Yesterday I finished the headboard!
I fell in love with a square headboard with wings from Charm Home Design and decided to make my own version with David's help of course!
Measurements below are for a queen bed; however you can easily adjust the measurements for any size bed, by measuring your frame and adding about 1/2" to an 1" on each side for the center measurement.
i.e. a standard queen mattress is 60" wide, our frame is ~ 61 1/2" so we allowed 62 1/2" for the measurement between the wings so that the frame would fit easily inside. Even if your mattress is a queen, always measure because your frame may be different.
62 1/2" x 48 1/2" plywood (1/2"), 1 x 4s, (for back supports), 1 x 6s and 2 x 6s (for side arms), 4 yards of fabric, 28 buttons to be covered, 62 1/2" x 48 1/2" foam (1"), batting to cover front and arms
The plywood was cut to size, holes drilled in plywood for tufting, 1x4s were cut to build a support around the entire back
1" foam was attached with adhesive to avoid it slipping while tufting
Batting was attached with staple gun, fabric on top (attached after tufting)
Buttons were covered with fabric (I also applied a small amount of gorilla glue on the interior of the button since I wasn't using heavy duty button covers, to avoid them popping off)
I doubled up upholstery thread and used a long needle to tuft
Like the ottoman we made, I pushed to button from the top - pulling the fabric tight as I went
and David stapled from the bottom
Fabric was pulled tight and stapled underneath on all sides
Next the arms were attached - a 2x6 and 1x6 were attached together with screws - fabric and batting were cut to cover the arm - fabric and batting were placed in between headboard and arm then the arm was attached to the headboard - fabric was pulled tight around the arm and stapled to the back
The fold for the fabric on the top of the wing was created by first
pulling the fabric over the top - stapling on the outer side (staples to
be covered by next step) and then wrapping the fabric around the front
and side of the wing - folding the top edge to create the crease (excess fabric and
batting were cut off at this point too) and then stapling in the back
Nailhead was applied on the edges of the arm - I found it pretty easy to eyeball it with the edge, but you could use a pencil or fabric pen to draw a guide line
I used about half the box of nail head, so about 500 in total
Price Breakdown:
Plywood ................ $8.49
1 x 4s ..................... $4.98
1 x 6s ..................... $8.98
2 x 8s ..................... $7.58
Fabric (4 yds) ........ $40.00
Batting .................. $14.98
Buttons .................. $12.00 (28 buttons total)
Nailhead ................ $13.82 (I used about half a 500 nail head box)
Foam ..................... $29.97
Total ...................... $140.80
Not bad considering the amount of fabric and foam needed!
i was wondering what color and type of fabric you use for this headboard? thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Val - Thanks for stopping by! It looks like the fabric I used is no longer available; this is the same fabric but a little darker
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=6cff044b-1b41-4bf1-9322-c70dfbecf490
I found the linen to be hard to work with - the fabric had to be pulled very tight to get the wrinkles out - but I love the texture so still decided to use it. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Dear Val,
ReplyDeleteI love the headboard-soooo wonderful. I have two empty bedrooms I am trying to figure out how to decorate-then I saw this bedroom. I love the modern and shabby chic style. I want to decorate one of the bedrooms in this color scheme-the other-more masculine. I will have to find some ideas for the masculine look. I have older grand boys.
May I ask you what the measurements would be for a twin -size headboard? I would really love to make one as close to this one that is featured in your blog-but in a twin size. Thanks for sharing your talents!
Thank you! My measurements are for a queen bed - I added 2.5" to the standard queen measurement to account for the metal frame that sticks out a little from the mattress - for the back piece I would measure from widest point to point and add a little extra (so the mattress will fit inside the arms) - for a twin this will be approximately 41.5" (but will vary based on your bed frame) - please let me know if you have any other questions!
