DIY Futon Frame Headboard

A simple fabric-covered headboard can be the finishing touch to a room.

Futon frames are convenient and accessible, making them perfect to re-purpose as bed frames. One of their few flaws is that futon frames do not have headboards. Adding a headboard to your futon frame is a way to make the bedroom more elegant and attractive. Headboards also provide a comfortable space to lean on without risking damage to the walls. Installing a new headboard for a futon frame is a simple and practical way to improve your space.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4-inch plywood
• Saw
• Foam
• Razor knife
• Spray adhesive
• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Mounting brackets (optional)
• U bolts with washers (optional)
• Drill

Instructions

1. Determine the size and shape of your headboard. Cut a piece of plywood to those dimensions. Decide whether you will attach your headboard to the futon frame or the wall. Large headboards will be heavier, so if you want a large headboard it is probably best to attach it to the wall. Be sure that your headboard has legs that allow it to rest on the floor when at the correct height.

2. Cut foam to the exact size of the plywood. Adhere foam to the headboard. Use a spray-on adhesive for best results. If you are going to attach the headboard to the futon frame, do not adhere foam to the plywood bellow where the headboard and the frame will meet. If you are going to attach it to the wall, adhere foam to the entire surface. For more cushioning, install multiple layers of foam.

3. Place fabric over the face of the headboard. While being careful to make the fabric taught, staple it to the back of the headboard. If you are installing the headboard to the futon frame, staple the fabric down where the foam ends and install a second piece of fabric over the back of the headboard.

4. Attach the headboard. To attach the headboard to the wall, install mounting brackets on the back of the headboard and the wall. To attach the headboard to the futon frame, use U bolts. Drill holes through the plywood spaced so the bolts can pass over posts in the futon frame and through the plywood. Tighten the bolts with washers under the nuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Ironing the fabric before installing it will help get out wrinkles.

• Be sure that the headboard is firmly installed. A poorly installed headboard can fall and injure someone.

References

• Beds Headboards Futons: Fabric Headboards, How to Make
• Apartament Therapy: How To: Build Your Own Headboard