Making a Fabric Headboard

Preparation

• 1

  Measure the width of your bed. The headboard should be slightly wider than the bed. Decide how tall you want the headboard. Standard headboards are 44 inches tall, but you might want yours taller. The 2-by-4-inch lumber pieces should be cut to the height you determine to form a frame for the back of the headboard.

• 2

  Take the headboard measurements to the lumberyard and have them cut a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood to size. Have the lumberyard also cut four pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber to the proper lengths and angles for the four sides of the headboard, so they form a backing frame for the plywood.

• 3

  Take the measurements to a fabric store. Purchase 2-inch-thick foam the size of the headboard. Purchase a piece of upholstery fabric large enough to cover the plywood with an extra 4 inches in each direction. Purchase cotton muslin cloth in the same size as the upholstery fabric. Buy a roll of upholstery or cotton batting.

Assembly

• 4

  Assemble the 2-by-4-inch lumber into a frame, using the wood screws and cordless drill. Attach the plywood to the top of the frame using wood screws. Lightly sand the edges of the plywood, using the sheet of medium-grit sandpaper.

• 5

  Using the electric knife, cut the 2-inch-thick foam in the shape of the headboard, adding 1 inch to all sides. Attach the foam to the headboard using adhesive spray. Glue the batting to the foam. Wrap the batting over the edges of the plywood, securing it with spray adhesive.

• 6

  Using the cotton muslin as a lining fabric, cover the edges of the foam and batting. Cut the muslin 4 inches larger than the headboard in all directions. Place the muslin over the frame and use the staple gun to attach it to the back. Work in sections, smoothing the fabric and keeping it tight as you staple to avoid wrinkles. Trim excess fabric from the back.

• 7

  Cut the upholstery fabric 4 inches larger than the headboard in all directions, as you did the muslin. Follow the same procedure to attach the upholstery fabric. Smooth the fabric as you work and pull it tight as you staple to avoid wrinkles or folds of fabric in the finished headboard. Do not pull the fabric so tight that it puckers. Finish by trimming excess fabric from the back.

• 8

  Attach two picture-frame brackets to the back of the headboard frame.

• 9

  Using the tape measure, measure and mark the spot on the wall where you want to place the lag bolts to hang the headboard from the picture hooks. Put the lag bolts into the wall.

• 10

  Hang the headboard on the wall. Move the bed into its position under the headboard.