How to Make a Gorgeous Headboard
by Dawn West
dawn.west@homeimprovementideas.net
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
Cheap, easy, and elegant bedroom design isn't a contradiction in terms. The best bedroom designs remember that bedrooms are, after all, for beds, and as a result they make sure those beds look darn inviting. If your bed is still sitting on the metal bars that came free with the mattress or is otherwise burdened with a less-than-lovely headboard, here's your ticket to headboard heaven. Follow these directions, and in less than an hour you'll have a classy new place to rest your head.
Nothing anchors a bedroom like a great headboard. Here's how to make yours today.
Supplies
For your new headboard, you'll need a large piece of plywood, ½ thick batting, fabric, a glue gun, a staple gun, and a friend to help you out. To determine the dimensions for the plywood, measure the width of your bed and add one inch. Next, measure from the floor to a height on the wall that looks right for your headboard; 48 inches is average. Choose a fabric without straight lines, since those can be hard to line up exactly. A solid in a luxurious fabric is a great choice. To determine the yardage for the batting, add two inches to each of the dimensions of the plywood. For the fabric, add four inches to each of the dimensions of the plywood.
Step 1
Lay the plywood on a flat surface. Position the batting evenly over the plywood so that two inches hang off in each direction. Glue the batting to the front of the plywood around the edges.
Step 2
Turn the plywood over and glue the two inches of batting overhanging the edge to the backside of the plywood.
Step 3
Stand the plywood up, as it will rest at the head of your bed. Drape the fabric evenly over it so that two inches overhang the batting on the back of the plywood. Staple the top edge.
Step 4
Pull the fabric taut, then staple the sides.
Step 5
Turn the headboard over, so that the one remaining unstapled side faces up. Pull the fabric taut again, and staple the fabric into place.
Step 6
Put your headboard in place and enjoy your great new bedroom focal point.
With these easy steps, you can add a beautiful feature to your bedroom design in no time.
About the Author
Dawn West teaches writing at Oregon State University. Her previous experience includes working for the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, a not-for-profit in New York City, and serving as the director for an educational program for at-risk youth in Boston. Dawn holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University.
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