How to Hang a Homemade Upholstered Headboard

Locate the studs in the wall in the area you want to hang your headboard using a stud finder. Although different models have different instructions, most require you to hold a button as you slide the stud finder over the wall. When the stud finder beeps, you have found a stud. Alternatively, use your fist to pound on the wall until the sound is no longer hollow. Mark the studs with a pencil.

Measure the height the headboard. The height depends on the height of your bed. Mattresses can vary in height based on the type and age. The headboard should sit 1 inch above the top edge of the mattress. For example, if you have a 9-inch mattress, 9-inch box spring and 7-inch bed frame, the height of the bottom of the headboard should be 26 inches.

Attach the wall part of the mounting bracket to the wall along the studs using the included hardware. Space the brackets 2 inches from the bottom and the top of the headboard, for a total of four brackets, two along each stud. Use an screwdriver or electric drill to attach the screws into the wall.

Measure the distance between the two studs. Mark the distance on the back of the upholstered headboard to indicate where the four mounting brackets should be. Position them with the same distance apart as the studs and 2 inches in from the top and bottom edges, as you placed the wall mounts.

Attach mounting brackets to the back of the headboard. Use the hardware that comes with the mounting brackets. Attach the screws into the back of the headboard using the screwdriver or electric drill.

Lift the headboard -- with assistance, if necessary -- to the wall and slide the brackets on the headboard onto the brackets on the wall.