A Guide to Revitalizing Your Bedroom Decor With an Upholstered Headboard

Reupholstering a fabric headboard is a great way to update your bedroom decor without investing in a whole new set of furniture. Whether you’re looking to complement your existing décor with a sleek, modern look or you’re just getting into a full bedroom remodel, it can be done easily with a few easy steps and some new fabric.

First, it’s important to measure the dimensions of the existing headboard and the space you plan to cover with the new fabric. If your headboard is attached to a wall, measure the front and sides of the headboard as well as around the edge. Add about six inches for overlap onto the back to ensure the new fabric fits. If the headboard is free-standing, measure all sides of the headboard and add extra fabric just in case.

Next, select the best fabric for your headboard. Generally, leather and vinyl are the best options for headboards as they are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Light-colored, absorbent fabrics may also be an option, but should be sprayed with a Scotchgard (TM) fabric stain and water-repellent treatment prior to use. When dealing with patterned materials, be sure to purchase enough fabric to make all of your corners match.

Once the fabric is purchased, it’s time to purchase the padding and edging. Upholstery padding is a great way to make a headboard flatter and smoother, while adding a bit of protection. If a more traditional look is desired, pick up enough high loft latex padding and buttons to do the trick. For more modern looks, low-loft will work better. Decorative edging, such as studs and beading, should also be purchased.

The next step is to take off the old upholstery from the headboard. If your headboard is free-standing, unfasten it from the bed frame. If wall-mounted, just unscrew the screws at the back. For both free-standing and wall-mounted headboards, measure and cut an undersurface padding for the headboard and attach it with industrial staples.

From there, it’s time to lay out and cut the fabric. After it is cut, fold 1/2 inch around the outer edge and then stretch it snugly over the headboard surface. Staple the fabric through the edge fold to keep the staples secure. You may also want to add some tufting with crossed pairs of staples and buttons, studs and other decorative edging to make the headboard look extra special.

Once all the upholstery is finished, the headboard should be ready to be reattached to the bed frame or wall, depending on where it was before. And voila, you have a brand new headboard in your bedroom, ready to make a statement in your updated bedroom décor!