How to Make a Fabric-Covered Bed Headboard

Measure the width and height you will require for the piece. Measure the width of the bed and add 6 inches, then measure the height of the bed from floor to the top of the mattress, and add more feet and inches for the desired height of the headboard.

Draw the shape and size of the headboard onto a sheet of plywood. Leave the bottom half untouched, as it will attach to the bed frame or wall. Use a compass and straight-edge tool to draw the shapes you want to cut the headboard into. A compass will help you make curved cuts, while a straight edge can help you make straight cuts and 90-degree angles.

Cut out the shape you designed in the previous step using a power saw. Once the top of the headboard is cut, sandpaper the rough edges and corners to prevent damage to the fabric headboard covering.

Draw a line across the headboard approximately 4 inches below where the headboard will set against the mattress, then cut the foam sheet with scissors in the same shape and dimension as the top of the headboard. Use wood glue to attach the foam sheet to the top of the headboard.

Cut out a piece of quilt batting and fabric 6 inches longer and wider than the headboard piece, preferably in a square or rectangular shape. Staple the fabric onto the board, through the foam and in the very center of the headboard; place only one staple here.

Staple the fabric directly to the plywood all along the bottom of the foam cushion. Staple the fabric every 3-inches, then have a friend help you pull the fabric taut all over the headboard. Secure the fabric into place on the back side of the headboard, stapling every 3 inches along the perimeter of the fabric.

Remove the central staple and rub the fabric back and forth to smooth it and cover the signs of the staple holes. If desired, leave the staple and attach more staples to later cover with matching or complimentary fabric covered buttons that you will sew onto the headboard with hooked needles.