Running from the Law: DIY Upholstered Headboard

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

DIY Upholstered Headboard

DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions
Oh, thank you all so much for the lovely comments on our master bedroom make-over.  I absolutely loved the way it turned out. I'm also really glad that I decided to make our headboard myself, instead of buying one.  I think it turned out better than I ever could have imagined!

The photo below was my inspiration headboard.  I had been drooling over this headboard for.ev.er.  It's from Restoration Hardware and costs $1,500.  Yikes.  I'm not super stingy, but even I couldn't come close to justifying spending that kind of money on a headboard.  Geez.
DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions

Other gorgeous headboards: here and here

So, I did what any good crafter would do.  I searched blogs for someone that had made their own heardboard and copied them.  Easy enough!  My favorite DIY headboard tutorial was from a blog called Southern Exposure.  She did a great job walking me through the process.  And hopefully I can do the same for you.  

Step 1 - Go to Home Depot and buy a GIANT piece of plywood. 


Or if you're like me, you can make your husband go get it because there's no way in hell I can lift that shit.  I had no idea plywood was so heavy.


Since this is for a king-sized bed, I had Ryan pick up the biggest piece of 3/4 inch plywood they had, which was 4' x 8' - I think it cost around $20.  I thought he was going to laugh me out of the house when he dropped this off with a snide "good luck with your giant piece of plywood...I'm going to the baseball game."  And out the door he went, giggling at his silly little wife and her big ideas and power tools.  You'd think the man would realize that I have a Super Woman complex and think I can do anything I set my mind to. (I blame my parents for always believing in me.  Sheesh.  They created this monster. Terrible parenting.)    Oh boy, was he in for a surprise.

Step 2 - Cut the plywood to size 

So, the super giant piece was a little bigger/longer than I needed, so I pulled out my trusty circular saw and took a few inches off the side.  I ended up cutting that long piece into 2 pieces for the legs, but wait, I'm getting ahead of myself already.  If don't have a circular saw, have Home Depot cut the plywood for you.  They'll do it right there in the store and you don't have to even worry about it.  I think it costs like $2.00 or something.  

Step 3 - Choose the shape of your headboard.

There are so many really great headboard shapes out there, it was hard to decide what would look best in our space.  Ultimately, I went with the "Belgrave" shape, which was the same as my original Restoration Hardware inspiration headboard above.  I also really like the "Grosvenor" below, which was similar to the Belgrave, but with a curved top.  However, I thought it would be difficult to pull off cutting the plywood in a curve like that, so I scrapped that idea.  In my opinion, the simpler the better. 

Headboard shapes- DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions

In order to get the classic curved Belgrave shape, the blogger used a compass to draw the curves.  Great idea.  Well, I tried that, but my compass was way too small.  Err.  So I improvised.  I took the lid of the trash can in the garage and traced it on the edge of the plywood.  Viola!  I did a couple different lines to see how much I wanted to take out.  It was a perfect circular edge.  Quite genius, if I do say so myself.




Step 4 - Cut out your headboard shape


Cutting along the curved lines requires a jigsaw.  Can I just say that I absolutely freaking love my jigsaw!  It may be the best $50 I've ever spent.  It's the coolest little, most adorable power tool ever.  I'd use it cut vegetables and paper and everything, if I could.  Seriously, it's amazing.  Sara + Jigsaw = love FOREVER.


Time to cut...better put on my safety goggles.  Don't want to lose an eye.
And that was it!
Once I had the cut-out portion of one side, I took that piece of plywood and used it as my template for the other side.  That was I'd be sure that they were exactly the same size.
And then do the other side.

Step 5 - Make the headboard legs.

While Ryan was at Home Depot, I also had him pick up a large sheet of MDF (medium density fiberboard), which cost about $15.  So, I cut (using my AWESOME jigsaw again) 2 large strips of MDF the same width as the plywood legs (remember, I told you about those above).  

