What is an upholstered headboard, and why should I build one for my small bedroom?

An upholstered headboard is a stylish addition to a bed, providing both aesthetic appeal and comfort. For a small bedroom, a DIY upholstered headboard adds a personalized touch of luxury without taking up much space, tackling the problem of boring beds with custom designs and fabric choices.

What materials do I need to build a DIY upholstered headboard?

Common materials include a wooden board (such as MDF or plywood), foam padding, batting, upholstery fabric, a staple gun, and basic tools like a ruler, scissors, and potentially a drill. The specific materials may vary depending on the desired design and method of installation.

How can I choose the right fabric for my upholstered headboard in a small bedroom?

Consider factors like durability, stain resistance, and texture when selecting a fabric. Upholstery-type fabrics work best because they are thicker and sit better. Linen, cotton, velvet, and faux leather are good options. Lighter colors can help make the room feel more spacious.

How much will it cost to build a DIY upholstered headboard?

The cost can vary, but a DIY upholstered headboard can often be made for under $100-$200, depending on the materials chosen. Using affordable materials like thinner upholstery foam or less expensive fabrics can help reduce the overall cost.

How do I install the finished upholstered headboard in my small bedroom?

There are several ways to install the headboard: It can rest against the wall held in place by the bed frame, be mounted to the wall using hardware like French cleats, or be directly attached to the bed frame with screws. Wall-mounted headboards are a good option for saving space. Ensure it is securely attached to avoid accidents.

Fab Headboard DIY

By Home Sidekick Team June 15, 2025 7 min read 1430 words

DIYheadboardupholsteredbedroomsmall spacetutorialfabriccomfortstylehome decor

Why DIY a Fabric Headboard?

A fabric headboard can be a stunning focal point in any bedroom, adding warmth, texture, and a touch of personalized style. But let's face it, store-bought headboards can be expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The beauty of a DIY fabric headboard lies in its affordability and the creative freedom it offers. You get to choose the exact fabric, size, and design to perfectly match your bedroom's aesthetic. Whether you're aiming for a luxurious upholstered look or a simple, minimalist design, a DIY project puts you in control.

Beyond aesthetics and cost, DIY projects offer a unique sense of accomplishment and customization. This guide will walk you through creating a fab headboard that you'll be proud to showcase.

Planning Your Fab Headboard Project

Before diving into the construction, careful planning is crucial for a successful DIY headboard. Here's a breakdown of the key considerations:

1. Design and Style

Start by brainstorming design ideas. Look online, in design books, and magazines for inspiration (MasterClass). Consider the overall style of your bedroom. Do you prefer a classic, tufted headboard, a modern, minimalist design, or a bohemian-inspired look?

Tufted Headboard: Offers a luxurious and elegant feel. Requires more advanced skills but the result is stunning.
Panel Headboard: A simple, clean design that's easy to create and customize.
Winged Headboard: Adds a touch of sophistication and can make a bold statement.
Shaped Headboard: Allows for creativity with curved or geometric designs.

2. Measurements

Accurate measurements are essential. Measure the width of your bed frame (twin, full, queen, king, or California king) and decide if you want the headboard to fit exactly or extend slightly on either side (Claire Douglas Styling). Measure the height of your bed frame and mattress from the floor to determine how tall you want the headboard to be. Consider the height of your ceilings and any existing wall decor.

3. Material Selection

Choosing the right materials is key to the durability and aesthetic of your headboard.

Base Material: Plywood or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) are common choices for the headboard's base (Clever Poppy). Plywood is stronger and more resistant to moisture, while MDF is smoother and more affordable. Consider having your local hardware store cut the wood to your desired dimensions to save time and effort (Claire Douglas Styling).
Foam: High-density foam provides cushioning and comfort. One to two-inch thick foam is generally sufficient, but you can use thicker foam for a more plush feel (This Old House). Mattress toppers are an affordable alternative to upholstery foam (Clever Poppy).
Batting: Batting (or wadding) creates a smooth surface under the fabric and adds extra softness. Polyester batting is a common and affordable option (This Old House).
Fabric: The fabric is where you can really express your style. Upholstery-weight fabrics are the most durable and resistant to wear and tear (The Headboard Workshop). Consider factors like color, pattern, texture, and cleanability.
- Linen and Cotton: Natural fabrics that are soft, comfortable, and available in various colors and patterns (Houzz). Linen is more expensive than cotton.
- Velvet: Adds a touch of luxury and sophistication.
- Faux Leather: A durable and easy-to-clean option that mimics the look of real leather.
- Polyester and Chenille: Synthetic fabrics that are soft, durable, and resistant to stains and fading (Houzz).

