Halloween Headboard Sign DIY

This project started when I found an old headboard on Facebook Marketplace. It was the perfect shape for what I imagined: a spooky little “Broom & Breakfast” sign for Halloween, the kind of thing you’d see outside a haunted inn in Salem.

Here’s how I turned a used headboard into a custom Halloween decoration that’s now one of my favorite DIYs ever.

What You’ll Need

• Old headboard (I found mine for $10 on FBMP)

• Primer

• Black paint

• Various colors of paint for your design

• Polycrylic or outdoor sealer

• Stencil of your design (I printed mine out at home)

• Silhouette vinyl machine or Cricuit (or pre-cut vinyl letters)

• Paintbrushes 

• 4 pipe brackets

• Rebar stakes and a hammer

Step 1: Add Pipe Brackets

Before I started painting, I screwed on four pipe brackets to the back of the headboard. We will use these to make it stand in the yard later.

Step 2: Prime It

First things first, prime your headboard. I didn't and I regret it! Alwaysss prime! 

Step 3: Paint It Black

Next, I painted the entire thing black. I wanted a moody, witchy vibe and two coats did the trick for me

Step 4: Hand Paint the Clouds and Stars

To make the sign feel more dimensional, I hand-painted soft purple clouds around the moon and the witch. This part was super fun. No rules, just a youtube tutorial and blending until it looked right. I also added yellow stars around the entire front.

Step 5: Add the Moon and the Witch

Once the base coat was dry, I painted in the round yellow moon. Then I printed out a photo of a witch, cut it out, and used it to trace the outline. Then I filled it in with black paint.

Step 6: Add the Lettering

I used my Silhouette vinyl machine to cut out the “Broom & Breakfast” letters. You could use pre-made vinyl letters or stencils too. Once the letters were positioned where I wanted them, I carefully applied them to the headboard.

Step 7: Seal It

Since this piece will live outdoors, I sealed it with multiple coats of polycrylic. Don’t skip this step because it protects your hard work from the elements and keeps the finish looking crisp.

Step 8: Make It Sturdy

To make sure the sign could stand up in the yard, I slid rebar through the pipe brackets and hammered them into the ground. It’s super sturdy and stands perfectly without tipping.

The Final Result

What started as a random Marketplace find is now a statement Halloween piece that looks like it belongs outside a spooky old inn. It’s playful, a little eerie, and totally unique.

If you’re thinking about making one yourself, do it. You can customize the design, color, or theme for any holiday or season.

If you like this, you might be interested in my Halloween String Light DIY!