I wanted a really tall "statement" headboard, so I made the legs pretty tall.  You can make them much shorter if you don't want such a tall headboard.  Or, if you're making a headboard for a small bed, you might not even need legs.  A lot of the headboards that I've looked at (the store-bought ones) just hang on the wall behind the bed.  However, my giant headboard was ridiculously heavy, so there was no way it was hanging.  I could just imagine that thing falling on us in the middle of the night and crushing us to death.  Seriously, Ryan would never let me live that down (even if we were dead), so legs it was! 

I attached the MDF legs with wood screws directly into the plywood.  Around 8 screws.  And then I took the extra plywood (remember that!) and attached it to the other side of the MDF leg, making them twice as thick as the plywood.  I figured this would give it some extra stability.  I wasn't really trusting that MDF on its own.

Step 6 - Frame the rest of the headboard with MDF.  

I think this one is pretty self explanatory.  I took more MDF scrap, screwed them to the plywood and then cut them to match.  

So the entire headboard was framed with MDF, 
which is where the nailhead trim would go later.
There she is!
Not too shabby, huh?  

Step 7 - Add a layer of foam for padding.


Well, I accidentally bought the wrong size foam (it was a little thicker than it should have been), which didn't turn out to be a big deal, but I would do it differently next time.  I bought 1 inch thick foam, but only had 1/2 inch thick MDF.  This meant that my foam padding would stick up a little higher than my MDF, instead of it all being even.  It really wasn't a big deal, but just wanted you to know it'd be better if it was flush.

I cut the foam padding with an Exacto knife to fit snugly inside my MDF frame.  Then I applied a thick layer of spray-on adhesive and let the foam dry to the board.  It didn't work all that well, but again, not a big deal.

So now it's ready for the fabric!

Step 8 - Position the fabric.

You're going to want to lay out your fabric (washed, cleaned and ironed) on a large clean surface.  Put the fabric "right-side" facing down on the ground/table.  Then add a layer or two of quilting batting.  I only added one thin layer - I wish I would have used a lot more to give it a much more "padded" look, but again, lesson learned and not a big deal.  Then position your headboard (also face-down or pad-side down) on the batting and fabric.  




At this point we made sure (again) that the fabric fit all the way around the headboard.  I think I purchased 4 yards of fabric for the project and cut it down to size.  I found a really pretty off-white quilted-looking fabric at Hancock Fabrics for about $20/yard.  We pulled the fabric tight on both sides around the edges and put in 1 staple (just to hold it in place) on each side.  Then we stood the headboard up, so we could make sure that the the fabric wasn't wrinkled or bunching or lopsided or anything.  


Step 9 - Staple the fabric to the back of the plywood


You might need a little help on this part.  My mom was in town for the weekend, so I had her help me with the fabric wrapping.  Two sets of hands were crucial.  One person pulled and smoothed the fabric, while the other person stapled.  

My staple gun sucked-ass, so every third staple or so, it jammed and I had to unplug it and stick a screwdriver in to yank out the staples.  The staple gun needs a lesson in being awesome from my jigsaw.


We did a few staples on one side, then moved over and did a few on the other side.  Back and forth making sure everything was pulled tight and looked good in front.


We had to cut the corners of the fabric quite a bit in order for us to be able to stretch it tight over the curves.  The fabric I picked had a slightly quilted look and was not stretchy at all - a jersey-type fabric would have been much easier to stretch.  I really wanted that curve to be well defined and the points to be dramatic.   If I had more batting in between the fabric and the plywood, I probably couldn't have achieved this as well, so maybe it was better that I only used a thin piece.  Whatever, I'm sure you could care less. 


So here's what the back looks like.  And then I added about 600 more staples to make sure it stayed.


Step 10 - Cut fabric for the legs.


