DIY: Make Your Own Headboard!

This weekend, we're making a brand-spankin'-new headboard. As big a tackle as it may sound, it's a relatively simple D.I.Y. with a lot of potential for expression. The toughest part is picking out what fabric you want. (And because this is an easy project, it won't be tough to make a switch when you want to update the swatch.)

You'll need:

3/4" plywood, cut flush to width of bed, as high as you like
Staple gun
12mm staples
Box-cutter
2" foam
Fire-retardant batting
Fabric, cut to give margins around plywood and batting
Foam adhesive spray
Trim (optional)
Flush mount wall hangers

Step 1:
Cut plywood to desired shape. We used a jigsaw to get curved edges.

Step 2:
Trace the foam to the shape of the headboard using a marker and box-cutter.

Step 3:
Spray foam and plywood with adhesive and immediately apply foam to wood. Let sit for 20 minutes.

Step 4:
Cover foam in batting and staple to back of plywood.

Step 5:
Cover batting in fabric and staple to back of frame. Make sure you pull the fabric tight so you have a smooth surface. (If you choose a print, make sure the print is vertically and horizontally even, as you desire.) To avoid puckering at corners, make a tucked triangle and pull down to staple.

Step 6:
Trim off any extra fabric.

Step 7:
Apply trim.

Step 8:
Mount flush to wall.

Tips: The key to getting smooth staples is to apply pressure to the head of the gun. Sometimes that means using your hand and body weight to push down while you staple, or a friend if you have one! Don't be deterred if all your staples aren't perfect — just make sure they are in securely.