Tutorial for an Upholstered Headboard
- 1). Measure the width of the mattress with a measuring tape. Add 2 inches to this measurement as you will want the headboard to be slightly wider than the bed. Determine how high you want the headboard to extend above the mattress top. Two to three feet is generally adequate, but the height depends solely on preference. Add 12 inches to this measurement.
- 2). Purchase a 1/4-inch thick plywood sheet from a local lumberyard or hardware store. Cut the plywood into a rectangle shape that equals the measurements from Step 1. Sand down the rough edges with sandpaper.
- 3). Cut a piece of 2-inch thick foam to the exact shape and size of the plywood headboard using a utility knife. Apply spray adhesive to one side of the plywood and lay the foam on top, matching up the edges. Gently press down to secure the foam in place.
- 4). Decide the color and pattern of the upholstery fabric you would like to use. The fabric should be thick and feel comfortable against the skin as you will be leaning against it. Choose a color and pattern that will coordinate with the bed linens and room decorations. Upholstery fabric can be purchased at craft or fabric stores.
- 5). Add 12 inches to the height and to the width of the headboard. Cut the fabric to this size with a pair of fabric shears. Press the fabric with a warm iron to remove any wrinkles. Lay the fabric, right side down, on a flat surface.
- 6). Unroll a layer batting over the fabric. Trim the edges of the batting until they are even with the fabric. Place the headboard, foam side down, on top of the batting. Center the headboard so there is a 12-inch border of fabric and batting around all sides.
- 7). Grasp the edges of the fabric and batting layers on one of the shorter sides. Pull the layers up and over the back of the headboard. Smooth them so they are tight and flat against the board. Staple along the edge of the the fabric with a staple gun full of 1/4-inch staples. Apply the staples 1 inch from the edge of the fabric and 2 inches apart. Repeat this process along the remaining three sides. Fold in the corners of fabric and batting at a 45-degree angle and staple in place.
- 8). Use flush mounts to install the headboard. Flush mounts can be purchased at hardware stores. Your headboard should extend 1 inch beyond either side of the mattress, one foot below it and to the desired height. Hold the mattress up to the wall in this position and lightly mark its perimeter. Find the studs in the wall within this area and attach the bottom sides of the flush mounts to them with an electric screwdriver. Hold the headboard up to the wall and mark the corresponding flush mounts' positions on the back. Screw the top part of each mount in place. Slide the flush mounts together to hang the headboard and lock it in place.
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