How can I make a headboard for a bed?

Answer 1

If you have a Queen or King sized bed, you can use an old door. Just wrap it in quilting batting (1") and staple gun to the back. Buy 2.5 yards of fabric of your choice and wrap that over the batting and staple in back.
To create a more custom look, get some upholstery nails and create a design in the front.
I just created one for my bed about a week ago. If you would like to see pictures of it, email me!
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Answer 2

At the big box home stores - you can by 8 foot sections of pre-assembled picket fencing. You can cut this to width of the bed and make a very interesting headboard from it. We did several years ago - we left it natural for a long time and then painted it when our decor changed.

Answer 3

The quickest way is to use a sheet of plywood, cut it to the width that you want. I like an extra inch or two on either side of the bed. Wrap it with batting and chose a nice material that will coordinate with your room and use a staple gun to attach. For finishing you could use lengths of ribbon or cording for a criss cross effect or pre-drill holes in the plywood to use buttons (my preference if I can find buttons that I like). Use two lengths of 1x2 to support the headboard onto the wall, have them cut at a 45 degree angle to lock in place. Attach one to the board and one to the wall.