Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 782 Comments

How To Make An Upholstered Headboard

Adding a headboard to your bed is one of the best ways to add polish and coziness to your bedroom. And, lucky for you, making your own DIY upholstered headboard is super easy and affordable (ours only cost $66!). This means you can customize the fabric, size, and design to get exactly the look you want. Believe us, we’ve done A LOT of them over the years!

Grid of four different DIY Upholstered Fabric Headboards

Today we’re going to take you through the step-by-step process to create the first headboard in the grid above (top left). It’s our favorite, classic headboard tutorial. But you can check out more headboard ideas below:

Materials & Tools

Blue bedroom with patterned DIY upholstered floral headboard

Your exact supply list may vary from ours, but generally, this is what you’ll need to make your own upholstered headboard for your bed:

  • Fabric of your choosing (we used 2 yards)
  • Extra loft batting (we used 4 yards)
  • 5/8″ plywood or MDF
  • Two or three 1×3″ whitewood boards
  • Miter, table, or circular saw to cut your wood (optional)
  • Heavy-duty staple gun & staples
  • Screwdriver and screws

Why Add A Fabric Headboard?

We wanted to add a headboard because fell out of love with our 4-poster bed (so we cut off the posts!) and wanted something cozier instead. You know, something plush we could lean up against at night. And the short wood headboard that we currently had wasn’t cutting it.

Colorful blue bedroom with no headboard

But generally, headboards can add a lot of personality and polish to a bedroom. Bedrooms without proper headboards can scream “college dorm” or “first apartment,” so adding one is a no-brainer upgrade. Plus, depending on the fabric you choose, it can add some bold color and pattern to a room OR add to the restful, zen space you’re trying to create.

Step 1: Build Your Wood Frame

There are a few ways to create the wood frame for your headboard (including this super lightweight option) but for this particular bed, we constructed a sturdy plywood frame. If you want a simple rectangular design, this step can be as simple as cutting your plywood sheet to size (or having them cut it for you at the home improvement store). For our queen-size bed, we ultimately decided on 65″ wide and 31″ tall. But you can easily customize your dimensions depending on the location or width of your bed.

Ours looked a little more complicated, and I’ll tell you why…

Deconstructed plywood pieces for upholstered headboard frame

First of all, we were planning to place our DIY headboard around the existing headboard/posts leftover on our Ikea Edland bed. We concocted a plan that would sort of “wrap around” the existing posts, which we mocked up in Photoshop below. But this concept would also work if you wanted to create a popular “winged” headboard look as well.

Mock up of DIY upholstered headboard frame that wraps around existing posts

To add these small side pieces, we attached two 1×3 whiteboard boards to each edge using screws drilled into pocket holes we drill using our Kreg Jig. Alternatively we could’ve secured them with wood glue and nails.

Attached Side pieces of headboard frame with screw into pocket hole

The other reason ours was more complicated than a solid sheet of plywood was that we couldn’t fit it in our little car (ha!). So at Home Depot we had them rip it in half, and we reconnected the two halves at home with scrap pieces of whitewood boards. We’re fancy like that!

DIY Upholstered Headboard Plywood Frame Assembled

Before proceeding we upholstery, we brought our frame in to make sure it fit around the existing bed frame like we planned. Phew – it did!

DIY Upholstered Headboard Wood Frame In Place

You can also now see what that wrap-around piece looks like, and how it hides the existing bedpost. And since we’d soon be upholstering it with fabric, it didn’t matter that the edges were a little raw looking.

DIY Upholstered Headboard Side Piece Finished

Step 2: Add Your Batting Layer

If the carpenter in you trembles at the idea of upholstery, just remember: if you can wrap a present, you can upholster a headboard!

Before adding our fabric, we wanted to first add some padding in the form of extra loft batting. We decided to do two layers so it’d be plenty plush, but still not lose its shape. Sherry trimmed a 2-yard section of batting using regular scissors, laid it on the floor, and we placed our frame on top of it. You’ll want about a 2-3″ overhang on all sides.

Layer of batting placed under DIY headboard wood frame

Then we used our staple gun to begin attaching the batting. We just wrapped the batting tightly around the edge and stapled it every few inches.

Using staple gun to attach batting to back of DIY upholstered fabric headboard

When we came to a corner, it was just like wrapping a present. You just fold it back and staple it so it all looks smooth from the front. Try to pull the batting tight so your corners don’t get too bulky. Bam, bam, bam – it’s done.

