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Emily Rayna, interior designer and content creator, had a hit on her hands. When she first crafted a headboard out of a placemat and cardboard years ago, she remembers that it was a “massive success.” The only issue? The placemats were eventually taken off the shelves.
“So I wanted to create a newer version that is accessible again,” she says. “I had the idea to use a rug because it was made out of a similar material, and just as inexpensive!”
Rayna recently posted a TikTok of how she glued a three-foot rug onto cardboard and then mounted it onto a wall with Command strips. She used a trifold option often seen at science fairs for support, but any counterpart will do—especially your delivery boxes. What’s even better? It all cost about $20 and took around 10 minutes to do. That’s quite the discount from what a typical headboard will cost, shipping and mounting time not included.
Rayna notes that this DIY is an easy way to add a faux-headboard to a bedroom or dorm, and can be customized to fit any style. And now that she has a successful sequel to her craftiness, she’s sharing more behind-the-scenes tips to keep in mind if you’d like to give this project a try.
The Size Can Be Adjusted
While Rayna styled her DIY headboard for a twin bed, it can definitely fit a larger frame. “You could use a five-foot rug for a full or queen, and a six or seven-foot rug for a king,” she says. “You can glue multiple pieces of scrap cardboard on the back as well. As long as it can be stuck to the wall, it will work.” Just make sure there aren’t any gaps between the cardboard pieces for a seamless surface.
The Backing Might Be Optional
If you choose a rug that’s stiff, you might be able to skip the cardboard step. “Many rugs can be held up with hooks like a tapestry, but most will need some sort of additional structure to ensure that it looks and feels like a headboard,” Rayna notes. It all comes down to the end result you’re after. A structured finish will look modern, while a tapestry effect will feel bohemian.
Don’t Forget to Add Glue
Given the weight your adhesives will be supporting, Rayna says it’s important to make sure that they stay in place. “Add a little extra glue to your Command strips when you’re applying them to the back of your headboard,” she says. “I’ve tried hanging cardboard many times and sometimes it just doesn’t hold, so extra glue will ensure that the headboard never falls!” It’s one more simple step to get the finished look without any fuss.
