Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
Fabric
Multipurpose foam padding
Batten
- Nails
- Clean cloth
- Spray adhesive
- Sandpaper
⅜ inches staples
Tracing paper
How to Make an Upholstered Headboard
Upholstering
your headboard can be both fun and rewarding. Follow these steps to give your
bedroom a fresh look:
Take a measuring tape and measure the length and width of your headboard. This will define how much fabric and padding you need.
For instance, you might have a headboard with a curved top between two
straight edges. First, take the measurement of the straight edges. Next, use a
flexible measuring tape to measure the curve. You can also use tracing paper to
draw the shape of your headboard. Cut the tracing paper in the same shape as
your headboard. Use this tracing paper to get an accurate shape when cutting
the foam and fabric.
Now, choose materials that match your desired style and comfort. For fabric, pick a durable material like linen or velvet. Pick a multipurpose foam padding for softness and comfort. Add a layer of batt insulation or batting for a plush feel.
Make enough space on the floor to lay your headboard flat. Spread a protective sheet or tarp to prevent any scratches on the headboard. Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated space.
Keep
children and pets away when working on this DIY project.
Now, remove the mattress and bed. You might need to detach the headboard
from the bed frame. Disassemble any side rails or footboard, if present. Use a screwdriver
to unscrew it. If it is attached with nails, use a plier to remove them. Also,
remove any old fabric or padding material on the headboard.
Wear
safety glasses and gloves when removing nails from the headboard.
Take a photo of the original installation. You can use it as a reference when assembling it back together.
Check for any debris or wood splinters on the headboard. Remove the debris and lightly sand away the splinters using sandpaper. You can shave them off using a utility knife. Now clean the headboard using a piece of cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Once clean, lay the headboard flat on the ground.
Wear
safety glasses and a respirator while sanding the wood.
Place a layer of foam padding across the headboard. Make sure to cover the whole surface evenly. The layer of foam must. Trace the outline of irregularly shaped headboards on tracing paper. Use this tracing as a template to cut the foam to the exact dimensions. Once sure, cut the foam with a pair of scissors or a utility knife.
Utility knives have sharp edges. Wear protective gloves and work with them carefully.
Start
attaching the foam layer from one end with a double-sided tape. Lift the foam
and stick one side of the tape on the headboard. Peel off the sticker from the
tape. Now, press the foam onto the tape. Follow this process across the
headboard.
Once the foam layer is secure, start laying the batting on top of it.
Remember, the batting will be folded across the edges. You’ll need at least 8
inches of extra batting around the edges. Measure the batting accordingly and
cut it using a utility knife.
Cover a section of batting with adhesive spray. Place that section of the batting on top of the upholstered foam and press it down. Ask someone to hold the batting in place. Pull the batting taut from one side and gently fold it around the edges of the headboard. Secure it in place with the help of a staple gun and staples of ⅜ inches. Staple at least 1 inch away from the edges. Use this combination of spray adhesive and staples to attach the batting.
Inhaling
spray adhesive can be dangerous. Wear a respirator and ensure you are working
in a well-ventilated space.
Now, lay
the fabric on the headboard. Take your time to position it correctly. Consider
ironing the fabric first to remove any creases. Ask someone to help keep the
fabric taut while you secure it in place.
Make sure
no wrinkles get formed in the process. Fold the fabric around the edges and
start stapling it. Staple at least 1 inch away from the edges and pay close
attention to the corners for a smooth finish.
Once you’re satisfied with the upholstering, start with the reassembling. Place the headboard in its original position. Attach it to the bed using the same screws you had unscrewed. Refer to the photos you had taken earlier to attach all the pieces correctly.