DIY Projects: How to Upholster a Headboard
Headboards are hot these days. A bunch of headboard-related ideabooks have popped up here on houzz over the past few weeks - maybe everybody's hunkering down and getting ready to spend the long, cold winter under the covers?
In the comments of some ideabooks, I noticed some discussion about how to make your own headboard, so I decided to do a little research. Several sites have good, clear instructions on the basics of making a headboard - it's not too difficult for even a novice DIYer. I especially like these directions from the DIY Network. They're straightforward, easy to follow, and customizable.
But before you get to the actual headboard-making process, you've got some decisions to make. As you get started, here are the questions you should ask yourself:
1. How big will the headboard be? It should measure at least two inches wider than the bed on each side, and ten inches higher than the mattress - but that's just a starting point. Headboards that are much taller or wider than the bed can add amazing drama to a room.
2. Will it be smooth or tufted? Creating a tufted headboard isn't quite as simple as a plain padded headboard, but it's not rocket science, either. Check out these directions from Apartment Therapy for a straightforward how-to.
3. How will you use color? Fabrics come in all colors and patterns, of course, and this is as important a consideration as any.
4. How will you use texture? Just because your headboard's not tufted doesn't mean it has to be smooth. Textured fabrics are a great way to add interest, and there are other cool ways to create a frame, like accessorizing with ribbons, adding pleats, or framing the headboard with a repurposed Shoji screen (like the one pictured).
5. How deep should you go? Adding very little - or a whole lot of - batting can make a big impact.
What are your headboard-making experiences? Any tips of your own? Add them tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). September's contest has just started - it's on until the 30th. Good luck!
In the comments of some ideabooks, I noticed some discussion about how to make your own headboard, so I decided to do a little research. Several sites have good, clear instructions on the basics of making a headboard - it's not too difficult for even a novice DIYer. I especially like these directions from the DIY Network. They're straightforward, easy to follow, and customizable.
But before you get to the actual headboard-making process, you've got some decisions to make. As you get started, here are the questions you should ask yourself:
1. How big will the headboard be? It should measure at least two inches wider than the bed on each side, and ten inches higher than the mattress - but that's just a starting point. Headboards that are much taller or wider than the bed can add amazing drama to a room.
2. Will it be smooth or tufted? Creating a tufted headboard isn't quite as simple as a plain padded headboard, but it's not rocket science, either. Check out these directions from Apartment Therapy for a straightforward how-to.
3. How will you use color? Fabrics come in all colors and patterns, of course, and this is as important a consideration as any.
4. How will you use texture? Just because your headboard's not tufted doesn't mean it has to be smooth. Textured fabrics are a great way to add interest, and there are other cool ways to create a frame, like accessorizing with ribbons, adding pleats, or framing the headboard with a repurposed Shoji screen (like the one pictured).
5. How deep should you go? Adding very little - or a whole lot of - batting can make a big impact.
What are your headboard-making experiences? Any tips of your own? Add them tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). September's contest has just started - it's on until the 30th. Good luck!
This headboard, nearly as tall as the bed and accessorized with a picture., makes a strong statement.
Q