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DIY: Make Your Headboard

by Rebecca |
12

First off…thank you so much for all of the wonderful feedback regarding the bed tutorial. Today I will share with you part two of the DIY projects that are taking place in my boys’ room.

Not only did I want to add a designer decorative touch to the new room, but I also wanted to keep grubby little hands and feet off my walls! So the solution? Headboards that wrapped the entire length of both beds.

I opted for pressboard for the backing of the headboards; at my Home Depot, it was available in 24″ H x 48″ L sheets. My finished length needed to be 64″ on one side and 92″ on the other side, so I did have to piece them together using 1″ x 4″ boards attached to the pressboard with 1″ screws for support to achieve the desired length.

This is how it was layered from bottom to top: fabric, batting, 1″ foam, pressboard (I used the pressboard as my template).  No math skills here—just wingin’ it!

I used the graphics in my fabric to line everything up, then I used a staple gun to secure the fabric to the pressboard.

I secured french cleats, found at Home Depot, to the 1″ x 4″ to attach to the wall. What is a french cleat? Glad you asked; follow this link to see one of my favorite ways to mount heavier items to a wall. Oh, and did I mention each panel is removable? Oh, yes!

One half of the french cleat attaches to the panel, and the other part secures to the wall; then they just interlock together. Super quick, totally secure and easily removed from the wall.

TIP: If you aren’t going into a stud, I recommend using drywall anchors.

Due to the length of the panels I needed, it was easiest to make and install the headboard in three pieces. Have a great DIY project? Let us know by commenting on this post.

Materials Needed:
Pressboard  24″ H and cut to desired length
1″ Thick Foam (the foam I used was 24″ H x desired length)
Polyester Batting
Fabric (yardage based on length of panels)
Staple  Gun
French Cleats (1 per panel)
Drywall Anchors
1″ Wood Screws
Level
Scissors

Have a DIY project of your own that you’d like to share with us?
Email editor@projectnursery.com with details and pictures.

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About the author
Rebecca calls Gilbert, AZ home. An interior designer by trade, Rebecca is the creative force behind Petite Party Studio, a printables and party decor business—all in addition to being mom to Brandt, Blake and Bennett!
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  • Alessandra

    Hi there!
    This is exactly what i need to do to my daughters playroom…where can i get the bottom trundle bed?

  • http://www.wendyswalls.com Wendy Bowman

    Those upholstered headboards are gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to make one, and here’s my chance! My “big boy” is already 11, but he would appreciate this very much when he’s reading in bed. I learn something new everyday…love those French cleats! Awesome project!
    ~Wendy

  • http://projectnursery.com Rebecca

    Alessandra,

    Great!! Here is the tutorial to make the beds shown

    http://projectnursery.com/2011/07/diy-make-your-bed-part-1/

  • http://www.TracysDesigns1.artfire.com Tracy B.

    You are very crafty and creative! The headboards look great!

  • http://www.thequiltfairy.com/baby-quilts Valentina@baby quilts

    Great headboard; seems easy to make. I also love that I can reupholster it myself whenever I decide to change the room colors. Thank you for posting the step-by-step instructions.

  • http://www.ourlittlebeehive.com Felicity @ Our Little Beehive

    Love, love and love!

  • Mariz

    Oh my, it looks so easy! I never thought it was something I could DIY. And this french cleats thing looks really cool! How come I never heard of it before! LOL.

  • Maggie

    You are seriously amazing! Two small kids with one on the way and you still find time to create, design, and build. I love your style!

  • http://edilegnovaldastico.com plywood panels

    You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  • Tracy

    My 14 (soon to be 15) year old daughter LUVS this!! We will be starting this project very soon as we’ve just bought a new home and she’s determined this will be part of her new room! WTG! Keep up the great ideas. Thanks. A mom on a TIGHT (did I say tight LOL) budget. :D

  • Elizabeth

    I am in love!!!!! Great that this is something I can do sans hubby since he already has a long honeydo list lol.

  • http://www.facebook.com/kathryn.purdy.5 Kathryn Purdy

    need to make a head board for a queen guest room bed, can’t attach to the wall as it is going under a window…how do I attach it to the basic frame of the bed?