If your headboard legs won't be showing you can skip this step.  However, I wanted the headboard to be slightly larger (length-wise) than the bed, so it would stick out a little on both ends.  Why?  No idea, I just did.  So that meant that I had to wrap the legs too.  I cut a couple scrap pieces of the fabric, ironed the top hem so it would line up with the quilting on the other fabric, and wrapped the legs.
Again, it was nice having another pair of hands to help with the wrapping (and also to take a ton of terrible pictures of you while you look like total shit that you intend to plaster all over the internet.  Seriously, why didn't I put on some make up? Ugh.)
Ta da!
Step 11 - Apply nailhead trim


That awesome blogger over at Southern Exposure bought upholstery tacks and hammered in every single nail all the way around her entire headboard.  It looks amazing.  And I'm impressed.  And I'm also WAY too lazy to do that.  So, I went online and bought this "nailhead trim" - which is basically a length of ribbon-like nailhead trim that has a hole every 5 tacks where you attach it to your upholstery project.  1/5 of the amount of work!  Bingo!  You can buy a roll just like this (10 yards) for around $20 on Amazon.
So I started at the bottom and worked my way up and over and back down the other side. 

WARNING: This shit is sharp and will cut the hell out of you.  You will cry.  And you will bleed all over your pretty white fabric.  Which will make you cry even harder.

Other than the bleeding and crying, the trim was pretty easy to work with.  I gave myself a 2 inch edge around the entire headboard.  The only thing I was not thrilled about was the difference in color between the actual "nailhead trim" and the so-called matching nails.  The trim was silver and bright. The nails were pewter and dark.  So, every 5 nails on my trim is a slightly different color.  
DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions

At first I was kind of pissed off about this, but now I don't mind it at all.  You can't really tell (well, you can now since I pointed it out, duh.).  Maybe it's grown on me or maybe I'm just too lazy to care.


DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions
And that's it!  It's ready to be carried in and stuffed behind the bed. 
DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions

Step 12 - Put the head board in place behind the bed and force your husband to eat his words.

I didn't do anything with the headboard other than just stick it behind the bed.  It's not attached to the wall or the bed.  It stays just fine and I haven't had any issues with it.  If you want, you can attach it to the bed frame, to keep the mattress/frame from moving away from it.  Or attach it to the wall behind the bed.  Or do nothing.  

And here's the final result.
I love it!
DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions


My husband spent quite a lot of time apologizing profusely for doubting my headboard making abilities.  Oh, how he had to eat his words.  I think he should have known better, but he's quite impressed with me about this project.  I like that.


DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions
So, the whole cost of the project was about $160.  

Plywood = $20
MDF = $20
Fabric = $80
Batting and foam = $20


Compared to the Restoration Hardware headboard that was $1,500...this is a STEAL!
And I think it looks just as good!
DIY Upholstered Headboard Tutorial with Step-by-step instructions

What do you guys think?

Anyone considering making their own headboard?  

147 comments:

  1. I think it looks GREAT! I have been wanting to make a headboard for years now, but it just hasn't happened yet, lol.

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  2. Wow, I am super impressed! I wish I had 10% of your DIY skills!

    PS Thanks for stopping by my blog :)

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  3. I love it! Also, I think the accidental every 5th nail looking different actually gives the headboard a bit more character and design flair to it. Like you did it on purpose. I think yours looks even BETTER than the RH one.

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  4. LOVE LOVE LOVE! I just emailed this to my Husband, I want to do this for my daughter's room. Great job Sara!

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  5. Totally considering it, but don't have the nerve just yet. I really like the differing color of nail heads. I think it creates a neat patter, and far away, you can't tell at all. I'm so loving this headboard!!!!

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  6. This is crazy good! I also love how you have a great work space- that is my biggest downfall to making my own- SPACE.

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  7. Whoa, you go girl. I'm impressed! And I'll be bookmarking this for the future in case I ever feel crafty!

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  8. It turned out perfect! And I actually like the 2 tone of the nail heads!

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  9. It looks great and I like the happy accident of every 5th nail head looking different.

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  10. NO.WAY... You are a Rock Star!!!! That is awesome!!!

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  11. You are awesome, that is such an amazing project! Oh and I love that 5x5 framing series you have behind you in a few pictures. You have great taste!

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  12. Can't believe your husband would doubt your skills! After your awesome trunk and gallery walls - you're a ninja, clearly! Love the headboard.

    Can't seem to sign in via google on your blog lately, so I'm signing in Name/URL.

