Barn Quilt Headboard

Barn quilt headboard tutorial

My daughter has just bought her first home and like us all she wants it to look nice straight away.  But her budget does not allow her to do it all at once, so Mom to the rescue. 

She needed a headboard for her bedroom.  I had recently seen the barn quilts on Pinterest and thought they would look great as a headboard.  Her bed is a king-size so that is going to be a big barn quilt headboard, but my thinking went “go big or go home”.

Wooden headboard

How to make a barn Quilt headboard

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I jumped into this project both feet first thinking what is the worst that can happen and it went downhill from there.   I will share my tips on what worked for me and also what went wrong while making this project, so you can learn from my mistakes.

Measure out your headboard Base

To make a headboard for an Australian king size bed, the headboard needs to be at least 1900 mm x 900 mm.  I used a piece of 12 mm plywood for this.  The barn quilt pieces were all cut from 12 mm plywood.  Measure out the headboard size and mark with a pencil.  In my head, I knew I was going to make my own design and it would be divided into 8 sections. Divide out your sections equally first, then add a pencil mark from corner to corner both ways and one through the middle.  This will help you keep the design straight.

Barn quilt headboard tutorial

Prepare your wood for your Barn Quilt

This project is a great way to use up all your offcuts of wood. Or another great way to use them up is to make simple planters.  I used plywood that I got for free off a building site.  I cut away the damaged wood and using an orbital sander, I sanded the wood smooth.  It was easier to do this step now rather than when it is cut up into smaller pieces and harder to hold.  Cut your wood into 5 cm width pieces, with whatever saw you have.  I used a table saw.

DIY wooden headboard

It does not matter if your wood is warped, once it is cut into the smaller pieces you do not notice it.  I started by cutting my shaped pieces, I used a new drop saw. Not reading the instructions I just jumped in and started cutting 45-degree angles into the wood.  It is very important to keep all the angles the same so all the pieces fit together like a puzzle.

Set up your saw

This was my first and biggest mistake. I did not check that the laser on the saw was set to zero, it was only after cutting lots of wood that I noticed.  I got my son to set the laser correctly and then carried on cutting only to notice the laser was set to the wrong side of the blade.  The laser was then changed again.  So as you can imagine I now had a big mixture of wood that was cut at different “45-degree angles”.  So Check that your laser is set correctly before you start or you will end up with gaps as I did.

Wooden headboard

Set up a stop block on your saw so all your pieces are cut the same. Clamp a scrap piece of wood to the fence which you can use as a guide when cutting your wood.  It will also help to add a pencil mark on the fence which you can later rub out.  Don’t get lazy and try and cut 2 pieces of wood at once as I did, which resulted in a piece of flying wood just missing my face from a kickback.

Drop saw

Sort your wood out into sizes ready to make your design.

Wooden headboard

Design your Barn quilt

This step can take a while to do if you want to have a design unique to you, which I did.  I started with the most popular design in the middle as a guide and made up the design from there.  You only need to design one block then duplicate that design into the other blocks. Using the lines as a guide to keep the design straight, move the pieces around until you are happy with the design.

Wooden Headboard

I did not get to fancy with the shapes that I used, choosing to stay with squares, triangles and parallelograms of different lengths.

Wooden headboard

Once I was happy with the design, I glued the centre wood in place using a hot glue gun.  I painted the wood with a roller which did not work very well. The paint filled in all the gaps changing the look of the design, so paint them before they are glued into place. I found hot glue was sufficient to keep the blocks in place.

Wooden headboard

Seeing the join gaps is part of the effect, to get mine back after painting it away.  I used a ruler and pen to draw the gaps back in the paint.

You can see the gaps mentioned above in this image.  But I was in too deep to start again. Once I was happy with the complete panel it was as easy as duplicating the pattern using the pieces from the first one as a guide.

Wooden headboard

Painting the wood pieces

It will be easier to paint all the wood at the same time.  Using a hot glue gun, glue the first “V” in place then added as many as you like underneath.  Then glue the last 2 in place to stop them all from moving.  Using a paint roller you can paint them all in a few seconds.  Once you have done your 2 coats of paint you can use a chisel to loosen the wood glued down. This saved so much time. 

Wooden headboard

I changed the design for the 4 outer blocks to get rid of some of the gaps caused by my laser issues.

Wooden headboard

Cutting out the headboard

Once the design is all glued down and finished, It was time to trim up the edges. I added some masking tape to the cut line to stop any splintering of the wood. I made a fence by using a scrap piece of wood clamped to the headboard and cut the edges straight using a circular saw.

