How to Line an Upholstered Headboard

Open the fabric of the headboard if necessary to expose the wooden frame. Measure exactly the headboard's dimensions that need to be padded, including each curve and accent. Use a marking pen to transfer those measurements to high-density, thick foam or a mattress pad, either of which is 2 inches thick. Cut out the design on the foam or mattress pad with a utility knife, applying hard downward pressure as necessary to ensure a complete cut through the material.

Position the foam or mattress pad on the headboard wood, and attach it with 1 1/2-inch staples. Place staples about 3 inches from the edge every 6 inches along the foam's or mattress pad's perimeter. Work from one side of the material to its other side, attaching some staples to the center of the material as well to keep all of the material even and flat on the headboard.

Recover the headboard with its fabric, and attach one side of the fabric to the rear of the headboard using 1/2-inch staples spaced every 3 inches. Stretch the rest of the fabric tightly over the headboard. Begin attaching it to the headboard, working outward from the attached side in 1-foot sections, and then stop and stuff the attached section of fabric with cotton or polyfill batting to make the headboard tight and soft.

Attach the remainder of the headboard fabric while stuffing the headboard with the batting. Leave a 6-inch hole at the end of the fabric attachment, and stuff the final section completely with batting before sealing the fabric against the headboard with a staple.