Stapling batting to back of headboard frame

We just worked our way around the back of the headboard, stapling away. At some point John made me pose for this awkward photo too. Winning.

Sherry attaching batting to the back of a headboard frame

Eventually the whole thing was stapled nice and tightly around the back.

Finished batting stapled to back of DIY headboard frame

We decided to do a second layer of batting, just repeating this process. Here’ what it looked like with the double-thick batting!

Second layer of batting stapled to back of DIY headboard frame

Note: Another option is to use upholstery foam that you attach to your plywood with spray adhesive. We prefer the batting method since it’s easier to wrap around the edges. But if you’re looking for a much thicker, cushier feel – it may be faster to use foam, rather than wrap 4 or 5 layers of batting. Too many layers of batting can also make it difficult to staple into the wood.

Step 3: Staple On Your Fabric

Here’s where the fun really begins. Now you can repeat that process, but with your selected fabric! Just give it a good ironing first to make sure it’s free of creases or wrinkles before you start.

Gazebo Cloud Braemore floral fabric

Just like with the batting, we laid it flat on the floor and placed our (now batting-covered) frame on top, making sure it was pulled taut underneath to avoid any wrinkles. Then I trimmed offthe excess fabric around the perimeter, leaving a few inches for it to be wrapped and stapled around the back, just as I had with the batting.

Fabric and headboard frame laid out to begin upholstery

We started by stapling each side, being sure to pull it extra tight so it won’t end up all loose and baggy over time. I started with one side, pulling it all very tightly, then stapled along the opposite side, again pulling it nice and tight.

Both ends of fabric headboard stapled around back of wood frame

Once it was secured on those two sides, I did the same thing to keep it secured vertically, by pulling tightly and stapling the top side and pulling it tightly and stapling the bottom side as well.

Fabric fully stapled along the backside of wooden headboard frame

Then we flipped the headboard up to see it in all of it’s plush, tightly upholstered glory. Bing, bam, boom. The whole upholstery step took less than forty five minutes to complete. Is it weird to call it one of my favorite fabric projects to date? I just love love love the pattern.

John standing with finished DIY fabric headboard

It’s hard to tell above, but in this angle you can get a sense of how plush it is. It’s cushy, but still tight – so we won’t worry about it getting baggy with everyday lounging against it.

Step 4: Hang Your New Headboard

Now you’re ready to attach your headboard to your bed. This can be done in a few ways, depending on your bedframe. When typically like to install a headboard directly into the wall, since it’s often sturdier than attaching it to the bedframe. To do that, usually a french cleat works great. We cover how to DIY a french cleat in this post.

Neutral Bedroom How To Hang Headboard

Actually, the headboard pictured above is the same one constructed during this tutorial – a few years later we just updated it for our new home with new fabric and a new top piece (just like we had added the sides pieces in this post). You can see the french cleat below, which is essentially two 2×4″ cut at an angle. One goes on the wall, the other on your headboard. You can also purchase pre-made metal cleats for just a few dollars.

TIP: Try to hang your headboard so it hits the top edge or slightly below the top edge of your mattress, that way there is no gap between the two.

Neutral Bedroom How To Hang Headboard Wall Cleat

But in the case of our postless-four-poster bed, we chose to screw the new fabric headboard into old wooden one that was part of the existing bedframe, just careful to use screws that wouldn’t poke through the other side.

John screwing DIY upholstered headboard onto frame from backside of bed

Here’s John putting the final screws in on the backside, pushing the new fabric headboard tight to the bedrame for a snug, secure fit.

DIY Upholstered Headboard John Attaching To Frame

Step 5: Enjoy Your Handiwork

Once it was attached, we just pushed the bed back into place and beamed at it. If only it had been bedtime already that so we could immediately enjoy it’s plushness!

Blue bedroom with patterned DIY upholstered floral headboard

We loved how the fabric is sort of like the bridge between the yellow ginko pillows (since there are greeny-yellow flowers in the headboard fabric) and the turquoise in the rug (thanks to those subtle leafy sprigs of turquoise in the headboard).

Chihuahua sitting on yellow gingko pillows against colorful upholstered DIY headboard

I even think Burger looks especially dapper in front of this new backdrop.