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  13. I f'ing love reading your blog. Seriously. This post made me giggle a lot. Plus, how cute are you with your jigsaw & "Bimbos on break" shirt? Too funny!

    It came out awesome!! I actually like the difference in the nail heads on the trim too - since it's in a pattern it looks intentional & I think it adds something more than just regular nailhead. GOOD JOB!

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  14. Holy cow you crafty lady! Want to make one for me?

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  15. you're awesome! i'm beyond impressed. it looks fabulous.

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  16. You've completely won me over. I've been contemplating a DIY headboard - how can I not try if it has the possibility turn out this amazing.

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  17. That is an amazing headboard! What a statement piece.

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  18. OMG!!! I can't even tell you how impressed I am girl!!! That is AMAZING! Your bedroom is gorgeous, as is the headboard! You are such an inspiration!

    PS The pictures of you with the power tools are the cutest!

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  19. That is amazing! You're my hero! What a great job!

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  20. That is BEAUTIFUL! YOU did such a wonderful job! :) Love the color choices you chose :) I have mirrored furniture also :) Don't you just LOVE IT

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  21. wonderful job!!! i'm looking at jigsaws...what kind do you have?!?

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  22. GORGEOUS!!!

    I am DYING to know what paint color is on your walls, BTW. it's a gorgeous gray!!!

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  23. Amazing! I love your blog! Such a great job! I even think that the alternate nailheads gives it a more upscale look, from having more details!

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  24. My friend gave me the link to your blog. I love the headboard -- beautiful and I'm considering making the Portman headboard myself. You are hilarious . . .

    "My staple gun sucked-ass, so every third staple or so, it jammed and I had to unplug it and stick a screwdriver in to yank out the staples. The staple gun needs a lesson in being awesome from my jigsaw." . . .

    I still can't stop laughing! Thanks for the step-by-step and I'll be sure to come back and read new posts! :)

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  25. LOVE your headboard. I have been thinking about making one myself for awhile now. Little scared, but I just may have to try it. Thanks for sharing!!

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  26. LOVE THIS! am going to start on one for my master bedroom as soon as i get a day off of work. thank you!!

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  27. Love your blog. Thanks for posting this DIY- SO helpful and funny. You've inspired my hubby and me! Just finished gluing/nailing the pieces together! Now on to the hard part..wish us luck!

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  28. i stumbled across your blog while looking for headboard ideas! will be working on this project this month, i can't wait for the finished product! thanks for sharing!

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  29. Beautiful! Your headboard is now my inspiration headboard....headed out today to get materials!

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  30. where is your area rug from and what is the paint color/brand that is on the walls? it looks great!!!

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  31. This was the most helpful post/blog I've found yet!! Thank you so much! The headboard is GORG:-)

    I want to try an price all these supplies out but I can't seem to find the foam padding you used. Would you mind listing the stores you got your supplies from, please? I can't wait to start on my headboard HOOT!!

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  32. @msjackieb - I got the padding and foam at Joann's Fabrics (same place I got the quilted fabric). The plywood and MDF are from Home Depot. The nailhead trim was ordered online from Amazon.

    @jessica - check out my bedroom make over post for all the details on the paint, rug, furniture, etc. (http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/2011/08/master-bedroom-makeover-before-after.html)

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  33. Exactly what I want (but full sized). I can hardly wait to find someone to assist me as I recently had cervical surgery and can't lift over 10 lbs. Beautiful room.

    I'm having trouble connecting to your post site. Copied & pasted address but no luck. Any tips?

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  34. Hey, it's me again (cervical surgery) My email is janparker00@hotmail.com.

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  35. Found a link to this on another blog and its a great tutorial! Thanks so much for doing this! it looks fantastic!

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  36. Great directions AND entertaining!! I must have the hubby watch this so we can get started on our own! Thanks for making it look like almost anyone can do it!!

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  37. Awesome! So much better than the HGTV tutorial that wanted me to buy upholstery webbing and some tool called a web puller which looks suspiciously like a medieval torture device. I will be making this pronto!

