DIY Zebra Print Headboard
If it’s time to jazz up that boring décor but you can’t find what you’re looking for in the department or furniture stores, try a do-it-yourself approach. A zebra print headboard may be just what you need to add zip to your mornings and put an end to the neutral safety net that gets old so fast. Put your imagination to the test and customize your headboard. A little patience along with a few tools and supplies will help you save money and give you the look you want. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Plywood
- Saber saw
- 2-inch-thick foam
- Electric knife
- Batting
- Scissors
- Spray adhesive
- Zebra print fabric
- Iron
- Staple gun
- Staples
- Flush mount brackets
- Electric hex-head screwdriver
- Hex-head screws
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Measure your bed and make sure the width of your headboard is slightly larger than that of your bed. Decide on a shape for the headboard. If you think the zebra print will be enough, you can stick to a simple rectangle, which will help avoid extra time and labor in the construction process.
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2
Draw a design for your headboard. It’s best to start on a piece of paper where you can draw several designs, compare them and then decide which one will work best. Draw the pattern on the plywood. Try to use a simple shape, such as an arch or scallops.
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3
Cut the plywood with the saber saw. Follow your pattern carefully so the upcoming progression of steps flow without hindrance. Use the plywood as a pattern to cut the foam by placing it over top of the foam and tracing the design. Cut the foam using scissors or an electric knife.
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4
Press the fabric with an iron to remove wrinkles before cutting. Place the foam on top of the fabric, print side down, and cut the pattern with scissors, including an extra 6 inches around all the edges because you will have to wrap it around the batting and foam onto the back of the plywood. Place the foam on top of the batting and cut in the same manner, again allowing 6 inches for wrap-around.
Build Your Headboard
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5
Use spray adhesive to attach the foam to the plywood. Layer all four layers, starting with the fabric, print side down, on the work surface. Lay the batting over the fabric, then center the plywood and foam on top with the foam side down. You should now have the plywood, foam, batting and fabric all layered and ready to staple.
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6
Attach the fabric by stapling four staples, one in the center of each side of the plywood. Then work toward each corner, placing a staple about every 2 inches. Pull the fabric snug so it is secure without pulling the pattern out of shape or tearing the fabric. Finish the corners by placing one staple, centered at each corner. Trim away excess fabric and then tuck and staple the rest of the fabric so it is smooth and the corner looks neatly finished.
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7
Trim away excess batting and fabric on the back of the headboard. Attach the flush mount brackets to the wall and back of the headboard with an electric screwdriver. Make sure to line them up properly for a secure fit. Push the bed frame back against your new headboard and you are ready to relax.
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Tips & Warnings
Save time and money by covering your old headboard.
Cover the back portion of your headboard with extra fabric for a more finished job.
Attach the bottom portion of the flush mounts to the wall first, making sure to secure them into a wall stud, and then line them up with the adjoining pieces on the headboard.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
