Wait! What? You know I can turn that into something, right?

Sound familiar? Those were the words out of my mouth when I saw Mr. Frugalista loading the van with a completely salvageable rattan light cover from an old vintage headboard that was heading to the landfill.

Rodents and moisture got the best of the mid-century modern headboard destined to become a bench that had been stored under a tarp in our back yard. Thank goodness I went outside when I did because that headboard light cover has since been repurposed into unique DIY monogram wall decor for above our front door.

Repurposed Headboard DIY Monogram Wall Decor 

This was such an easy project and it only took a few hours to make. The longest process was waiting for paint to dry.


Unfortunately, the headboard was dismantled and loaded in the van before I could take before photos. To get an idea of what it looked like here is a similar headboard that we turned into a Vintage Headboard Faux Fireplace a few years ago.


Instead of sliding glass doors like the one above, this one had a stationary rattan frame with a light behind it.


Thankfully, unlike the headboard, the rattan survived the outdoor elements and was in perfect condition. Doesn't it look like it was begging to be turned into a monogram wood sign?


To think that lovely rattan goodness would be rotting in a landfill right now had I not stepped outside at just the right moment. This style of headboard can often be found at thrift stores or Habitat ReStores.

Other options for hanging large monogram wall decor

While the monogram wall decor looks great hanging above a door it could also be hung above a large window. I could see it hanging above the bed in a guest room or master bedroom. Another option is above a long sideboard in the dining room. In the living room, it could hang above a piano, a media cabinet or a wall mount television.

What you'll need to make it

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Supply List

Rattan Headboard Light Cover (salvaged)
Granny Smith Green Apple Chalk Finish Paint
Dark Wax
Graphite Paper
Pen
Script Liner Art Brush
Black Acrylic Craft Paint
Black Wood Letter
E6000 Glue
2 D-Hook Picture Hangers

Here's how I made the monogram wall decor

After removing the light fixture that was attached to the back of the rattan light cover it needed a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove the cobwebs.


One of the corners had come loose on the frame and so it was repaired with wood glue in the joint and clamped for several hours until it cured.


Once it dried, I painted the rattan granny smith apple green to match the decor in our living room and dining room which have sightlines to our front entrance.


To revive the dry wood frame, dark antiquing wax was brushed over the wood and the excess wiped and buffed with a lint-free rag.


Next, was adding the monogram with a large black wooden letter B, the first initial of our surname(s). Yes, plural, I kept my maiden name when we married but thankfully both of our surnames start with the letter B. The letter is attached to the center of the frame with E6000 glue and held in place with tape until the glue cured.


While that was curing I went to the PicMonkey website and created a typography graphic. Each element was created separately to print onto legal-size paper, including the flourishes. I didn't include a free download for you because should you decide to make this project, the graphics need to be sized to fit your specific board and of course, the year will be different.

It was a little challenging transferring and painting the typography onto uneven rattan but you can't tell from a distance.


Instead of writing a detailed tutorial on how to transfer the typography onto the rattan, here is a link to my detailed Image Transfer Technique tutorial.

Once the paint was dry on the typography, I added two D-ring picture hooks onto the back and it was ready to hang. I've included helpful tips on how to hang art with double picture hooks perfectly straight EVERY SINGLE TIME here in my No-Measure Tips For Hanging Wall Art tutorial.

Here are some more DIY Sign ideas that you may like. If you have any questions about this project, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!



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