We owe you a huge post about all things Haven/ATL, but we’re actually driving home today (after crashing a bunch of awesome houses, doing a thrift store tour with Katie B, hosting an informal backyard wedding for Clara and Will, etc) so we’ll share what we snuck in before we left for Atlanta: the beginnings of a headboard for the freshly rearranged masted bedroom. With Ed the Bed officially minus posts, we quickly turned our attention to making him plus headboard – as you saw Sherry mock up in Photoshop last week – along with darker floors and a darker dresser:
We wanted something upholstered over something wood/tin/woven/stenciled/painted since we wanted something cushy to lean back on (we’ve been doing a decent amount of reading in bed lately, and with the new arrangement the room feels cozier but not as “soft” as it could – especially since our first house’s bedroom had two curtained nooks on either side of the bed, so maybe we’re just fabric-starved individuals).
For this headboard we decided to forgo our usual stretched canvas technique since we’re working around Ed’s existing headboard. We devised a quick plan to use plywood and some 1 x 3″ boards to create a headboard that would wrap around what’s left of the existing posts and essentially hide them from view. Just pretend those Photoshopped blue blocks below are wood:
Clara was being quite the little helper at Home Depot (when she wasn’t simultaneously mesmerized / terrified of the big saw they used to cut our piece of plywood down to size). We bought a piece of 5/8″ plywood cut to 65″ x 36″, though I actually had them slice it down the middle so the darn thing would fit in our little Altima’s trunk. It also made it easier for Clara to help push us towards check out (where our total was $22 for the plywood plus two 1 x 3″ whitewood boards).
Here are all of my pieces laid out back at home so you can see how we planned to assembled it. The two brace pieces across the middle would make up for the fact that we had to cut our plywood in half. The two on the sides are what will wrap around to hide the posts.
I attached my side pieces using my Kreg Jig and for my brace pieces I just drove a few spare screws right into them.
So here’s the headboard all assembled. If it wasn’t already obvious, this is the backside that will face the wall.
I had considered my work done and declared Ed’s headboad (Ed’s head? The Ed-board?) ready for upholstery. But Sherry, in all of her wisdom, suggested we bring it in the room to make sure it fit before covering it with batting and fabric. Smart cookie.
It did fit. At least, it did side to side – but we realized it was looking a bit taller than we wanted. In person it just sort of felt too top-heavy if that makes sense, so we thought a bit of a lower rise would work better with the proportion of the bed.
So after a bit of debate (and actually holding up paper while standing across the room to block off different lengths of the top) we decided to lop off about 5″ (poor guy, first his posts get chopped off – now this) using a circular saw so that I didn’t have to disassemble and cut the pieces separately on my table saw.
So here’s the headboard back in place, looking much better. It’s a modern bed with nice clean lines, so anything taller just felt off in person (a little too traditional/ high-flying) and we want to leave room above it to hang something there to break things up and add more “layered bedroom ambiance” as the lady-wife calls it.
And in case that Photoshopped headboard-building-plan picture at the beginning of the post still confuses the heck out of you, maybe this close up of the side will help clear things up. That piece of 1 x 3″ just curls around the side enough to hide the post – that way once it’s upholstered it’ll be a seamless, even fatter looking headboard (rather than a headboard with a random white post behind it).
Sherry will cover the actual upholstery process tomorrow (we took way too many pics that we still have to upload so Sherry can write up those details) but I promised her I’d give you all a preview of the fabric that we picked out. We opted for a more free-form botanical print that picks up the turquoise in the rug, but doesn’t compete with it by being another perfectly symmetrical geometric. It’s a nice mix of light-and-airy-meets-mathy-and-shape-riddled. It looks a little crazy with them touching in the picture below, but in reality the headboard will be on a different plane than the rug (floor vs. wall) so they won’t be all up in each other’s area.
Now that I’m at the end of this post I’m not so sure it qualifies as an “adventure” but don’t tell Clara that. She thinks surviving the loud “scary scary saw” and getting to push the cart at Home Depot is about as exciting as it gets (although 8.5 hours in the car with her today might add up to something “exciting”). I think it would have been more of an adventure (slash nightmare) if we had upholstered it before checking how the initial height looked on the bed, so that would be my Tip Numero Uno. Before shooting a few hundred staples into something, hold it up wherever it’s going to go and see if the proportions look right (being sure to put all of the bed pillows in place if it’s a headboard, since those can block a bunch of the headboard so they make a difference). What did you guys do this weekend? Any road tripping with a dog and a toddler? Or fellow headboard adventurers?