DeleteThanks! Sarah
Your headboard is the best DIY I've seen in blogland! Can you explain how you attached the arms to the frame, particularly with fabric in place?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kari
Thanks Kari!! After the fabric was wrapped tight around the headboard - we placed the batting and fabric roughly cut to size (leaving enough to wrap all the way around the arm) in between the headboard and arm. Since you won't see the fabric there - we cut a small hole in the batting/fabric for the screw to go through (the trick is lining it up!) - the arms were also pre-drilled so that the screw would go in straight (make sure the screws are long enough) Hope that makes sense, if not feel free to ask! If you try it, I'd love to see pictures! Sarah
DeleteI love this and have been looking for a King size head board similar to this so I just might try to do it myself. Since this would be my first DIY can you please explain what batting is?
ReplyDeleteBatting is a thin dense fiber - used in this application to hold materials tight and smooth out imperfections. There is a link above under price breakdown for what I used. Hope this helps!
DeleteI'm curious as to what you did with the fabric at the top end of the arms of the headboard, did you fold and tuck it under the sides before stapling or sew a small slipcover?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question! I updated the post above to include a photo and a description of how I did the corner. I folded and tucked the fabric; however, a slipcover would probably work well too. Hope this helps! Thanks, Sarah
DeleteAwesome! Thank you!
DeleteI love this headboard and all other projects of yours. I am a new follower. =) My husband and I just got a house and in the process of remodeling. We are painting the master bedroom gray ( SW agreeable grey) with an accent wall in darker shade ( SW Anonymous). I'd like the combination of grey and yellow and throw in a bit of purple or lavender in for a fresh but intimacy look. What color do you recomend for the headboard ? Thanks !
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment! A lavender gray solid fabric for the headboard could look nice or a pattern that plays off of the two grays that you are using could also work (hard to say without seeing what else you have in the space!) Keep me updated!
DeleteThank you...let us get started...and i will give you an update. Sorry for bothering, but i think i will be asking more questions. I love your bedroom so much !
DeleteThis is just gorgeous. It looks so professional! I shared this on FB and Pinterest.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comment and for sharing!!
DeleteA friend forwarded me your blog- this is fabulous! I have curtains in the same fabric as your pillows and that headboard would look awesome in my bedroom...I might just have to make one:) Great job!
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah! Love this headboard! Thanks so much for sharing. Question: How did you attach the headboard? Did you screw it into the metal frame or did you use french cleats on the wall to stablize? Appreciation in advance for your response.
ReplyDeleteLucinda
Hi Lucinda! Thanks for stopping by! The headboard is actually not attached the the wall or the metal frame, and simple sits between the bed and wall (the wider arms stabilize it while the bed locks it in place) We haven't had any issues with it moving. Since this isn't technically correct, I can't recommend it; however, it does work well for us. Hope this helps!
DeleteI love the contrast of the wall color with the headboard and other colors in the room. Do you know what it is?
ReplyDeleteThe walls were painted when we moved in, so I am not sure of the exact color - it is close to SW dover white ...
DeleteHope this helps!
Do you have measurements for the buttons? How far down did you put the first row, and the spacing between?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Do you know what the measurements would be for a king bed? This is the best of the DIY headboards I have seen!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe measurement can vary based on your bed frame. I would measure the width of the frame and allow about 1/2" to 1" on each side for the center board measurement (so that the bed will fit between the two arms). Hope this helps! :)
DeleteThanks for sharing your wonderful instructions, I decided to take the plunge. It was truly a labour of love and it's kick-started my DIY passion for upholstery.
ReplyDeleteWow! I abosolutely adore your style. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSaw your feature over at 6th Street Design School and had to check out the headboard. I hadn't seen anyone else DIY a headboard with the wings. You did a very nice job. It looks super classy!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! It looks so high end. 2 questions: What width of fabric did you use to avoid seams? And are you able to elaborate on how you joined the side panels and wrapped the fabric around them. Specifically, do the side panels have a separate piece of fabric or is it the same piece as the headboard but wrapped around??
ReplyDeleteThanks a million. You've inspired me (and subsequently made my hubby's list of things to do one project longer! lol )
Hi Nicole, Great question! The fabric was 58" wide, but we ran it the other way, so it took just under 2 yards for the width (would only work with a solid, unless the print looks good sideways) and then the height (48.5") had plenty with the 58" width. We also got the length of the arms in one cut by the same method, so the length of those was about 2 yards as well. Total we used almost exactly 4 yards.