Wooden headboard

Making the barn quit headboard frame

I used some scrap wood to make a frame for the headboard. I cut the wood to size and used a wood router with a round-over bit to round the edges. The wood was painted glued and nailed into place.

Wooden headboard

When flipping the headboard over to add the legs I noticed that the headboard would bow when lifted.  To stop this from happening I cut a strip of wood and nailed it across the back of the headboard.  This worked great

Wooden headboard

Adding the legs to the headboard

The height of the mattress and the base was 90 cm.  I cut wood legs to the full height of the headboard and added the 90 cm.  Which were then glued and nailed to the back of the headboard.  And that was the headboard complete.  This project definitely did not go to plan, but that is how we learn.  It still turned out great warts and all. Even the dust on the legs I missed when cleaning.

If you are looking for more unique ideas for your bedroom decor.  Check out this Beauty bar made from an old desk or this headboard I made from old kitchen cupboard doors.

How to make a barn quilt headboard

If you are not feeling brave enough to tackle this project but like the look.  Check out this simple tutorial on how to paint this geometric design into this old headboard on its way to the landfill.

Hand painted headboardPlease feel free to leave a comment and share this post. If you require any of the products in this post please can you use my links to buy them at no extra cost to yourself? 

DIY wooden headboard

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51 Comments

  • Reply
    Jenna
    November 4, 2019 at 11:52 pm

    This is simply incredible!! What skills you have and it’s beyond creative! WOW and WOW!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 6, 2019 at 12:22 am

      Thank you so much, Jenna, for the lovely compliment. It was very time consuming to do, but it was worth it in the end.

  • Reply
    Marie
    November 6, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    Wow, this is beautiful Anita! I can only imagine how much time it took to make with all that intricate cutting and placement. You rock the power tools, girl! Pinned 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 7, 2019 at 8:33 pm

      Thank you Marie, Other girls get perfume and jewellery for birthdays, I get power tools and love it.

  • Reply
    Stacy Roman
    November 11, 2019 at 4:27 am

    It came out beautiful, great job, I love it.

  • Reply
    Lauren Renee Sparks
    November 11, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    That is really beautiful. Visiting you from the good random fun link up. laurensparks.net

  • Reply
    Naomie Moore
    November 11, 2019 at 5:37 pm

    Wow! Certainly a labor of love. ❤ You did an awesome job, a thing of beauty. I am sure your daughter is over the moon. Make sure you sign your pieces. Thanks for sharing the good, bad and ugly with us, as that is the way it goes sometimes. 🤗😎

  • Reply
    Dee | Grammy's Grid
    November 12, 2019 at 5:11 am

    Looks nice! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 6. Shared.

  • Reply
    Carole @ From My Carolina Home
    November 13, 2019 at 1:15 pm

    Wow, what a fabulous idea!!

  • Reply
    Donna via Funky Junk Interiors
    November 14, 2019 at 6:50 am

    Ohhh my goodness… now that is one WOW headboard! The detail is phenomenal and the outcome so beautiful!

    This beauty will be featured in this upcoming weekend’s DIY Salvaged Junk party. Thanks for bringing it over! 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 14, 2019 at 7:17 am

      Thank you so much Donna for the lovely comment and for the feature on my headboard. It was very challenging for a first attempt, but I was thrilled with the outcome. 😉

  • Reply
    Pam
    November 14, 2019 at 7:01 pm

    Wow, that’s amazing! So much work, and it looks so cute! My daughter and her new husband recently bought their first house too, and my daughter is really anxious to get everything fixed up right away. Your daughter is lucky to have such a creative mom.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 14, 2019 at 11:27 pm

      Thank you Pam, she has a list for me to make. I just need time to make them between work and play. 😀

  • Reply
    Teresa
    November 15, 2019 at 11:21 am

    That’s just amazing, you did a wonderful job!
    Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 15, 2019 at 12:54 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment.

  • Reply
    Sharon
    November 17, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    So AMAZING! Absolutely stunning!
    Thank you for sharing w us at Creative Muster! Pinned 🙂
    Blessings to you!
    xoxoxo Sharon
    Adoring Creations

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 18, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment. 😉

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 17, 2019 at 8:13 pm

    Fabulous! I must say that is one of the prettiest headboards I’ve ever seen. I bet your daughter was thrilled. Thank you for linking up to Creative Compulsions!

