How to Make a Padded Upholstered Headboard

It is quite easy to make a custom headboard for your bed for less than $100. When you make your own headboard, you can choose your own fabric to match the decor of your bedroom, and give it your own personal style. Make a quick trip to your local hardware and fabric stores to get what you need, follow these simple instructions, and you can have your own custom made headboard that will really make a statement.

Things You'll Need

• plywood or medium density fiberboard cut to measure 51 inches H x 41 inches W for a twin bed, 51 in H x 56 inches W for a full bed, 51 inches H x 62 inches W for a queen bed, 51 inches H x 80 inches W
• 1.5 inch thickness foam padding (available at craft or fabric stores)
• electric knife (the kind used to cut meat) for cutting foam (optional)
• cotton batting
• upholstery fabric or other thick fabric
• spray adhesive (optional)
• fabric scissors
• staple gun and staples
• brackets to attach headboard to the wall

Instructions

1. Place the wood on top of your foam and trace around it. Then cut outside that line using either an electric knife or fabric scissors. The electric knife will make the job go much faster, but it's not absolutely necessary.

2. Apply a thin layer of spray adhesive to the surface of the wood, place the foam centered on top of the wood and press down firmly.

3. Using fabric scissors, cut cotton batting approximately eight inches longer and eight inches wider than your board.

4. Center the board on the cotton batting, wrap the excess batting around and staple to the back of the board using a staple gun.

5. Cut fabric 8 inches wider and 8 inches longer than your board, center the board on the back side of the fabric, wrap it around and staple fabric to the back of the board.

6. Using a power drill and wood screws, attach two mounting brackets to the back of your headboard approximately three to six inches from the top and side edges of the board.

7. Using the power drill, insert two drywall screws into the studs in the wall where you want to hang the headboard. Now you're ready to set your bed up in front of your new custom headboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when operating power tools and the staple gun. Protective eye wear should be used when operating power tools.