Go Vintage

• If you are looking for a vintage, antique or shabby-chic look, start shopping for your wooden headboard at flea markets or architectural salvage business. Old windows can be sealed with polyurethane to prevent lead paint flaking, then hung on the wall. Place fabric, printed scrapbooking papers, or even dried flowers behind the glass if you like. Architectural elements including large-scale moldings, carved pediments or mantlepieces can also work as a headboard. Be sure to hang these heavy items securely, using a stud finder and mounting with extra care.
  
  

Try a Door on for Size

• Doors are another good possibility to create a headboard. Inexpensive hollow-core doors can be painted and mounted horizontally to create a clean, modern look. Beautiful panel doors can be mounted vertically for a substantial and classic look. You can even use vintage or found doors. Solid doors may be cut to size vertically if desired, and you can top them with a wide crown molding. Shutters may be used in much the same way as doors for a country or shabby-chic room.
  
  

Build your Own

• You can also build a headboard from scratch. Quality 3/4-inch plywood is a good starting point. Consider stacking purchased trim moldings to form a lovely frame and edging for your headboard. You will need a miter saw for this project; however, an inexpensive hand saw miter box will work well. Assemble your headboard, then sand well and stain. Apply a protective coating of polyurethane. If desired, you could upholster the plywood section of your headboard, using batting or thin foam and a staple gun. Build a frame for your upholstery with wooden trim moldings. Sand and stain this frame and attach to your upholstered wooden headboard.