Homemade Fabric Headboards

Use most any fabric to create a beautiful homemade fabric headboard.

Create a simple homemade fabric headboard to match the decor of any room. Attach it to the wall rather than the bed for quick and easy decorating. Opt for a plywood base or use heavy cardboard as a lightweight and inexpensive alternative. Choose faux leather or denim for a masculine look, velvet or satin for elegance, a floral print or plaid to enhance a country-theme decor, or a Disney or other licensed print for a child's room. Although nearly any type of fabric can be used to create a headboard, take into consideration the use and wear the fabric will undergo and choose accordingly.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood or heavy cardboard
• Saw
• Sandpaper
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Padding
• Spray adhesive or glue
• Staple gun with staples
• Hammer
• Cleat picture hanger
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Cut the plywood or heavy cardboard to the size and shape desired. If using plywood, lightly sand the cut edges. If using cardboard, cut two or three layers and glue together, offsetting any folds in the cardboard to increase strength and stability.

2. Apply the padding to the front of the base with spray adhesive or glue. Use the number of layers needed to get the desired density. Ensure that the top layer or two of padding extends at least 2 inches beyond the edges of the base on all sides. Fold the top layer(s) neatly over the edges, trim the corners as needed to eliminate bulk, and secure to the back of the base with glue or staples.

   If you're using foam as padding, trim it flush with the edges of the base and top it with a layer or two of quilt batting.

3. Cover the base with fabric. Lay the fabric right side down on the floor or any other large, flat surface and smooth out the fabric. Place the headboard padding side down on the fabric and trim the fabric so that it is 3 to 4 inches larger than the base.

4. Gently and evenly pull the fabric over the top of the base to the back. Tuck the edge of the fabric under 1 inch and staple it securely into place along the fold. Work from the center to the edges, keeping the fabric smooth. Complete the top edge and then move to the opposite side.

5. Pull the fabric taut over the bottom of the base to the back. Tuck the edge of the fabric under 1 inch and staple into place along the fold. Again, work from the center to the edges and keep the fabric smooth.

6. Pull the fabric taut over the left side of the base, turn the edge of the fabric under 1 inch and staple into place along the fold. Work from the center to the edges, keeping the fabric smooth. Now pull the fabric taut over the right side of the base, tuck the edge of the fabric under 1 inch and staple it into place along the fold. Again, work from the center to the edges and keep the fabric smooth.

7. Fold the fabric neatly to the back at each corner, overlapping as necessary. Carefully cut away excess fabric to reduce bulk and staple it securely into place.

8. Following the manufacturer's instructions, place the half of the cleat hanger designated for the wall in the desired position at the head of the bed. Attach it securely to the wall with the screws provided. Attach the other half of the cleat hanger to the back of the headboard. Hang the headboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Salvage large pieces of cardboard from appliance boxes.

• Reserve delicate fabrics for adult rooms and use only sturdy, washable fabrics for children.

• Apply spray-on fabric protector to completed headboard if desired.

References

• Picture Hanging Solutions: Cleat Picture Hangers