Upholstered Headboards

BEFORE:

These were matching twin headboards and footboards that were part of a French Provencial bedroom set that was being painted white.

We thought perhaps the plain white headboards might look a little boring, so we decided to upholster them. Here is how we did it...

Step 1:

Prime and paint the parts of the headboard that are going to show, including the entire footboard.

Step 2:

Using newspaper, trace an outline of the headboard design and cut your pattern. (NOTE: Take special care to get the pattern as accurate as you can so it will fit snugly into the opening.)

Step 3:

Use your pattern to cut out a 1-1/2" piece of foam. Use spray adhesive to adhere the foam to the headboard.

Step 4:

Re-use your pattern to cut cotton batting and your choice of fabric.

Step 5:

Using a staple gun, attach the batting and fabric to your headboard taking care to staple as close to the edge as you can because you will need to use cording to hide the staples.

Start stapling at the top center and bottom center of the headboard and work your way out toward the edges, taking care to pull fabric taut as you go.

When you are finished, you might need to use a sharp razor blade to trim any excess foam and batting that can't be covered by cording.

Step 6:

Using a hot glue gun, start in the right bottom corner and glue cording around the edge taking care to make sure all staples are hidden.

DURING:
AFTER:


NOTE: In this case, to cover the staples, we had a double cording made to match the fabric. It's difficult to do and usually needs to be done by a sewing professional. To save money, you can use a pre-made cording in a color that coordinates with your fabric. It looks just as nice, but with significant savings.

THE BREAKDOWN:

The paint is by Valspar Signature at Lowe's in a color called "Creamy Delight." It's a latex satin-finish.

The material for the headboards is named "Polka" and is manufactured by Waverly. I found it for $7.98 per yard at a fabric store here in town. It took approximately one yard per headboard. I recommend buying a little extra than what you need in case you mess up (which I did on the first one). You can always find a use for the leftover fabric. We decided to use the leftover fabric to make throw pillows for each bed and have each monogrammed. So sweet for a little girl's room!

Cost for this project: $32 for fabric, $40 for 1-1/2" foam , $5 for batting and $10 for paint and primer.
Estimated time to complete project: Approximately 6 hours.
Degree of Difficulty: On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say it was a 7.