I have a new headboard

And guess what?

I built it myself.

My inspiration was the Gustavian Bed from Vivaterra.

I've seen several DIY versions around the web, so I knew I could have my own for much, much less than the $2000 Vivaterra price tag.

Now, mine is not complete bed, only a headboard, but at some time in the future I may also make the wooden frame.

I found a great deal of help from the Ana White Fancy Arched Bed plans.

Her plans are for a queen sized bed and my bed is a king, so I had to make some changes.

At Lowes, when looking for wood, I found some great looking rough cut pine boards that I knew would give me that reclaimed wood look I was going for. 11 1x8 boards joined using my kreg jig gave me a finished width of almost 80".

Now that it is in place, I am not sure I'm in love with the finished shape. I think the center arch is a bit high and reminds me of a pregnant belly. I may have to drag the beast back out to the garage and take a few inches off the center portion.

I'm happy with the finished look of the wood. I stained the boards before putting them together so there wouldn't be any unfinished wood peeking through gaps. Before staining I coated each board with a prestain conditioner. Pine tends to take stain differently in different places, giving a streaky finsihed look. The conditioner helps eliminate streaking.

When I laid my boards out on the garage floor, I took care to alternate the grain. Why? because Ana White says to and she's the expert. If you look at the ends of the boards notice the rings. I lined them up alternating the direction of the rings.

I drew the arch pattern on my boards with chalk and Mitch used my chalk lines to make a pattern on half of the headboard. He then turned the pattern over and traced it onto the other half.

A jig saw was used to cut the arch design out.

I sanded the raw edges and applied stain.

For a finish coat, I used Waterlox in satin finish, just because I had some in the cabinet.

I'm happy to finally have a headboard, after being without one for several years and I'm even happier that I did it myself for less than $100.

Comments

[Sue Marie]

That is blooming gorgeous!!
Well done you for creating it, I bet you are feeling invincible now!
Sue x

[Denise]

absolutely gorgeous!!! I love this so much, and how special that you made it. So worth it, over a pricey piece. :) Great job!

[Autum]

Thank you so much Denise. I really enjoyed building it, even in this 100 degree heat. I think I've found a new love and can't wait to build something else.

xo Autum

[Brooke]

Ummm. WOW! I love it! What a charming bedroom. You go girl!!!

[Pamela Manes]

Beautiful and elegant!
Pam

[Autum]

Thank you Pam!

xo Autum

[Autum]

Thanks Brooke,

The bedroom really isn't very charming overall though, it needs lots of work ; ) I see perfectly decorated bedrooms on pinterst and I wish I could get it all together. It seems that if the bedding works, the curtains don't.  And of course, what you don't see is the shelf with Mitch's model cars. Not really part of my overall decorating plan, but he does pay the bills, so I guess I have to give him a place for his stuff.

xo Autum

[Bridgette]

YOU ARE THE BOMB!

[Thimbleanna]

Wow Autum -- That's Awesome! I love the high arch -- it reminds me of the old victorian beds -- only a less fussy version, more appropriate for our generation!

[Autum]

Thank you Sue Marie,
I don't know about invincible, but I can't wait to try something new. It was a lot of fun to build and if it had not been so darn hot, it would have been a relatively quick build. Not so quick when I could only stand to be in the garage for a little while in the morning. Fingers crossed we get a break from the heat next week.

Happy Sunday!

xo Autum

[Autum]

Thank you Anna! I like the arch too, but it is a bit higher than what I had in mind.

xo Autum

[Kelly]

Your new headboard is gorgeous! I so want to build things like that but I am terrified of power tools. The most powerful tool I have is my sewing machine! LOL

[Cyn]

Oh man.. I'm in my bathrobe and want to jump into the stationwagon for an emergency trip to home depot to load up on pine boards!

Beautiful job! BEAUTIFUL!!
I rather like the height of your headboard - it's making a statement!
I can see you hanging a big capital letter there or an aged sign or wreath...

now where are the keys to the workshop....
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[anina]

Genius!

[Autum]

Cyn, I love that kind of reaction! Thank you so much : ) Swing by and pick me up when you make your emergency home depot run.

I was thinking of something on the headboard too. I like your ideas!

Have a great day.

xo Autum

[Holly]

love it!!

[lisa]

Ahhh! I love it! Can I have it? jk . . . sort of