A padded headboard adds a touch of comfort to a bedroom. It is simple to build yourself, which offers the advantage of being able to customize it to your exact dimensions and match it to the fabric of your curtains or the tones of your room.
This simple guide shows you how to build a padded headboard from a plywood panel with a triple layer of batting then fabric, into which you will drive upholstery tacks to create the cushion.
Why make a tufted fabric headboard?
Instead of a headboard, you can buy a box spring or a traditional bed, both of which are extremely functional and inexpensive but not particularly attractive. But that is not a reason to go without one! You can find a good model here.
Making your own headboard is an smart and cost-effective way to get a designer bed. It is all the more intriguing since a custom padded headboard offers several advantages, including the following:
- It allows you to have a unique bed
- It helps dress a unique room
It is a practical piece of furniture to support your pillows at night or to sit against the bed if you want to read a book or watch TV. The good news is that building a custom headboard is fairly cheap and simple to do with the right tools. This page contains all the information you will need to build it yourself.
Cut a plywood panel to the right dimensions
The headboard consists of a 10 mm thick plywood panel that you can customize as you wish:
The width of your panel must exceed the width of your bed by at least 10 cm, i.e. 150 cm for a 140 cm bed. You can even cut a wider panel if you want the headboard to overhang on each side of the bed, although this is not mandatory.
The panel height is determined by the effect you want to achieve and the height of your bed: measure the height of your bed (with the mattress) and add a visible headboard height according to your taste. The typical total length is about 1.20 m, but it can be adjusted according to the style of your room and your bed.
Also read: what is the best mattress for sleeping?
Cover the panel with batting
The first step is to cover the panel with absorbent cotton once it has been properly sized. To do this, you will need rolls of absorbent cotton. Unroll as much absorbent cotton as needed to cover the entire panel, then staple it using an electric staple gun.
Do not hesitate to use several layers of batting (up to four layers) on the area above the mattress to produce a soft but uniform surface. Allow at least 10 cm extra on each side when cutting the batting to fit the panel so you can fold it over the back of the panel and staple it in place, making sure to fold the corners well.
Attach the tufted fabric
While the batting gives your headboard a fleecy look, the fabric allows you to accessorize it. Choose a thick fabric for this covering and one that matches the decor of your space. Fabric stores can provide you with the patterns and colors you want for your padded headboard.
Here is how to apply the fabric to the headboard:
Cut the fabric to size desired. Allow 20 cm extra on all sides than the panel dimensions. Place the panel on the fabric, padded side up, and lay it flat on the ground.
To make a panel that is closed, prepare the garments first. Adjust the position of the panel as you see fit, and fold the fabric around. Staple the fabric to the back of the panel, side by side, so as to hide it.
Do the tufting
Do not hesitate to use upholstery tacks or buttons to give the fabric a plush look. If you want a tufted look, do not hesitate to dress the fabric with tacks or tufting buttons. The preparation time is significantly reduced as the tacks are driven directly into the fabric without having to drill the board.
If you use buttons to cover the holes, you will first need to drill a hole in the board (before putting the batting) in order to install them. You will also need thread and a needle to attach the buttons. However, stacked buttons may be more attractive and appropriate.