I moved in my freshly built headboard this weekend! Still smells like polyurethane, but I love the way it looks. http://www.flickr.com/photos/keribeth/7427920302/
So pretty! You did an awesome job!
xo,
s
That’s going to look so cute! I love the fabric!
Typo alert: Instead of “It did fit” it says “It did dit.” I actually stared at it for a while, trying to figure out if it was some kind of pun. But no, I think it’s a J-Boom typo ;)
Haha thanks – all fixed!
xo,
s
Wow! What cool fabric! Can’t wait to see how you attach it to the bed (or wall?). I’ve been scared to build a headboard for us since I have no clue how to attach it to the standard bed frame or make big holes in our rental walls.
Same here I have that challenge too as I live in a rental.
Anyone got any suggestions on how to make it work?
Oh yes, check out Headboard Adventures part 2 (we attach ours to the bed = zero holes in the wall).
xo,
s
I love the fabric and cant wait to see the finished product. This has been on my mind for some time now for my own bedroom, so I cant wait to read more about the process and see the finished product!!
Tiffany
Too funny! About an hour ago I posted a picture on Facebook of Ruby helping Daddy push the cart full of wood at Home Depot this weekend and we’re also working on our bed – building a frame for our mattress!
Such a small world! Sounds so cute!
xo,
s
I’m really digging the bed on that side of the room. It looks more balanced than I pictured. I’m excited to see this headboard too.
Oh my GOSH! That fabric! I have been eyeing it for our kitchen window. I literally gasped out loud when I saw it. I love it!! Where did you guy purchase it? (I’ve only seen it online; wondering if you were able to find it at a store.)
We found it at a local fabric outlet called U-Fab!
xo,
s
Blair R: Can you share the name/brand of the fabric please?? It is insanely gorgeous! Thanks!
Love it! What a great idea! I can’t wait to try this in my daughter’s room. Do you mind sharing where you found the botanical print fabric?
That was from a local fabric outlet called U-Fab!
xo,
s
That fabric is stunning! It’s going to look so much softer in there when the headboard is finished (not that is looks severe now, at all, but I think this will do a lot to add another layer). Well done! And I can’t wait to hear all about Haven/Atlanta adventures!
Aw thanks Emily! We had so much fun and of course did our fair share of embarrassing things.
xo,
s
That fabric is going to make a super pretty headboard. My Monday is a pretty sore one because this weekend was crazy amounts of demo (and going up and down a flight of stairs more times than I can count, and helping haul drywall out of a second story.
http://www.likeacupoftea.com/in-addition-im-joist-so-happy/
Wahoo! You’re getting so much done!
xo,
s
This looks like it’s going to be great! As long as it doesn’t break we’re never going to get rid of our bed (I think I told you before that it’s how we met – http://annabelvita.com/2011/08/30/this-is-the-story-of-a-bed/ – and so super sentimental) but I’d love love love to change up the squat knobs and paint it a nice green or teal.
So cute! I love that story.
xo,
s
I absolutely love your blog. I look forward to reading it every day. I can’t wait to see how the headboard works out! (and the deck!)
Add me to the list of those loving/wanting that fabric! It’s perfect for my new grey and teal master bedroom project! Does anyone know the name of the fabric or where I can find it online?
When we get home we’ll have to see if we can find that info for ya!
xo,
s
Lisa! I stumbled across this fabric on Tonic Living this evening. Here is the link…
http://tonicliving.com/productsDetails.asp?categoryid=26&productid=2268¤tpage=1&onsale=0
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE that fabric! I worked at Ahruas furniture for a while and we got a shipment of pillows made with that fabric and I fell in love! Do you know the name of the fabric print? I’m hoping to maybe find it on line or in a local fabric store here in KY. Need to make some curtains for my living room!
When we get home I’ll have to try to hunt down the name/brand. It’s from a local outlet but I’m sure it’s sold online too!
xo,
s
Whoa! This is going to be saaaweet! I really like this new set up!
In that photoshopped picture – where’s that mirror from?
Thanks! :)
That’s from Hobby Lobby a while back. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Love the bed on that wall and love Ed without his posts! Sorry, Ed. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Love that fabric! I found it on Etsy months ago, but it was super expensive. How much did you guys get it for? Can’t wait to see the finished product!