DeleteYes, the side panels do have separate pieces of fabric, a little extra on the top and bottom to wrap those edges. The arms were attached to the body with long screws, and we cut little holes in the fabric/batting for the screws to go through so the fabric wouldn't pull.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Sarah :)
Sarah, Thanks for adding the details about the side panels! That is super helpful. I have more questions now that I have been shopping for supplies. I am only able to find foam that is 24 inches. Therefore I'd have to put two pieces together to cover 48 inches. I'm not sure if that would show through my fabric in the form of a crease once the tufting is done.
DeleteSo, here's my question. Would I really have to cover the area behind my mattresses with foam? Could I just make the upholstered headboard to go down a few inches behind the mattress but not all the way to the floor? That would save on wood, fabric and foam and make it even more affordable. Please give me your feedback. Thanks a trillion!
Oh, and what size buttons did you use? Okay, I think that's all! ;)
DeleteHi Nicole, yes you can put two pieces of foam together, just make sure that you use spray adhesive so that they don't slide around and a few layers of batting to cover the seam. Also, I would put the seam in between a row of buttons. I would say as long as the mattress is covered with some extra allowance, you could make it any height that you wanted! Sarah :)
Deleteand buttons are 3/4"
DeleteI love your posting. This is a project I want to tackle for my master bedroom. I've done a diamond tufted headboard (for my guest room) but my goal is to create a wingback tufted headboard and wasn't sure on how to do the "winged" part. Thanks for the inspiration and tutorial. At some point I'll get started on mine. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this, beautiful work! I'm trying to collect my supplies now! I have not been able to find the foam though for a reasonable price. Where did you get yours? Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful idea! I can't wait to get started!
ReplyDeleteTara
Hi Tara - Thank you!! I purchased my foam at buyfoam.com. The price is pretty good but shipping is costly, so if you need foam for a few projects, order at one time. If you have a Hobby Lobby near by, with a 40% coupon their foam is well priced. Egg crate mattress toppers (flat side out) is also a good option. Hope this helps :) Sarah
DeleteDo you have the name of the exact nail heads that you used? I'm looking on the website that you linked and they seem to cost a bit more than you got yours for...unless maybe you had a coupon?
ReplyDeletethanks!
ALSO, do you know roughly how many nail heads you used?
DeleteHi! Here is the link: http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/BR1558/upholstery-nail-716.html
DeleteI used about half the box (about 500 nails), so I cut the price in half... Hope this helps!
I love your room! I'm changing the master to greys and yellows right now. I've been looking for bedding similar to yours. Why did you get it?
ReplyDeleteThank you! The duvet cover is from Target and I made the pillows from Thomas Paul Dahlia Dove, Covington Winsor Citrus, and Waverly Stepping Out Sunshine.
DeleteSorry, where did you get?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love this and will be making mine next weekend! I'll be sure to link you to the project when I do it :)
ReplyDeleteCould you tell us how you laid out the buttons for tufting please?! The spacing?
Sure! I just measured, they are about 4" from the top and about 8" in between each button.
DeleteThis is absolutely GORGEOUS! Definitely adding this project to my "must do!" list!!! Thank you so much for the great tutorial!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Cristina! Let me know if you do it, I'd love to see pics!
DeleteI did it! Thank you SO much for the awesome inspiration! I've just posted pics on my blog of my completed headboard.
Deletehttp://thepaintedkey.blogspot.ca/2013/03/our-new-headboard.html
Thanks again!
This one is on my to do list, just beautiful
ReplyDeleteOk so i have made this headboard and its now time to attach the sides...do you screw it into the side of the plywood or the extra support we put on the backside? How many screws? Please help lol. My husband comes home from deployment anyday now so i need to finish it up. Thnaks
ReplyDeleteHi! I just added an additional image (in the post) with text to explain how the wings attach better. Let me know if you have any other questions! Best, Sarah
DeleteHi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteMy room is a similar color scheme and i'm having the hardest time finding a cute dust ruffle for the bed. Where did you find yours? Did you make it? I couldn't find a post about it within your blog and would love to know!
Thank you!
Hi Sarah!
