ÄPPLARÖ headboard hack

Materials: ÄPPLARÖ

Description: Materials: Ikea ÄPPLARÖ wall panel

Description: I looked and looked for a simple headboard for my queen size metal bed frame (the typical kind with four casters and holes for attaching a headboard and footboard), but couldn't find a suitable one anywhere. After finding the Ikea Hackers website, I decided that I'd be creative and "hack" myself a headboard. My requirements were these:
- It had to be lightweight and easily moveable (I rent and I like to move my furniture around).
- It had to be affordable (I set myself a budget of no more than 99 dollars).
- It had to be around 62-63 inches wide (to properly fit the width of the queen bed frame).
- I didn't want to spend hours painting, sanding, or drilling.

After I searched a bit, I found Ikea's ÄPPLARÖ wall panel fit the bill (Width: 31 1/2"; Height: 62 1/4"; acacia wood). I bought two of these for $39.99 plus tax.


Step 1: Take the panels out of the boxes. Each comes in two parts: an upper panel and a base. They attach with 4 included pegs.

Step 2: Decide on the height of your headboard. You could use just the bases for an extreme minimalist look. That was a little bit low food my box spring and mattress, so I decided I wanted the headboard a bit higher. I could have just put the panels together and cut the legs down to the right height, but I didn't want to ruin the panel in case I was dissatisfied with the project. Instead, I decided to overlap and attach the top and bottom portions to each other using the predrilled holes. To make it even sturdier, I bought 8 small L-brackets and attached two on the front and two and back of each panel.

Step 3: Attach the panels to each other. I chose to attach the panels together with hinges, making it easier to fold and move the headboard in the future. [Note: in the picture, it shows a hinge at the top, but it should be placed lower so the panels can fold. I'm not too worried about it right now.]

I could have bolted the headboard to the bed, but it sits up against the wall with no problems, so I left it as is. Alternatively, I could use double-sided tape to secure it to the wall. You'll notice in the photos that I stuck Ikea's protective felt pads on the back of the headboard to avoid scratching the wall.

Step 4: Enjoy your new headboard! This is really a lightweight, sturdy, and attractive headboard. It matches my other wood furniture and is exactly what I wanted. I wish I'd thought of it sooner!

~ Matt, Phoenix, AZ