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  38. I really like the "two-tone" nail head trim! It gives it even more character. Great job! I can't wait to make one.

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  39. LOVE IT! I'm planning on creating my own! Do you mind telling me the dimensions of the head board ( with legs) and the dimensions of just the body ( without legs) ? I absolutely love the look and I want to make mine the same height!

    Thanks!

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  40. Great tutorial! And very humorous captions. Found this by accident when searching for upholstered headboard images. Glad I came across it cuz it has all the exact specs for the thicknesses, etc. I'm doing a basic rectangle with "pleather" from Joann's...with a half-off coupon of course! Thanks for the pics and detailed captions!

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  41. I love it ... Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing..... :) I am making a kitchen banquet and plan on doing this for the back since it is against the wall and not window. I want it to make a statement and this defiantly would....
    Thanks again... :)

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  42. Hi! Wow! Just came upon your blog searching for a DIY on headboards! I love all your steps too. :D Would it be ok to link to this post from my site? I love showing DIYer's work!

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  43. I have to tell you that your blog completely inspired me to make my own upholstered headboard and I couldn't be happier with it! this entry was so great with detail and photos - it made the whole process a little easier. Thanks! I included my finished product below:

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150669950624705&set=a.464851029704.243210.628749704&type=1&theater

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  44. Use the wrench to tighten each bolt starting at the ends and working toward the center. Just do a quarter turn for each nut until they are all tight.

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  45. Awesome project! will be making this one for sure. I also love that rug in your bedroom! where did you get it?!

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  46. I love this design, and to be honest I love the difference in the nail head trim especially looking at it from a distance it adds an interesting textural element; sets it apart a bit from the usual traditional style:)

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  47. Thanks! Found your blog when I searched for fabric covered headboards. Love that you put the different styles and their names picture - so many to choose from and what a fantastic tutorial! Thanks again!

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  48. I just found your blog and am looking to create my own upholstered headboard. I love that you put legs on it... that's not something you see very often with other DIY tutorials, and I love the effect and how it makes it look more finished. Well done - and congrats on the nail heads. Might've been a struggle but it definitely adds a nicely finished touch.

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  49. Love this! I found a tutorial online similar to this but I am for sure doing the "nail" trim when I make my own! Great tutorial thanks for sharing! :)

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  50. I love the two-tone nailheads - a happy "mistake". Looks great.

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  51. What kind of fabric did you use??? I am REALLY excited to do this after researching about 30 blogs on this yours is by far my favorite!!!

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  52. I agree. I like the two tone nail heads! Very nice. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  53. Love it! and the paint colour, do you remember the name??

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  54. I realize you posted this about a year ago, but I wanted to drop by and let you know I used your tutorial (with a few modifications)to make our own headboard. We love it! Thank you so much for posting this- we couldn't have done it without your post :)

    http://thewalkerfamilytalks.blogspot.com/2012/07/making-headboard-for-130-part-2.html

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  55. Beautiful job! I am planning on making my own headboard and doing some research and will totally use your awesome tutorial! One question - did you affix the legs to the bed frame? If so, how?

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  56. I absolutely love it!! You tutorial is so well put together and easy to understand. I am using it to make my own. Thank you for posting it

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  57. love it! I just have to figure out how to make the curved cut outs on each side the same size. I tend to eyeball things and have to force myself to double check and do it right. on a project like this, you want it right. Nice job!

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  58. where did you get the foam and batting for $20? everywhere i have looked the foam alone is like $70.

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  59. Your final results looks great and so does the room. Your instructions are clear but your crude language is not necessary. Your mother needs to wash your mouth out with soap and maybe she needed to do a better job in parenting. Think about your image and your witness.

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    1. Seriously? It's her space. Get a sense of fun, seriously. Did your mother ever teach you that hiding behind anonymity in order to chastise someone is incredibly rude and cowardly? Yeah. Thought so.

      Thanks for this amazing tutorial! It's fabulous and I love the pattern from the nailhead trim, personally.

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    2. I appreciated the colorful language... ESPECIALLY for a DIY project, which in my experience, generates a LOT of it! :D

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  60. Love your project. And never mind the person above me. It was you're language that cracked e up. I personally think that you we're just being yourself, and you did a Great job!!!!!