Tan chihuahua sitting on bed in front of floral upholstered DIY headboard

DIY Upholstered Headboard Cost

As for a budget breakdown here we go:

  • Wood frame (plywood and some bracing boards from Home Depot): $22
  • Two layers of extra loft batting (from JoAnn thanks to a 50% off coupon): $4
  • Discount designer fabric (from a local fabric outlet called U-Fab): already owned – but it was originally $20/yard ($40 total)
  • Total spent: $66 (if you add in the fabric we previously bought for a book project and reused for this)
Blue bedroom with patterned DIY upholstered floral headboard

Sixty six bucks isn’t pennies, but compared to upholstered headboards that are sold at places like Overstock, it’s at least $100-200 cheaper than even the most basic types. And considering places like Ballard Designs charge around $400-$700 for custom headboards (where you get to pick the fabric) it was awesome to get to choose the fabric and whip this up ourselves.

*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Comments

  1. Heidi says

    Loved the headboard but was wondering what if you do not have a existing headboard just a bed frame how would you suggest attaching it to the wall?

    Reply

  2. Bethany Kingma says

    Can you tell me what paint color you used for the room? LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I was thinking gray for our living room but I now I’m loving this color…Thanks!

    Reply

  3. Alisha Luxford says

    What a great tutorial! Love the colours of your bedroom. We’re in the process of doing our up, and you’ve inspired me to attempt our own head board. Now… off to choose a fabric. <3

    Reply

  4. Tori says

    Oh my gosh I am sooo in love with your carpets!!!! Please tell me a place I can get these!?!? I have been looking everywhere. But I guess not hard enough haha:). Also if you don’t mind me asking we’re yet expensive?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’re cheap so we got them both on the cheap! Haha. The living room one is giant and super inexpensive for the size (from jossandmain.com on clearance) and the one in our bedroom was crazy cheap from a local lighting outlet called The Decorating Outlet since there was actually a small hole in it (but it’s completely invisible when the rug is rolled out).

      xo
      s

  5. Backie says

    Hi guys, I’ve just came into this on Pinterest, but I had already worked on my diy headboard and finished it about a month ago. Nice to see that my total improvised structure finds some confirmations in your totally similar work!
    We wanted it to be extra plushy too, but I opted for five pillows (2euros each) instead of batting. I’ve just stapled them vertically on the structure overlapping a few inches. Then I’ve covered structure and pillows with and old blanket and sewn a sort of slipcover in two heavy fabrics I liked (but yours is nicer!) so that I can change it to wash it from time to time or to suit our mood. In this way you could even have a different headboard matching every bedcover or set of sheets you dress your bed with! :)
    Just for sharing…
    Laura

    Reply

  8. gin says

    Beautiful! And I beg to differ with many of the comments… I like your stain idea for the floor and dresser. My ONLY concern, if it were me, would be dog hair on the dark floor. But that’s just because I’ve been there and done that… but I think the idea is beautiful, especially with the white pieces and light fabric. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Gin! We had dark floors in our first house and loved them (not super dark, just sort of a dark mocha) and even with Burger it didn’t show much- maybe because he’s a short haired breed?

      xo
      s

  9. Lizziefitz says

    Looks great! Love it with current rug & with trellis rug in pic with Jon & Clara. I think it would look amazing with a footboard attached in same fabric. I know , the list never ends;p

    Reply

  10. Marge says

    Came across this bedding set on “sale” at Neiman Marcus and knew that the pattern was familiar! Since the sham is going for $155 on sale right now, I think you scored a major deal when you got that fabric. A similar situation happened to me here and here with ikat fabric I have that keeps popping up in expensive products. Love when there’s something to reinforce how swanky a bargain purchase can be!

    Reply

  12. Talia says

    I really love the fact that John agrees to the flower-y headboard! By the way, I just converted my mother and sister. They’re YHL fans now, too! :D Hello from the Philippines!

    Reply

  13. Candy says

    I just found your website and love, love the rug. It is perfect for my newly remodeled bedroom. Do you have any info on the manufacturer or name? I have been searching the Internet to no avail. Thanks. Your room is looking beautiful.

    Reply

  14. Amanda says

    What a great tutorial! Love all your colors and patterns too! I was wondering if you could tell me where you got both the rugs? In the bedroom and the green one in the living room…..they are so cute!

    Reply

  15. Lisa says

    LOVE this headboard! My husband and I have been thinking about making a headboard like this. Thanks for this great tutorial! Any ideas on how to add nail-head trim?

    Reply

  17. breanna ashby says

    This was an awesome tutorial! I do have a question though, what is the name of the paint on your walls? I’m in love with it!

