King Size Framed Upholstered Headboard

Difficulty

Intermediate

About Project

Create a luxurious headboard for your bed with these simple plans. Special thanks to Amy for sharing her photo. Amy also built the bed (it's a queen size) from her own plan.

Dimensions

Overall dimensions are shown for a king size, shown above. Please note that the actual width will be 78″ and not 84″, as shown above (to fit a standard king, 78″ wide). The cut list will reflect this change. To make a queen sized, simply subtract 18″ from all horizontal cuts, leaving all vertical cuts the same. (queen sized mattress measures 60″ x 80″)

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 3/4 MDF or plywood (can be low grade, but make sure the plywood is straight and not damaged)

1 – 1/2 Plywood (can be low grade, but make sure the plywood is straight and not damaged)

6 – 1×3 boards

2 – 10′ sticks of 2 1/2″ unfinished moulding

2″ nails

1 1/4″ nails

Glue

Wood Filler

Sand Paper

Paint, stain or varnish

Fabric (approximately 2 1/2 yards, at least 45″ width)

Foam Padding

Staples

1″ screws to screw panel to back

2″ screws to fasten headboard to the bed or to the wall

Cut List

A) 1 – 3/4″ Plywood or MDF @ 76 1/2″ x 40” (Back, you can use builder’s grade plywood)

B) 2 – 1×3 @ 76 1/2″ (Top and Bottom Trims, Bottom Layer)

C) 2 – 1×3 @ 35″ (Side Trim, Bottom Layer)

D) 1 – 1×3 @ 76 1/2″ (Bottom)

E) 2 – 1×3 @ 55 1/4″ (Legs)

F) 1 – 1×3 @ 78″ (Top)

G) 2 – 1×3 @ 14 1/2″ (Fronts of Legs)
Store bought moulding, cut to fit the opening, covering the 1×3 bottom layer trim.
1/2″ plywood, cut to fit the opening (approximately 35″ x 71 1/2″)

Cutting Instructions

Please note that the actual width will be 78″ and not 84″, as shown in dimension diagram(to fit a standard king, 78″ wide). The cut list will reflect this change. To make a queen sized, simply subtract 18″ from all horizontal cuts, leaving all vertical cuts the same. (queen sized mattress measures 60″ x 80″)

Tools

Instructions

Step 1

Please note that the above piece should be cut at 76 1/2″ x 40″
1. Back. Cut or have cut the back of the headboard. Overall dimensions are 76 1/2″ x 40″

Step 2

Please note that the top and bottom trim, boards B, will be 1×3 cut at 76 1/2″ overall length.
2. Top and Bottom Trim, Bottom Layer. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue to fasten the trim pieces to the back, as shown above.

Step 3

3. Side Trim, Bottom Layer. Fasten the side trim to the back, as shown above. Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue. Keep outside edges flush.

Step 4

Please note that the bottom piece will be 76 1/2″, and not 82 1/2″ as shown above.
4. Bottom. Fasten the bottom in place, using 2″ nails and glue. Be certain to fasten to both the back and the bottom layers of trim. Keep back and sides flush. The front will overhang 1″.

Step 5

Step 6

Please note that the top will be 78″ long and not 84″ as shown above.
6. Top. Fasten the top in place, as shown above. The top will be a 1×3 cut at 78″, not 84″ as shown above. You will need to fasten with the 2″ nails and glue, fastening to the legs, top trim and back.

Step 7

7. Front Legs. Fasten with 2″ nails through thes sides of the legs into the side edge of the fronts of the legs. Also fasten the top of the leg fronts to the headboard as shown above.

Step 8

Frame. Measure and cut your frame from the store bought moulding. Miter the corners at 45 degrees. Uses 1 1/4″ nails and glue.

Step 9

Fabric Insert. Measure and cut the panel insert, shown in green above. Your panel should measure approximately 35″ high x 71 1/2″ long. This is correct, and the dimensions given above for the length are 6″ too long.
Dry fit your panel. You may wish to leave some room around the panel to give allowance for foam backing and fabric. When you are satisfied with the fit of the panel, cover with foam, batting and fabric, stapling on the back. Using the 1″ screws, screw from the back of the headboard into the center panel, holding the panel in place. You will want screws in each of the corners, and in the center.

Project Type

King