HOW TO MAKE A TUFTED HEADBOARD
Today we are talking headboards. Specifically a tufted headboard? But I shared a fun tutorial of how to make an Arch Headboard also, so check out that post too when you get a chance.
I (and by ‘I’, I mean ‘We’ :-)) made a giant; king size tufted headboard and boy, do I LOVE it!
I DIY-ed a headboard before (see it HERE), but it wasn’t real-tufted, it was fake-tufted. 🙂 This lovely piece is the real deal, guys. During the process, I covered buttons, drilled all the holes and sweated for hours to get this giant beauty done.
No, I was just kidding. It wasn’t that bad.
But let me tell ya! Before you attempt this project, I want you to know that YOU NEED AN EXTRA HAND! Don’t try to be a hero and start doing it on your own, because you WILL need a set of hands to help you. The only reason this headboard took so long to finish is because I needed help from my hub and he wasn’t always available. And you know, when you have the little people around you, you can’t just ignore them and send them away to play.
We attempted to finish this DIY tufted headboard on a few weekends but realized that it wouldn’t work. The majority of the work had to be done when the kids weren’t home or when they were in bed.
This entire project wasn’t planned until my hub, and I decided to upgrade to a KING size bed. We just could not deal with being 4 of us in our queen bed anymore. Can you relate? It is not an everyday thing that our kiddos hop in with us, but when they did, no one had a good night’s sleep. So we finally upgraded to KING.
Then, of course, mommy came up with her fantastic project idea and the hub was oh so “thrilled”. Every time I come up with something new my dear hub would say: NO, honey! No more projects in this house. But then, I know he always loves the idea in the end, and he is the most supportive husband ever. 🙂 Sigh! #luckyme
After browsing the web for tufted headboards and I found some amazingly done DIY HEADBOARDS, like the one here, here and here.
I knew I was going to love the look of a REAL tufted headboard, so I went for it!
When it comes to blue hues, I am all fallen. 🙂 Did you know? I always have been. Blue and yellow are definitely my fav colors. Ok. Let me take that back. Blue still is my favorite, but I said goodbye to yellow.
I’ve had a dream of a BLUE VELVET headboard for a while now. I just could not let the idea go, so I marked my project list with this Indigo Velvet King size tufted headboard.
I reached out to my friends over at Tonic Living to get a few yards of their fantastic INDIGO velvet fabric. Did I fell in love with their fabric at first sight? Oh yeah! It is just gorgeous, and I knew it would look fabulous on my headboard.
How to make a tufted headboard
Are you ready?
TOOLS you need:
- drill
- power saw
- tape measure
- hammer
- staple gun
- upholstery needle
MATERIALS you need to make the tufted headboard:
- 1/2 “Plywood ( cut to size 80×35)
- -2×2 pine wood
- -2×4 pine wood
- -3″ thick foam
- Batting
- Super spray adhesive
- Fabric (mine was from Tonic Living) -I had 4 yards of fabric, and it was just enough so get a little more to be on the safe side
- Half ball cover buttons to cover
- Upholstery thread
- HANGMAN 200LB
Let’s dive into the step by step!
My measurements for the KING SIZE headboard were 80″ x 40″ and then 22 inches height for the legs.
We had The Home Depot people cut our plywood to size. They are awesome, and you can totally have your plywood cut at the store:-)
- We screwed our 2×2 wood on each side of the headboard (from the back)and the 2×4 across the top. The only reason I wanted to add a wider wood panel to the top as my initial plan was to add nailhead up there (just like this tutorial shows here). But after adding a few nailheads, I wasn’t too crazy about the idea, so we let it go.
- So if you are not planning to add nailheads across the top, I would add a 2×2 across the top as well, not the 2×4.
- I used Scotch Super Glue adhesive to glue the 3″ thick foam to the plywood. (I sprayed the plywood, and I pushed the foam onto the plywood.)
- Then I turned my giant frame upside down, and I measured spots for my buttons. I added six holes on the top row, five holes in the middle and six holes again to the bottom row.
