How to Create a Romantic Canopy-Inspired “Headboard”

For some reason, I'm not a fan of traditional headboards. Over the years, I've experimented with headboards that consisted of using placemats, painted fabric, and DIY fabric-covered foam squares. With my current bedroom makeover, I created yet another "anti-headboard." The inspiration was a flowing, sheer canopy you see in tropical, beachy bedrooms. The result was a flowing swag combined with a painted accent wall and a beaded garland. Read along to find out how I achieved this breezy, romantic look and how you can create your own... plus, get a sneak peek at the color of my new accent wall!

When I first planned my bedroom makeover, I was smitten with creating a canopy effect over my bed with sheer fabric. This look was prefect for creating the breezy, beachy effect I wanted. I looked to these rooms as inspiration:

But when I decided to create an accent wall in my bedroom, I didn’t want to cover up that lovely color with a lot of fabric. I then chose to create a macramé wall hanging to serve as a headboard… except that ended up being a DIY fail.

That’s when I went back to Plan A and came up with a compromise: a smaller, canopy-inspired “headboard” done as a swag.

To add detail to the swag, I hung a beaded garland. I strung the garland with all kinds of beads: seed beads, wood, silver, shell. I also painted unfinished wood beads with metallic craft paint, Champagne by Folk Art. I was first concerned about the noise these beads could create if the fan is directed at the bed (I am a fan sleeper), but the fabric seems to muffle any sound.

Here’s how I created the headboard:

• Bamboo rod, cut to size (found in the dried flower section of your craft store)
• Two wall hooks that are large enough for your bamboo
• Sheer fabric (I used some lightweight rayon with a bit of shimmer)
• Garland of your choice (see ideas below)

You really don’t need a step-by-step tutorial to create this, since the process is simple:  mount the wall hooks, add the rod, and then hang your fabric and garland. However, I do have a few helpful tips:

*Make sure your hooks are wide enough to support the rod. I used these hooks from Target.

*Calculate how long your fabric and garland will be with a long piece of string or yarn. After mounting your hooks and rod, drape the string to determine your length. I wanted my swag to sweep the floor on the sides, so I used about 4-1/2 yards of fabric.

*Choose a fabric that will drape well. Voile and charmeuse are great options.

*Save time by not hemming the fabric. Leaving a frayed edge adds texture to your room and a shabby chic effect.

*Use the garland as a chance to add personal detail to your bedroom. In lieu of stringing beads, you could create the garland with shells, doilies, ribbon, fabric scraps, or wood cut-out shapes. There are so many possibilities!

*Hang a piece in the center of your garland to add more symmetry and detail to your headboard. I chose this pendant to help set the tone for a peaceful night of sleep and to add to the bohemian vibe of my room:

That’s it! This “headboard” is a very simple project that can help transform your bedroom into a relaxing and romantic space by infusing some soft, feminine energy.

Stay tuned for more details on my bedroom makeover as I’m still plugging away!

Do you like non-traditional headboards? Do you have a canopy or mosquito netting in your bedroom? What makes a romantic bedroom for you?

Thanks for visiting! Let’s stay connected!

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