Headboards come in all shapes and sizes today, from simple wooden slats to ornate upholstered designs. While a purchased headboard is a quick and easy way to finish off your bedroom, why not get creative and paint one directly onto your bedroom wall? An arch-shaped painted headboard, for example, is a cost-effective solution to beautifully frame the bed and add visual interest to the space.
It provides a unique, customised design that can't be found in stores---and the good news is, if your taste changes over time or you want a refresh, painting over your existing arch headboard is as simple as priming the surface and adding a fresh coat of paint. This allows for endless possibilities to update your bedroom wall without the need to purchase an entirely new headboard or make major renovations to the space.
Get inspired by this gorgeous DIY headboard created by **@atnumber.26**
Materials Needed
You'll need a few items to see your creativity come to fruition. If you're unsure of the materials, visit your local paint shop for advice; but generally, get the following supplies:
- A good quality primer to properly prepare the wall surface
- Your preferred paint type, such as emulsion, chalk or masonry paint, but consider a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability
- Various size paintbrushes, including narrow brushes for detail work
- A paint roller and tray for cutting in and rolling out large sections efficiently
- Painters tape to create clean edges and lines
- Pencil for sketching out your arch shape before painting
Step-by-Step Painting Guide
- Step 1: Prepare the wall surface by sanding imperfections and wiping away dust. Apply a coat of primer.
- Step 2: Sketch out your arch shape with a pencil. Use a level or tape measure to ensure it's symmetrical.
- Step 3: Tape off the arch shape using painter's tape to create defined edges.
- Step 4: Cut in along the taped edges with a small brush, rolling excess paint back onto the roller.
- Step 5: Roll out the main paint colour within the taped arch shape in smooth, even strokes.
- Step 6: Remove the tape while paint is still wet to leave a sharp finish. Touch up any imperfections.
- Step 7: Allow at least 24 hours to fully dry, and then add finishing touches using stencils, decals or adhesive wallpaper to create patterns on the headboard.
Inspiration and Ideas
Creating a painted arch headboard opens up your creativity for personalising your bedroom. You can choose from popular options such as classic white, bold pops of colour, geometric shapes, ombre gradients and nature-inspired motifs like leaves or flowers.
- Classic white is timeless and lets other decor elements stand out
- Bold pops of colour can energise a space and reflect one's vibrant personality
- Geometric shapes bring modern flair and draw the eye with clean lines
- Ombre gradients offer visual intrigue through seamless transitions between hues
- Nature-inspired motifs like leaves or flowers are a fantastic choice when you need to infuse calm serenity through organic textures
Tips and Best Practices
When painting your arched headboard, work in a well-ventilated area and sweep up any dust regularly to avoid imperfections in the paint.
Use a small paintbrush to carefully cut around edges and corners, while a roller can quickly and efficiently apply paint to flat sections. Apply two thin coats of paint rather than one thick covering, as this will result in better coverage and a smoother, more professional-looking finish.
You can also paint a decorative border or pattern within the arch area for added visual interest once completed. Be sure to protect the newly painted surfaces from moisture, dust or knocks until the paint is fully cured, which typically takes at least 24 hours.
With some paint and imagination, you can transform your bedroom into a personalised oasis. An arched-painted headboard is just the beginning; for more painting ideas and tips, visit our DIY and Decorating hub for more DIY projects and inspiration!