- After that, I drilled through the plywood from the back, and through the foam.
- Well, after we were done with the holes, I added the batting on top ( and now I know that I could have done drilling through the plywood, foam and through the batting, too). The batting is important to create the deep tufting look. I also chose the 3″ foam because I wanted to create the kind of deep TUFTED look.
7. We sprayed the foam with the adhesive glue and pushed on the batting so it would stick to the foam. At the bottom of the headboard, we turned the batting under and stapled it onto the back. And then I had to dig the holes through the batting. I know I could have been smarter:-) At least, you can be SMART if you tackle this project.
When we had all the holes found through the batting, it was time to put on the fabric.
I covered my buttons previously (which did not take a whole lot of time), so that was handy and ready.
I started the tufting right in the middle of the headboard. Right at the middle button (in the second row). That was the time when I needed that second hand. My hub was behind the headboard, and I was in the front. We both had to hold the headboard in place. I pushed through my LONG upholstery needle, my hub grabbed the needle on the other side and pulled the needle all the way through and out. I pushed on the button with a piece of a wood fork to make sure it’s pushed in deeply enough. My hub stapled the thread onto the back of the headboard.
To create the DIAMOND TUFTED look, I pinched the fabric at an angle ( see above) at each button. I think this was the most time-consuming part of the project. But in the end, all the buttons were beautiful, deep and we were able to create a gorgeous tufted look.
The image below is the back of the headboard after pulling all the buttons through.
You can skip this next step if you are not planning to add nailheads across the top (which I did not end up doing either). I needed to add a piece of batting over the top so the fabric would nicely go over and would create smooth edges. Again, just cut your batting long enough to go over the top of the headboard when you add on your batting, to avoid this step.
Then we pulled the fabric over and stapled it to the back of the headboard.
As the last step, we covered the legs with fabric as well.
Phew! Seriously! It was a labor of love!
I was smitten with this giant piece when it was done!
But being “so smart” again, we tackled this project downstairs, and we had to drag this monster piece to our bedroom. Ghaw! Do you know the work smarter not harder thing? We totally failed at it for this project. But, it didn’t turn out any less stunning of a piece!!!
We chose to attach the headboard to the wall. I ordered a simple platform bed online before the headboard was done and I knew that there was no way to secure the headboard to that platform bed.
We found this cool Hangman picture hanger ( holds up to 200lb) though and used that to secure this monster headboard to the wall. It was a winner! Highly recommend it!
Before we secured the headboard to the wall, we needed to measure the platform bed + mattress height from the bottom so that we could push the mattress and bed under the headboard.
And voila!!!
Oh, and wait! Do you spot those pretty CITRUS VELVET PILLOWS? They are from Tonic Living as well. They are dreamy quality pillows! I am a firm believer (and a huge pillow lover!) that decorating with pillows is a great way to add texture, luxury, and softness to your space, and this perfect citrus color was what I needed to complement the pretty blue. This luxury pillow is made of 100% Cotton velvet and has a faux down pillow insert – faux down inserts create the most impressive look and feel of soft fluffy pillows.
So what do you say, guys? Love the indigo velvet headboard or not?
(yes, yes, yes…….I do….)
TOTAL COST of THE HEADBOARD:
Plywood: $20
Wood panels (2 – 2″x 2″+ 2″x 4″): $15
3″ foam for king size bed, 80″ x 40″: $110
Batting: $15
Buttons (4 package): $18
Upholstery Thread: $3.50
Fabric: Depending on the type of fabric. Keep in mind that you need 4 yards of fabric at least to cover a KING size headboard: $20-30
Hangman ( optional): $12
Roughly: $230
It might not be a whole lot cheaper than getting one online but I think of it like this: It’s a custom build headboard with the choice of fabric I LOVE:-)
Stay tuned as next week I will share my new bedding with you all as well! I had no choice but to get a new KING SIZE duvet that goes with this fabulous headboard.