We’ll share those details in tomorrow’s post! It was from an outlet so it was discounted but not necessarily super cheap- haha. Thankfully we only needed two yards!
xo,
s
I didn’t actually mind the headboard being all, but I think it looks great short, too! I love the fabric you chose and can’t wait to see how the finished product looks! Are you going to grab a more colorful comforter of keep it white?
We’re thinking about maybe adding a throw at the bottom of the bed for color. The white comforter is just do cozy and soft that we’re attached. Haha.
xo,
s
I was wondering the same thing, Kristen! Ed’s going to look quite dapper in his new duds.
We started planning our new headboard this weekend! Now if we could just decide on a fabric. Where did you find yours?
2 things – first, glad you shared this today because I’ve been thinking about a DIY headboard for our guest room and this motivates me.
Second, was catching up on my Real Simple magazine reading and saw this in the June issue – your bedroom rug! They put it in a teen room which I wasn’t too sure of, but this is magazine make believe so of course it looked great. But they did pay full price. Suckers.
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/room-makeovers-00100000080537/index.html#16
Isn’t that funny?! What a small world! We hear it was on Nate Berkus too (last week I think?). So funny how things like that happen all at once.
xo,
s
So funny, I just bought that fabric on Saturday to help my sister make curtains out of! We loved it :) I seriously can’t wait to see the headboard, it’s going to add such a nice layer to the room!
I have been coveting that fabric for awhile now for curtains for our living and dining rooms. My guy isn’t as thrilled about it – I’ll show him your finished project and see what he says.
This will look great!
I made an upholstered & tufted headboard that hangs on the wall a couple years ago. I’m thrilled with how it has held up! Makes a big difference.
The upholstered head board is going to look great! It really softens up the room. I love that you guys are not afraid to chop up good looking furniture to get great looking furniture!
I hope the driving goes well today. We have a five our trip coming up with our seven month old. We feel your pain.
Haha, thanks Krystle!
xo,
s
I love that fabric and can’t wait to see how you finish off this headboard for Ed.
I’ve been trying to figure out how I can spruce up my metal frame on my bed. I really don’t want to spend a fortune buying a bedframe.
I also bought a rug for my living room. It’s a really pretty orange color. Not too bright and neon-y, kinda of burnt orange like. I also went to my grandmothers and took 2 round side tables and 2 really cool lamps. I think I’ll take a cue from you guys and spray paint them. :) I’m thinking teal tables.
Sounds really cute! Good luck!
xo,
s
Thanks! I’ve been stalking your painting tutorials all morning (while at work. shhh!) to get some tips. I’m going to attempt to paint the lamps too (they’re ceramic.)
It’s hard work trying to make a space reflect a 26 year old’s style on a budget but I’m trying!
Aw thanks! And good luck!
xo,
s
Enjoy your ride home! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip.
I finally finished up with the painting of our front door. Thanks for the tip about using a deglosser – way neater than sanding!
http://familylovehome.blogspot.com/2012/06/painted-front-door-reveal.html
Looks awesome!!
xo,
s
Oo, great fabric choice! Never thought you’d be hacking the bed like you have when you first bought it, huh? Ed’s a trooper!
Anywho, we bought a bed with a padded headboard about 1.5 years ago and it. is. awesome. You’re going to love it!
Oh man that sounds awesome! Can’t wait to lean back against ours.
xo,
s
I’m in LOVE with that flowery fabric! I can’t wait to see it all done!
I am inspired to do a headboard for our spare room now too!
And I love the different colors of wood in your bedroom, because it is more ecclectic and soft. I hope that you do not darken your floors…(we have dark wood floors on our
main floor and have always wanted them lighter)
Am addicted to your sight,and always look forward to hearing what you are doing:)
p.s. this is a first time blog post EVER!
Oh wow, you guys are super fast on this project. Can’t wait to see the finished look.
Can’t wait to see it :)
Couldn’t even finish reading…just burst out laughing (out loud, at work) at the mention of Ed’s Head. That was the brand name of the porta potty on the waterfront at my sleep away camp. So everyone referred to the porta potty as “Ed’s Head!” Thank you for a mid-work day camp flashback! Love it!
…ok now back to reading the rest of the post :)
Haha, so funny!
xo,
s
Our fun weekend adventure was ordering 2,270 bricks for our new path from our driveway to our house. This was only part one of the adventure, part two will come later when we actual lay the brick down!
