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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. Elle C. says

    Love, love, love the new headboard (and of course, the new room arrangement). But pretty please, don’t stain the dresser! It looks like it has so much history and character, and it “goes” without being matchy-matchy. I know I have no clout with you guys and what you do with your stuff, but I might be willing to name my next kid Burger, or only wear soda shirts for the rest of my life if you leave the dresser.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, no worries Elle! We promise to give it a ton of thought before doing anything to it! It has remained untouched for this long- so who knows where we’ll end up!

      xo,
      s

  2. M'lea says

    I have a couple tricks for your next upholstery project. If you pre-line the headboard or piece with a neutral cotton or cheap lining fabric you can pull it as tight as you need to, then you don’t have to pull your face fabric as tight. This is helpful so you don’t distort your pattern. Not necessary here just wanted to share the knowledge. Also if you have a huge pattern repeat that you are wanting to center or make sure it stays in the same spot when you turn it over to staple… pin pin pin! Pin it in place and it will not move on ya! Looks amazing and I totally approve on the whole switch-a-roo with the bedroom furniture. Love you guys!! P.s. these are the things I usually do when making cornice boards.

    Reply

  3. Patty C says

    Love it, love it, love it! It’s beautiful and pulls everything together so nicely. I love the close-up of the chandelier, too. So pretty.

    Reply

  6. Kate says

    Hi Sherry — love the fun headboard!

    But question, what are the final dimensions of the headboard? Know you cut it down once you tried it out. We’re building a headboard later this month, and I’m stuck to figure out the ratio of bed to headboard. I was thinking that it should extend about 2 1/2 feet above the mattress (and then maybe the first foot is hidden by the pillows). But interested to see your scale.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  7. Kathryn says

    I’m just seeing this post now (you miss a lot if you don’t check in for a few days!) but I am absolutely IN LOVE with this headboard. If this was in a store I would snatch it up in a second. The pattern is amazing, it ties in your colors (and my fave colors) so well, and it makes a huge difference. Wow! Great job!

    Reply

  8. Janette Diaz says

    It is probably just me, but I think the wooden dresser to the right of the bed would look great in a shade of grey.

    Reply

  11. tosha says

    love love – that fabric is *perfect* – like another commenter already noted, it’s elegant but happy. Just lovely. Also, here’s one more vote for not staining the dresser or the floors – I think the red in the dresser is so lovely

    Reply

  12. Jess says

    Hey Sherry and John! Quick question, I want to recover my king size upholstered headboard but all the fabric I fall in love with doesn’t seem like it’s wide enough. How do you get fabric that fits?

    Everyone is telling me to find a flat sheet but I can’t seem to find one I like enough. I even tried a huge fabric showed curtain but it was still a tad bit short.

    Thanks for the help!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, that’s tough. I would go to a fabric store and see if they sell extra wide yardage (some upholstery fabric is thick enough and then you can have enough yards lebgthwise to cover it). Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  13. Jill Browning says

    Your bedroom looks super awesome now with the new arrangement. I also love how the lighter woods of the dresser and floor balance the black/dark brown? of the mirror and bench. Well done!!

    Reply

  15. Katherine says

    Hi, I know you said that the fabric was deep discount, but do you have any clue what it’s called or who manufactures it? I’m on the hunt for fabric and love what you used!

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, it’s in the post! It’s by Braemore, called Gazebo in colourway “Cloud” – which was $20 a yard from a local fabric outlet called U-Fab. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  17. Jenny says

    This whole room is just too beautiful for words! You inspire me everyday with this blog. Major fandom over here!

    Reply

  19. Jeremiah says

    I was wondering where you got your mirror in your room or did you make it? I have been looking for a mirror like that, but haven’t found one that isn’t very expensive. let me know. thanks

    Reply

  20. Tonya says

    I agree the darker wall color looks better. Warms up the room and makes it appear more cozy and a classier richer feel.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks! It was from a local outlet here in Richmond called The Decorating Outlet for $250 since it had a small hole that we repaired, but I think shadesoflight.com sells it too!

      xo,
      s

  24. Shanti says

    WOW! Amazing! I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful this looks. I am an interior designer and ppl always commment on my house and how great its coming together, but I am wayyyyyyyyyy jealous of your bedroom! I LOVE your usuage of colors, patterns and textures! It all fits SO nicely. I am on my way here soon to start my DIY headboard project as well. Looking forward to finally tacking that. I think once I get that, and a rug our bedroom will feel as complete as yours does!

