Want to build your own headboard as seen on @thisgirldiys?
Follow along with this step by step guide to show you exactly how!
This guide is for a UK double bed, but always check the measurements of your bed to ensure it will fit.
Shopping list
You can use either Plywood or MDF for this project or even wood left over from other projects, these are the products which I used out of convivence and what I had to hand.
- 2 Pieces of 12mm x 2440 x 1220mm MDF or Ply Wood. I had these cut instore at Homebase to fit in the car and make this project simpler. I had them cut into the following dimensions:
- 8 of 100mm x 1420mm (These are for the wings)
- 1 of 950mm x 1440mm (This is for the back) Check the height which you need (1420mm - Height from the floor to above the base of your bed (not the mattress) for my bed this was 950mm.
- Wood Glue - my go to is Gorilla Wood Glue
- 2 Inch thick Foam boards, I needed 3 of these for a double bed, but depending on your width check if you need more or less
- Fabric of your choice you need 3 pieces in total
- 1 for the main part behind (depending on your size) Mine was 1100mm x 1600mm
- 2 pieces for the wings 1600mm x 500mm
- Wood Screws
- Staples & Staple Gun
- Clamps
How to Make your headboard:
Step 1: Cutting the wood to size
If you didn't choose to get your wood pre-cut then you'll need to cut to size using a circular saw. Measure twice and cut once or you'll end up re-cutting.
Ensure that the boards are supported on both sides when cutting. Ensure that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. For MDF you should ALWAYS wear a mask and eye protection.
These are the pieces which are needed:
- 8 of 100mm x 1420mm (These are for the wings)
- 1 of 950mm x 1440mm (This is for the back) Check the height which you need (1420mm - Height from the floor to above the base of your bed (not the mattress) for my bed this was 950mm.
Step 2: Gluing Up Part 1!
You are going to make up part of the wings now.
For the 1st step you need to glue 3 of the 100mm x 1420mm together in a sandwich and clamp together until dry, ensure the ends are flush. You can also add screws into this to hold together further, this will be covered so the screws don't need to be countersunk. Check the instructions on the glue bottle to ensure the full drying time. You'll need to do 2 of these.
Step 3: Gluing Up Part 2!
This is adding the part to allow you to connect the wing to the maid headboard. This is the last of the 100mm x 1420mm boards. This is glued as per the below image. and clamped. Again you can use screws if you wish to secure further. Leave this clamped up until the glue is fully dry.
Step 4: Attaching the wadding to the wings
For the wings we will double up the wadding into 2 layers, as this is the only padding on these outer sections. Cut to size and then using a staple gun to connect to the wings. Start at the back of the singular thickness MDF as this will be on the back against the wall once all connected so can be less neat. Work your way around the length of the wings, finishing once you get back to where you started. Once this has been done, fold over the ends and staple as neatly as possible. Cut away any excess.
Step 5: Next cover the wings with your fabric.
First you'll need to iron your fabric to ensure it sits well. Then using the same principles, and ensuring it is pulled tight at each stage staple the fabric into place. Keeping in mind which parts which show when the headboard is secured together.
At the ends you can cut away some of the fabric to allow a neater finish, try to staple along the back where will be hidden by the wall once assembled.
Step 6: Adding the Foam
Lay out the foam onto the backboard of the headboard you've already cut. To make the least cuts ensure you line up as many sides with the edges as possible. From underneath use a felt pen or sharpie to mark where you need to cut. Using a breadknife cut along these lines all the way through the board. Glue these to the backboard, ensuring that this is square onto the board. The wood glue works for this, ensure to apply pressure and leave to dry before moving.
Step 7: Cover the headboard
Using the wadding, cover the headboard, it doesn't matter if you need to use 2 pieces side by side as long as lined up correctly. staple down. At the corners fold hospital corners to ensure that this is a neat finish. Next cover with the fabric, ensure that you pull tight and evenly on each edge and again use hospital corners to get nice neat edges.
Step 8: Connect the headboard together
Using screws from the back connect the wings to the headboard, I used a screw every 7cm. so the top is flush. The headboards now done and ready to go.
Have you tried this DIY? I would absolutely love to see how you get on! Drop me a message on Instagram, or tag me in your projects!