4. Tools and Supplies

Gather all the necessary tools and supplies before you begin:

Plywood or MDF board
Upholstery foam
Batting
Upholstery fabric
Staple gun and staples
Fabric scissors
Fabric marker or pencil
Tape measure
Spray adhesive
Optional: Buttons, nailhead trim, or other decorative elements
Saw (if you need to cut the wood yourself)
Drill
Screws
Heavy-duty D-rings for wall mounting (optional)

Step-by-Step Construction

Now, let's get to the fun part – building your fab headboard!

1. Cutting the Plywood

Cut the plywood or MDF to your desired dimensions. If you're creating a shaped headboard, draw the design on the wood and carefully cut it out using a jigsaw. Sand the edges to create a smooth finish (Bunnings Workshop).

2. Adding Cushioning

Cut the upholstery foam to the same size as the plywood. Apply spray adhesive to both the plywood and the foam, then carefully attach the foam to the plywood. This creates a comfortable and cushioned surface (The Spruce).

3. Wrapping with Batting

Cut the batting to a size that's slightly larger than the plywood, allowing for a few inches of overhang on all sides. Lay the batting on a flat surface, place the foam-covered plywood on top, and wrap the batting around to the back of the plywood. Use a staple gun to secure the batting to the back, pulling it taut as you go. This creates a smooth, even surface for the fabric (The Spruce).

4. Upholstering with Fabric

Cut the upholstery fabric to a size that's slightly larger than the batting, again allowing for a few inches of overhang on all sides. Iron or steam the fabric to remove any wrinkles or creases. Lay the fabric on a flat surface, face down, and place the batting-covered headboard on top, face down as well. Wrap the fabric around to the back of the plywood, just like you did with the batting. Use a staple gun to secure the fabric to the back, pulling it taut as you go. Pay close attention to the corners, folding them neatly to create a professional finish (Clever Poppy).

For neat corners, try this technique: Fold the fabric down from the top and staple it. Then, fold the fabric in from the side, creating a single visible fold.

5. Adding Decorative Elements (Optional)

This is where you can get creative and add personal touches to your headboard.

Tufting: Create a tufted headboard by drilling holes through the plywood, foam, and batting at regular intervals. Use a long needle and upholstery thread to attach buttons to the front of the headboard, creating a diamond or square pattern. Secure the thread to the back of the plywood.
Nailhead Trim: Add nailhead trim along the edges of the headboard for a stylish touch. Use a rubber mallet to gently hammer the nailheads into place.
Other Embellishments: Consider adding decorative trim, piping, or other embellishments to further customize your headboard.

Mounting Your Fab Headboard

There are several ways to mount your DIY fabric headboard:

Wall Mounting: Attach heavy-duty D-rings to the back of the headboard, one in each upper corner. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. Mark the spots where you'll need to drill holes to align with the D-rings. Drill screws into the wall and hang the headboard, using a level to ensure it's straight (The Spruce).
Attaching to Bed Frame: Some bed frames have pre-drilled holes for attaching a headboard. If your bed frame has these holes, you can attach the headboard using screws or bolts. You may need to drill holes in the plywood to align with the holes in the bed frame.
French Cleat: A French cleat is a secure and easy way to hang the headboard. Attach one half of the cleat to the back of the headboard and the other half to the wall. Then, simply slide the headboard onto the cleat (Jumptuck).

Tips and Tricks for a Professional Finish

Here are some tips to help you achieve a professional-looking finish:

Fabric Tension: Maintaining consistent fabric tension is crucial to prevent sagging and wrinkles over time. Pull the fabric taut as you staple it to the back of the plywood (This Old House).
Neat Corners: Take your time when folding the corners of the fabric. Experiment with different folding techniques to find what works best for you.
Staple Placement: Place the staples close together and in a straight line for a clean, professional look.
Concealing Staples: If you're concerned about the staples being visible, you can cover them with decorative trim or ribbon.
Soundproofing: Consider adding soundproofing materials like acoustic panels between the plywood and foam to reduce noise and create a more peaceful sleep environment (eBay).

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Fab Headboard!

Congratulations! You've successfully created your own DIY fabric headboard. Stand back and admire your handiwork. You've not only added a stylish focal point to your bedroom but also gained a unique piece of furniture that reflects your personal style.

Next Steps:

Style Your Bed: Complete the look by adding coordinating bedding, pillows, and throws.
Share Your Creation: Share photos of your new headboard on social media and inspire others to try DIY projects.
Consider Other DIY Projects: Now that you've tackled this project, explore other DIY bedroom decor ideas to further personalize your space.