Duct tape offers endless colors and patterns, making it a hit with kids and available at most craft stores. A roll costs just $3 to $4, and you'll need three to four for a double bed headboard. Grab a large piece of cardboard for free from grocery or home improvement stores.
Measure the wall space behind your bed to set the headboard dimensions.
Sketch the headboard shape on paper and select your colors and patterns.
Measure and cut the cardboard to match your headboard size.
Begin your pattern about one strip wide from the top of the cardboard. Wrap it to the other end and fold over the back. Continue applying strips across the entire surface.
Apply border tape around the edges, extending over the cardboard by more than 1/4 inch for folding.
For our project, we added 'Go' in the center. Locate the midpoint and build letters symmetrically, ensuring uniform width and height.
Susan Teare, design by Joanne Palmissano, photo by Susan Teare
Wrap colorful duct tape around cardboard for this vibrant kids' headboard. An affordable, simple project perfect for family bonding—no power tools needed, just pure creativity.
Secure with small wire nails. Cover nail heads with matching tape for a seamless finish.
Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets.
