How to Make a Boxy Upholstered Headboard

Measure the width of your bed with a measuring tape to determine the size of the headboard. Add 2 to 4 inches to each end, if you want it to extend past the bed width on either side. About 54 inches is appropriate for most full-sized beds.

Cut one of the 36-inch-long foam sheets so the cut section added to the other foam sheet equals the width you want your headboard. Use a serrated knife to cut the foam sheet. Wax the knife by rubbing a piece of paraffin along the blade edge. This makes it less complicated to cut the foam.

Glue the long foam sheet and the cut one together end to end with the low-temperature glue gun. Hold the pieces together for about 1 minute to ensure they bond. A regular hot glue gun may cause the foam to melt.

Cut the fabric with sharp scissors so it extends 6 inches beyond the perimeter of the glued foam sheets. Upholstery fabrics work well for this project, but many people use curtain panels or flat bed sheets that coordinate with their bedding and other bedroom décor.

Place the fabric on a large work surface and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Lay it so the right side of the fabric is facing down. The right side is the one with the most vivid colors or pattern.

Cut the quilt batting with a sharp pair of scissors so it is the same size as the glued foam sheet.

Glue the batting onto the foam sheet with the glue gun. This gives the headboard an upholstered appearance.

Lay the foam sheet on top of the fabric with the batting side down on the fabric. Center the foam sheet so there is an extra 6 inches of material on all the sides.

Fold the fabric snugly to the back of the foam sheet and secure it with the glue gun. Do this on all sides.

Cut with scissors to add strips of self-adhesive hook and loop tape to the back of the upholstered headboard. Peel off the backing and press down onto the top edge of the headboard.

Position your pillow shams on the bed in your normal fashion and then mark the area where you want to add the headboard with pencil marks.

Place additional strips of the hook and loop tape to the wall where you want the headboard. Add the strips on the wall the same number of inches down that the tapes are positioned on the back of the headboard. Peel off the backing on the strips and position them on the wall.

Press the hook and loop tapes together to attach the headboard to the wall above the bed. This allows you to place it at whatever height you desire for the look you prefer.