Call it a compilation of all the crazy projects I've come up with over the years. Call it a how-to for things around the house. Call it whatever you like :) It's what I do everyday. My blog is really just a way for me to share what I've learned over the years about home improvement, interior design, organization, diy, crafting and home repair. And most importantly it comes from always working on a budget and forever wanting to fend for myself when it comes to anything. I hope you enjoy (and learn a few things along the way :)

Sunday, January 27, 2013

How to raise the height of a headboard, easily!

If you don't know it by now, I love craigslist.  When its time to buy or sell furniture, I'm all over craiglist looking for a steal of a deal.

Earlier, I was looking for full headboards, as I was moving my girls to larger beds.

My first purchase lead me to a great white headboard for my oldest daughter that needed no help.  Listed for $100, got it for $60, no painting needed, great height, perfect fit.  Kind of boring for me : )

The second find was not the same.  I fell in love with this mid century modern headboard (the whole bed was actually listed for $50, but I just wanted the headboard, so he sold it to me for $30).  This might be the cutest thing I've ever seen.


The finish wasn't a perfect match in person (lighter than this pic he posted) so I figured we might need to paint it.  More importantly I could tell when I saw it, the height wasn't advertised right.  But I was already in love, so I'd just have to fix it at home.

This might have been the easiest building project I've ever completed.  Rarely do I ever have every tool, piece of hardware and appropriate materials that I need : )

First, I measured the wall to see the max height and realized I needed to raise the headboard 7" so it would fit under the wall art above. As you can see it was a tight fit, so I had to measure a few times to make sure I got it right.


The trick was how to raise the headboard without it being wobbly.

I took two scrap pieces of 2 x 4 (about 12" long each) and marked seven inches up (the amount i wanted to raise the headboard). I then placed the block under the headboard leg to mark the width of the leg.  This created a corner to cut off, where the headboard leg would sit. Then I used a chop saw to cut it, but you could easily use a hand saw.


Then I used my drill to drill two holes through the headboard leg and piece of wood so I could bolt them togther.

Luckily I had four bolts and rounded nuts that were long enough to go through the leg and the board (I love when I don't have to make a run to Home Depot : ) 


I did have to use a larger drill bit to create a countersink for the bolt head to sit in so the bolts I had would work perfectly, but that isn't necessary.  Your bolts may be long enough and you don't need to hide anything, as all of this will be behind the bed.


I bolted it all together and viola, 39" headboard becomes a 46" headboard.


It doesn't look perfect, but like I said, it's all hidden behind the bed and nightstand...see.



Luckily we did a "fit" run to see how we liked it and my daughter didn't even want to paint it.  Her bedding has brown in it and she thought it looked great (sometimes a child's impatience pays off : )
 
Hope this diagram helps you raise your headboard if you are looking to!

7 comments:

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    ReplyDelete
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  6. How does the bed frame attach to the 2x4? Also ..is there a video on this? My bed is a bookcase bed and the mattress is too thick and covers the bookcase part of the headboard.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I cut a notch in the board as you can see in the first pic to fit the leg of my headboard with a bookcase headboard, you might need a 4x4 then secure it with two bolts all the way through on both sides. not sure what it looks like but that’s what I would do if the leg as L or U shaped. Good luck!

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