Paint roller (small, with about a 3/8″ nap for smooth walls)
- Paint brush (I used a 2″ short-handled brush for edges)
- Flat interior paint in your chosen color
DIY Headboard Idea – Step by Step Instructions
1. Start by cleaning the baseboards and trim with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Avoid strong household cleaners that might affect tape adhesion; plain water in a spray bottle works well. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying tape.
2. Remove outlet covers that fall inside your paint area using a screwdriver and keep the screws and plates in a small bag so nothing gets lost.
3. Tape the headboard shape onto the wall. I used two different tapes: one for the baseboards and one for the wall surface. For clean, crisp lines at the baseboards, apply ScotchBlue™ PLATINUM Painter’s Tape right where the baseboard meets the wall. For the painted headboard shape on the wall, use ScotchBlue™ WALLS + WOOD FLOORS Painter’s Tape, which is designed for delicate or freshly painted wall surfaces. Use a level (or a level app on your phone) to ensure your lines are straight and press the tape down firmly to secure it.
Best Tape to Use for a Painted Headboard
Baseboard Tape
For baseboards I recommend ScotchBlue™ PLATINUM Painter’s Tape. It removes cleanly without tearing and produces very sharp paint lines. Its poly-backing makes it easy to tear in straight angles and it adheres well to smooth surfaces like baseboards, trim, and metal. Apply the tape as close as possible to the joint between wall and baseboard, smoothing it with your fingers as you go to ensure good contact.
Wall Tape
For the wall surface I used ScotchBlue™ WALLS + WOOD FLOORS Painter’s Tape because it’s formulated for smooth, delicate, or recently painted surfaces. Apply it the same way—roll it out and press it down firmly with your fingers. Double-check with a level to keep your headboard lines even before painting.
4. Paint the headboard shape with a small roller and use the 2″ brush to cut in around baseboards and outlets. I applied two coats; the total paint used was less than half a quart. Allow the paint to dry fully between coats—follow the drying times listed on the paint can.
5. After the paint has fully dried, remove the tape to reveal crisp lines. For baseboards, if the paint has built up along the tape edge, lightly score the paint film with a sharp blade before peeling to avoid lifting. For the wall tape, skip scoring to avoid damaging the paint or drywall—simply peel the tape back slowly at a 45-degree angle for the cleanest result.
6. Reattach outlet covers and screws, set up your bed, and style the space with pillows, artwork, or wall hooks for hats and accessories.
How long does it take to make this headboard?
Excluding drying time, the taping and painting steps take roughly an hour, so it’s a quick weekend or evening project. It’s renter-friendly too: the painted area is relatively small and easy to paint over when you move. When you want a change, you can repaint the headboard shape in about the same amount of time.
You can customize the size to fit any bed frame—taller, shorter, wider—or create more intricate designs by combining multiple colors or repeating shapes for a patterned headboard.
Photography Amelia Lawrence
What do you think of the finished headboard? Would you try this project in your home, and which paint colors would you choose?
This post was created in partnership with 3M. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep creative projects like this possible.