DIY Upholstered Fabric Headboard

• $40-$60 Total Cost

• 3-4 Hours

• Anyone Can Do It

What You’ll Need

• Plywood Panel (Cut to Size)

• Batting (1 Layer, Extra Wide)

• Staple Gun & Staples

• 2”-3” Foam Padding

• Fabric of Choice (~3 Yards)

• Spray Adhesive & French Cleats or Brackets

1. Cut your plywood panel

Most hardware stores will cut plywood to size for free or for a small fee. A good starting size is the width of your mattress, 3–4 feet tall.

2. Attach the foam

Spray adhesive onto the plywood and press the foam on top. Trim any overhang flush with the edges using a serrated knife or electric carving knife.

3. Layer the batting

Lay batting over the foam, generously overlapping the edges. Pull it taut around to the back and staple it down, working from the center outward on each side.

4. Wrap with fabric

Lay your fabric face-down, center the padded board on top, and wrap it the same way as the batting — stapling opposite sides first to keep tension even.

5. Finish the corners

Fold corners like wrapping a gift — neat diagonal folds stapled flat. Trim excess fabric and batting bulk before stapling for a cleaner finish.

6. Mount to the wall

Attach a french cleat or heavy-duty brackets to the back of the headboard and the wall. Hang at a height where the top sits 6–10 inches above your pillows.

Pro tip: Add upholstery tufting buttons or a row of nailhead trim along the edges for a tailored, boutique-hotel finish — both are inexpensive add-ons that elevate the final look.