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Trash To Treasure

Making a padded headboard from comforter

rob333 (zone 7b)

17 years ago

I am losing the bed frame, head, and foot board, but get to keep the mattress/boxsprings. I want to buy a frame (where is the cheapest?), and make a padded headboard. I've been pondering padded headboards for quite awhile, thiking about what style I'd like, the material, etc., and I think my old comforter has seen better days, but still can arrange it so that good part is what is seen above the bed. And the matching shams also still look good. So have you ever done this? What would you take into consideration? I assume the comforter batting is good, but an additional layer would be needed, especially if I tuft in any way.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

kudzukween
17 years ago
Check on DIY,or HGTV . I know I've seen a lot of shows that tell you how to make headboards. I'd use plywood or MDF. If you want to tuft it, like with buttons, you'd have to pre-drill holes for that. If the comforter is big enough, cut the best part off, and use the rest for batting.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kudzu's Blog
rob333 (zone 7b)
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks! Yea, I could fold it in half and it'd still work. I think. Good thought.
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I have one from Room & Board, purchased several years ago (I'll link to the one I have -- the headboard extends 27-28 inches from the top of the mattress, which is 1 mattress, not a mattress+boxspring, because this is a platform bed w/metal slats). I don't like a lot of throw pillows on the bed, but I do love my 2 Euro shams there that coordinate with my comforter, and those shams give me a little more cushioning in the back when I'm sitting up using my laptop or reading. Plus, if I thought I'd stain them with anything, they're a layer of protection. But quite honestly, I don't think that's ever been an issue. If you think there might be, you can always spray a fabric protector on it (all over on the upholstered parts, not just the headboard). I'd also be smart about which fabric you chose -- even touching the samples will tell you which need to be baby'd and which are tougher. By the way, I use a vacuum cleaner tool to "dust" the fabric when I need to, so a light cotton upholstery probably would be a bad choice. Here is a link that might be useful: R&B's Ella bed
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lydia1959
17 years ago
Put an ad on Craigslist that you are looking for a free/cheap bedframe. Usually when you buy new matresses, you get a bedframe free... so people may have an extra to give away.
concretenprimroses
17 years ago
I used to make message boards out of homasote. (Not sure how it is spelled.) If you just want to make a head board to mount on the wall, it would be very easy to work with and I don't think its expensive. (Cut to size, wrap with batting then your bedspread)
kathy
sharon_fl
17 years ago
If I were to do this-I'd cut the headboard into the style you like-from MDF-cover with a medium thick batting, cut your spread-llowing plenty to staple to the back side. Then to created the tufted look? Just use the hammered brass upholstry nailhead tacks-. However-if you want a different color-you can always spray paint them with Krylon paint color of choice, by sticking them in a sheet of styrofoam, to hold in place & spray the heads. Just make sure you place something soft & padded over each nail while pounding into the headboard, so as not to chip the paint.

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