I’m excited to share with you my DIY Tufted Headboard with you today. It’s an easy DIY that costs less than $100.
I have searched all over for a fun headboard, and those can be expensive. When I started looking to make one, I came across this completely cool DIY for a Tufted Headboard from Sarah over at Thrifty Decor Chick. I found a few more, and even put together a little roundup of DIY Headboards you can make in a day. While I found them all cool, I decided on the tufted look for our room.
DIY Tufted Headboard for Under $100
While I really made my headboard after Sarah’s (make sure to head to her site, link above, for her step by step instructions), I did think to add just a few more things to help you along the way.
How to Make a DIY Tufted Headboard
Here is a list of supplies you will need for your headboard:
- 3/4″ 4′ x 8′ MDF Board ($30.07)
- 3 yards fabric ($27.27)
- 3 yards batting ($14.97)
- Queen Egg Crate Mattress ($20.07 at BBB with 20% off coupon)
- (3) Sets of Buttons (2.49 ea. for total of $7.47)
Here is a list of supplies that I already had on hand, but you might need to grab:
- drill & bit (for buttonholes)
- upholstery stapler and staples
- jigsaw
- circular saw
- round pizza pan (for the corners!)
Once I arrived home with all of my supplies I immediately set up the sawhorses and created a working environment in my garage.
In the Summer.
In 100 degree weather.
Yes, call me crazy, but I finished this headboard REALLY FAST thanks to the heat and humidity.
DIY Tufted Headboard Instructions
1. First, I did not have Lowe’s cut my board, and that would have probably been smart on my part. Instead, I set up my sawhorses. I measured twice and then cut my board to be 76 inches, the length I need for my King sized headboard.
2. Once the cut was made, I then made my measurements and drilled the buttonholes. Here is how I made those measurements for my buttonholes: I measured 12″ down from the top for the first row of three, and then from the side 19″ in, and then 19″ in between each buttonhole.
3. For the second row I measure 19″ down from the top, 9.5″ inside for the first hole, then 19″ apart for each additional hole, ending with another 9.5″ space between the last buttonhole and edge of the board, see the photo below.
4. Once I had those made, I created the rounded edges on the top for the design I chose. I did that by using my trusty (rusty) round pizza pan! (Sometimes you just have to improvise!) After I created the curve I wanted, I cut it out with my jigsaw.
5. Once my piece on one side was cut, I flipped it over and used it as a template to cut my mark, and then cut the second side. It took only a matter of minutes.
6. Once I was finished with the cuts and buttonholes, the rest went super fast. I stapled the foam mattress onto the front of the board, curving it over the edges and stapling on the bottom.I then added the batting to smooth out that egg grate look and make it a bit more fluffy.
7. After that, I added the fabric I picked for the headboard. I had extra leftovers from the headboard so I had plenty for the buttons I was going to make in a few minutes.
I finished stapling the fabric quickly, and you can’t really see in the picture, but there are lines on this fabric. Just make sure if you have lines on your fabric you measure and make sure it is lined up before you start stapling.
8. Once the board was done, it was time to create the buttonholes. I only had to make seven, and these really did not take long at all. It was my first button making experience and I was excited that it was easier than I had expected.
9. I added the buttons, pulling them tight and securing them to the back with a long needle, twine, and staples. All that was remaining was to hang the headboard!
10. I grabbed 4 Large D-Ring picture hangers and measured them 16″ apart. (the distance between the center of the studs, which had 3 1/2″ screws in them).
Once the headboard was hung, all was complete!
I am totally in love with how the headboard looks. So much better than my plain wall behind it. I really like how everything looks with my No Sew Roman Shades I made earlier this year.
From start to finish I was able to complete this headboard in about 4 straight hours. Not bad for a half days work! I love the way it turned out and how everything changed in the room.
Grab the shopping list from above and make your own easy DIY Tufted Headboard for Under $100 today!
Terry says
This turned out awesome Jen! I think I may try this for my teenaged girl’s room … you make it look so easy 🙂 I’ll share it on my blog when I’m done and link up to you for directions if that’s okay! 🙂
Smiles!
Terry
Jennifer says
That would be awesome! Thanks 🙂