When Jennae sent before-and-after photos of her bedroom, we had to share her DIY headboard project. Below is her story in her own words, edited for clarity and flow.
My husband and I rent our home and are decorating on a tight budget. We both love sustainable design, so finding materials that were eco-friendly and affordable mattered. The biggest dilemma was deciding on a headboard. We scoured the web for ideas and tutorials and finally remembered a product I had featured on my blog previously: Wall Flats from Inhabit Living.
Wall Flats are essentially three-dimensional, paintable wall tiles that feel like rigid, lightweight cardboard. They’re made from bamboo pulp and are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle, which fit our green criteria perfectly. A box of ten tiles usually costs about $86, but because we were working on a shoestring budget, we opted for second-quality tiles sold individually at a steep discount. At $4.50 apiece I made a minor miscalculation and purchased twelve tiles, though we ultimately only needed nine. Even with the extra tiles, our headboard cost roughly $55 in materials, plus about $10 for foam tape. We are thrilled with how it turned out.
You can see the full room transformation in the post on my blog. We made several changes to the space, but the wall-flats headboard and new bedding had the biggest visual impact.
Here’s the room before the headboard project. (Yes, that’s my husband in the shot — he knew I’d publish the photo if he didn’t move!)
And here’s the room after the DIY headboard was installed. The textured wall tiles create a bold focal point and add depth without permanently altering the rental walls.
Jennae’s project is a great example of how resourceful design choices can dramatically change a room without breaking the bank. By choosing discounted wall flats she achieved a high-end textured look at a fraction of the typical headboard price. Because the tiles are removable, the solution is renter-friendly: when it’s time to move, the tiles can come down without leaving permanent damage.
The overall effect works beautifully with the new bedding and printed pillows, tying together modern texture and soft, layered textiles. Small details like coordinating lampshades and thoughtfully chosen fabrics elevate the space and make it feel finished.
If you’re considering a similar project, a few tips from Jennae’s experience can help: measure carefully before ordering tiles to avoid overbuying; consider second-quality or clearance options for big savings; use a lightweight adhesive or foam tape designed for temporary mounting in rentals; and coordinate colors and textiles to complement the three-dimensional pattern so the headboard feels integrated rather than pasted on.
It’s always inspiring to see how much impact a single creative solution can have in a room. Jennae’s project proves that sustainable materials, clever sourcing, and a bit of DIY effort can deliver a look that feels custom and modern—without the high price tag. Would you try a removable, textured headboard in your own home?