Headboard How-tos

If your bedroom feels a little lackluster, don't despair. Instead, think about a headboard update. It's a great way to add some sparkle to your room without changing everything. You don't have to spend a fortune either. We came up with some styles that range from elegant to just plain fun. Add new linens, and you'll no longer be singing the blues.

Fit for a Queen: Re-create the Look of an Antique Corona
If you want to add a little glamour to your bed, then top it with a crown. We decided to re-create the look of an antique corona in this room. The size of the crown can vary depending on where it's placed (at the head of the bed or above the center like this one) and your personal preference.

Step 1:
Use stock trim, available from home-improvement stores. Draw out a sketch with the dimensions. Make the crown yourself, or take it to a professional to be assembled (a lumber shop charged us $25). Nail additional pieces of wood into the four corners to provide a base for attaching to the ceiling.

Step 2:
Now for the fun part. Cover the crown with primer, if necessary (we bought preprimed trim). Then distress it to look old. We beat ours with a hammer and used a screwdriver and ice pick to create dents and faux wormholes. Next, choose a latex paint that suits your fancy, and paint the crown with two coats. Then sand in places, and rub with silver paint and furniture wax to complete the antique appearance.

Step 3:
For the canopy, a sheer fabric with a subtle stripe (12 yards at $3 a yard) was attached to the crown with a staple gun. You need one panel for the back and one for each side. Attach the crown to the ceiling using an electric screwdriver. To complete the look, we added large bolster pillows and swing-arm lamps.