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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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. ๐
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)! ๐
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.