DIY · été
The wooden-slat headboard, chic and easy
Reference tutorialBricoproSee the tutorial →Wooden battens are THE simplest way to get a designer headboard that would cost a fortune in store. Vertical lines, warm wood, a 'made-to-measure' look: all for around fifty euros and one afternoon. On each diagram below, the highlighted zone shows the current step.
What you need
- Oak or pine battens, ~20×20 mm section (quantity to suit bed width)
- 2 wider battens for the back support
- Wood glue + screws
- Sandpaper (120 then 180 grit)
- Wood stain or tinted oil + brush
- Spirit level, tape measure, saw, pencil
Step by step
Cut and sand the battens
Cut all the battens to the same height (often 80-100 cm) across your bed width. Sand each face at 120 then 180 grit: this careful sanding is what gives a 'furniture' look rather than 'DIY'.
Stain the wood
Apply a stain or tinted oil along the grain, in a thin, even coat. Let it dry, then a 2nd coat for a deeper tone. A honey or walnut tone warms a bedroom, a dark tone makes it chicer.
Assemble on two rails
Lay the battens side by side, front face down, with even spacing (use an offcut as a spacer). Glue and screw them from the back onto two horizontal rails. Check the alignment as you go.
Mount behind the bed
Centre the panel on the bed, bottom edge ~50-60 cm above the mattress, and check it's level. Fix it to the wall with suitable brackets, or simply stand it wedged behind the bed base if you can't drill.
The detail that changes everything
Even spacing between the battens makes 90% of the look. Use a wood offcut as a spacer between each slat: that's what separates a crisp panel from a rough assembly.
Where does it look best?
Behind the bed, of course, but a batten panel also makes a lovely divider or TV-wall cladding. Vertical wood visually raises the room's height. Pair it with linen, warm tones and indirect light tucked behind the panel for a cocoon effect.
Step-by-step inspired by a tutorial spotted on YouTube. Mind the saw and wear goggles when sanding.
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