How to create a tufted headboard

Create a luxurious and fancy tufted headboard for your bedroom. By making a headboard for your twin, double or king sized bed; you can accomplish a sophisticated and elegant look in any room. Get a complete custom look by making one yourself. Making a tufted headboard does not have to be complicated but it will take some time and a bit of patience.

Tools, Supplies and Instructions:

Tools and Supplies:

1/2" Plywood
1x4" Lumber
Foam (at least 2" thick)
Polyester Batting Upholstery
Fabric
Upholstery Thread
Upholstery Needle
Button Kit and Buttons
Scissors
Spray Adhesive
Wood screws
Bolts
Staple Gun and 1/2" Staples
Tape measure
Drill Hammer
Rubber Mallet

STEPS:

Step 1: Take Measurements

Width: Measure the width of the bed frame. The headboard should be about 1" or 2" larger in width than the mattress.
Height: Measure from the top of the mattress to the height you want the headboard to be. The legs should be about 2" above the floor and within 5" of the top of the headboard.

Step 2: Buying Supplies

You can buy plywood in large sheets. Have the hardware store cut it to size. Buy 1x4's and have them cut as well. When buying foam, batting and fabric, make sure you have enough to wrap around the front and secure to the back.

Step 3: Put It All Together

1. Find a clean, well-ventilated work area.
   
   
2. Determine how many buttons you will use and where to put them. Mark the board and drill small holes. (Just small enough for the upholstery needle to pass through, this will help keep the buttons lined up.)
   
   
3. Lay the plywood down and spray one side with adhesive and adhere the foam. Cut off any excess foam so that it is exactly flush with the plywood. There should be no overlap.
   
   
4. Spray the foam with adhesive and hold one side of the batting while a helper holds the other side and pulls it taut. Place on top of foam. Make sure there is no puckering, as it will show through the fabric.
   
   
5. Flip the plywood, foam and batting over and lay it flat on the ground. Wrap the batting around to the backside and staple it in place.
   
   
6. Lay fabric on the floor wrong side facing up. Place plywood, batting side down, on top of fabric. Wrap fabric around to the back of the headboard, pull tightly and start stapling, working from the middle of each side outward. Trim excess with scissors.
   
   
7. Use the button covering kit to cover your buttons. Use the rubber mallet to pound the button maker. If you use a hammer, it may ruin the button maker.
   
   
8. Double thread the upholstery needle with upholstery thread and poke through one of the pre-drilled holes from the back to the front. Don't pull all the way through; make sure to leave some thread hanging out of the back. Slide the button onto the thread and poke the needle back through the same hole. Push the button on the front of your headboard into the foam while your helper tightly secures the thread on the back with a bunch of staples. You will need a hammer to bang in the staples, so that the thread will stay secure.
   
   
9. Continue along and tuft each of your holes, smoothing the fabric as you go.
   
   
10. Measure and attach 1x4's to the back of the headboard with screws. Place the headboard against the bed frame and bolt 1x4's (one on each side) to pre-existing holes in the bed frame.
    
    
11. Give your helper and yourself a pat on the back!