DeleteI made the bed skirt just before I started my blog so no post, but I did make it out of Covington Windsor Citrus. Hope this helps!
Hi Sarah-- I loved your headboard so much I had my husband help me make it this weekend. We did everything the same with the exception of the buttons. It turned out beautifully--thank you for your easy-to-follow instructions and inspiration :) Caitlin
ReplyDeleteHi Caitlin, Thank you! So glad that your headboard turned out well! If you take photos, I'd love to see them!
DeleteAmazing...I will have to try this with my Daughters bedroom.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know where you are getting your materials from. I have been searching for foam, batting, and other supplies and don't find anything as cheap as you list. Please help!
ReplyDeleteHi Christa! I have a few links to some of the products at the bottom of the page under price breakdown. I purchased foam from buyfoam.com, I purchased for a few projects so it made sense to pay the shipping. If you are only purchasing foam for this, I would check Home Depot. Mine sells a thick 3" foam camping pad that could be cut in half (cut side down) you can hide the seam with a few layers of batting. If you don't want to cut it, I would look for a foam mattress topper, they cost around $15-20 at Wal-Mart. Fabric.com has the best price for batting that I've found. Joanns and Michaels can be great resources for supplies too because you can use the 40% or 50% off coupons. Hope this helps! :)
DeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI love the headboard!.
Did you attach the headboard to the bed frame? Or to the wall? Or does it stand alone?
Thanks,
Kerri
Hi Kerri!
DeleteThe headboard stands alone and is balanced by the arms and from being wedged against the wall. We haven't had any issues with it moving, but I would still recommend attaching it to the frame or wall. I did a quick google search and lots of pages came up :)
Hello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI know you said that the exact fabric you used is not currently available; however, could you give me maybe a description on what type of fabric you chose and why you may have chose that particular one? Also, did you make the buttons using the same fabric and how did you go about doing that?
Hi Ami,
DeleteI chose a linen because I love the texture to it. A few other bloggers have recommended this linen: http://www.graylinelinen.com/index.php/linen/warsa-linen-49-colors-50.html/
Due the wrinkly nature of linen, it can be hard to work with. I would recommend starching prior to using or using a thicker, smoother upholstery fabric.
I made the buttons with a a kit from here: http://www.joann.com/craft-cover-button-kit-size-36/zprd_10687838a/. Also, I did use the same fabric. Hope this helps! :)
Thank you so much. This is one of my first DIY projects so I am a bit nervous, but you have to start somewhere yes? I did want to ask you a couple more questions though, so is this the best way to do it or is emailing you easier?
Deleteyou can email me at sarah.m.dorsey@gmail dot com
Deletethanks!
LOVE the headboard! Was it hard to get the nail heads straight?
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't too bad. I think it just takes a little practice :) Here is a post where I talk a little more about my technique: http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/tips-for-applying-nailtrim-and-what-im.html
DeleteI was just wondering, would you say this would be a hard DIY for someone who has never done any real DIY's before or ever worked with wood? I've fallen in love with the idea of making this, but I have never done anything like this. Also, could this be done in say a weekend or would you need more time?
ReplyDeleteHi Selena - This took a good part of two days. I would say that the hardest part would be attaching the arms and applying the nailhead. It's a lot of pulling and stapling which is pretty tiring, I would definitely recommend getting a friend's help!
DeleteHi Sarah,
DeleteThank you so much for the reply. Great, I'll get some help with this. I had another question for you, if you don't mind. I am redecorating the guest bedroom in my house, three of the walls are a light grey color and the accent wall has this wallpaper on it: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-wallpaper/860077.jsp I was planning on putting the bed against the accent wall. What color fabric/type of fabric would work best?
Thanks again,
Hi Selena - Gorgeous wallpaper! So many colors work so well with gray, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to contact me at sarah.m.dorsey at gmail.com if you would like to discuss my design services. Thank you!
DeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteLove this post and all decor you have used in this room. I was wondering where you got your lamps? Thanks!
Oops, never mind I just found your post on the diy lamps;)
ReplyDeleteHi there I was wondering what kind of buttons you used?
