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DIY Tall Tufted Headboard

April 29, 2013 by Laura

It has been almost three years since we moved in to this house and our master bedroom is so close to being finished – finally! I am thrilled with how it is turning out…I love the look and even better, I love the price we are paying for everything. A couple of weeks ago, I made a mirrored nightstand for my side of the bed (Conner’s is in the works!) but the next-to-last project for our room was a headboard that I knew would be a bear. Thanks to my mom who has no fear of projects I throw at her, we finished the ginormous tufted headboard project!

**Some disclaimers before I start the tutorial of the project: my mom and I are not expert upholstery people. We used a tutorial I found on Pinterest and adapted based on the size of our headboard and the minor experience we have tufting a footstool. I try to use pictures and words to explain our process below. If you don’t understand a step or have questions, feel free to ask! I would be happy to give more details if you see a step that is left unclear or left out. It is also VERY handy to have a buddy for this project. The tutorials I read only used one person. That is crazy to me – I highly recommend having a friend/family member help you with this!

West Elm Tufted HeadboardThe Tall Grid Tufted Headboard from West Elm was my inspiration for the project. We have a king-sized bed so I used their measurements for our project. (78″ wide by 56″ tall) She was a beast, a true beauty and also super expensive. It would have been so easy to order this headboard but I wasn’t interested in paying almost $900 (after taxes and shipping) for something we could make for cheaper.

DIY Tufted Headboard16After a long Sunday of working on the very large project and a Thursday night of installing it, this is my version of the headboard! I love it and am so happy with the results. It isn’t perfect like the West Elm version but if it was perfect, where would the fun war stories be about tackling this DIY?

P.S. I saved $705 by doing this on my own. Yup. 705 DOLLARS. Totally worth it!

DIY Tufted HeadboardI started with my supplies: a roll of batting (40% off at Hobby Lobby), 5 yards of white linen fabric (on sale for $7.99/yard at Hancock’s), a button making kit (40% off at Hancock’s), extra buttons (40% off at Hancock’s), upholstery needles (my mom already had on hand), upholstery thread (again, my mom already had on hand), two sheets of peg board that were pieced together to fit the size I needed (from Home Depot – they cut it to size) and two pieces of 3″ foam glued and cut to fit the dimensions I needed (a local foam store, Truman’s, did all of the work for me of gluing/cutting the foam).

**Side note about the fabric: I’m so glad I went with 5 yards of fabric. It seemed like a lot but other than some scraps and edges we cut off, we used most of it! I went with a white linen because the rest of the bedroom has darker colors and I wanted a lighter headboard. Linen has a beautiful texture and I liked that it was lightweight and easy to work with for our project. I do not recommend using patterned fabric for a tufted project. I can’t even imagine the pain of trying to match up the patterns of the board with the patterns of the buttons so go with a solid fabric for a project like this!

DIY Tufted Headboard2I used this tutorial from Little Green Notebook. I read several headboard tutorials but liked this one the best since we wouldn’t have to drill holes into wood. The pegboard was so handy to use since it already has 1″ spaced holes!

The only downside was that the boards weren’t big enough so we had to buy two pieces and have the second piece cut to size. The cutting machines at Home Depot are awesome and if you need something trimmed down, I highly suggest having the skilled employee take care of measuring/cutting for you before you leave the store!

We started off taping the pieces together but later used some upholstery thread to attach the pegboard to the foam in several places. There are numerous ways you could reinforce the flimsy areas of the pegboard so feel free to experiment – we certainly did!

DIY Tufted Headboard3Our first hour was spent laying out the buttons for tufting. Do you want to feel not smart? Count out 6 buttons across, 4 buttons down on a large piece of pegboard and see if you start to go crazy after 10 minutes. This messed with our brains and clearly the pegboard – I’m not sure which symbol we actually ended up using as our “this is the real hole” hole.

DIY Tufted Headboard4Once you lay out the placement of your buttons, lay the foam underneath the pegboard and make marks with a dark pen/marker on where the buttons/holes will go.

The yellow line is where Truman’s glued the two pieces of foam together. Several hours into the project, we realized it would show through the batting and fabric. We covered this up with a little craft paint and a lunch break of drying time. It worked perfectly!

**Side note: Centsational Girl’s tutorial was one I read to prep for this project. She only used 2″ foam. I’m so glad I used 3″ – it really gives more depth for the tufts. I saved a fortune using Truman’s for this project instead of going to Joann’s or Hancock’s to get the foam squares and piecing them together.

DIY Tufted Headboard5I used Conner’s drill to make holes where each of our tufts would go. In the Little Green Notebook tutorial, she cut out pieces of foam with a knife. That would work fine too but this was super fast and fun.

