How to Build a Headboard and Night Stand

Headboards and night stands are the key pieces to create a comfortable and stylish bedroom. Bedrooms are where we go to lounge, relax, and get away from the world. Creating an enjoyable space can be fun and easy. Upholstered headboards are chic and an easy DIY project. The easiest and most affordable way to get a new night stand is to refurbish an old nightstand. Searching the Goodwill and antique stores are a great place to find old night stands to refinish. You may even have an old night stand in your attic. Here are a few tips to get a romantic new headboard and to renew and restore an old wood night stand

Things You'll Need

• 1- to 2-inch plywood
• 2-inch foam
• Batting
• Upholstery fabric
• Staple gun
• Flush wall mounts (at least 2)
• Scissors
• Old night stand
• Hand sander or electric sander
• High gloss wood paint
• Screwdriver
• Metallic spray paint

Instructions

Preparing Materials

1. Cut the plywood. If you are using a standard rectangular shaped headboard, you can have the plywood cut at your home supply store at a low cost. But, if you have a more elaborate design planned such as curved edges, it is better to cut the wood yourself using a jigsaw.

2. The foam thickness is your choice. The recommended thickness is 2 inches, but if you lounge in the bed and lean on the headboard quite often, then thicker foam would benefit you.

3. The batting is standard. There are no particular types of batting, any type you find should do.

4. Choose you upholstery fabric wisely. Upholstery fabric by design is usually quite thick. When upholstering a headboard, thicker is better. Pre-wash and iron the fabric before using.

Measuring and Cutting

1. Measure the width of your bed. The headboard should be about 1 to 2 inches wider than the mattress.

2. The height of the headboard is your choice. If you are unsure how tall to make the headboard, usually ½ to 1/3 of the wall height is acceptable.

3. Cut the foam to fit the headboard.

4. Cut the batting and the fabric about 4 to 5 inches larger than the headboard and foam to allow for stapling.

Putting it all together

1. On a flat surface, layer the materials in this order: fabric (wrong side up), batting, foam, and finally plywood. Center the foam and plywood neatly together. Ensure you have enough batting and fabric on all four sides to pull over the plywood.

2. Begin stapling the fabric and batting onto the plywood by stretching tautly over the plywood. Insert the first staple at the top right corner. Insert the second staple at the top left corner. Then insert the third staple at the bottom right and finally another at the bottom left.

3. Proceed to staple the sides of the headboard in the same manner. Remember to fold the corners in as if wrapping a gift. Smooth the fabric and batting toward you as you staple for a clean look.
   Cut off any excess fabric and batting with scissors.

Hanging the Headboard

1. Determine the area on the wall for the headboard.

2. Find studs within that area to place the wall mounts. Try to place the studs as wide as possible within that area. Mark these spots on the wall and mark the adjacent spots on the headboard.

3. Attach the back side of the flush wall mounts to the wall and the adjoining pieces to the headboard.
   Place the headboard onto the wall and interlock the pieces.

   Optional: To add extra flare to your headboard, frame the headboard with a wood frame using 1 inch by 4 inch pieces of pine. Simply attach to the wall using a nail gun and stain the wood.

Night Stand Instructions

1. Measure your area. Get the appropriate measurement of the area for the nightstand. Be sure the nightstand will not be too large or too small.

2. Find the right night stand for you. Think of what your needs are: extra storage, added style, or just a place to put your lamp.

3. Survey your night stand. Look for any damage to legs or the surface that need to be repaired. Use wood putty to repair. Remove any hardware such as drawer handles.

4. Sand the night stand. Use a hand sander to sand off paint or any other finishes until bare wood is exposed.

   Paint the night stand using a high gloss wood paint. Choose any color you like. Apply at least two coats.

   Re-use existing hardware by applying your choice of spray paint.
   Allow night stand and hardware to dry. Re-attach hardware and place your new night stand next to your bed. Add accessories to accent your bedroom and new headboard.

References

• Plans for a Classic Night Stand
• More on Headboards