So exciting!! Good luck!
xo,
s
Oh my goodness!!!! I don’t know what to compare this too… like a famous model wearing an outfit you have??? Anyways, I just did drapes in my girls’ room with this fabric. When I saw it, I knew it would be fantastic… what’s not to love about it??? I fell in love!
To see you guys use it is just so exciting. What a thrill. I’m such a fan. :)
Can’t wait to see your end result! :)
Haha, that’s awesome! It’s such pretty fabric – and you’ll see it in our book as another project (not on a headboard) too! Very versatile stuff. Haha.
xo,
s
Great tutorial! Somehow the way you two explains things makes them less scary! :) I bet (well, “I’m hoping” is probably more accurate) that something like this will work on our Malm platform bed. In my early twenties I was a big fan of contemporary, espresso colored furniture but as I round 30 I’m becoming obsessed with a comfier, shabby chic coastal look – total opposites and with a “tweak” not “overhaul” budget, ideas like this are a huge help!
Oh yes- this would definitely work on a Malm too (we had one in our first house)!
xo,
s
Love the fabric choice, can’t wait to see Ed’s head all covered!
Love the fabric! Can’t wait to see the finished project.
My sister’s husband is a hardwood flooring guy and he saw the picture of your bedroom and said he thinks you have heart pine floors in there. Might be a shame to stain those…
Oh yes they’re reclaimed pine but they’re stained and completely unsealed (picture oil spots, stains and marks, giant faded squares where furniture sat for decades) so it needs some love!
xo,
s
We actually did go road tripping this past weekend with two dogs, no toddlers. Everyone was on their best behavior and we had a great time!
I love how your new headboard is turning out, and I LOVE the new layout of your bedroom. We tried our hands at making a headboard from our old bathroom door, and are so happy with the results. http://www.oldtownhome.com/2011/5/18/Opportunity-Knocks-Transforming-an-Old-Door-into-a-Headboard/index.aspx Sometimes the things we can make ourselves are so much more personal, interesting and affordable than what you can buy out of a catalog. Here’s to DIYing!
Such a cool headboard! Love it!
xo,
s
That is a gorgeous fabric! I can’t wait for Sherry’s post with the sources!
And it’s a great idea to “wrap” the Ed-Board around the Ed-Posts. Sturdy and lean-able.
I love that you’re doing this project, I can just copy the way you’re doing things :D I haven’t cut off my posts yet or even thought about fabric, but maybe seeing how you do it and how easy it is (it is easy, right?) will get me started.
LOVING the fabric…really lovely with the other details already in the bedroom. Can’t wait to hear all about your Haven trip too…NEXT time you are in the A-T-L we must coffee!!
CHeers
~ Jillian
http://www.hersplitends.com
Sounds like a plan!
xo,
s
Are you planning to share more about how you attached the plywood to the bed/wall? As someone who is planning to tackle this project myself and who is also DIY challenged, I would love to know!
Oh yes of course! Tomorrow will be the rest of the tutorial (upholstery and attachment)!
xo,
s
My husband and I made a headboard this weekend using your stretched canvas method. It was so easy and we love how our new headboard completely cozies up our bedroom. Thanks so much for the tutorial!
that fabric also looks like the one i almost got from tonicliving.com. we were going to get it for the dining room but decided i wasn’t crazy about it in the dining room. but it is great fabric!
I really really like the way your bedroom looks now! With the bed on the other wall is was pretty blah but now it is much more interesting to look at. I never thought it was blah until you moved it! Ha! And the way it looks from the hall is pretty sweet too!
We did this on our Ikea bed and love it!
ACtually, now I’m hoping to cut ours a little shorter and switch out the fabric for something more colorful, but that’s the beauty of it!
I just saw that fabric on a great chair in our local Crate & Barrel – in their floor model sale. I just MIGHT have to go get it today. The fabric was love at first sight!
Love that!
xo
s
we are trying to figure out a headboard idea currently too!! I’m going to show this post to the hubs!
The fabric is by Braemore, called Gazebo in colourway Cloud.
http://www.thefabricfinder.com/Braemore.htm
http://tonicliving.com/productsDetails.asp?categoryid=15&productid=2268¤tpage=1&onsale=0
It’s gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing the link Jen!
xo,
s