ReplyDeleteI purchased a 7/8" button kit from Joann fabrics, here's the link: http://www.joann.com/craft-cover-button-kit-size-36/zprd_10687838a/
DeleteHi Sarah, I am planning to build and upholster a bed for my college age son. This will be his bed for a long time I expect. What you did is spot on for what I am planning to build. It was great to find your instructions. You have taken care of so much of the planning for me. My bed will be covered in a gray chenille upholstery fabric. It is surprising our similar our bed will look. I think that I may shape the arm a little differently.
ReplyDeleteI also have the companion desk and dresser to your side table that I am painting for his room. I am using Annie Sloan chalk paints. Just took a class for using her paints. Can't wait to give it a try.
Your craftsmanship and eye for design are excellent!! Thanks for sharing all of your projects. I look forward to following what you do next!
Hi Gayle, let me know how it goes! :)
DeleteThe headboard looks amazing. I have a question on how and why you attached 2x6 and 1x6 were together for the arms?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to try this!
Hi Lauren, The 1x6 and 2x6 were attached because that was the easiest way that I found to achieve the thickness of the arm that I wanted. You could make them thinner, just a matter of preference :)
DeleteCan you please tell me if you cut holes in your foam prior to placing your buttons?
ReplyDeleteI didn't cut the foam. I found that it didn't need it since the foam was only 2". For deeper tufts, I would recommend it! :)
DeleteHi Sarah,
DeleteDo you recommend using 1" or 2" foam for the headboard?
we used 1" foam
DeleteThank you so much for this diy project! I followed your instructions with a few modifications. I did this myself, so it took me quite a bit longer...along with quite a bit of cursing during the arm attachment portion of the job. :) But I'm really happy with the result! Thank you!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/akussman/8585050325/
I'm still a little confused with the buttons....what is the point of the threading and how did you get the needle to go through the plywood? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question....first DIY project ever for me lol
ReplyDeleteBefore installing the foam, we laid out the pattern that we wanted for the tufting, drilled holes through the plywood, used a long needle and heavy duty upholstery thread to pull through the hole to the back of the plywood and then stapled a few times to make sure it was secure. Hope this helps! :)
DeleteOooooooooooh thank you so much!
DeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I featured your headboard in a blog post of my favorite DIY headboard roundups at this link: http://www.lilikoijoy.com/2013/04/15-favorite-diy-upholstered-headboards.html
Thank you for inspiring me! I appreciate the instructions and the headboard turned out beautifully. Sharon
Hi Sharon, Thanks SO much for including me!! :)
DeleteDid you only have the arms acting as the legs or did have additional boards run past the plywood for additional support?
ReplyDeleteThe arms are the only support. The 1x6 and 2x6 combined make a pretty substantial support on each side. See the first diagram (second image down) for more info.
DeleteYou are absolutely AMAZING!!! Like others have already stated - this is BY FAR the best blog and detailed instructions I've found for the headboard!!! Thank you SO much for sharing! All of your stuff is SO great!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry if I missed this somewhere . . . . but, did you make the bedskirt for your master or did you buy it somewhere?
Hi Elizabeth! Glad that you found my instructions helpful! :) I made the bedskirt just before I started my blog, but I later made a short tutorial,
DeleteHere you go: http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-to-make-custom-bedskirt-from.html
I have a question Sarah, What is the distance from the edge of the headboard to the first road of buttons? thanks
ReplyDeleteThey are about 4" from the top :)
Deleteawesome I just started to make my headboard today, ill post the pictures so you can check it out. I just finished the frame and tomorrow im going to predrill the holes for the ruffing and add the sponge, thanks for your great tutorial.
ReplyDeletesara
It looks very very nice, and I love the color combination.
ReplyDeleteLove this headboard tut...thanks so much for sharing it! Just found your site....LOVE LOVE LOVE! Am your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteK
Hi Kelly! Thanks so much for following along!! :)
DeleteSarah, how did you secure the buttons on the back of the headboard? I can see the staples, but mine won't hold.....could you give more details? Thanks, Lynn
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn, We stapled a few times (about 4 staples per tuft) and used a hammer to hit in any staples that weren't tight before moving onto the next one. Hope this helps! :)
Delete