When Jennae sent photos of her bedroom before and after, we had to share her DIY headboard project. Here’s her note:
My husband and I live in a rental, we’re on a budget, and we love all things green (as shown on my blog) — so decorating the bedroom wasn’t easy. Our biggest challenge was finding a headboard solution. We searched the web for headboard ideas and tutorials and finally remembered a product I’d featured on my blog: Wall Flats from Inhabit Living. Wall flats are essentially paintable, three-dimensional wallpaper that feels like stiff, lightweight cardboard. They’re made from bamboo pulp and are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle, so they met our eco-friendly criteria.
A box of 10 tiles normally costs about $86, but to stay on budget we bought “second-quality” wall flats at $4.50 apiece. I miscalculated and ordered 12 tiles but only needed 9. Even with the extra tiles, the headboard cost just $55 plus $10 for foam tape, and we’re thrilled with the result. You can see how the whole room came together in my blog post. We made several changes in the “after” photo, but the headboard and new bedding were the biggest transformations. – Jennae
Here’s the room before the headboard project (you can ignore her husband — he was warned he’d be published if he didn’t move):
And here’s the same room after a little DIY headboard magic:
Jennae did a fantastic job. Using discounted wall flats gave the headboard a rich, textured look without breaking the bank, and because they’re removable they’re perfect for renters who want a temporary upgrade. Most ready-made headboards cost hundreds of dollars, and eco-friendly materials often come with a premium — so this approach delivered style, texture, and sustainability at a fraction of the price.
The design reads modern and layered, especially when paired with the patterned pillows, coordinating lampshades, and a complementary duvet. The texture of the wall flats creates a focal point that transforms the whole room while remaining lightweight and nonpermanent.
Would you try a project like this? It’s a budget-friendly, renter-safe way to get a custom headboard look without the cost or commitment of built-in carpentry. For anyone looking to refresh a bedroom, this is an accessible and sustainable option worth considering.