Easy & Cheap Slipcovered Headboard DIY Project
Repurpose an Old Headboard Into a Spectacular Bedroom Focal Point
Sep 12, 2009
Breathe new life into a stale, outdated and ho-hum bedroom with basic fabric and a little imagination. Slipcovered headboards (also referred to as upholstered, padded, tufted and fabric headboards) are all the rage in interior design and it is an effortless way to recover an outdated wooden headboard.
If the old existing headboard is already square or rectangular in shape, this is a simple straightforward task that will take just a few hours to complete. For a rounded or odd shaped headboard, purchase two large, lightweight 3-inch thick Styrofoam slabs for the front and back of your headboard to square it off. The batting and fabric will keep the slabs in place.
Options for Choosing the Perfect Fabric
- Purchase a large piece of material from a fabric shop
- Use an existing flat bed sheet, tablecloth or ample vintage fabric remnant that matches your bedroom décor. An antique chenille bedspread or colorful Victorian piano scarf are always good choices.
- Buy a new duvet set (bed in a bag style that comes with matching bed linens), and simply repurpose the matching top sheet as your custom headboard cover so the whole bed matches!
A Double Layer of Quilt Batting is Added
Two layers of quilt batting are needed. For the first layer, wrap from side to side with the batting overlapping in the back. For the second layer, wrap from front to back with the batting overlapping again in the back. There is no need to secure the batting; it will stick to itself. Take some extra time to smooth out the padding to reduce any creasing or puckering.
Covering the Headboard with Fabric
With the batting in place, cover the padding with your fabric making sure that any patterns are centered and placed properly. Start with each side and pull it tightly to the back for a tailored, sleek look. Finally, pull the top over and to the back, ensuring a snug, neat fit. There are a few options for holding the fabric in place. Assuming the back of the headboard will be out of sight or against the wall, fold the three fabric ends (sides and top) together neatly at the back and pin (or staple) the fabric together. For a more permanent solution, spray the batting with a light layer of fabric spray adhesive before covering with fabric, to bind the two materials together. Do not overdo the spray adhesive or the material will pucker and look lumpy.
For a more nostalgic look, a tufted headboard can be easily achieved with upholstery strength thread, a medium sized darning needle and a handful of charming buttons. In the same manner a button would be sewn on a button down shirt, attach buttons onto the headboard. For maximum tufting, sew the buttons no more than 6” apart and in staggered rows. For a more original effect, use large or novelty buttons sewn randomly across the headboard.
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