Typically, people think of do-it-yourself home repairs and updates as being things done directly to the home, which is a huge part of projects of this type but sometimes, a home can be improved with unique projects. For instance, adding a water feature to the living room, built-in bookcases to a home office, or even building a beautiful headboard are also ways in which to enhance the appearance of the home and make it a more comfortable place to live.
While this type of do-it-yourself project is somewhat different, we felt it was important enough to address. Below are a couple of ways in which you could build or create a new headboard, immediately transforming the appearance and feel of the bedroom. Best of all, these projects are affordable. When done, you can stand back to admire the work you did. Chances are good you would feel encouraged to try making other things or completing more traditional types of do-it-yourself projects.
While there are many options, a padded headboard is an excellent choice. Start with purchasing a piece of plywood the same width of your bed, plus six inches. With a ruler, find the center, marking it with a pencil. Next, use a yardstick to draw a line across diagonally the back of the plywood with a pencil and then another diagonal line going the other direction. When done, mark the intersecting point of the two lines. For a diagonal pattern, mark spots using the diagonal lines spaced 12 inches apart for placement of buttons.
With safety glasses on, use a power drill with medium-sized bits to drill holes for each of the buttonhole marks. The fun part of the project is buying the upholstery fabric and with thousands of possibilities, you will certainly find the perfect fabric to coordinate with the decorum of the room. Using the measurements of the plywood, purchase enough fabric to cover plus six inches. In addition, you would need quality batting and three-inch batting foam.
Place the plywood face up on a work bench or some kind of sturdy surface, cutting both the batting and foam six inches larger than the actual piece of plywood. Apply heavy-duty spray on adhesive, quickly placing the batting on top while making sure it is centered. On top of the batting, spray more adhesive, adding the batting foam, again centering it. After the adhesive has dried for a few minutes, place the fabric on top and center it but this time without adhesive.
Grabbing the edge of the plywood to keep the batting, foam, and fabric from moving, you want to turn the plywood over so it is now face down. Wrap the three layers of material over to the back of the plywood at one corner and with a staple gun, secure them to the plywood. Repeat this process on the diagonal corner, and then complete the other two corners. It is essential to pull the three layers taut each time before securing them so the surface is smooth, not wrinkled, creased, or bunched up.
To add the buttons, choose what goes with the fabric and using a large, upholstery needle and coordinating thread, pull the threaded needle through one of the drilled holes from the backside. Hook the button, pull the thread through to the back, and repeat this process several times. However, on the last time pushing the needle through to the back, you want to place a finishing nail flat over the hole. Wrap the thread around the nail and then tie the knot, which keeps the buttons in place more securely.
For an added feature, you could create a tufted look. To accomplish this, when you pull the thread to the back for the last time and after wrapping it around the nail but prior to tying the knot, twist the nail several times. With the completed headboard, you would use heavy-duty mirror hangers purchased from a hobby or home improvement store. After attaching to the center on the backside of the plywood, find a stud in the wall and with wood screws, put your beautiful new headboard up. You will be stunned at how gorgeous the new headboard looks and the way it breathes new life into the bedroom, but also be proud that you made it.
