Wicket Blue

Now I lay my head to rest...

I love the look and comfort of an upholstered headboard, and I really like the price tag of the do it yourself version! Some simple materials and a little time and you can make a custom headboard, and the beauty of it is you can simply change up the upholstery if you change your decor! 

What you need...

• 3/4“ plywood

• High density foam (2 to 3 inches thick)

• Batting

• Fabric

• 3/4” staples & staple gun or preferably staple attachment for an air compressor(much easier on the hands!)

• heavy duty hanging kit (several types available at your local hardware store)

• Tape measure

What to do...

1. Figure out the width you would like the headboard : start by measuring your mattress and then add an inch or two to each side.  A fully dressed bed will be a bit bigger than the mattress, so this will make sure your finished headboard will be big enough!
2. Figure out the height you would like the headboard : Try for somewhere between 30" and 40" tall.  Using painters tape to mark it on the wall will help you visualize the overall size, you can always adjust the height slightly by where you hang it on the wall.
3. Now that you have the height and width, time to pick up your supplies!  Have your local hardware store cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to your required dimensions 
4. Next...foam and fabric, off to the fabric store!  Purchase high - density foam at least 2"-3" thick, see if they will cut the foam to size for you, if not you will have to do this at home with a sharp utility knife.  You will also need to purchase batting and fabric.  You will need enough of both to wrap the entire headboard, adding 8"-10" to the overall width and height should give you ample fabric to play with.  Keep patterns in mind as they can be tricky!
5. Time to get started!  Make sure you have a flat, clean area to work on.  Check your fabric for wrinkles or crease, it may need a quick iron or steam.  Lay out your fabric, right side down, then your batting, and last the plywood on top of that.
6. Time to pull!  Begin wrapping the fabric and batting over the foam and plywood, pulling so it is taut, and staple to the plywood.  It is easiest to start at the sides for the first few, then a few on the top and bottom, eventually working your way around, placing the staples about 1" apart.  Corners can be tricky, trim any excess fabric and fold them in so they form a tidy tucked edge, this may take some patience!
7. Last step...time to hang your headboard!  Determine the exact spot you would like it to be and then follow the instructions for the mounting hardware you have chosen.  Voila...hang your head board and rest easy!