Thursday, June 17, 2010

Simple Tufted and Upholstered Headboard

When we moved into our house almost two years ago, I couldn't have been happier with the hand-me down furniture we'd received. Unfortunately, if you've read some of my previous posts you know that I am notorious around my house for constantly wanting to change things up. So, about a year's worth of dwelling in my new home left me needing a 'master' room change. (And I use the term 'master' lightly because the nursery in our house currently claims more square footage.)



So, with change in mind I set out to upholster my black wooden headboard. I started by purchasing and wrapping two thick layers of quilter's batting to the existing headboard. I simply used a staple gun to attach the batting. I realize that quilter's batting is not the most luxurious padding I could have chosen, but it was certainly the cheapest. For about $5.00 at a local fabric store, I had all the padding I felt I needed.



For the fabric, I checked out the clearance section at the same fabric store for upholstery grade fabric. Because my bedding is heavily patterned, I was looking for a light herringbone pattern. I was extremely pleased with this light grey herringbone pattern I found, and lucked out to purchase close to 6 yards of it for only $7.00! I attached it with a staple gun as well, making certain to pull the fabric as tight as I could get it. I recommend having some help on hand for this part. It was nearly impossible to get it tight enough and staple at the same time myself.



To finish the edges, I just wrapped them as neatly as I could with a v-fold, and stapled them in back.



At this point, the headboard was completely covered and definitely giving off a different feel. However, it left me feeling a little bland. So finally, I toyed with the idea of attaching buttons or tufting. It was a difficult task to figure out seeing as how the headboard is wood and I didn't want to prepare my upholstery with buttons BEFORE attaching it to the wood. In the end I went with the cheater version of tufting. I decided to hammer in poultry net staples to pinch the fabric in 4 places, 12 inches apart. I then simply used the buttons I had pre-upholstered by hot gluing them to the net staples. It's been almost 6 months and they are holding strong!





And there you have it! My new headboard. I loving the warmth it provides. The picture below is sans- bedding/ pillows because we still need to raise the headboard a few inches. We recently replaced our boxsprings, leaving the mattress sitting higher and blocking part of the headboard. (Anyone have any great ideas for how to make it taller? I've just been trying to talk my husband into adding some 2x4 support at the bottom?



In truth I realize that this post is a little late coming. I finished my headboard in January, but have had it hiding in the archives. Since my creation, I have seen some of the most gorgeous headboards out there in blog land. I apologize if you are left feeling "underwhelmed" after seeing mine. I certainly have bigger and bolder ideas now after seeing what some genius ladies are up too out there!

I'll be linking up to these parties this week. Hope you'll stop by and check out what's been floating around!

Happy Thursday...

26 comments:

Tonia Lee Smith June 17, 2010 at 7:20 AM  

Great job! I can never get the never to even get started on such projects

Erin A June 17, 2010 at 12:38 PM  

I don't know Patrice, there are other gorgeous headboards, but this one definitely fits that category! It looks amazing!!

Sarah @ Hennessey House June 17, 2010 at 1:15 PM  

wow, it's awesome! i must confess, i've seen some sub-par DIY headboards out there, but don't worry, this guy doesn't fall in that category. i'm truly impressed with how yours turned out! :)
(it sets the bar pretty high!)

raggygirlvintage June 17, 2010 at 5:05 PM  

It looks very classy, great job!
Tracey

Andrea June 17, 2010 at 6:22 PM  

It looks like it was professionally done.Well Done! I bet you had a great sense of achievement.

Jessica June 17, 2010 at 7:46 PM  

Patrice! I wish I was brave enough to attempt such a project. Bravo!

Tiffany June 17, 2010 at 8:03 PM  

I think it is gorgeous, Patrice! Love your choice of fabric and the buttons really are the icing on the cake! Wonderful job!

The Blackwood Cottage June 18, 2010 at 7:09 AM  

Great work....very stylish!
Machelle

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block June 18, 2010 at 9:31 AM  

Just lovely! I love this look -- you did a great job!

Amy June 18, 2010 at 1:13 PM  

So cute! Love the fabric. The finished headboard is amazing!! Great job!

Erin June 19, 2010 at 11:09 PM  

Gorgeous! I love tufted headboards. Thanks for showing us!

Amber June 20, 2010 at 11:29 AM  

Great job! I love finding others who like the same kind of "big" projects as I do. You will have to check out the headboard that I did for my daughters room.

Amber
Sewtotallysmitten.blogspot.com

fiberdoodles June 21, 2010 at 12:22 PM  

Oh I love it! Very nice job!!

Unknown June 21, 2010 at 12:25 PM  

Very nice. Love the fabric!

Donene June 21, 2010 at 1:04 PM  

It looks fabulous. I love the change!

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! June 21, 2010 at 6:24 PM  

Love the tailored, clean lines on this headboard...just great! Thanks for showing it to us on Modern Craftswoman Monday! Rory

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming June 21, 2010 at 11:37 PM  

This is simply gorgeous. Such a high end tailored look. Fantastic job. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly apprecite it. Hope you are enjoying your week. ~ Stephanie Lynn

Chantelle - ThousandSquareFeet June 22, 2010 at 12:29 AM  

I just love looking at tufted upholstered headboards. Each and every one is different and has its own personality! Makes them all beautiful! I made a tall one for our bedroom a little bit ago and I still love it! Come check it out if you want - thousandsquarefeet.blogspot.com

Mrs. Rooster June 22, 2010 at 10:05 AM  

Headboard rocks...It looks so good.

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming June 22, 2010 at 1:42 PM  

Hi Patrice, Just wanted to let you know I'll be featuring your headboard today! Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase Party! ~ Stephanie Lynn

KimMalk June 23, 2010 at 7:21 AM  

It looks wonderful and soft. I'd love to have you link this up with Fabric Fun Thursday.

Anonymous June 23, 2010 at 8:52 AM  

Thanks for the tip on the poultry net staples. I've been trying to figure out how I was going to tuft our headboard when I make it and der - this was one of those why didn't I think of that ideas.

Great work - looks fantastic.

Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple June 24, 2010 at 7:21 AM  

WOW! That looks great!

Helena June 24, 2010 at 5:59 PM  

I love this project! Sometimes simple is perfect, especially with pretty patterned bedding. This is my favorite headboard tutorial yet!

Thank you for participating in the Creative Therapy Session at Life in the Pitts.

Mad in Crafts June 27, 2010 at 3:32 PM  

Thanks for linking up to the Mad Skills party!

madincrafts.blogspot.com

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