UPDATE: You can head here NOW and check out my pretty duvet cover!
UPDATE:: Since this post, a few years have gone and I upgraded my bedroom decor.
CLICK TO SEE MY NEW BEDROOM DECOR. (Psst! I still have this awesome headboard up in the attic, waiting for me to bring her down to style her up once again in my bedroom!:-))
Thank you for stopping by today!
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Check out some of my other fun DIY projects as well
DIY ARCH HEADBOARD
DIY HAMMOCK STAND
Cheers,
Aniko
*Huge Thanks to Tonic Living for providing me with free product and a great GIVEAWAY for my readers!*
This post includes affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
Gorgeous would be an understatement!!<3 <3 no words! I love blue i love velvet and i love ur work!:)
Thank you so much, you are so sweet, Umme! have a great week!
Absolutely amazing! Well done, girl!
Thanks so much, Megan. I think the color choice was right on:-) Oh, and what a difference a KING SIZE bed makes!!!Have a wonderful week!
Oh my goodness! It’s absolutely STUNNING! Gorgeous fabric!
STUNNING!!!! I’m hugely into Indigo Blue right now and I love how your headboard turned out!
I absolutely LOVE this! The color is amazing, if we did not have a Husky we would be doing this. I was curious though do you have a link for your platform bed frame? I like the simplicity of it.
Thank you, Bridget. I updated the post with the link.:-) I love the simplicity of it, too and it feels very sturdy. Money well spent for sure:-) Have a great day!
Beautiful!!! Do you mind sharing how many yards of fabric you used?
I used 4 yards for the KING sized bed. I upgraded the post with the info;-) Thanks for asking and bringing it to my attention that I did not include it in the post. Have a great day!
can u give me an idea for twin bed how much fabric should i need
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful, and what a gorgeous, rich color for the fabric. And the overall combination of colors and textures for the room is inspired. Cheers, Ardith
Thank you for your kind comment. Glad you love the headboard! I do, too:))
Absolutely LOVE the fabric you chose Aniko! Just perfect! That shade of blue is to die for and the velvet finish is stunning. Your guest bedroom is my favourite room in your house so it’s awesome to see how else you change it up. I’ deciding between tufted, palette or door bed head… still undecided!
This is seriously gorgeous! I’ve been dreaming of some blue velvet lately too. Might have to try this on a little bench!
I am obsessed with the indigo velvet and I am totally in love with my headboard. I kiss it every day:)Xo!
I love your headboard and have been wanting to do this for ages!! Could you tell me, did you use high density foam or regular foam?
I think it was regular foam. As long as it’s thick you should be good:-) Good luck!
I received this information on the same day that I read an article on Feng Shui in the bedroom. It is bad to have the head of the bed in front of a window. If you must have your bed there, make sure there is a headboard between the bed and the window. With the furniture I have in my tiny bedroom, there is only one place for the bed. You guessed it, in front of a window and with no headboard.
I had not yet thought about how/where I was going to get a headboard. Now I have the answer: I will make one. I think I have everything I need except the foam. Happy day!
Love this – feeling totally inspired! Where did you get those lamps?!
I am glad you got inspired:-) The lamps are DIYed, find it on this link: https://placeofmytaste.com/diy-lamp-shade-like-lamp/ Good luck building!! Have a great week!
I’m curious what is the batting for if you already using the foam (no one would actually see it) What’s is it’s purpose? (Sorry if it’s a rather dumb question but I hey, I won’t know unless I ask ????)
There is no dumb question, my dear:-) And actually, it’s a good one, because by looking at the project it might not be obvious as why to use the batting at all. Well, at the foam place, they told me that adding a layer of batting will make the tufted look so much better and the truth is that it did. The batting only cost me a few bucks but I think it helps to achieve a beautiful tufted look!I hope it make sense! Have a great weekend!!
Can’t wait to start this project. Could you clarify the plywood measurements please. It says to have the plywood cut to 80×35 but then it says the overall measurement is 80×40. Where do the extra 5 inches come from?