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  61. You did such an amazing job! The house I'm building is almost done and I can't wait to do this for my master bedroom--now thanks to you, I'll know exactly how!

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  62. love all the detail in your instructions! I've been thinking of making one forever, and you just gave me the confidence to really try it! thanks :)

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  63. So I don't know you and you don't know me, but I just had to thank you for this great DIY Headboard post! I used it last week to make my very own. As a first time mom of an 8 month old, I appreciate the rest of your blog too. It's funny, I too post "mom confessions" and just today was lamenting about how moms still talk in weeks after the 12 week mark (just read your latest post and apparently you find this annoying too). Anyways, cheers to your little fam!

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  64. Hi Sara, I plan on making a headboard in the next month and found your blog. Besides your awesome instructions, I was LOL'ing at your commentary! Funny as hell!

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  65. This is awesome!! Thanks so much for the tutorial (and for what it's worth, contrary to a person several above me, I rather enjoyed your writing style and word usage - quite entertaining lol). I am wondering how necessary the MDF part is... I have seen other tutorials that did not do that step and wondering what purpose it serves (besides more work?). Forgive me, I have never done a project like this before, but now I am excited to try :) :)

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    1. I think the MDF could probably be left off. Not sure it was all that necessary. However, I think it did make it easier to put the nailhead trim on, since MDF isn't nearly as hard as the plywood. The nails on the trim sank into the MDF without a lot of bending or force. Does that make sense? Good luck with your project!

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  66. This is awesome and very similar to a HGTV designer bedroom!!! I am posting the link so you can see it http://hgtv.sndimg.com/HGTV/2012/11/26/DP_Stacy-Naquin-Neutral-Bedroom_s3x4_lg.jpg

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  67. This is absolutely amazing! I want to make one this weekend :) Could you post your exact dimensions of the wood? Thank you!

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  68. Love it! Now that you've had it up for awhile how is it holding up? Is the foam getting lumpy, etc? Also, do you have it secured to the wall in any way? I feel like it could bang against the wall with even the slightest movement on the bed?!?!

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    1. @Jessica Schroeder Mashhoun - it's holding up great! The foam is not lumpy at all. It's still not attached/secured to the wall or the bed, but we've never had a probably with it moving or banging at all. It's actually very secure - probably because it's on carpet and the bed is incredibly heavy and doesn't move around at all. The only thing I'd probably change if I had to do it all over again would be to use a fabric that was not white! It definitely shows dirt/hair more than I'd like it to. We've got a calico cat that likes to sleep on the pillows right up against the headboard and I constantly have to get the lint brush out and get the hair off of it. But otherwise, I still love it.

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  69. Hi Sara,
    I just wanted to let you know that I featured your headboard in a blog post of my favorite DIY headboards at this link: http://www.lilikoijoy.com/2013/04/15-favorite-diy-upholstered-headboards.html
    Thank you for inspiring me! Sharon

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  70. Well I am way lazier than you I keep trolling craigslist for an ugly one that I can just put the fabric over...hahahha There I said it, I say to save money---but sometimes they go hand in hand. Beautiful work you did there!

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  71. Thanks so much for this great post! I used your tutorial to guide my first attempt at making a headboard and I am happy to say it came out great!! I didn't layer on MDF because I was undecided about the upholstery tacks and made legs for the headboard using 1x4 wood we had at home. I didn't use foam because the store didn't have the right size and I was on a mission to get started so I wrapped it with 2 layers of batting under my fabric - it worked great! My husband is happy and is now in agreement that we need new bedding. :) Thanks!!

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  72. I came across your tutorial while looking for information about adding legs to a headboard for my son's room. I must say that I do love your headboard. I used the same headboard pattern when I made my HUGE headboard (72 in x 88 in). I started off nailing individual nail trim (which got old quickly) and switched to piping instead. However, I am so tempted to go back and add the nail trim rope instead after reading your blog.

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  73. Hi,
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  74. It's not so hard to make it, but you definitely need tools.

