As we are on the subject of head boards, here's an easier one to make which requires very little carpentry. None if you ask the lumber yard staff to cut the board for you.
We chose to make ours the width of the bed and added about 5 inches so it wouldn't look to narrow when the bed is made. I can't remember exactly how I decided on the height, but usually I consider things like, is it comfy when sitting up as well as lying down? I used chipboard as a base because we had some left over in the garage. You can use any board or even a wooden frame, the kind you buy in art stores and stretch canvases onto.
I added two layers of batting to make the board soft to lean against. This was stapled onto the back of the board and on top of the batting I stretched the fabric and stapled that on as well. I have to say I love my staple gun and I use it probably every or every other week on different projects. It's one of those tools you should have regardless of how small your tool box is.
To finish off I propped the head board against the wall, pushed the bed against it and it was ready. As simple as that!
I will keep this in mind with future projects. This method makes it really easy to change fabrics depending on your mood for little $$ too!
Posted by: Cherry@NewburghRestoration | January 29, 2009 at 07:06 PM
I just found your website this week - I think from a link from thisyounghouse but not sure. I am currently looking for fabric to make a headboard so this post was perfect timing. I saw in your list of tools link you have the B&D mouse 600B. Do you like this tool? I picked one up on clearance for $16 at Home Depot but then read the not so flattering reviews on amazon and am wondering if I should return it for something a little else.
Posted by: Lesley | January 29, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Thanks for this post! I started reading your blog during the design public organizing special they did.
I've been thinking about doing something for a headboard much like what you put in this post! It's nice to see your process/thinking before actually attacking the project my self
Thanks again!
Posted by: britt | January 29, 2009 at 08:28 PM
That's awesome Benita. So simple and totally doable. Thanks so much for sharing, I'll be linking.
Posted by: Rachel | January 29, 2009 at 08:35 PM
Thank you Benita!!! I have been looking for a simple design and your's is the best! I've been procrastinating on this project because I thought I had to attach the headboard to the bed and I wasn't sure how to do it. One question, many instructions tell you to use a layer of foam and then batting....what do you think? Is it necessary?
Posted by: Karen | January 29, 2009 at 08:50 PM
With this simple headboard you can add a slipcover to easily throw into the washing machine or change colors based on mood.
Posted by: Steph | January 29, 2009 at 09:07 PM
thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Franziska | January 29, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Benita, you have a marvelous knack for taking a design project down to its essential elements and making it easy to accomplish. And look great!
You really have the best answers-simple, straight forward and understandable. Sharing and teaching at its best.Thanks you..
Posted by: Jacqueline | January 29, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Dear Benita,
Please adopt me.
Sincerely,
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen | January 30, 2009 at 01:35 AM
Funny you have this on your site - I've had the idea (but not the motivation) to make a similar headboard for a couple of years. Mine would have a camel back & be tufted :)
Posted by: Down Comforter | January 30, 2009 at 04:04 AM
Fantastisk idé!
Posted by: Karin | January 30, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Lesley, I've used B&D Mice for years but ours here in Europe seem to have different names. The one I use at he moment is called KA16565 and I love it! I actually removed the 600D from my list after checking the reviews and added the one which looks more like the one I have which wasn't available when I made the list. I agree, the reviews were pretty bad. I do agree with some of the issues, especially the small attachment bits that use a tiny screw as a fastener. It's ridiculous, but on the other hand I hardly use those little attachments. I use the flat surface for almost all projects. I'm on my second mouse now but that's only because I completely wore one out from renovating a complete wooden boat with the first one, using it almost daily for six months.
Karen, if your batting is thin I guess foam is a good idea. The batting I use is about 1/2" thick so two layers makes for a cushy headboard :)
Steph, great idea! I'll steal that!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | January 30, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Thanks so much for the input on the mouse. It sounds like you definitely got your money out of it.
Posted by: Lesley | January 30, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Den är jätte fin din säng!
Har en liknande ide i huvudet på sänggavel till min dotter. Ska bara se när det blir tid över att fixa materialet! Häftapparaten är verkligen användbar till massa grejer!
Posted by: Tin | January 31, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Hey there, Benita! Just wanted to let you know that I linked to your tutorial and included instructions on how to embellish your headboard with Scrabble lettering on the website that I write for, BoredLA. Thanks so much for the inspiration! Your home is absolutely beautiful.
http://www.boredla.com/craftiness-is-next-to-godliness-scrabble-headboard/
Posted by: lola | February 01, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Hi Benita ! I love your blog, I read it everyday from France.
I've just finish my first upholstered headboard, and I have to say that you've been very helpful to me on that project (I linked to your blog on my article for your great explanations).
You can check it out if you'd like : http://nocesdecoton.canalblog.com/archives/2009/09/17/15103854.html
Thanks for sharing your ideas !! Tack !!
Posted by: Marianne from France | September 18, 2009 at 09:29 AM