    Reply

  21. Carla Reneau says

    Found this from Pinterest. Thanks for detailed instruction with pics! One thing I want to know is where you found that fabulous rug? It’s gorgeous and I’m in the market for a few new area rugs since we just moved into an house with all hardwood floors.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s from Shades of Light, and we scored it for a deep discount at one of their outlet sales because it has a small hole (that’s pretty much invisible) on one corner.

      -John

  23. Kodi says

    I absolutely love everything about this room! We are just about to do our own tufted headboard, and this makes me feel alot better seeing how fairly simple it is (without tufting). I have to know, where did you get the wall colour?

    Reply

  27. Kelly Johnson says

    Absolutely love this !!! Looks beautiful as is but love the idea of the darker, richer floor and bureau. I have to ask, where did you find that rug ? I have been looking forever for a rug for my living room, this one would be perfect. Love the pop of turquoise !!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We found it through Shades of Light. They still sell it on their website, but we were able to score it on a deep discount at one of their outlet sales.

      -John

  29. Lisa says

    Looks great! The thing I love about upholstering a headboard is that if you want to change things up, you can just add a different fabric over top! Such a great, low-cost impact!!

    Reply

  31. Amy says

    This is beautiful guys, I was wondering what the color paint you guys used for the walls? I really love it

    Reply

  33. sara says

    I actually really like the look of the dark floor and dresser! But the dresser needs something, maybee whiteknobs, or something to give it a lil pop….

    Reply

  34. Kim says

    It came out beautiful and I too love the fabric. Thank you! What is the wall paint color – love that too.

    Reply

  35. Robin says

    I’m not sure if this has been asked but it’s a little overwhelming trying to sift through all the comments hehe. How would you attach a head board like this one to plain rails?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, maybe try attaching it to the wall in that instance? Just screwing it in somehow? Or adding legs to it so it can be freestanding behind the bed? Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  36. Robin says

    I’m a little worried about the weight and hanging it from the wall so I may try a stretch canvas frame. I got a french jacquard print that I can’t to use. Thank you for all the help!

    Reply

  37. Amanda says

    Where did you get the white ottoman/coffee table in the living room, where your making the upholstered head board?

    Reply

  38. Mila says

    I want to thank you for inspiring me to reupholster an old headboard I had been storing for a few years that belonged to my grandmother and then passed on to my aunt! I stumbled upon your project via Pinterest and was so inspired that I finally decided to tackle the reupholstery projectI love the final product and can’t wait to do another DIY project around our home!

    Reply

  39. Kris C says

    I LOVE the green carpet in the pictures where you are putting the headboard together. Where did you get it?

    Reply

  40. Kris C says

    Gosh, that must be annoying that people (like me) do not read other comments…! Duh! Sorry!
    But thanks for the info :)

    Reply

  42. Tangy B says

    Love this look. Where did you get the rug in your bedroom and the other green/ cream rug? Thanks.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      The green living room rug is from Joss & Main a while back, and the bedroom one is from a local outlet called The Decorating Outlet here in Richmond.

      xo
      s

  43. Melanie Gross says

    Your room looks great! I have a question about the 2 rugs shown in this. The one in your bedroom as well as the green one. May I ask where you purchased those? I have a turquoise/teal couch and the rug in your bedroom would go perfectly. But the green one would also go as a complimentary color that would match my kitchen walls that are adjacent to the living room.

    Thanks so much.
    Melanie Gross

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      The blue one in the bedroom is from a local rug outlet here in Richmond (The Decorating Outlet) and the green one is from Joss & Main :)

      xo
      s

  44. elaine says

    hello,
    i’ve been asked to move out by my landlord and thankfully God has given me a new place to go to. i start looking for ideas for beds and headboards and came across your page and i love the idea of a diy headboard! then i saw the carpets you had and i just have to ask where did you buy those carpet and what do you call the design of the carpet so i can look for a similar one for my next place.
    thanks :)

    Reply

  46. Kelly Anglin says

    Hi, beautiful room! I’m sorry if this question is redundant…skimmed your comments and didn’t see anything about the rug, so pretty! Where did you find it?

    Reply

  49. Rebecca says

    You can ‘restore’ the old wood with 3/4 cup canola or olive oil and 1/4 cup vinegar. Use a soft cloth and rub in. Won’t work if the item is oiled, painted, or waxed. Try on a hidden place first.

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *