Create a one-of-a-kind pieceand save money in the processby making this DIY cushioned headboard in just a few hours.

When you walk into a bedroom, what’s the first thing you notice?

you’re free to make one yourself.

yellow tufted headboard

Before you dive in, decide the feeling you want your headboard to bring to the space.

This will determine which fabric you choose.

For example,velvet materialscreams luxury, while tweed exudes a midcentury-modern feel.

attaching a 2×4 frame to the back of headboard frame for support

Consider color, too: Asoft neutral is relaxing, but a vibrant hue will make a statement.

Build the Frame

To create a sturdy base, reinforce the plywood sheet with a 2x4 frame.

Flip the plywood so the back side is facing up.

adding second wing to the plywood headboard frame

Next, lay a 66-inch 2x4 along each of the long sides of the plywood sheet.

Lay a 40-34-inch 2x4 perpendicular on each side, as shown.

Your 2x4 pieces should now frame the outside edges of your plywood sheet.

adding legs to tufted headboard frame

verify all of the pieces are properly aligned, then secure with screws.

Attach Wings and Legs

For extra style and support, add wings and legs to your headboard.

verify that the boards are flush with the edge of the plywood, then secure with screws.

stapling curved chip board to tufted headboard frame

To add the legs, attach a 12-inch 2x8 board to each of the 60-inch 2x8s below the plywood.

Align so the wood pieces form a right angle, then secure with screws.

Staple the outside edge of one piece of chipboard along the inside edge of the first wing.

headboard frame with marked spots for drilling holes

Curve the board and staple the other edge to the plywood.

Continue until the entire length of the wing is lined with curved chipboard pieces.

Repeat on the opposite side.

cutting holes through the foam with scissors

Drill Holes

Measure and mark the desired hole placement fortufting.

We used a pencil and straightedge to draw a grid pattern on the back of the plywood.

Attach with spray adhesive.

marking placement of tufted holes with upholstery needle

Cut through each tufting hole with scissors.

Attach Batting

Wrap the foam in a layer of batting.

Spray with adhesive, then attach another layer of batting.

attach foam with spray adhesive to inside of headboard frame

Pull the layers taut, and join them to the frame with staples.

Trim excess batting with scissors.

Once again, find the placement of each tuft hole with an upholstery needle and poke through with scissors.

stapel two layers of thin batting to headboard and spray with adhesive

Upholster and Attach Buttons

Use a button kit to cover buttons with headboard fabric.

Trace a circle with the kit’s template onto a piece of scrap headboard fabric.

Push the shell down and attach the button back.

using stencil to trace a circle to cut fabric for button tuft

Use the kit’s pusher to secure the button back to the shell, and remove the mold.

Repeat until you have the correct number of buttons.

Thread upholstery twine onto the needle, adding a covered button to the end and knotting in place.

creating the button tuft by adding fabric

Pull the button as tightly as possible, and tie into a secure knot.

Repeat this process for the remaining tufts.

Secure Fabric

Staple excess fabric snugly in place around the back of the headboard.

attaching button to tuft

Now enjoy your DIY cushioned headboard!

tying knot around tuft button

needle and twine poking through foam on front of headboard and through the tuft

covering headboard with fabric and tucking it to create a straight seam

adding panel of fabric to the legs and securing with staple gun

103044658 tufted headboard.jpg

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