Upcycled Headboard into a Chalkboard
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Upcycle or Repurpose? Spellchecker doesn’t like either word. In any case I had this headboard for over a year. It sat in storage just waiting for it’s makeover into a diy chalkboard headboard.
I really didn’t see it as a headboard bench. It has two black panels attached. One day recently it finally “spoke” to me.
Dismantle Headboard
Upon further discovery I see that the panels can easily be removed by unscrewing a few screws. This was great news, and I’ll remind you to look for any screws that need removing before demolish of your headboard chalkboard.
I thought I would have to “cut” the legs off, but again, luck was on my side. Four screws—easy peasy. It’s quickly on it’s way to being a diy chalkboard headboard.
Lookin’ good! Can you see the lovely transformation happening? From headboard to chalkboard?
Ready Headboard Chalkboard for Paint
Tip-when I have a lot of holes to fill, I use spackling because it’s cheaper than wood putty. Tweet this tip. Bonus, the spackling is cheap and it dries pretty quickly.
I used my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer to spray paint the diy chalkboard headboard a pretty turquoise color.
Then, I used some watered down black latex paint to “glaze” the frame of the headboard chalkboard. After that I painted it with three-four coats of chalkboard paint. (not pictured)
Add Ledge for Diy Chalkboard Headboard
Every good headboard chalkboard needs a ledge to hold your chalk and/or eraser. Initially, I was going to use my router to make a ledge, but I have misplaced my bits. (I think it’s time to declutter the garage AGAIN)
So, I dug in my stash and found this really great piece of trim.
Testing it to see if I like it with the thick part to the front . . .
. . . or to the back.
I painted the trim with the turquoise paint, and then did the black glaze. To make things simple, I used my nail gun to attach it to the chalkboard. I ended up putting the thicker part of the molding on the back. It made a better ledge that way in addition to having more thickness to nail.
I really, really love it! Do you love the color as much as I do?
The ledge on the diy chalkboard headboard is perfect for holding chalk, erasers and more.
Only one downfall for this upcycled headboard chalkboard, it’s pretty durn heavy!
Upcycled Headboard
I love staging pieces on my privacy fence. I would never have anywhere in my house to hang this for a photo op. 
This project is already in my booth, ready to go home with someone.
Do you call it upcycle or repurpose?
gail
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This is perfect for my little grandbaby’s room in a year. I’m always looking for things he can do when it’s so hot in the summer. Now to finish everything else I’ve started.
Love to see what you have been up to. Seem to have missed you for awhile. Hope is was just FB messing up and that you are OK. I have four sets of head and foot boards in my garage and hope to get to them next year. I have been busy redecorating the inside and it’s been a huge job. Look forward to your posts.
i love that! it is so nice! Happy Labor Day!
Very nice. The headboard looks Art Deco-esque in its design. I like the black glaze over that turquoise. It makes it so much better. (Not a turquoise fan myself.)
Great job Gail, you always do a fabulous job!
What a great shape Gail – really pretty!
So creative =]
I’m looking for the perfect piece to make my chalk board…one day…[sigh]
Gail,
Love this repurpose! Very nice!
I had an idea for the black panels. It came to me as I almost fell out of my chair onto my head trying to get a pencil. I looked over my shoulder on the way down and saw the black panels upside down. I thought book pages!
Ok stay with me : ) Take the two flat edges that is the spine of the book. See the curved edges of the panels? Those are the open pages of the book. A little creative painting and you have a great sign or chalkboard for the local school teacher, bookstore, bibliophile or library. Attach a small decorative sign across the the straight edge and help stabilize.
Yep apparently hanging upside down does make blood go to your brain. ; )
Love your work! You inspire me.
Carolyn
I love it! I bought a similar headboard for, get this Gail, $5! I was thinking of you! At a garage sale this weekend and was going to take it apart for the “parts”. I think what is left would make a lovely chalkboard. I love that you use spackle to fill holes. For the longest time, that was all I used because it was what I had on hand, and I was too lazy (cheap) to buy wood filler. Now I “stretch” my wood filler by mixing in saw dust and water. It works great!
Love this post! It looks so perfect. New Follower.
Jody
How adorable! I love it! You did a fabulous job. 🙂
Gail, This is a wonderfully creative post. I am very impressed that you saw such a savvy project and useful ( and very very attractive) chalkboard!
It’s a gift to think out of the decor box like that!
Thanks for sharing!
Yvonne
I didn’t see that one coming! Great job!
I was thinking chalkboard when I first saw it. I love the way it turned out.
It’s perfect as a chalkboard! It looks amazing (just like I knew it would)! 🙂
Oh Darn! I was going to say it would become a chalk board… but I didn’t know you could take off those (ugly) black panels!!
GREAT job!
LOVE it! You are so creative!
I just knew it was going to become a chalkboard! Looks great! I like repurpose better than upcycle. But that’s just me.
Holly
Very cute! Love when something is upcycled/repurposed.
Very nice. I wished I had your get up and go but I think mine has got up and went! lol
the shape to me is reminiscent of a garden gate, so i can see it outside at a wedding welcoming guests! so sweet!
The shape of this head board is perfect for a chalk board!
It would look great in a home office, home-school room, mud room, or kitchen!
It’s perfect.
as to upcycle or repurpose I don’t know that Spell checker is so important now days as much as –which words get the hit on Pinterest~
Pat
Love it…great job. Makes the perfect chalkboard!
Wow! What a Transformation! Love the color! You did a wonderful job.
Nice job! I like the paint you chose for the frame.
It’s an awesome chalkboard! Don’t you love it when a piece finally speaks to you? I hate it when they get tongue tied and shy for so long. lol
Bet this one sells fast!
Gail that is terrific! I love the color with the black glaze. That would be great in anyone’s home… Love it!
Susan
what a chalkboard! nice job : )
Love it Gail! The paint finish is awesome!
So cute! I love it and wish I had room for it in my home. 😀
It looks great Gail!
Have a happy Tuesday,
Sue