    Reply

  25. Kate Malkiewycz says

    Just a thought about the dresser. I haven’t read all of the comments so apologies if it’s been talked about or you’ve agreed apron something. You could perhaps paint the drawers with colours that tie into the headboard and cushions? You could do three different tones of green, yellow or blue ( I.e. full strength one drawer, half strength the next, quarter strength the other etc, etc.) Or you could perhaps paint each drawer in the different colours of the headboard.
    I don’t normally comment but when I came upon your headboard and blog from pinterest I couldn’t help but feel excited and share my thoughts!
    Thank you for a great blog!

    Reply

  26. Ashley Spence says

    I love everything about this room! Beautiful! As soon as our new floors are installed I am using your detailed tutorial to make the headboard. Would you mind telling me the name of the paint color used in the room? And the rug? It’s stunning!!

    Reply

  29. Maria says

    I love your style…it’s my style. You are amazing at executing these projects with such charm and your choice of color is always refreshing. Congrats on the house, the love, the family, and your joy of all things DIY.

    Reply

  30. Hillary says

    OK, so I LOVE your blog, I get so much design inspiration from you guys. I am having the hardest time finding an area rug that I like and then I saw yours ( the green one in the living room and the one in this bedroom) Where did you guys get them? Have any good tips on where to find good looking yet inexpensive area rugs? Thank you!!

    Reply

  33. Miki says

    THANK YOU! You have no idea how long I’ve been mulling a project like this over and I always land on “too complicated” (I am not too crafty). I think that with the help you just gave me, hubs and I can pull this off tomorrow. Bless you. I’ll send a picture!

    Reply

  34. Teri dunn says

    Hi There,
    Love what you’ve done in your bedroom….
    You don’t happen to remember the paint colour do you.
    Love it the way it is… don’t change it :)
    Cheers,
    from canada

    Reply

  36. Preethi says

    Hey there, that bedroom of yours look awesome.i just loved ur turquoise rug:). Even the other green rug with the pattern looks fab.great job.from where did u buy those rugs,plzz let know.coz we bought a new house and design planning is in progress.thank you. Xoxo:)

    Reply

  37. Cindy says

    The headboard looks awesome. How did you remove the post on the bed frame? I have a bed that I would like to remove the posters. Thanks Cindy

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We wrote about it in our archives so it should come up if you search: Ed bed posts dremel. The quick answer: we cut them clean off with a Dremel Multimax. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  38. Cricket says

    Random but where is the green area rug from? The one in the shots where you assembled the headboard. Thanks:D

    Reply

  40. Lynn says

    This is beautiful!! I love your room. This is a funny question but where did you get your green and white patterned rug where the project was photographed? Love it!!!

    Thanks so much!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks! It’s from a local outlet called The Decorating Outlet here in Richmond, but we hear they’re sold at other places like Shades of Light too. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  43. Lindsay says

    Your room looks amazing! I love it! I am also sooooooo in love with both of your rugs….the green one and the gray and turquoise. Where are they from? I need one for my entryway.

    Reply

  44. robyn gardner says

    I absolutely LOVE this. I am in the process of working my way through my entire house updating, remodeling and in general refreshing. I started with my master bath and bedroom and just finished a gorgeous diamond tuft upholstered headboard, window valances, and I’m building the bed bench (that will be the same fabric and diamond tufted as well) this week. I also did a bedskirt in the same fabric, but made it extremely tailored with box pleats to offset all of the ‘cushy’ in the diamond tufting. The headboard I wanted was $2600 and I built what appears to be the exact same one for $90. I was VERY happy with it!!

    Reply

  46. Tish says

    I really hope you reply to me….. I have been looking for a rug like the one in your living room. Please tell me where it came from! Thanks so much

    Reply

  47. Jennifer says

    I just saw this fabric in October’s Better Homes and Gardens. Someone had used it for curtains. I thought I recognized it so I had to come check!

    Reply

  49. Lauren says

    Hi Petersiks! I’m a few months behind you guys with my headboard adventures and decided to revisit this post of yours in hopes for some inspiration (and motivation) to finally get my headboard project underway. I have been handed down a beautiful headboard that has a mahogany frame with a fabric panel desperately in need of an update. My current bedspread is the palm leaf duvet by west elm (http://www.westelm.com/products/palm-leaf-duvet-shams-b818/) and I would love to find a fabric that adds some color but isn’t too overwhelming. Do you all have any suggestions for finding the fabric?? I know you all love U-fab, but unfortunately I’m up in Arlington so that would be a bit of a trip for me.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, I would just recommend bringing home swatches (they’re usually free at fabric stores) to hold up to your duvet and see what looks good. Generally going with a pattern that’s noticeably bigger or smaller than your duvet should work (something of a similar scale could compete). Good luck!

      xo
      s

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