How to Make a Headboard

How to make a headboard, is easier than you might think.

You'll first need to decide what kind of headboard you want to create. Your choices are endless. Some are very simple to make while others will require certain skills.

You can come up with all kinds of ideas by using objects or items to repurpose as a unique headboard.

This kind of headboard is known as a floating headboard because it's not attached to your bed. You'll attach this type of headboard directly to the wall behind the bed frame to give the illusion that it is attached to the bed frame. There are several ways you can make this type of headboard. You can stop the headboard just below the top mattress or you can take it to the baseboard. If you opt for the latter, you'll only pad and upholster the exposed part above the mattress line.

You'll first need to decide on the shape of your headboard. You'll need to purchase two sheets of plywood or particle board. You'll want a minimal thickness of ¾" so you can staple fabric and batting to the wood without splitting the sheet of plywood.

First measure the space you intend to size the headboard to fit. Next, decide on the shape you wish the headboard to be. If you are going to use a rectangle or square, then cut the headboard to fit the space you designated for it. If you are using an arch or more elaborate design, draw it onto a sheet of paper and trace it onto the plywood and then cut the shape out of the plywood.

You'll want to pad the plywood with a sheet of foam, batting or a combination of both. The thickness you use is entirely up to you depending on the kind of look you want to achieve. You can also use a combination of foam and batting. Cut the foam or batting so it overhangs the outer edge of your headboard at least one to two inches. Staple the foam or batting to the back of the headboard. Next, cut out a piece of white fabric with a one to two inch excess around the edges. Secure the fabric by placing it face down on top of the headboard staple the edge to the headboard and then pull the material up and over the backside of the headboard. Make sure the material is taut and staple the material to the back of the headboard. You'll want to work the material around any corners or arches so there aren't any wrinkles on the exposed front side.

Now you're ready to attach the fabric you want exposed as the headboard. Attach the bottom by placing the fabric patterned side against the padding. Staple fabric to the wood and then pull the material up and over the headboard. Follow the same steps as above for stapling material to the back. You may wish to trim the edges with a twisted rope trim that can be hot glued to the headboard for an elegant finished look.

You can often find unique wood pieces at salvage yards, yard sells, used furniture stores, and other recycling venues that you can re-design into an attractive and one-of-a-kind headboard. Just attach it to the wall behind your bed and you have an instant headboard.

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• Collage of photos
• Custom-Made Multi-Frames of Personal Photos of Sunsets, Seascapes, Flowers, and other scenes.

Use your imagination and be creative in recycling something into a whimsical or bohemian styled headboard.

If you prefer to place a traditional headboard on your bed, you'll need to use a pattern to make one that is a squared, upside U, so it can be attached to your bed frame. You can choose various period styles. Add spindles for a poster bed effect. Cut a scrolled arched headboard and glue wood embellishments such as roses, garlands, rosettes, shell, and other motifs. Stain and paint on a high gloss, semi-gloss, or matte finish. You may decide to paint your headboard.

Choosing the right style will make your headboard a wonderful addition to your bed. When you learn how to make a headboard, you'll be able to change the decor of your room anytime you desire.

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