Advice on How to Make a Padded Headboard
Learning how to make a padded headboard will help your decorating project go smoothly and provide you with a stunning piece of furniture. Padded headboards are extremely easy to make and can make a dramatic statement in your bedroom, evoking a soft romantic feel with a tufted white cotton version, or giving off a modern vibe with a black leather option. The material you choose can range from rich brown leather to a bold turquoise silk. Just make sure that it's easy to wipe and keep clean. The instructions below are for a queen-sized bed.
Necessary Materials
- 4 ½ – 5 yards of 55” – 60” wide fabric

- 25 – 11” by 15” wooden panels

- 1 – 4’ by 5’ plywood (as backing board)
- (1) 4' x 5' piece of foam
- Staple gun and small staples
- Glue (like Liquid Nails 7)
- 100 - 1/4" screws (4 for each panel)
- Screwdriver
- Scissors
- 2 D-rings and D-hooks
Cut your fabric down to size. You want it to be large enough to wrap around the board and foam, approximately 16" x 20" (large enough to wrap around each board and foam combo). Test to be sure. Cut the foam down to the same size as the panels. Lay the foam down onto the panels and wrap the fabric around it. Staple the fabric onto the back of the panel, starting in the middle and working towards the edges. Keep the fabric taut. Repeat these steps for each of the panels.
Place your plywood onto the floor. Lay out the individual panels in the layout you desire, laying them as straight as possible and taking note of the pattern layout. Glue each panel onto the plywood using the liquid nails, and allow the glue to dry overnight. You can weigh the panels down with something heavy so that they are securely glued to the plywood.
When dry, carefully flip the entire headboard over and screw the panels to the plywood, using 1/4" screws. Locate the studs on your wall, and hang your new headboard using the two D-rings and D-hooks. Enjoy your handiwork!
