Upholstered headboards are very popular and I don’t see that trend waning anytime soon. I would put upholstered headboards on my list of classic furniture items. The beauty is you can get one in any size, shape or fabric. The downside is, depending on what you choose, they can be expensive.
Design Tip: Every Room needs a focal point. In the bedroom, the focal point is usually the bed. So when you are decorating a bedroom from scratch, the bed is the best place to start.

This triptych (a 3-panel art design), although a little out of date, is perfect as the foundation for my headboard. Screen printed fabric is stretched over wood frames. At $11.97, the 3 pieces are a lot cheaper than buying new wood and making my own frame.

Then laid side-by-side, the set was too wide for a twin headboard, so I decided to overlap them instead of cutting them down to size. Besides, I think the layered look is much more interesting, especially since the top is squared off.

A couple of weeks ago I showed you the fabrics I planned to use. I think the purple embroidered panel is the perfect contrast to the gold bedding.

I cut out the smaller flower to fit the larger frame first.

If you look for directions on making a headboard, you will be told to buy quilter’s batting and/or foam. Instead of purchasing new batting, I used a mattress pad. You just need something soft and thick. This didn’t cost me anything!

The only tool you need is a staple gun. Since I use one all the time, I invested in an electric one. It’s so much easier to use. Clip the excess batting from the corners to get a nice neat fold.

Design Tip: Just because you are doing something on a budget is no reason not to do it right. The goal is to make it look like a professional did it!

Attach the headboard directly to the wall so it stays in place. I didn’t use any glue on the fabric in case I want to widen the headboard for a bigger mattress someday.

I made the finished board a little wider than the mattress. I love how it looks with the gold drapery bedspread!

Next week: Pillows!

 

Email me at askmerri@goodwillsew.com or post a comment on our Facebook page.