I wanted my kids’ beds to have cute upholstered headboards, but the ones I loved were at least $250, and they weren’t even exactly what I wanted.
Then I realized that I could build a custom headboard for much less. And after thinking through the steps, I realized it wouldn’t take me that long either.
Let me show you how to build your own custom headboard in a weekend!
HOW TO BUILD A CUSTOM HEADBOARD IN A WEEKEND
Here’s what I used…
Here are the tools you need…
STEP 1: DETERMINE YOUR HEADBOARD SIZE AND SHAPE & CUT DOWN YOUR PLYWOOD
I wanted to build 2 twin-sized headboards, so I used one sheet of 4×8′ 3/4″ plywood to do that. I had my local hardware store cut it to size for me — 2 sheets that were 42″ wide and 48″ tall. You could also use a table saw to cut it down, or a circular or jigsaw with a jig to help you cut straight.
I wanted a fun design at the top of these headboards, so I grabbed a piece of poster board and cut it so it was half the width of the headboard (21″). Then I freehanded half the design on the paper and cut it out.
I used this to trace the design onto the plywood, then I flipped the template and traced the design on the other side of the plywood as well.
I used my jigsaw to cut this out.
Then I sanded the edges before moving on to the next step.
STEP 2: COVER OUR HEADBOARD
Next I cut some batting to size (leaving several inches of extra on each side). If you want an extra cushy headboard, begin with a layer of 1″ foam. Cut the foam to the exact shape of your headboard, and glue it to the plywood before covering in batting. I personally skipped this step!
I laid my headboard face down in the center of my batting and pulled it tight before stapling it to the back of the headboard. Make sure you have it nice and tight so there’s not loose fabric on the front.
Then cut your fabric to size (leaving several inches of extra on each side).
Lay your headboard face down on your fabric, then pull it tight (but not too tight — just enough so there isn’t loose fabric on the front) and staple it on the back of your headboard. If you’re using a patterned fabric here, make sure your pattern lines up like you want it to. In my case, I needed to make sure my stripes were straight up and down.
Continue stapling around all sides, folding corners over like a present. Once you’re finished, flip it over and give the fabric a steam before installing.
STEP 3: INSTALL YOUR HEADBOARD
You have some options here — I installed my headboards directly to the bedframes with 2″ wood screws. This was simple, allows me to move the whole bed out to clean, and makes it so my kids can’t lose things between their bed and headboard!
But you could also secure it directly into your wall studs if your bed is on a simple frame and push your bed up against it!
THAT’S IT!
This is a really simple project that took me less than a day and a half, and they made such an impact! I can’t wait to see how you put your personal touch on this project!
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