No boring head board...

photo source: Coastal Living.com

I have often thought that a headboard is the crowning glory to a well-made bed. Absolutely, great bedding is important, but even a bed layered all in white can look interesting if the bed itself is worthy of the spotlight. Naturally, a great antique or custom-made bed rich in character fits the bill, but can you frame your resting spot using less notable pieces?

Absolutely! Who says you need traditional bedroom furniture? In fact, I am a huge proponent of mismatched, less predictable pieces in a master bedroom; and nowhere is that more fun to do than in the master bedroom, with a unique and unexpected headboard.

Among my favourite options for unique and beautiful headboards:

Bookcases - but please, please don't place just anything on the shelves. Make your selections interesting, uncluttered, important. Showcase your favourite collectibles, and remember that the bed should be the focal point, not dozens of family photos!

photo source: Country Home.com

Screens - select with care. If a screen as a headboard is your choice, be true to your style. If your bedding whispers french country, don't place an Asian inspired screen just because you have it left over from your college days, or because it is all you could find.

Paint - one of the most economical options is to paint an area as a headboard in a colour that compliments both your bedding and the main wall colour in the bedroom. Framed or not, the right colour will be a worthy choice as a backdrop to your comfy nest.

Mantels, doors, and salvage - take a quick trip to the nearest salvage shop for an outstanding alternative to the tried and true. There are more than worthy doors languishing in garages and barns everywhere just waiting to be pressed into service as beautiful headboards. Just turn it on its ear, so to speak, and install securely.photo source: www.bhg.com

Other great options include iron pieces, such as iron gates, although I am not sure they would be so comfortable to lean against... As for mantels, check out these gorgeous examples.

(photo source: www.bhg.com)

Need I say more...?

Wallpaper - remember the wallpaper feature that I added behind my sofa? The same treatment can be given to the wall behind your bed. In this case, a frame is a requirement, and the wallpaper option provides a wonderful way to introduce pattern and texture to your master bedroom. And because you need very little, you can go ahead and splurge on a very special paper that you might otherwise leave behind due to budget restrictions

photo source: www.bhg.com

Panel detailing - installed at "headboard height", a wall treatment such as this can be the perfect alternative to a typical headboard. I particularly love this example, which incorporates a simple shelving detail: photo source: Katrin Cargill.com

Upholstered, hand made headboard - It's as easy as layering foam and fabric over a piece of plywood or MDF and stapling away! For a quick tutorial go here.photo source: BHG.com

Even easier? Try this option of simply hanging fabric panels from a curtain rod. Cheap and easy!!

Artwork - what could be easier than hanging large-scale framed (or not) art over your bed, all the while displaying what you love and reflecting your great style? Your imagination is all that limits you, and even simply wrapping a favourite fabric over stretcher frames will be beautiful. For a great example of art as a headboard alternative, check out this great room.

Decals - Urban Outfitters offers up a great headboard decal for an even better price (check out the link). Want something even less expensive? Why not stencil or freehand such a design?!

There are other options, for certain, but hopefully this will inspire you to accept the notion that affordable options exist for furnishing your bedroom. With a little elbow grease, imagination, and/or combing yard sales or salvage yards, you can create equally impressive alternatives to owning fancy furniture. Don't allow your budget to hold you back. You will sleep better knowing you have exercised creativity and good financial restraint when decorating your home. I know I do!