One reason I love upholstered headboards for kids’ rooms is because they’re soft (which is great for bed jumping even if it’s technically banned) and they can be a really inexpensive option, if you make it yourself. So, this is exactly what we did for the girls’ shared bedroom soon after we moved in.
(If you Google it, lots of these have been made, and there are plenty of tutorials out there. But, I thought I’d go ahead and share our process, in case you were just curious. Luckily, it’s hard to mess them up. You know our DIY’s don’t get too complicated around here.)
I started by measuring the width of the mattress and figured the height tall enough so that I would still see plenty of the fabric after the pillows were on the bed. You could always be really dramatic and extend it way up the wall. The overall measurement for ours ended up being 36 x 40 inches. This worked perfectly for the width of the fabric so there was no sewing required. (We opted to make fabric covered panels rather than something that would actually attach to the bed frame.)
The rest of the process went like this:
We bought a sheet of particle board and had them cut it to our measurements at the store. I bought foam, batting and 3M adhesive spray at a local fabric store. (I want to say all of my supplies—besides the fabric–cost under $40, but it’s been a while. . .) After cutting the foam to size, we sprayed the board and applied the foam.
At this point, you’re probably asking yourself why I keep saying “we” but there’s just pictures of my dad doing all the work. That’s because this project happened when I was 30+ weeks pregnant with the babies. I just served as “project supervisor”.
Yes, we do have a basketball court on our driveway. Another story for another day.
By the way, we occasionally let my dad do other things besides work when my parents visit. When I was looking through photos for this post, I found this one. The babies came between the time the headboards were made and when we actually hung them in the room:
But, back to the headboards. “We” covered the foam with batting and then stapled on the fabric.
Good work, Dad.
We hung them on the wall using these:
And, a few other ideas for how you might use a similar concept:
Speaking of working on kids’ rooms, there’s still time to enter the PB Kids giveaway and to link up your spaces. (Ends Monday!)
I love that fun fabric you used on the girl’s headboards – the color is so cheerful! And how sweet is your dad doing DIY projects for you as your babes percolated? :)
Beautiful fabric! The room looks great. I have always loved these headboards, I had no idea they were this easy.
I love the fabric on the headboards and pillows. I would never think to pull those patterns/colors together but I love it.
You have a great Dad! Are the new monogrammed pillows from your sister’s shop?
No, it’s the same one from her last room. Just playing around with some different options.
Love these! I want to do a similar headboard for my son’s twin bed – what dimensions did you use or would you recommend for a twin?
36 x 40 for ours. More about this in the paragraphs under the first picture in the post :)
Thank you!
Dads are the best! They look great, Emily. I have 3 headboards that I need to make, seeing yours finished is spurring me on!
I absolutely love this! And can i add the saving on diy on this one is amazing!
gosh I just LOVE how you put rooms together! And the ceiling! to die for! I need a headboard in my bedroom! I’m going to start looking at fabric :o)
Fabulous and easy! Thanks for sharing Emily, I’m seriously considering one for one of our guest bedroom!
This project has been on my list for a while now. Maybe soon!! I love the colors in your girls room, and the ceiling!!
I love this! My sister is looking for an inexpensive headboard idea. I’ll be sure to pass your tutorial her way.
I love that there are so many possibilities to making your own headboard.
Do you have the direct link to where picture #2 came from? I searched on the Pure Style Home blog and couldn’t find that picture. I love that room too!
Melissa
No, I’m sorry, I don’t. I found it incorrectly linked on Pinterest but knew it was Lauren’s. Couldn’t find her old post, though.
the room looks awesome and that headboard is the showstopper! i love the fabric choice.
the room looks awesome and that headboard is the showstopper! i love the fabric choice.
What a punch of pretty wow! Those turned out great. :)
Love those headboards! Great fabric selection :)
Love these and it is so easy! That is a great picture of your dad with the baby!
xo Nancy
love these headboards! they are incredible! (also love the ceiling painted in red! brilliant)
It looks so easy I think I might actually be able to do it! What I like most about it is that when you want to change up the color scheme you just need to cut and staple some new fabric on. Great idea!
Love the choice of fabric. So bright and eye catching
Hooray for handy dads! These turned out so sweet and they look pretty simple too–yay! Thanks so much for sharing your project, Emily!
~Abby =)
that huge headboard behind the two twins is kind of amazing!
I love the fabric and the red ceiling!
Thanks for the DIY info, Emily:) So, you added batting on top of the foam? How thick (more or less) was the batting? Thanks:)
We didn’t buy the thickest because I wanted to make sure the width of my fabric would still wrap around the headboard. But, if that wasn’t a concern, I think a thicker batting would actually be nice.
Thank you:)
I LOVE the fabric! What a great room!
What a good daddy – my dad always does a ton for me when he visits. I love love that fabric so much!
I love that fabric so much!
Could you please tell me the color and maker of that beautiful red ceiling?? I just have to paint my ceiling that drop dead color. Thank you in advance,
Kathy
Olympic Paint–Salsa Diane :)
Can you please tell me where you found the dresser in your daughter’s room? I love it!
It’s from IKEA and has been great for storage.
hi i realize your original post was 2013 but i noticed you responded to someone in april 2015
so i thought i give u a try. What is the name brand of the picture hanging system you used and how did you attach it? i have searched on google and can not find it . thanks!
Hi Albert, I don’t remember the brand, but I’m pretty sure it came from Lowe’s.