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!