DIY Tufted Headboard with Wings and Nailhead Trim!

By 31 Comments


I am so excited to have Sarah from Sarah M. Dorsey Designs here today.
After stumbling across her blog and finding her DIY headboard, I knew I wanted her to share it with you!
Sarah is crazy talented, you will love her!
Hi! I am Sarah and I blog at Sarah M. Dorsey Designs – where I focus on creative design solutions that won’t blow your budget!
First off I want to send a big thank you to Danielle for inviting me to share with you one of my latest projects!
I love the look of a tufted and winged headboard but at $500.00 and up I decided to make my own version for a lot less $$.
After developing a plan –
My husband David and I gathered supplies –
– 62 1/2″ x 48 1/2″ plywood (1/2″)
– 1 x 4s, (for back supports)
– 1 x 6s and 2 x 6s (for side arms)
– 4 yards of fabric (what I used is no longer available, but this is similar)
– 28 buttons to be covered
– 62 1/2″ x 48 1/2″ foam (1″)
– Batting to cover front and arms
– Nailhead trim (about 500)
and got to work!
The plywood was cut to size, holes drilled for tufting, 1x4s were cut and screwed into place to build a support around the entire back
Next, 1″ foam was attached with spray adhesive to avoid it slipping while tufting
Batting was attached with staple gun and excess was cut off
I purchased a button kit at Joann Fabrics. Because I wasn’t buying upholstery buttons, I applied a small amount of glue on the interior of the buttons to prevent them popping off later
Headboard was flipped over (we used two dining chairs for support) fabric was placed on top  – and we began tufting with a long needle and heavy duty thread – starting in the center and working our way out – pulling the fabric tight as we went
I threaded the needle through the hole and pushed the button down –
While David secured the button from below
Then the fabric was stapled on the back – the batting and fabric for the arms were cut and placed between the headboard the arm – the arms were then attached with screws – the remaining fabric was pulled tight and stapled on the back
After the fabric was secured and excess was trimmed off – I began applying the nailhead trim – two rows per arm, floor to top of headboard took about 500 nails
And there you go! We worked on and off for about 2 days and total cost was just under $150
I love how headboards can really transform a space – and for a weekend project that’s under $150 – its definitely worth trying!
Feel free to stop by my blog and say hi sometime, I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks so much for having me Danielle!
Incredible right? I love a DIY that does not look like one, and this headboard is perfect!
Just incase you aren’t convinced of Sarah’s mad DIYing skills, check out a few of these projects:
Thanks so much for being here today Sarah, you are amazing!

Comments

  5. says

    Um. Beautiful heavenly tuftedness!!! Where did those nails come from? They aren’t the normal flat ones, but have that lovely design on them. Do tell:)

    Reply

  10. says

    You did such a great job!!! Im so impressed. How did you get your nailheads straight? I made a headboard recently and have been too scared to tackle the nailheads that I had planned on adorning it with because I’ve seen too many that were all zigity zag down the line. Any thoughts?

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks Bethany! I think part of the key is getting a higher quality nailhead (I’ve used some from wal mart before that were a lot cheaper and bent easily) These were much stronger! Also, when applying them I get it almost all the way and then tap side to side till it is straight – it is amazing how much play they have! Hope this helps!

      Reply

  15. says

    I love this headboard! My name is Kathryn Nelson. My husband and I are trying to make a extra wide wingback headboard that would be the width of a full size bed. We are placing the bed long way against the wall. We wanted the bed to look somewhat like a couch. Could you explain in more detail how you upholstered the buttons and how far apart you drilled the button holes? Oh, and I am still a little confused about how you upholstered the arms of the headboard. My e-mail is kanelson80@cox.net

    The room is just beautiful!

    Reply

  17. says

    You have to determine how much your budget for your headboard is. This can help you choose what materials to use. You can create one if you do not have much budget.

    Reply

  21. Anonymous says

    Can you please come over and decorate my apt?! You do a fabulous job. My husband and I recently married and we are moving into an apt together. We have no clue what furniture to buy…starting from scratch sucks.

    Reply

  22. Anonymous says

    What size bed was this headboard made for? I have a queen so I want to make sure I get the right dimensions!

    Reply

  23. Anonymous says

    Hi, My name is Peaches.
    I love this headboard best of all. What size bed does it fit? I need to make one
    That fits a king bed. What adjustment do I need to make in measurements? is that like a blue jean fabric. What type of fabric do you suggest? I admire your work and that is why I have so many questions. Thanks guys.

    Reply

  25. says

    Your room is great! My daughter wants this headboard and we’ve gathered the materials and we’re ready to go. I wanted to ask how you measured for to drill the holes in the plywood for the tufted effect and buttons. I’ve done buttons in an ottoman but we drilled holes in the foam and there was no wood like on the headboard. Where did the first hole and row start and where does it end? Thanks.

    Reply

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