Wood Framed Upholstered Headboard- Queen

diy upholstered headboard
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Make your own upholstered panel headboard in a wood frame - free plans by Ana-White.com

diy upholstered headboard
diy upholstered headboard
diy upholstered headboard
diy upholstered headboard
diy upholstered headboard

RELATED: Matching Platform Bed Plans

 

 

 

We considered quite a few options when putting together these plans, but ultimately, felt a wood framed headboard would be the best accent for this platform bed.  And I am so thrilled how this bed turned out!

My friend Whitney from Shanty 2 Chic built this bed for her sister.  Here's from Whitney:

This was such a fun and easy headboard to build. I think it looks very adult and expensive, and it is a perfect partner to that great platform bed. You can easily build it for under $100 which makes it even prettier if you ask me! I built the entire thing while the babies were taking their nap. I love how you can personalize it so much with your fabric. My sister loves it too!

Make sure you stop over and check out more photos and building details from Whitney on this headboard.  And of course, the plans follow.

 

Dimensions
dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 sheet 1/2” plywood or MDF
  • 1 – 1x4 @ 12 feet long
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 – 1x6 @ 6 feet long
  • 1” thick foam for center panel
  • Batting to cover foam
  • 1 yard 54” wide decorator fabric
  • ½” staples
  • Spray adhesive
  • 1 – stick moulding
  • 1 ¼” and 2 ½” brad nails
  • Wood glue
  • Finishing supplies
  • 2 heavy duty metal shelf brackets for attaching headboard to bed
Cut List
  • 1 – 1/2” plywood, particle board or MDF @ 40” x 58
  • LEGS: 2 – 1x4 @ 40” OR 53" if legs extend all the way to the floor for a freestanding headboard
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 51 ½”
  • 1 – 1x6 @ 51 ½”
  • 2 – 1x3 @ 40” OR 53" if legs extend all the way to the floor for a freestanding headboard
  • 1 – 1x4 @ 62 ¼” (header) Moulding cut to fit
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Staple Gun
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Glue the foam to the plywood carefully, positioned as shown in the diagram. This is very important to get just right. Cover with batting and fabric, stapled right to the plywood. This area is to be covered by wood frame boards. Make sure all staples are pounded into the plywood.

Step 2

If legs extend all the way to the floor, cut to 53" instead of 40" and extend past.

Now you can either use the Kreg Jig to build the wood frame first, and then nail to your plywood or nail each board individually to the plywood, framing the foam piece in center. NOTE: I did change the center plywood to 1/2" thick to weigh less and be less expensive to build, so change nail lengths to fit your plywood. You may wish to use screws so the center panel is removeable for changing up the fabric.

Step 3

Now add the side trim.

If legs extend to the floor, cut the side trim to 53" and attach all the way to the floor.

Step 4

Followed by top trim.

Step 5

Step 6

To attach headboard to bed, use the shelf support brackets as shown above. You may also need to attach to wall.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Room

Comments

Becky Piening (not verified)

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 09:37

I made this headboard and the platform bed and my friends have fallen in love with it! They want me to help them build one for their room but they have a king size bed. Can you give me the dimensions I should use? I think I can figure it out but if you already have them...well, why reinvent the wheel, right? Thanks!

Wendy Jo (not verified)

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 02:08

I would love the dimensions for a full size bed. Also how to adapt it to use it with my metal bed frame. I love the wooden frame but I don't think I can talk my brother into helping my make that. The headboard I know he'll help me with.

Thanks

Emily W. (not verified)

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 18:46

This is so cool! I want to make this, but I was wondering how I could just make the headboard and attach it to a metal bed frame.

Thanks!
Emily

Emily W. (not verified)

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 18:46

This is so cool! I want to make this, but I was wondering how I could just make the headboard and attach it to a metal bed frame.

Thanks!
Emily

Melanie Hoehn (not verified)

Tue, 12/11/2012 - 21:56

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bed but need dimensions for a king size bed. Do you have any or can you tell me how I would go about adjusting these plans? Also, I would like to use my bed frame and build the bed around it, is that possible? Thank you in advance. I love all your plans and have recently gotten back into wood working after being away from it for more than 20 years.

Abarrett801

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 23:25

First thank you for sharing your wonderful design! :) I am looking to build this for my little guy's big boy room. It will be a twin bed so I am wondering if you can post the project dimensions adjusting for the twin. Also I am looking to attach it to a metal bed frame. Would you also be willing to post how to attach the head board to a metal frame? :) Thanks!
-Alyssa

Abarrett801

Wed, 06/26/2013 - 23:25

First thank you for sharing your wonderful design! :) I am looking to build this for my little guy's big boy room. It will be a twin bed so I am wondering if you can post the project dimensions adjusting for the twin. Also I am looking to attach it to a metal bed frame. Would you also be willing to post how to attach the head board to a metal frame? :) Thanks!
-Alyssa

Arhall1010

Sun, 01/31/2016 - 14:10

I have been looking through the comments and most seemed to be about dimensions for a king size bed. Would you have those dimensions for this headboard as well as the platform bed that it is attached to? I am IN. LOVE. with it!!! It will definitely be a fun spring time project for myself and my hubby to try and accomplish. 

bhupesh

Sun, 12/31/2017 - 09:25

I loved the headrest, it is so easy for a beginner like me to build. The only thing that I am not able to figure out is how do I use the Shelf support bracket to attach the headboard to the bed so that the shelf bracket remains inside and not visible outside?

 

abwright

Sun, 10/28/2018 - 13:00

I like this bed a lot but my existing mattress is California King and in good shape. If nobody has the dimensions, can you tell me how I can measure my mattress for the California King?  Thanks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!