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What Would Sarah Do?

I often get asked, how do you pick out things at a thrift store? What do you look for? or What would you do with this? So I decided to start a little series, sharing second hand finds and how I would transform them into something that I’d LOVE to have in my home!

Look at this headboard!? Sure it’s dingy and the brown painted frame looks a little cheap, but new fabric, and paint would make this look like a million bucks!

Headboards are pricey.. DIYing headboards can also be pricey (typically at least $100-$200) due to the amount of supplies (wood, foam, batting, fabric, etc) needed. Finding a headboard that needs a little work is a great way to cut costs and time!!

To get started, I’d remove the fabric panel and foam (I’d probably replace the foam – look for a 50% off foam sale at Joanns (last time I was also able to stack a 20% off regular and sale items too!) or use a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby, or purchase an egg crate and use the smooth side up)

Reupholster the panel in something like this

or this

Or go classic with a solid linen and nailhead trim around the edge, like this bed from Restoration Hardware.

Sand the frame and prime the frame with a durable primer, such as Zinsser Cover Stain or Kilz Bonding Primer. Finish with a top coat of durable paint, such as Sherwin Williams Pro Classic.

Reattach the panel and you’re done! This project could easily be done in a day with limited supplies – upholstery stapler, scissors and paint brush/paint are all that you’d need! Depending on fabric choice, this project would most likely be complete for under $100!

p.s. anyone local to Knoxville, TN, as of today, headboard still available at Karm thrift store on Kingston pike! $50 for a king!

If you’d like to know what I’d do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week!

Uncategorized// Uncategorized// what would sarah do14 Comments

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Comments

  1. Sarah Just The Bee's Knees says

    September 9, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    Great series Sarah!! LOVE the dark wood/malachite combo!

    Reply
  2. Lil says

    September 9, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    I'm going to like this new segment!

    Reply
  3. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    September 9, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    Love these ideas, great headboard.

    Reply
  4. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    September 9, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    great idea for a series! i love the second option- so fun!

    Reply
  5. Lily L-M says

    September 9, 2014 at 4:44 pm

    These are AMAZING ideas! that marblized look is so chic and the idea of nailhead trim is a classic. Can't wait to see more in this series!

    x Lily
    whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com

    Reply
  6. Brenda says

    September 9, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    Great idea for a series.

    Reply
  7. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    September 9, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    Your second headboard mock up was my favorite. Would that be an amazing show stopper in a room or what?!

    Reply
  8. Carrie @ Cosy Carolina Interiors says

    September 9, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    I love this new series! The agate graphic is my favorite. I'm such a reluctant painter, I really appreciate the tips on painting. 🙂

    Reply
  9. pam {simple details} says

    September 10, 2014 at 12:52 am

    What a fun idea Sarah! Great headboard inspiration!

    Reply
  10. Leslie Stewart says

    September 10, 2014 at 12:55 am

    Beautiful ideas! But then…all your ideas are beautiful!
    Leslie
    House on the Way

    Reply
  11. Sarah Truman says

    September 10, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    I'm a new follower to your blog & didn't realize that you're in the Knoxville area! I am too! Hubbs & I are in the middle of our master bedroom redo & desperately need a headboard!! Where is the Karm on Kingston Pk?? I'm out that way all the time but haven't seen a Karm!! TIA!

    Reply
  12. beautifulhealer says

    September 10, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    I love this new WWSD post! That first option looks right up my alley. Too bad I already have a (dark and dreary) bed frame.

    Reply
  13. Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says

    September 11, 2014 at 1:21 am

    That could be almost a dead ringer for that RH bed with new fabric and nailheads. Gosh, I love upholstery… 🙂

    Reply
  14. Julia Konya says

    September 15, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    OMG what a great piece. The price is awesome and your ideas are the best

    Reply

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