Where did you get the bedding pictured with your headboard?
How did you get your fabric cost down to $30? The company you linked to charges $30 PER YARD and you said you need 4+ yards so that’s $100+ just for fabric. I LOVE this project and the fabric looks amazing but I can’t afford $100 just for fabric, haha.
This looks fabulous!
I’m about to start a tufted ottoman with 3″ foam (which is very similar to what you’ve done) and I have two questions for you:
1) what size of buttons did you use
2) when you drilled the holes in the foam, how big were they?
I feel like my buttons are too small because they get lost in the tuft.
Thanks for your help!
OMG! Just seeing this! I am sure your project is already done:-)My buttons were 3/4″.The holes weren’t big, at all. Hope this helps! Happy Holidays!
Just a note on staple guns. I wanted to reupholster my couch and found out electric staple guns don’t have the force necessary to staple into hardwood or thicker plywood. So you can use a hand stapler, tough on the hand, or the kind with an air compressor. That’s what the pros use but most of us doing DIY projects find this a bit more expensive than we care to spring for!
What were the length and width measurements of the 3″ foam you used?
How is the Velvet holding up?? I’m starting my own adventure of making a headboard and at the craft store the clerk strongly suggested using a sturdier fabric instead due to sagging over time with fabrics that have more give (like the gorgeous velvet which I LOVE) Any feedback you have would be great so I can finally choose my fabric!!
Made this headboard with wings over a couple days and your tutorial was SO HELPFUL! Wish I could attach a picture to show the finished project. Thanks for this step by step!
-Laura
Oh I want to see a picture! I love to see other ppl’s creations! Pop it over to [email protected] please:-)
can you please explain to me how you measured the holes for the buttons?
So I am using your tutorial for making a tufted facade for my husband’s wedding business. I am struggling with the staples… when I go to staple they end up crinkled and not flat. What size staples did you use? Did you have this issue too?
Very nice. I’m going to attempt one myself. Just wondering why you did not go all the way to the top with the thick foam?
Hi,
Your headboard is gorgeous. We started making ours last night and we are almost completely finished (minus the legs and stapling the fabric around the edges) Somehow we missed the batting step. Do you think this is a huge deal? Do you think we will have issues since there is no batting between the foam and fabric? Thanks so much!
Beautiful and love the color! Question: If you are using the HANGMAN to install, do the legs serve any function? Was including legs just a stylistic choice?
We decided to use the HANGMAN after the legs were done so really, they only serve visual function ha! Good luck with your DIY!:-)
I wanted to make this headboard for my queen bed. How do I get accurate measurements? Do i measure directly across & go by exact width measurements or do I add a few inches on either end?
Hi. I love how this project turned out. My anniversary is coming up and I had been considering upgrading our bed completely as a gift for my hard working husband. His favorite color is blue and I think he would find the fabric you used pretty cool. How did you get the cost so low? With coupons? I went to the site you provided and the cost per yard is $23. For 4 yards that is close to $100. Please help.
Katrina,
You might be able to find a less expensive fabric if the budget is tight. But to tell you the truth, my velvet holds up so well (and it’s been more than 2 years), that it looks new still. this is going to be an amazing anniversary gift!:-)♥
Hello. I love your work and I am getting ready to attempt this project for my King bed. Where did you buy your batting and 3 inch foam. I have joined your blog and am fascinated with your projects.
Okay, your post was a game-changer for our headboard project! We’d been playing with the idea for months but it seemed super daunting. THEN, we found your post and it gave us the confidence to just DO IT. You were not joking about the labour of love in threading those darn button, but the pay off was great, and we’ve just mounted a gorgeous headboard in our main room. Thank you for sharing!!!
My daughter is trying to do this head board but what we are having trouble with are the spacing if the buttons! Her head board is a full size but we can’t seem to get the spacing and width of where the buttons go. Board is 54 x 36. Any suggestions?
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Gonna try it myself as well! (King size too) Great tutorial. Great instructions. Easy to follow.