Headboards are expensive for a good reason. They are challenging to make, but give a much more finished and “high-end” look to a space. BUT you can make your own if you’re up for it.
An easy place to start is a simple, rectangular, fabric covered headboard. Look for a material’s list and approximate cost for the project at the end of the post.
To make this simple headboard, cut or have your hardware store cut the plywood and 2X2’s down. Use 2 in. screws through the front of the plywood to attach the 2X2’s (they should make a frame on the inside of the plywood and be flush with the outside edge of the plywood). Wrap the batting around the headboard and staple on the back. Wrap the fabric around the batting, pull the fabric tight and staple on the back.
(I know the pics are bad bad bad. I made this many years ago and this is a cropped pic of the headboard)
I did not mount my headboard, but know they sell kits to mount them to the wall. Alternatively you can make it tall enough to drill holes towards the bottom, and use nuts and bolts to attach the headboard to the bed. I’ve always had mine smushed between the bed and the wall, no hardware necessary.
Materials:
1 4X8 sheet of plywood
3 2X2’s
2” wood screws
Batting
2-3 yrds. fabric
Power drill with screw driver attachment
Stapler (heavy duty, like for upholstery)
Staples
Cost:
When I made this headboard, it cost me $60. Fabric is a major expense, so searching clearance at fabric stores or waiting till you have a coupon is a great idea. I reused the plywood base later on to make a more challenging headboard, so it is reusable.
I’m traveling the next three weeks, but will be helping to make a tufted headboard while gone, so I’ll have step-by-step pics and tutorial for that in about four weeks. Have a happy summer and happy headboard building!
