After several readers asked how we upholstered the green headboard in our guest bedroom, we decided to share a straightforward tutorial. John’s sister Emily wanted a pink headboard for her daughter Olivia’s room, so we showed her how simple this project can be. Don’t worry — if you can wrap a present, you can upholster a headboard.
Start by visiting an art supply store and pick up a wooden canvas stretcher frame. Craft stores typically don’t carry them, but any art store will. Choose a width that matches the bed; the height is a matter of preference — use painter’s tape on the wall to test heights before you commit. You’ll also need enough fabric to wrap the frame with a few extra inches and the same amount of batting. Thicker batting yields a plusher headboard. Final tools: scissors and a staple gun (a basic manual model is inexpensive and works fine).
Note: If you want a very durable headboard — for someone who leans against it often or for a lively child — substitute plywood for the canvas frame. It will be heavier and harder to hang, but much tougher long term.
Step 1: Cut the batting a few inches larger than the frame. Wrap it around the back and staple it in place. I like to start with staples at twelve, three, six and nine o’clock to keep the batting straight and tight. Then work around the frame, stapling every two to three inches until the batting is snug and secure.
Step 2: Cut the fabric a few inches larger than the frame and follow the same stapling routine. If your fabric has a pattern, align it carefully and check for shifting as you work. For the corners, fold them like you would when wrapping a present so the front looks smooth and seamless. If you need to adjust, staples can be removed and replaced easily.
Step 3: This headboard is lightweight thanks to the canvas frame, so hanging it is like hanging a picture. Install two nails in the wall at the correct distance, use a level to ensure it hangs straight, and hang the frame on those nails. Simple and secure.
Step 4: Enjoy your new headboard. Olivia loves her plush pink headboard — the polka dot fabric adds a playful touch and plenty of personality.
Extra fabric tip: Visit a specialty fabric store in your area — designers often shop there and these stores usually have a remnant section. Remnants are discounted leftover pieces, frequently one to two yards, which is usually enough for a headboard. Buying remnants is a great way to score high-quality fabric at a lower price.
For example, Emily and I found two yards of thick woven swiss dot fabric (originally priced higher per yard) for about $19 total in the remnant bin — a great bargain.
More DIY Headboard Tutorials
If you want more ideas, try these related projects using similar techniques:
- Adding an upholstered headboard to an existing bed’s headboard
- Making a channel tufted headboard
- Creating a multisided upholstered headboard for a daybed