How to Make an Upholstered Headboard (3 Simple Steps)

Learn how to make an upholstered headboard the cheap and easy way with this step by step tutorial. With a few tools, a drop cloth, and a used metal headboard you can create a DIY upholstered headboard in one day.

I could not wait to share how to make an upholstered headboard after sharing our cheap small bedroom ideas post. Probably one of the easiest and inexpensive projects I have created this year. It will give your existing headboard a whole new look. Who knew you could change the type of headboard you have so easily?

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How to Make an Upholstered Headboard

The key to making this a budget-friendly project is upcycling. First things first, start by finding an old metal headboard. Once you have your bed you can begin to collect these other materials to convert a metal headboard to upholstered.

Supplies Needed to Make an Upholstered Headboard

• Metal headboard
• Pegboard
• Zip ties
• Scissors
• Quilt batting
• Drop cloth (bleach if you plan to bleach it white)
• Electric staple gun and staples
• Jigsaw
• Pencil
• Sawzall (optional)

DIY Upholstered Headboard

Let's get started on our DIY project. To begin if your metal headboard has anything you want to remove as I did her with the spindles on the corners go ahead and remove it. You do not have to do this step but it makes this convert metal headboard to upholstered headboard look exactly like an upholstered headboard.

To remove the spindles we used a Sawzall and cut off the posts. You do not have to remove the posts but I wanted to for the look I was going for.

Step 1: Cut Pegboard

Next, lay the pegboard on a flat surface then lay your metal headboard onto the pegboard. I lined up the edges so I could save myself some cutting. It also ensures the bottom is indeed a straight line. The metal headboard will be the back of the headboard.

Now draw around the edges of the metal headboard. This will give you an outline of the headboard. Because I lined up the bottom of the headboard, I only needed to cut along the side and top of the headboard.

And then using the jigsaw cut along the line.

Step 2: Attach with Zipties

The next part is simple. Thread zip ties through the back of the pegboard and around the metal headboard then zip it shut pulling it tight.

Then cut the excess off with scissors or I used wire cutters.

You be the judge on how many zip ties to use. I feel like the more you tie the metal headboard and pegboard together the more secure it will become.

Step 3: Add Fabric and Quilt Batting

Before we start upholstering iron out your fabric to get any wrinkles or creases out. It is much easier to do it now. You'll want the front of your headboard to be as smooth as possible.

What is the best fabric for upholstered headboard?

You might be asking what is the best fabric to use for an upholstered headboard. The answer to that is a upholstery weight fabric or a canvas material like this drop cloth.

Next lay the upholstery fabric or drop cloth on a flat surface smoothing out all wrinkles.

Then lay the quilt batting over it. I laid out three layers of batting.

Then lay the metal bed down on top of the fabric and batting with the pegboard side down.

Now find a place to begin and pull the fabric and quilt batting around the frame of the metal bed and staple it down with the staple gun. Continue to do this moving in one direction.

If you get to a place that has a curve you will need to cut slits into the fabric so the fabric moves gracefully around the curve. On inside curves, I cut v shapes but on outside curves, I cut straight cuts or slits. The front of the headboard will look smooth and beautiful.

Also, if you find a place where you cannot wrap the fabric use zigzag scissors to cut the edge. This will keep the fabric from fraying. As you can see, there is a small amount of fabric left and you'll want to trim any excess fabric beyond that.

Guess what? You are finished!!! Your headboard's new look makes it look like a new headboard.

How much does it cost to make an upholstered headboard?

Good news – this DIY project is that it won't cost you a lot of money. If you are using an old metal frame, pegboard, bleach drop cloth and quilt batting, this headboard is cheap costing around 50.00. You an also cut wood instead of using an old metal frame and again this project would be under 75.00. Or use an old wooden headboard. This project makes a big impact when it comes to changing the look of your bedroom or guest room.

Final Thoughts on Converting Metal Headboard to Upholstered

Can you believe how quick, easy, inexpensive, and beautiful this headboard turned out and with only a limited amount of tools?

Here are a few last tips on making this headboard. Use an upholstery weight fabric which is a thicker fabric or a drop cloth like I did.

If you want to bleach your drop cloth know that not all drop cloths are created equal. I have found some that will not bleach so tap any blue drop cloth text to take you to the one I buy.

Last, to bleach your dropcloth just put it in a top load washer with hot water and lots of bleach and let it sit for 6 to 8 hours agitating the tub every hour.

And if you would like some other simple DIY projects to check out this easy DIY basket pendant light or how to install peel and stick wallpaper like this shiplap wall in the guest bedroom.

I hope you have found this post to be helpful and here are pictures of the final product.

Now it is your turn. For more inspiration and ideas for small bedrooms check out these bedroom ideas for small rooms.

Happy Decorating!