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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Upcycled Headboard into a Chalkboard

    Upcycled Headboard into a Chalkboard

    Published by Gail | Published April 10, 2012 | Updated February 27, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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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.

    diy chalkboard headboard

    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.

    DIY chalkboard headboard

    Only one downfall for this upcycled headboard chalkboard, it’s pretty durn heavy!

    Upcycled Headboard

    upcycled headboard chalkboard

    I love staging  pieces on my privacy fence. I would never have anywhere in my house to hang this for a photo op. Smile

    This project is already in my booth, ready to go home with someone.

    Do you call it upcycle or repurpose?

    gail

    Related Content:

    chalkboard ideas here

    Headboard Project Ideas

    Linking to:

    Domestically Speaking
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    About Gail Wilson

    Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Jennie

      October 13, 2017 at 11:46 am

      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.

      Reply
    2. Di B

      September 01, 2014 at 11:28 am

      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.

      Reply
    3. girlfromwva

      September 01, 2014 at 11:17 am

      i love that! it is so nice! Happy Labor Day!

      Reply
    4. Michele Maddix

      September 01, 2014 at 5:57 am

      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.)

      Reply
    5. Tami {Curb Alert!}

      August 21, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      Great job Gail, you always do a fabulous job!

      Reply
    6. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      April 17, 2012 at 1:45 am

      What a great shape Gail - really pretty!

      Reply
    7. Kristin

      April 14, 2012 at 4:36 am

      So creative =]
      I'm looking for the perfect piece to make my chalk board...one day...[sigh]

      Reply
    8. Carolyn

      April 11, 2012 at 9:24 pm

      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

      Reply
    9. Good Time Charlie

      April 11, 2012 at 4:36 am

      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!

      Reply
    10. Jody and Stan

      April 11, 2012 at 4:35 am

      Love this post! It looks so perfect. New Follower.

      Jody

      Reply
    11. Maria @ All Things Luxurious

      April 11, 2012 at 3:51 am

      How adorable! I love it! You did a fabulous job. 🙂

      Reply
    12. Yvonne @ StoneGable

      April 11, 2012 at 3:43 am

      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

      Reply
    13. Cyndi ✪ Blue Star

      April 11, 2012 at 2:36 am

      I didn't see that one coming! Great job!

      Reply
    14. Ivy League-West

      April 10, 2012 at 10:15 pm

      I was thinking chalkboard when I first saw it. I love the way it turned out.

      Reply
    15. Janet

      April 10, 2012 at 4:41 pm

      It's perfect as a chalkboard! It looks amazing (just like I knew it would)! 🙂

      Reply
    16. Toqua's Crafts

      April 10, 2012 at 4:09 pm

      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!

      Reply
    17. Nicole @My Thrafty Life

      April 10, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      LOVE it! You are so creative!

      Reply
    18. Full Circle Creations

      April 10, 2012 at 2:01 pm

      I just knew it was going to become a chalkboard! Looks great! I like repurpose better than upcycle. But that's just me.

      Holly

      Reply
    19. Megan

      April 10, 2012 at 1:34 pm

      Very cute! Love when something is upcycled/repurposed.

      Reply
    20. Pam

      April 10, 2012 at 1:16 pm

      Very nice. I wished I had your get up and go but I think mine has got up and went! lol

      Reply
    21. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      April 10, 2012 at 1:01 pm

      the shape to me is reminiscent of a garden gate, so i can see it outside at a wedding welcoming guests! so sweet!

      Reply
    22. Corn in my Coffee-Pot

      April 10, 2012 at 12:56 pm

      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

      Reply
    23. Terri

      April 10, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      Love it...great job. Makes the perfect chalkboard!

      Reply
    24. Sandi @ The Primitive Skate

      April 10, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Wow! What a Transformation! Love the color! You did a wonderful job.

      Reply
    25. Anne

      April 10, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      Nice job! I like the paint you chose for the frame.

      Reply
    26. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic

      April 10, 2012 at 12:33 pm

      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!

      Reply
    27. Susan @ homeroad.net

      April 10, 2012 at 11:45 am

      Gail that is terrific! I love the color with the black glaze. That would be great in anyone's home... Love it!
      Susan

      Reply
    28. Emily

      April 10, 2012 at 11:37 am

      what a chalkboard! nice job : )

      Reply
    29. Kristin@ A Vintage Fairy

      April 10, 2012 at 11:33 am

      Love it Gail! The paint finish is awesome!

      Reply
    30. Suesan

      April 10, 2012 at 10:41 am

      So cute! I love it and wish I had room for it in my home. 😀

      Reply
    31. Sue

      April 10, 2012 at 9:59 am

      It looks great Gail!
      Have a happy Tuesday,
      Sue

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    More about me →

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