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  75. Omg! That turned out very nice. Thank you, for sharing your tutorial.

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  76. I have just been searching for info about this topic for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far.

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  77. Beautiful, and you make it look so easy! I'll be following your instructions, thank you!

    And btw, I REALLY like the varied coloring for the nail heads. :)

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  78. Thats amazing!! It looks fantastic!! I just might try it, thanks for blogging and you are really funny btw I really enjoyed it!!

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  80. F**K YEAH! This is awesome! I've been planning on making one, and I finally just bought the fabric yesterday, which I've been eyeing for months...Thanks for a funny and thorough walk-through. :)

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  81. Awesome tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing. Im attempting my first headboard diy soon and i will def be using this as a guide!

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  82. Love your post! And laughing out loud reading it. You're pretty funny! Thanks!

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  83. i am actually looking at all the tutorials to make my own and i really like the one you used.

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  84. how much of the nailhead trim did you use? and how do you calculate that? thank you!

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  85. Thanks for discussing details regarding MDF Boards.

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  86. Love the bed! What is the actual measurements of the headboard? It's the perfect height.

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  87. OMG, thank you so much for this post! I want to create my own upolstered headboard for my king bed as well. I will make sure I have your post near by when I start mine this weekend. Thanks for sharing!!!

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  88. Loved your commentary, I was cracking up while also conjuring my own delusions of grandeur that I can do this. Brava!

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  89. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  90. i love upholstered headbords-, what a great collection for inspiration. Thank you so much.Thomas the Tank Engine Beds

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  91. I've always loved the neutral colors for upholstered headboards. They are so easy to match with the rest of the bedroom. Headboard Spot

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  92. It's not so hard to make it, but you definitely need tools.CHEAP BED LONDON

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  93. Thanks for your very detailed instructions! You make it look 'doable' and the tips along the way are great! I love the décor and colors in your bedroom also.

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  94. Nice i love this blog due to combination of information like wedding, banquets and caterers.

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  95. Hi, what kind of jigsaw do you have? I'm dying to do this, but I know nothing about jigsaws. Thanks! Looks awesome. :)

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  96. Wow....really great techniques for well designed according to latest with beautiful looking.Great idea thanks for share this great informative blog post. Portland IUI

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  97. Also, we give the intelligent tips to keep your furniture upholstery clean and healthy by suggesting you to use the quality cleaning and moisturizing products that provide your leather item persistent glow.
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  98. Nice post lovely blog people will attract to see this.

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  99. You are hilarious. You type exactly how I would say it.....I am trying to make a king size upholstered headboard today too, and my husband is giving me the "doubtful stare". I am returning it with the "piss off....I CAN do it" grin back at him. Thanks for the funny, I enjoyed it!

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  100. My daughter wants me to help her with a padded headboard and sent me your link. I like a lot of your descriptions and it's easy to understand. Don't you find that the thin padding you used makes the headboard a little hard to lean on? I was thinking about 2" foam plus a layer of batting. Of course I would have to stop the foam several inches before the edges,otherwise it would be hard to nail in the tacks. What do you think?

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  101. Made this headboard this weekend and it was easy breezy! Thanks for your helpful hints, it came out great! Wish I could post a pic.

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  102. Thank you for your handy tips. Love your sense of humor - I am truly inspired ! Now to make-over my guestroom. Can't wait to get started!

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  103. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  104. I'm a 62 yr. old uncle that's trying to help out his 20 yr. old niece. Normally I wouldn't bother commenting but, I enjoyed your commentary so much Sara that I had to say something. I'm here for the tips (since this is all new to me) and you made it an enjoyable experience. Wish me luck helping her out. I'm cutting the plywood today. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  105. That's fabulous and I love your sense of humour. I think you should add to your profile creative perfectionist ;-) Good job!

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  106. LOVE the headboard and your tutorial. Thanks. The only thing that bothered me is your use of foul language in your post.......are words like shit and sucked-ass really necessary to describe how you make a headboard? Just wonderin', cause you look like a lady and not a foul mouthed redneck.

