I had this décor transfer headboard project that never sold at my booth at Vendors’ Village. The large headboard seemed like the perfect item for a headboard shelf coat rack.
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Although the décor transfer laid pretty flush on the headboard, I was afraid it would show through the paint. I felt it was best to sand it smooth. I even did a facebook live sharing tips about using an orbital sander.
Sand Headboard Smooth
When sanding furniture pieces like this large headboard, it’s best to feel for smoothness instead of trusting your eye. Your hand will give you more insight to what imperfections may show through the new paint job.
Paint Headboard Shelf
Although the color is antique red, it does appear to have an orange tint in the photos.
Add Glaze to Tone color and Seal
Time to bring in the smoked glaze and a cheap chip brush to tone down the red paint on the headboard coat rack.
After cutting a 1x6 to length and sanding the edges, it was time to paint and glaze the shelf board to match the headboard.
Attach Shelf to Headboard Coat Rack
I used my drill and the Kreg jig to make pocket holes on the shelf to attach it to the headboard.
Install Coat Hooks
It’s easy to add coat hooks if you follow these simple steps. Mark for screws, drill pilot holes, secure screws with screwdriver. Using a power drill may cause the screws to break off. Many headboards are made of hardwoods—making it difficult to secure the screws.
To get the hook even/level I placed a pencil at the edge of the headboard and rested the hook on the pencil. Then I marked and drilled etc. The color looks really off in this photo.
Attach D Rings
I like to use these heavy duty d rings on my hanging projects.
Hang Headboard Shelf Coat Rack
This is a better representation of the real color.
The whale artwork “Think Happy Be Happy” was purchased in Cape Cod while on vacation with my daughter Jamie . It’s my goal in life to just “be happy”. 
I really love how pretty it looks on the white plank wall, don’t you? I hope it sells quickly at Glendale (Kentucky) in the Fall.
Old headboards make great coat racks, see more coat rack ideas here.
gail
Cat
Hi Gail, What Kreg Jig did you use to make the holes in the shelf? I'm new to actually building my own stuff. I can use a drill and sanders and have access to basically any tool my Hubby or brothers-in-law or Dad have, but I'd like to have the right tools for the projects I'm about to tackle...I have a collection of head and footboards and even a crib that I'd love repurpose into benches and I love this shelf you did. What tools would you say have really made a difference in making your projects easier and faster to complete. I don't think my Husband has anything like the jigs you mentioned in his tool collection...Thank so much for posting your projects they really are inspiring to me.
Gail Wilson
Cat,
I'm soooo happy to read your comment. YOU are why I do what I do, to inspire women to DIY their own projects. I have many Kreg jigs, but for years I only had the small R3 that clamps onto your project. I generally use the K4 in all my projects, unless I have 1/2 stock, then I use the black micro jig. If budget is an issue, just get the R3.
As for tools, definitely a miter saw and table saw. You're lucky to have tools at your disposal. I've had to build up my collection over the last 9 years.
I made headboard benches the hard way before I got a Kreg Jig, but for joints, it really makes a big difference. If you get a Kreg jig, make sure you dry fit your pieces and mark your pocket holes. I've been known to drill the wrong board more than once. 🙂
I'm here if you have any questions or need any tips.
gail
Jennie
That’s beautiful, I love the color and it so much more useful.
Linda Morgan
Love your projects.
Derry Gleason
Thanks so much for showing me where to buy D-rings in bulk! I don't know why they never came up when I searched! Love your projects!
Gail Wilson
You're so welcome for the link to the d rings! They are so expensive in a small package at the hardware store. I use a lot of 'em and buying by the bulk is the best deal.
Thanks for stopping by!
gail
Debbie
Love it Gail! I loved the first idea too! I really need something like this near my front door!
Gail Wilson
Thanks Debbie! I appreciate you stopping by!
gail
Terri HUghes
WOW......much better. Love it!!!!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Terri! You're definitely a "top fan" of MRL and it's greatly appreciated!
gail
Lisa Ellerhorst
Do you have to seal after using the rustoleum glaze?
Gail Wilson
Lisa,
No, you don't have to seal after using the glaze. It protects the chalky paint really well. No waxing!!!
gail