HOW-TO GUIDE:
Upholster an Arched Headboard
Elevate any bed with this stunning arch-shaped upholstered headboard adorned with decorative nail heads and welt cording trim. Replicate this standout focal point.
Explore the project steps below with videos or download the printable version. Discover all Recreate the Classics projects.
PRODUCTS USED
STEP 1
Create Your Design
Use graph paper to draw the design to scale, allowing you to see how it will look before committing to cutting the lumber.
STEP 2
Create the Template
Carefully transfer the design to a full-sized template on paper, ensuring every detail is accurate. This step is crucial to ensure the perfect execution of your design. Next, transfer the template to the wood.
STEP 3
Cut Your Wood
Using 1/2" sheet of plywood, cut out the main arched shape, and then cut out the two decorative panel elements.
STEP 4
Frame the Headboard
Use 1" x 4" poplar wood to frame the headboard. This will prevent the plywood from warping and give the headboard a more substantial look when finished. Cut to the same shape as the perimeter of the headboard.
STEP 5
Create a Recessed Area
Mark 2 ¾" inside the perimeter of the headboard. Use less padding in this outside area, and foam in the center portion of the headboard.
STEP 6
Add Padding
Trace the area where you have outlined the recessed section to create the template for the foam. Deduct 1" from this original template before tracing it onto the foam. This will prevent the dacron and the foam from moving to the edge as the fabric is stapled down.
Use 2" firm high-density foam for the padding in the main section of the headboard, gluing down with Spray Adhesive.
Over the top of the foam, add Polyester Upholstery Batting, stapling inside the perimeter of the headboard, leaving the outer recessed area open. For this project, we left 4" at the bottom of the headboard with no padding. This will be the area that goes behind the mattress when the headboard is installed.
STEP 7
Center Your Fabric
Staple the center fabric around the foam just inside the recessed area of the headboard. That way, the next layer of fabric will hide the staples. You’ll notice that the fabric was left long, which is where the decorative panels will be attached. This is because the center fabric wraps around the outside of the headboard under the panels to cover the plywood and poplar frame.
STEP 8
Attach the Perimeter Fabric
Attach a Welt Cord along the inner curve of the headboard. This will define the shape of the border.
Measure the perimeter of the headboard where the fabric will go. Ensure the fabric is wide enough to cover the padding and has enough extra to wrap around the outside edge of the headboard. Once measured, lay the fabric out and mark the shape of the inner curve using Chalk. You will follow the curve created by the welt cord. Trim following this curve, leaving an additional 1" outside the marked line. This extra fabric is vital for securing the fabric.
Start attaching the fabric using a Cardboard Tack Strip. Place the tack strip right against the Welt Cord to keep the fabric tight. Secure the fabric working your way around the headboard.
STEP 9
Pad the Outer Perimeter
Polyester Upholstery Batting softens the outer area. We used a roll made up of four layers of batting and one more layer wrapping around the edges. Don’t add more than one layer of batting on top of your Cardboard Tack Strip since Metal Upholstery Nails will be added to this area.
STEP 10
Finish the Bottom 4"
Cut a strip of fabric wide enough to go around the ends of the headboard and long enough to wrap behind the bottom. Cardboard Tack Strip snugged up to the foam gives a nice, crisp line. You don’t want to pad this area. Having this 4" section keeps the wall from peaking in behind the head of the bed.
STEP 11
Pad the Decorative Panels
Pad the panels with one layer of Polyester Upholstery Batting. Cut the fabric large enough to wrap around the panels and attach to the back. Make relief cuts while attaching the fabric, allowing the fabric to lay smoothly on the panel pieces.
STEP 12
Attach the Decorative Panels
Drill holes through the headboard where the panels will be screwed on. We used several holes per side and then clamped the upholstered panels securely to the headboard while screwing them securely in place.
STEP 13
Attach Cording
Attach Welt Cord to the outer edge on the back of the headboard, giving your project a finished professional look.
STEP 14
Neaten Up the Back of Your Headboard
Using scrap pieces of fabric, neatly upholster the wood that frames your headboard. Staple neatly for a clean finished look.
STEP 15
Attach the Headboard Cleats
Next, add Headboard Cleats and a piece of poplar to the back of your headboard. The poplar brings the cleat out to the same depth as the framing of the headboard. We’ve screwed the poplar on and then used two cleats to span the width of the headboard.
NOTE: Our cleat had to be a certain distance from the top of the headboard to accommodate drapery panels.
STEP 16
Add Decorative Nails
Dress up the headboard with Metal Upholstery Nails. They are attached around the inside of the recessed area next to the Welt Cord as well as the perimeter of the decorative panels.
TIP: Use our Magnetic Tack Hammer for easy installation of decorative nails.
