An upholstered headboard is a simple way to upgrade your bedroom. This beginner-friendly DIY project teaches you how to upholster plywood and create a custom fabric headboard that fits your space perfectly.
Materials:
- Plywood cut to size (example is for a twin bed, so it is 40” wide x 30” tall)
- Two strips of 3/4” plywood (about 1-1/2” wide by 24” long)
- Two strips of 5/8” board (about 3-1/2” wide by 24” long)
- High density foam cut to size of large plywood (in this example, 40” x 30”)
- Thin foam or batting (6”-8” longer and 6”-8” wider than the high density foam)
- Home decor fabric of your choice, cut 8”-12” longer and 8”-12” wider than large plywood)
- Screws, drill, level, staples, staple gun
Step 1: Build the Mounting Brackets
To securely mount the headboard, create L-shaped brackets that interlock on the wall. Screw a thin 3/4” plywood strip onto the edge of a 5/8” board, ensuring the screws don’t penetrate the bottom. Repeat this process to make a second L-shaped bracket. These brackets will allow the headboard to fit into place like a puzzle when mounted on the wall.
Step 2: Mount the Wall Bracket
Start by using a stud finder to locate two wall studs near the center of your headboard space. Mark where the wall-mounted bracket will go, ideally about two-thirds of the way up the headboard (e.g., 20” above the mattress for a 30” headboard). Position the bracket facing upward, with the 3/4” plywood part at the bottom and the open space at the top.
Partially screw in one screw into a stud to hold the bracket in place. Use a level to adjust it, ensuring it is perfectly straight before securing a second screw into the second stud. Once level, complete the installation by adding additional support screws (e.g., four total, two per stud).
Step 3: Attach the Free Bracket to the Headboard
Measure 24” from the bottom of the headboard (or your measured height) and draw a horizontal line. Center the free bracket on this line and temporarily secure it with two screws. Flip the plywood over and drill four to five screws from the back into the bracket for a strong hold.
Finally, test the fit by hanging the headboard onto the wall-mounted bracket. The pieces should slide together snugly, with a 1/8” gap for easy mounting.
Step 4: Attach Foam or Batting
Lay the high-density foam on top of the plywood, angling the edges slightly around the perimeter for a smoother finish. Next, add a layer of thin foam or batting to soften any exposed edges. Staple it lightly, ensuring a smooth fit but without pulling it too tight. Trim excess material at the corners to allow for a snug fabric fit later. More staples will be added when securing the upholstery.
Step 5: Upholster the Headboard
Wrap the fabric around the headboard, ensuring you have enough to fold over the edges. Start stapling 6”-8” apart from the center, pulling the fabric taut before securing each section. Work your way outward toward the corners, but don’t staple them yet.
For clean, professional corners, smooth out any bunching and fold the fabric into a neat pleat before stapling it securely. Once all corners and edges are set, trim excess fabric for a polished look. Mount the headboard to the wall, and optionally, add nailhead trim for extra detail.
