Often, it’s difficult to find the perfect bedroom furniture. In this case, why not make your own? Making your own upholstered headboard is an easy project that adds a lot of personal flair to your room. It also guarantees a one-of-a-kind headboard that no one else will ever have (unless you sell it, of course!) This guide will help you build your own headboard.
Tools and Supplies Needed For Building Your Own Headboard
When you embark on a do-it-yourself project, you’ll need a few tools.
You will need a jigsaw (if you plan to cut the plywood on your own.) Otherwise, you can take your measurements with you to the store and many major home improvement stores will cut your plywood for free, or for a small fee. You’ll also need scissors, a pencil, a staple gun and staples (preferably one fourth of an inch staples.) Lastly, you’ll need a tape measure and a utility knife.
Now, of course you’ll also need the materials for the headboard. You can use either one fourth or half an inch thick plywood, depending on personal preference. You’ll also need two inch thick foam, batting and fabric. All of this can be found at your local fabric store.
How to Make Your Own Headboard
You’ll need to determine the size you’d like your headboard to be. This can be done by measuring the length of the head of your bed and adding a few extra inches to either side (if desired.) This will be the width of your headboard. Next, you’ll need to dictate how high you want your headboard; you’ll need to decide this on your own. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to go to the home improvement store to purchase your supplies (and have your board cut.)
Next, you’ll need to find your fabric as well as pick up your batting foam. Ideally, choose thicker fabrics because they’ll hold up better during the stretching and stapling process. Using the measurements of your headboard, get the same amount of fabric, plus an additional 12 inches on each side. You’ll need those inches to stretch over your two inch foam, and to staple to the back.
Now that you’ve got all of your supplies, it’s time to get down to business. You’ll need to cut your foam to the shape of your headboard, or cut your headboard down (if you didn’t have it done at the store.) Trace the shape of the headboard onto the foam and cut to size using the utility knife. Next, cut the batting down but leave at least 8 inches on each side (longer than the foam,) to allow for stapling.
You’re ready for assembly. Lay the fabric flat on an even surface (the floor works great.) Layer the batting on top of the fabric, then the foam on top of the batting – make sure it’s in this order! Lastly, place the plywood onto the top of all the materials.
Next, using your staple gun, staple down the batting to the plywood. This helps secure the foam. Next, begin to staple and stretch the fabric around the board. It’s best to use at least one staple every two inches.
After you’re done stapling, carefully trim away any excess fabric and batting.
Secure to the wall using your chosen method, and you’ve got your own custom headboard.
