This oversized headboard looks designer, and takes 5 steps to DIY

Perfect for the DIY novice

Statement headboard against a pale pink wall with wall lights and pink linen bedding
(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

The functional benefits of a headboard are well known, whereas the design impact is often overlooked. Don’t sleep on (excuse the pun) the opportunity to elevate your bedroom’s interior scheme with a stunning oversized upholstered headboard that's beautifully simple to DIY if you want to add a touch of designer appeal to your bedroom space.  

Choosing to DIY a headboard is a great idea for a number of reasons. Firstly, your bank balance will thank you for picking up your toolbox as you can save a ton by choosing the DIY route. Secondly, as chief designer you can be as creative as you like with the style and shape, why not recreate that expensive designer headboard you’ve been dreaming about?

You will need

Tools and materials for DIY headboard laid out on the floor

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

1. Wood for the frame: I opted for 18mm MDF from eBay

2. Staple gun

3. Jigsaw

4. Upholstery foam: these are the large Upholstery foam sheets I used

5. Wadding: I chose a Fire Retardant Polyester Wadding Roll

6. Sander

7. Tape measure

8. Spray adhesive: Adhesive Spray Contact Glue Heavy Duty Mount from eBay

9. Pen

10. Wall brackets

11. Screw (used to create the circular shape)

12. Material from eBay

13. Drill

14. Screwdriver 

1. Design Time

As I mentioned above, you can get creative with a DIY headboard. I opted for a two-part, circular design that was inspired by a fabulous designer brand whose products cost thousands, but you could keep it very simple and straightforward if you prefer. Introducing curves does increase the complexity of cutting out and covering the frame, but with a good jigsaw and a bit of practice, it’s achievable for even a novice DIYer. 

2. Make the base

DIY headboard project

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Measure and mark the outline of the headboard frame onto the wood of your choice. I chose 18mm MDF because it’s a super easy material to work with and provides a strong and stable base for a DIY headboard.

I drew the outline of the circle by attaching a screw to the center point, taping a pen to my tape measure, setting the length of the tape measure to the radius of the circle, clipping the end of the tape measure over the screw and then rotating the body of the tape measure around the circumference of the circle causing the pen to mark the cutting guide as it went. 

Tape measure extended over mdf sheet on the floor

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Once the circle was drawn, I clamped the MDF down securely and cut out the shape using my jigsaw. 

MDF sheet clamped down whilst being cut with jigsaw

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Once the shape had been neatly cut, it was time to sand the edges of the MDF to ensure a smooth finish. I repeated the process for both parts because my design was formed of two semicircles.

Random orbital sander being held up to a sheet of MDF

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

3. Get padding

When the frame is ready, place the wood onto the upholstery foam and draw around it to give a template. Do the same with the wadding/batting, this time leaving an extra few inches all around to allow you to pull it over the edge and attach it to the back later in the process. 

Two MDF semi-circles laid out on upholstery foam

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Once you have cut both the foam and the wadding, cut the foam along the outline and place on the frame to check it fits perfectly.

Upholstery foam with two semi-circle segments drawn in pen

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Spray the adhesive onto the MDF and the underside of the foam according to the manufacturer’s guidelines then press the foam down firmly to attach it to the MDF.

A large sheet of upholstery wadding laid out over a foam segment with yellow scissors on top

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Once the adhesive has dried and the foam is firmly attached to the MDF, it is time to stretch the wadding out and wrap it around the base of the headboard. Pull it quite firmly to avoid wrinkles and creases, but not too tightly so that it causes the foam to dent. Fold the wadding over the edge of the MDF and carefully staple it to the back of the headboard. Continue this process all the way around the headboard until you have completed the shape.

4. Cover the headboard

A hand holding an iron over some stretched out material

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Iron your fabric to ensure it is crease-free then lay it out on the floor. Place the padded headboard base over the fabric and start the process to attach the fabric, you do this in the same way as for the wadding, firmly stretching it to ensure no creases remain then folding over the edge and stapling neatly to the back. Attach the fabric around the whole headboard shape until you are happy it is neat, smooth, and free of imperfections.   

Fabric being stretched out over an MDF headboard

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

5. Attach to the wall

Neutral circular headboard in front of pale pink bedroom wall

(Image credit: Claire Douglas)

Once the DIY headboard is complete it’s time to attach it to the wall for safety. I opted for an oversized design for maximum impact, so there was even more reason to ensure it was securely attached. I used similar wall brackets to those you use for kitchen cabinets as they are easy to fit and great at holding heavy items securely in place. 

And there you have it, a DIY headboard in five easy steps!

  • With special thanks to eBay UK who supplied the materials, I was able to create this awesome tutorial. 
Claire Douglas
Guest blogger

I'm happiest when I have either a drill or paintbrush in my hand! I specialise in room transformations on a budget and love experimenting with different styles and techniques which I share on my Instagram. I believe that your imagination, not your budget, should be the limiting factor when transforming a room and I love thinking of creative ways to build custom and bespoke-looking furniture using flatpacks or upcycle finds. 

I also love writing and my home improvement blog (ClaireDouglasStyling.co.uk) is my passion project where I share creative ideas for interior styling and DIY tips and tutorials.