By Sam Zachrich
Gather leather belts from friends, your closet, flea markets, or online retailers. Leather holds up best to daily use. Select belts of uniform width to minimize gaps between rows. We've used highly textured ones here to create visual depth and character.
Sam Zachrich
Purchase plywood cut to match your bed's width—ours was 62" x 32". Add 1x3 boards to frame three sides. The trim slightly enlarges the overall headboard. Ask your hardware store to make cuts if you lack a saw.
Sam Zachrich
Select a warm stain tone to harmonize with the belts and recede into the background. Apply to the plywood front and all trim sides, then allow to dry fully.
Sam Zachrich
Once dry, arrange the belts on the plywood for a striking pattern. We layered lighter belts at the top, transitioning to darker shades below for an ombre effect. Trace your layout, then trim buckles and rounded ends as needed.
Sam Zachrich
Secure with a hot glue gun, starting from the top row for straight, level lines. Press firmly to ensure flat adhesion. Intentionally leave some top strap ends unglued—they'll conceal the mounting screws later.
Sam Zachrich
Nail the trim to the plywood edges with a nail gun. This frames the headboard neatly, hiding rough cuts. Apply only to top and sides so the bottom rests flush against the mattress.
Sam Zachrich
Position the headboard where desired. Fold back unglued strap ends, then drive 3” deck screws through the plywood into wall studs for secure anchoring. Repeat as needed. Finally, glue down the strap ends to conceal screw heads for a polished finish.
Sam Zachrich
