How to Make a Custom Headboard
Finding a headboard that works for your bedroom can be a challenge. Making a custom headboard is one alternative that can allow you to create a beautiful headboard that matches your room at a price you can afford. One easy and attractive custom headboard option is to make an upholstered headboard, with or without button tufting. Choose colors, fabrics and even the styling to match your bedroom. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 3/4 inch plywood
- Jigsaw (optional)
- 1-inch to 2-inch foam
- Serrated knife
- Spray adhesive
- Upholstery fabric
- Quilt batting
- Molding or trims
- Hot glue gun (optional)
- Staple gun
- Drill and bits
- Bolts
Instructions
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1
Determine an overall size and shape for your headboard. Make a simple rectangular headboard by having your plywood cut to size at the lumber yard or home improvement center.
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2
Draw out the pattern or shape onto the plywood. Cut out the headboard shape using a jigsaw. Work slowly and carefully to keep the shape even and neat. Mark the placement of the upholstery and any necessary bolts and hardware. Drill holes to secure the upholstered headboard to the bed frame.
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3
Use a serrated knife to cut your foam to the right size and shape for the custom headboard. Adhere the foam to the headboard with a light layer of spray adhesive.
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4
Stretch quilt batting over the headboard, securing it into place on the back side of the headboard with a staple gun.
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5
Center fabric neatly on the front of the custom headboard. Secure the sides of the fabric in place, stapling frequently on the backside of the plywood, first on one side and then the other. Pull the fabric taut at the top and bottom of your custom headboard and staple as you did for the sides.
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6
Secure any molding or trim onto your headboard. Hot glue or stitch upholstery style trims into place. Attach wooden molding by nailing it to the plywood with finish nails or using a nail gun.
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7
Bolt the custom upholstered headboard into place on the bed frame.
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Tips & Warnings
Pre-drill small holes before working on the headboard upholstery to create a tufted headboard. Use a long upholstery needle to stitch button tufting into place. Inexpensive buttons may be used on the back of the headboard to secure the tufting.
