DIY Wood Arrow Marquee

I love marquee lights, faux marquees, and pretty much any kind of small strand lights that give off just enough light to take a room from dark to dreamy or fun. I made the light below for our oldest when I made a few changes to his room.

For almost a year he went without a headboard and his mattress was just up next to the wall. I felt bad because he likes to sit up and read in bed, and leaning against the hard wall wasn't comfortable for anyone. His only enjoyment and wonder was a Gel Fireplace , which was in the center table of our living room .

I decided to make him an upholstered headboard right around the time I also decided to put some fun signs in his room.

Step 1:

I made his headboard using 1/2 inch plywood (cut down to a little bit wider than his mattress width, and about 36 inches tall), a couple of 2x4s, and some wood screws we purchased at Home Depot. I purchased batting, and foam from Joann's, and instead of buying a piece of fabric I bought a cotton velvet curtain from Target and used it to upholster the headboard.

Step 2:

Once his headboard was made I knew I wanted to add a "marquee light" above his bed. A large arrow seemed perfect for a boy, and yet would still look good when he got older too. I made the arrow marquee with 3/4 inch birch plywood, a couple of 1x2s, nails, a drill, a set of strand lights that were on sale at Target, stain, and paint.

Step 3:

After I made the light my husband wired an extension cord to have an on/off switch and we were able to plug in the light and easily turn it off and on when we wanted to.