Making a Fabric-Padded Queen Headboard

Measure your queen headboard. Decide on the finished height and shape of your headboard to determine its size. A standard queen-sized bed is 60 inches wide. Use an existing headboard as a model if possible.

Draw out your headboard on a sheet of plywood. Cut it to size using a table jig saw. A scroll saw also can be used for more decorative cuts. Smooth out any rough edges with coarse-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any sawdust with a warm, damp rag.

Spray the front of the headboard with spray adhesive. Position a piece of upholstery foam over the front of the headboard. Flip the headboard over once the adhesive has dried. Cut the foam to the shape of the headboard with a utility knife.

Wrap cotton batting over the front of the headboard. Apply the batting in a smooth, even layer across the front. Pull the batting taut over the underside of the wood and staple the batting directly to the headboard.

Place fabric on a flat surface. Lay the padded headboard over the fabric. Pull the fabric over the edges to the underside of the headboard. Staple in place with the staples approximately 1 inch apart on the wood.

Cut away any excess material. Once your headboard is upholstered, add decorative accents as desired, such as buttons, ribbon or piping.