I have been slowly fixing up our house and decorating over the past 3 years. One thing we had been living without was a headboard. A headboard isn't really a necessity but they sure do look nice. I love the upholstered headboards from Urban Outfitters but they cost a couple hundred dollars and are totally out of my small budget. I decided after looking at a lot of different tutorials online that I could probably create my own for quite cheap. This headboard cost less than $100 and only took a couple hours to make. Your cost will depend on the cost of the fabric you choose and if you can get the other materials on sale.
We got this giant 5x8 piece of MDF from Home Depot for $5!! Yes only $5. There was some damage to the edges of the piece but since we were cutting out out shape it didn't matter. I started by by tracing a rectangle and then used a clock to trace out the circular shapes. Measure and trace out your shape then cut it out with a jigsaw.
Once your shape is cut out trace out your upholstery foam and glue it on with spray adhesive. The foam was the most expensive part of this project. I used 2" foam. Cover the foam with batting for extra padding and smoothness. Staple it in place using a staple gun on the backside of the headboard. I bought the foam and batting from Joanne craft store. If you have pets they will think this is a new soft dog bed you created just for them. Ha ha. I couldn't get Luna off to take a photo.
The next step is to staple your fabric on top of the foam. I couldn't find a fabric I liked at the fabric store and I didn't want to purchase it online either. I actually used a duvet cover from Target! I cut the top layer of the duvet cover off and stapled it in place. I love this pattern.
To add stability we added legs to the headboard so that it wouldn't tip over and fall on us while we sleep.
The great thing about this headboard is that I can change it later. If I decide to redo my bedroom I can easily cover the fabric with something new or disassemble it and cut the wood to change the shape or drill holes in the wood and create tufts!
Anonymous says
Me and my dad are currently in the process of making this, and it's turning out so so nice 😀 I'm so frickin' excited to finish it so I can put it in my room already haha! 🙂 Thank you so much for the idea and instructions 😀
Lorene Nance says
What a lovely headboard! Love the shape and the gorgeous fabric you used. Also, I work with Cassity over at Remodelaholic and we are hosting Headboard Week and a big headboard link party that we'd love to have you come join! You can join the party here -- we're picking our favorites to feature on Saturday: http://www.remodelaholic.com/2014/06/headboard-week/
Thanks! Have a great day!
Lorene @Remodelaholic
Lolly Jane says
Your headboard is just so pretty we had to include it in our gorgeous floral round up! (: http://lollyjane.com/floral-home-decor-ideas/
Thank you for sharing it! xo
Anonymous says
I loved your headboard and tried doing the same design. I had a problem tacking the fabric around those 90 degree turns from the upper arch. Now I notice that your final upholstery job isn't a pure 90 degrees, but is slightly softer. I wish I had looked at that more closely. I ended up having to hot glue a trim around the edge to cover my botched clips to make the sharp turn. I love the shape and thank you for such great directions.
Alicia says
This looks great! How did you attach the legs?
Laura Rowe [twirl] says
OH, just read you did it with a jigsaw- thanks!
Laura Rowe [twirl] says
I love this! How did you cut your wood? I also love your silhouette pictures by your bed!
Adrienne Audrey says
Hi Laura! Yup a jigsaw! Thanks for commenting
JoAnna of re-U creating new spaces says
This turned out so nice! And you made it look super easy! Great job..