Wondering how to upholster a metal headboard? You are going to love this easy & inexpensive DIY tutorial!
I am so pleased with the upgrades going on in the master bedroom. From the ampersand string art to the no sew curtains, to the grid gallery wall and curtains on the closets, this room is really taking shape.
One of the last big things that I wanted to update was the headboard. This bed is in great shape & has nothing wrong with it, but the headboard is really out of style. It has curvy metal and, while really pretty, is less my style than it was when I originally bought it (in 2008.)
Of course, everyone with a pinterest account is upholstering their headboards. So, I figured that I could easily modify this one for an upholstered look.
Now, let me just say, almost every “cheap and easy” project that I attempt ends up WAY more expensive, time consuming, and troublesome than I anticipated. Not this one. It was easy, peasy, chicken squeezey. So, if you’re considering it – go for it!
Here’s what you need:
- Pegboard cut to the size of your headboard
- Foam mattress topper (for a queen headboard we used a full topper & had room to spare)
- 2 yards of fabric
- Staple gun & staples
Here’s what we did:
Lay the peg board down on the foam. Cut the foam to the size of your board plus a 1 inch border around the edge.
Lay it on top of your fabric, bad side up. Pull it TIGHT over the edge and staple. We do a center staple & one on each side, then fill in.
Repeat on the opposite side. Trim excess fabric.
Repeat on the two remaining sides.
I scotch guarded the entire thing after a lady at Joann’s fabric approached me, asked me what I was planning to use the fabric for, and told me what a terrible idea it was to use white. I replied “YOLO!” but really wasn’t too worried. We don’t have too much trouble with dirtiness and I like white and sometimes what you like takes precedence over practicality. But I already owned scotch guard and decided to give it a coat just to help a little.
To hang it- we stuck zip ties through the holes in the pegboard & tied it to the existing headboard. We should have inserted the ties before stapling, but didn’t think it through. Sean was able to bend the plastic ties and stick them through the holes without too much trouble.
Ta-da! A totally updated headboard!
As for why we used pegboard and not particle board:
1. It was cheaper at Lowes
2. So we could attach it to the existing headboard without any hardware
3. I originally planned on tufting it. However, I thought this fabric looked better untufted! The peg holes make it easy to line up & attach your tufts!
We love this project and it was SO EASY! I can’t get over it!
Have you had any projects turn out super easy lately??
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Hello, I’m Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I’ve transformed three homes and now I’m dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let’s turn your house into a home together!
Maryssa
Monday 9th of November 2015
I love this idea I have been looking for something like this for my daughters bed. One question any ideas on the foot board?
Morgan
Monday 9th of November 2015
Our bed did not have a headboard, but I can imagine that you could use the same technique. Good luck!
Kimberly Jones
Sunday 28th of June 2015
What a well done up grade and fantastic tutorial. Mr Cheapskate sees no reason to get a new bed," We've only had this one 10 years. We only sleep in there, no one sees it. What's it matter?" Will very soon schedule a day off work, send him fishing and do some magic, thanks to you!
Evelyn Thomas
Sunday 29th of October 2017
So Kimberly Jones, it's been over 2 years1 how did your headboard upholstery go?
Sean
Sunday 28th of June 2015
Thanks! I hope it turns out well for you :)
Ray Palagy
Tuesday 16th of June 2015
built mine this past weekend...came out great! I used an old Latex mattress topper that I chopped into the shape of the pegboard and covered with batting and then fabric. We did a King size bed so we had to use 2 pegboards which I held together overlapping with tie wraps as well to get the perfect length.
Morgan
Tuesday 16th of June 2015
Yay I am so glad that it turned out!
Judee
Tuesday 9th of June 2015
Love it! I want to try it. My daughter wants me to cover the posts as well. Any ideas how I can do this??? Thanks.
Morgan
Wednesday 10th of June 2015
What posts do you mean? On the side? You could use a wider board, but just make sure that it is very secure.
Dida
Wednesday 1st of April 2015
OMG!!! Absolutely Genius!!! I am going to try this.
Sean
Sunday 5th of April 2015
I'm so glad! Hope it turns out well for you! Let us know if you have any questions.