Chic on a Shoestring Decorating: The Perfect Upholstered Headboard


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The Perfect Upholstered Headboard

They're coming to take my bed away today!  Woot! Woot!

Yes, you can read all about my broken bed and why I'm glad it broke HERE.

But now comes the pressure of making an upholstered headboard.  Yikes!

But really, there's no pressure.  I just don't want it to look like I made it myself.  This is where my old  frienemy perfectionism gets me (read about her HERE).  I don't want to start because I might screw it up and then what?!

Then I start over, then I buy a bed with the money from the old bed?  Who cares.  Ain't no thang! :) 

I'm not going to let my frienemy perfectionism slow me down, she can kiss it!

Once my broken bed is gone it's going to drive me completely nuts not to have a bed.  It's going to look very college apartment-ish, only a lot bigger of a room and a king size bed.  Ick.

So I am going to get started now!

I have read all the tutorials about DIY upholstered headboards, I've seen pictures of good ones and bad ones ones that look homemade.

I've got everything figured out (I think, but yeah right) except the shape.

Do I go for the easier to do and classic square shape with nail head trim?  Something like this (but no footboard initially)...
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Or, do I go for an elegant slightly curved look similar to this...


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I also really like this...


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All that nailhead trim makes me kinda nervous though...

Or maybe an even curvier one like this...


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 Ok, maybe not that one.  Too curvy makes me nervous too.

What about tufted?? 

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Awesome, right?

But no way Jose.  The tufts give me a heart attack just thinking about trying to get them all straight, evenly spaced, looking right. 

Geesh!  That could go really bad really fast.

So, which one do you guys like the best??  Have you made an upholstered headboard?  Any secret tips for me?? 

PS:  Next Monday I'll be announcing a big and fun giveaway!! 

PPS:  Check out my new best of on The Besties here!

XOXO

Linking: Tatertots & Jello

14 comments :

  1. I was totally pumped to upholster a headboard for our room and after procrastinating for so long (I had the materials all here, just staring at me) I chickened out. So, I am SO excited to see how yours turns out! Love all your options. I know, I am so helpful today. :p

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  2. I love the bold pattern! You can have fun with it, no worrying (sp?) about tufts, plus if it's overwhelming, you can always play it down with some extra big pillows. Did you see the one Sarah Richardson did on Sarah 101? AMAZING!

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  3. Definately curvy! Live dangerously!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  4. I love all of the headboard you have featured. I really like the curvy one but my favotire one is the headboard in the first photo. Actually, very hard decision. I know I am not being very helpful. Good luck, can't wait to see what you come up with.

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  5. Oh, they are all so pretty. No idea. I have contemplated the same issue and have yet to start the project. Can't wait to see what you do . . maybe I will copy ;)

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  6. I love all upholstered headboards (and have made at least 4 to date). But have confidence with tufting and curved headboards - they aren't as hard as they look. If you're looking for a potentially easier option, look around secondhand stores for an old wooden headboard and cover it with batting and fabric. I just bought a very dated pine curved headboard and wrapped it in foam and batting, and drilled holes through to the back to add button tufting! It was much cheaper than building the frame from scratch. :)

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  7. I like the 2nd slightly curvy headboard. The curves draw the eye up the wall. One question I have for you: have you reupholstered anything before? If not, I'd try a bench/seat first to get an idea and then move up based on how your project turned out. I know there's a learning curve. I've seen friends reupholstering and they found it Very frustrating at times. I'm sure you'll do a great job. One of the things on my list is to take a reupholstery class. A local adult education program offers it. Good luck!

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  8. I love the 2nd picture, soft single curve, timeless and can be used in any situation.
    Leslie K

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  9. Love Love Love the last one! That is a headboard to die for!

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  10. I have never attempted this so I give you brownie points for bravery!! The 2nd is by far my favourite, then the first. Good Luck!
    Tina

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  11. I made a really simple upholstered headboard. A guy at Home Depot suggested I use rug matting instead of foam and batting. It was a lot cheaper and worked great. Here's my post for more info http://beckschiclife.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-friend-recently-rearranged-her.html

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  12. I did a little tufting on mine and it was really easy, you just have to pre-drill the holes in your wood before covering it then you'll have the spacing just right. I bet you could also use pegboard as the base so the holes would already be there . . . I wonder if anyone has thoughts on that? Anyway, with patience, you can do anything, go for it!!!

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  13. The second one looks superb to me. I like the tufted one too but would agree to what you said. I wanted to make a head board for my bed but since we are moving (again) I just dropped the idea. Would love to see what you come up with.

    I am hosting my first Link-up party - Tea Time Thursdays. Would be glad to see you there :)

    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrating-one-party-time.html

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  14. This is something i was looking for.Awesome bed covers and love the styles.Thanks

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