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How to make a D.I.Y. wavy bedhead

Wavy headboard in blue behind a bed for effect 

Overview

The Spirited design trend is vibrant, playful, and chic. This aesthetic embraces the joy of self-expression. The Spirited palette includes warm reds, earthy pinks, as well as rusty hues, tied together by curvy silhouettes and wave-edged detailing.

Using the Spirited trend as inspiration, this D.I.Y. project makes it easy to create a stylish piece for your home, while updating and refreshing your space. This elegant bedhead looks dazzling with its graphic shape – and all you need to achieve this look is meticulous marking-out, careful cutting with a jigsaw, and a splash of paint. Choose vibrant colours and emphasise the bedheads curves with an accent shade, by painting a contrasting hue along the cut edge.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets and always work in a well-ventilated area when working with paint.

Tip: This project is set up to suit a queen-sized bed, but it will suit any size. For a single, have your MDF sheet cut in store to about 1500mm long.

Steps

1Choose your wave shape

Decide how deep you want your waves to be by sketching a few on scrap paper until you’re happy with the outline. Measure vertically from the peak of the waves to the lowest point. Halve this measurement to find the centre of the waves and, using a combination square, mark this centre measurement down from the top of the MDF sheet. Slide the combination square along the top to mark along the entire length, then join the marks using a ruler to form a continuous centre line.
Hand using ruler to join centre marks together

2Draw the waves

Using a round object as a template – a paint can is handy for this – draw opposing equal-sized curves above and below the continuous centre line to fit the length of the MDF sheet, creating a wave design.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: This design process may involve some trial and error. Be sure to use a pencil rather than pen, so you can erase marks easily and redraw your waves if necessary.
Hands drawing semi circles around paint can template

3Cut out the wave shape

Clamp the MDF sheet to a workbench or sturdy table with the wave edge overhanging. Wearing the right safety equipment, use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the waves, cutting towards the top edge to remove each excess piece safely – they will become heavy and start to drop. Smooth the edges with 180-grit abrasive paper and wipe off dust with a damp cloth.
Jigsaw cutting out wave shapes

4Prime and paint

Unclamp the MDF sheet and, using a 230mm roller and lined tray, apply primer to the bedhead, including both faces and the edges – this will help prevent the MDF absorbing moisture and bowing. Once the primer is dry, use a clean roller and tray to apply two coats of your main colour of water-based enamel paint to the front face of your headboard. Allow the paint to dry after each coat.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: The MDF is heavy, so enlist a second pair of hands to help flip it over.
Hand using roller to apply white primer to MDF

5Paint the detail

Using a mini microfibre roller and clean tray, carefully apply two coats of the detail colour of water-based enamel paint along the cut edge of the wave shapes. Allow the paint to dry after each coat.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: To help achieve a clean and crisp edge, don’t load the mini roller with too much paint.
Close-up view of view of purple detail on wavy bedhead against wall

6Attach the headboard to your wall

Once completely dry, install the headboard in position with safety anchors and fasteners that are appropriate for your wall type.

7Embrace the vibrancy of the Spirited theme

The Spirited aesthetic brings colour and life to any room. Explore these easy and effective tips to elevate your household.

 

Photo Credit: Brigid Arnott; (steps) Amanda Ghalaini Yacoub 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.