    Michelle
    https://bijoubeadboutique.com

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 18, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      Thank you so much Michelle, I have to be honest and say I think so too 🤣🤣 she loved it so much she wanted another one. But too soon after the first one for me. 😂

  • Reply
    Kristie
    November 18, 2019 at 5:35 am

    I’m featuring your headboard tomorrow on the Little Cottage Link Party! I hope you’ll drop in and see it!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 18, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Thank you so much for the feature. I will definitely stop by, I love the parties 🤩

  • Reply
    Linda on Poinsettia Drive
    November 20, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    Thank you for sharing on the Classy Flamingos. Impressive.

  • Reply
    Julie Briones
    November 21, 2019 at 4:17 pm

    What a lovely headboard, Anita! So intricate, too! I don’t think we saw this at Tuesday Turn About last week… hope to see you this week!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 22, 2019 at 1:03 am

      Thank you so much, I must have missed it. I will add it next week with my new projects.

  • Reply
    Liberty
    November 22, 2019 at 3:43 am

    Anita, this is gorgeous!! Wow!!! I pinned it. I appreciate all the work that went into it, and then all the work that went into making this post about it. Thank you for sharing at Best of the Weekend.

    Liberty @ B4andAfters.com

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 22, 2019 at 12:32 pm

      Thank you it was a special request for my sister. It looks really cool with her Christmas lights display.

  • Reply
    Colin holland
    November 26, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    Great headboard, love it. Test

  • Reply
    Antionette Blake
    December 15, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    Wow, you did an amazing job, so much work but definitely worth it. I feel guilty that we just went and bought a new bedroom set with a headboard which was the first time ever and this was our 3rd and final move!

    #trafficjamweekend

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 16, 2019 at 5:31 am

      Thank you so much, it was a labour of love for my daughter. It was a bit ambitious for a first attempt.

  • Reply
    natelia bailey
    January 25, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Beautiful job Anita, wow! I can see the work you put into this, and what a great idea, I really love it. One little thing, I wish your daughter had underplayed her bedding to co-ordinate with the beauty of the design you worked so hard on. A simple white or gray bedspread with a pop of color( yellow, pink, coral,or teal) throw pillows would have really shown off the beauty of the head board you designed. Right now it seems hidden to me.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      January 27, 2020 at 1:35 am

      Thank you so much for your lovely comments. This headboard was my first attempt and every with the errors I am still happy with how it turned out. As for the bedding, unfortunately, she does not have the money to buy new at this time, but she does agree with you.

  • Reply
    Alexis Azzarito
    January 25, 2020 at 2:48 pm

    Dear Anita
    What an inspiration you are! The headboard is beautiful and your open account of what worked first time and what didn’t was honest and brave. Those who are prepared to share their experiences are those who truly make a difference. Brilliant!!!! Alexis

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      January 27, 2020 at 1:32 am

      Thank you so much for your very kind comments. I am self-taught, so each project is a learning curve for me. So as you can imagine they don’t always work out the first time. But that is how we learn.

  • Reply
    Maria
    August 24, 2020 at 10:25 pm

    Absolutely stunning headboard! Workmanship is beautiful

  • Reply
    Lori Nell
    August 24, 2020 at 10:35 pm

    Wow, Anita! That is a spectacular piece of art! So much detail in the headboard. It is just beautiful!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:44 am

      Thank you so much, It really did test my patience at times.

  • Reply
    Sara
    August 24, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    This is so fabulous; I want one for myself!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:44 am

      Thank you so much Sara, With your skills, I am sure it will be a breeze.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    August 25, 2020 at 12:37 am

    I am absolutely blown away and impressed by your new headboard. You have much MORE patience than I do. This is incredibly stunning.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:47 am

      Thank you Meegan, You can tell at the end I did lose patience and added the big squares in the middle.

  • Reply
    Deana Landers
    August 25, 2020 at 1:57 am

    Anita, what an amazing, creative and loving gift for your daughter. My granddaughter is 19 and we buy her power tools for gifts also. She loves to build.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:51 am

      Than k you so much Deana. It is so great to hear your daughter loves to build, great to get more women having a go. I only started the end of 2016 and taught myself watching youtube videos.

  • Reply
    Kim Purvis
    August 25, 2020 at 4:17 am

    This is amazing! I can’t believe these are indivivdual peices! Just incredible.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 27, 2020 at 11:54 am

      Thank you Kim, It was a bit ambitious being my first attempt at a barn quilt. But got there in the end.

  • Reply
    Marty Walden
    September 1, 2020 at 6:17 am

    That is just amazing! You’re incredible!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 2, 2020 at 8:14 am

      Thank you so much, Marty, it was mostly fun to create lol

  • Reply
    Jeanne
    December 31, 2020 at 3:33 am

    Beautiful project!

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