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    1. Her language is what made this real! I laughed every time she threw a bomb out there, and even thought "thank God, a REAL person wrote this!" I don't know about you, but I have NEVER completed a DIY project without some colorful language. You don't like it, quit reading. So simple. It's HER page, your commentary (or anyones) on how she chose to write up her project isn't really necessary.

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    2. I love your personal flava, Sara! You write like I talk, so I loved it.

      If you don't like how Sara writes, quit reading.

      Delete
  107. Can a 70yr old woman cover a headboard that is already has the form.

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  108. Wonderfully Brilliant tutorials...
    I like your ideas..!!online beds for sale UK

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  109. Thanks for the wonderful step by step instructions, comments and all which were pretty hilarious which made it REAL!! Have been wanting to attempt this project for sometime now and thanks to your simple instructions am currently gathering all the materials needed to reproduce this design. Probably will be using same language when mishaps happen. Wish me luck.

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  110. Wonderful tutorials!!!
    Thank you for sharing that blog post with us.
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  111. Thank you for the awesome tutorial! You have just encouraged me to make my own headboard, been thinking about it but now it's on!!!

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  112. I really appreciate this post. i have been wanting all on top of for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. you've got created my day! many thanks again!.

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  113. Hi, Sarah. Beautiful headboard! Thanks for sharing. What is the brand of your jigsaw? Tks. Iva

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  114. I made my headboard the Berkeley. Approximately 7.5' tall...that's the size you worry will fall and you die in your sleep!!! Lol. I didn't use foam only padding and that was an unused blanket. I also set lights in the headboard on each side. For the fabric I used a "puckered satin". Not good a choice for a beginner but mission accomplished and I was a beginner! That was about 8 yrs ago. Still love our headboard. Doing your own design is such an awesome feeling of accomplishment. Love your nail mistake. Terrific instructions!

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  115. Awesome blog. Found it by accident while research making a king size upholstered headboard. Turns out I had picked the same shape you did, so your tutorial is perfect. Love your writing, including the language. I will let you know how it worked out when I get it done. Going shopping for the remaining materials I need today, so I'll probably make it tomorrow. So excited!

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  116. Awesome! Immense information there.
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  117. beautiful! Way to go! where did u get your night stands?

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  118. Since this is for a king-sized bed, I had Ryan pick up the biggest ... couchbedcombo.blogspot.com

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  119. I love it!! My boyfriend told me we could make our own but I was skeptical on his design?! LoL. But I now have so many ideas running through my head! Thanks for the post!!!

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  120. Wow its great job!! Thanks for sharing the nice designing of bed and all the pics of bed is looking very nice and also i appreciate your effort of making the plywood and giving the information about what type of prevention we have to take during making of plywood.
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  121. Since this is for a king-sized bed, I had Ryan pick up the biggest ... cfurniturebedrooms.blogspot.com

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  122. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  123. Your king size bed just looks great than what I saw on here www.lovelane.com.au and I want to do it to my son's room.Such a great job! Thanks for the step-by-step sharing.

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  124. My favorite DIY headboard tutorial was from a blog called Southern Exposure. ... couchbedframe.blogspot.com

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  125. Wow! I am seriously impressed with your skills! I have been wanting to make a headboard for years & your instructions might just be the ones that help me conquer this feat....you also are the most down to earth & hysterical writer ever...I not only learned something new, but also had fun reading your instructions...thanks for sharing...you're awesome! ps. love, love, love southern charm, one of my favs!

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  128. Clearly I'm creeping around your blog this morning! This is amazing & YOU did such an awesome job!! After reading this I just told Matt that I want to make a head board for our bed! Currently we only have a bed frame & our bed backs up to a window that goes across the top of our bed so, it's not even a full window that goes down to the floor. So, the curtains act as our "head board" which has been fine but, still they're curtains. Again, awesome job!!

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  132. What attracted me to your headboard when I first saw the photo was the rhythmic alternation in the nailheads. The slightly different colors that you found objectionable at first give it a unique pattern. Good job! Good thinking! Thanks for sharing.

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