DIY Tufted Headboard6I did like that the tutorial we used suggested making the pegboard longer than the foam so that there was a nice seam of fabric behind the mattress instead of cutting off right at the top of the mattress. I added 10″ so the height of this piece was actually 66″ instead of 56″.

To help support the large pegboard, we used two side tables to hold it up. This came in handy later while tufting. My mom ended up lying underneath the piece and I was on top, each of us guiding the needle as it went on the top and bottom of the foam.

I didn’t use spray foam or any adhesive on these layers before we started tufting. I didn’t think the spray foam would be necessary since the we had the headboard laying down and I wanted it all to be able to move a little as we worked on this project. I’m not a huge fan of spray adhesive so I’m glad we skipped this step and didn’t need it.

DIY Tufted Headboard7Mom started by threading the needle, pushing it through a hole in the pegboard/foam/batting and finally guiding it to the spot I wanted in the fabric. I took the needle from her, helping to pull it through the rest of the way and threading a fabric covered button on to the needle. (A step not shown in this tutorial: button making. It was extremely easy using the kit I got at Hancock’s. It is also pretty cheap, especially when you can get them on sale for 40% off like I did!)

I would make sure the needle was all of the way through the four layers (pegboard, foam, batting and fabric), the button was attached to the thread and then push the needle back down through all four layers to my mom.

DIY Tufted Headboard8She would pull the needle back down and hold gently as I tucked and guided the fabric to fold the way I wanted. I didn’t want a traditional diamond tuft, rather a more modern and clean-lined tuft like the West Elm version.

DIY Tufted Headboard10Once the button was pulled down as far as I wanted, I would holler for her to keep holding so I could duck underneath the makeshift worktable and help her out. (This became the comical part of the process. We were barking out short sentences to each other like we were in some kind of boot camp. “Pull harder. Little more. Okay stop!” “Holding. Hurry!” “I’m coming under!”)

DIY Tufted Headboard9Mom would pull tightly on the string while I grabbed her air compressor nail gun (such a handy tool for this project!) and nail 5-6 staples into the pegboard to hold the button in the place we wanted. This is when you need a project buddy you are comfortable with – we spooned several times, I laid across her stomach at one point – and that buddy needs strong hands. Project buddies with Mom-strength preferred.

DIY Tufted Headboard11Once you finish the rows of tufting (we ended up doing four rows – 6 buttons each), pull the fabric around to the back of the pegboard and staple the heck out of it! Make sure you smooth the fabric as you go and pull it taught before stapling.

**Not shown – since this headboard was so tall, we had to use two strips of fabric. The fourth row of buttons are actually tufted using a new piece of fabric. This was no big deal because the pillows on our bed would cover them up but if this bothers you, adjust your measurements so you can use only one piece of fabric across.

DIY Tufted Headboard12Several days later, my dad came over to help me install the headboard. We used a tool called a french cleat – one side attached to the wall and one side attached to the headboard. They rest in each other and can hold up to 200 pounds – it is a very cool tool for hanging pictures or items like my headboard!

Conner got a laser level/stud finder for Christmas one year and it was perfect for this. We were able to make sure the picture hanger was level while the headboard was lying down, all thanks to the laser. (bonus points if you say laser like Dr. Evil in Austin Powers)

DIY Tufted Headboard13We measured the headboard, measured the wall, measured the headboard and measured the wall again – it was a little nerve-wracking carrying the large headboard back to the bedroom because I was worried it would all get messed up. The fabric wrinkled (its linen, what can you expect?) and some of the folds came undone but it was an absolute perfect fit on top of the headboard and I knew I could iron out the problems with the fabric.

You can see the two rows of fabric on the right side of this picture. My mom did a quick stitch in several places to make sure the two layers wouldn’t come undone and we used some spray glue to attach the bottom piece to the foam. So far – so good!

DIY Tufted Headboard14Once the headboard was in place and centered (the french cleat allows you to slide the picture/headboard back and forth while hanging so you can adjust as needed), I used an iron to clean up the wrinkles and secure some folds that had come undone. This final step helped so much and really polished it up!

DIY Tufted Headboard15Look, even dogs approve of the project!

DIY Tufted Headboard16Not pictured here is a nightstand for Conner. This is a work in progress thanks to the stupid air vent seen on the floor on the left side of the picture. Thanks, builders from the early 80’s, for placing this in the most awkward spot ever.

DIY Tufted Headboard17I love how much this brightens the room and also makes the ceilings seem so much taller. It still shocks me to walk down the hall and see a large white object in the bedroom!

DIY Tufted Headboard18The mirrored nightstand looks more complete now that the headboard is finished. Success!

DIY Tufted Headboard19And one last look at our new, West Elm knock-off, headboard! I am thrilled with the results and while I’m not willing to tackle another headboard of this size, can’t wait to do it again on a much smaller scale.

The West Elm version (with tax and shipping) would have cost me $887. My supplies, including french cleat, cost $182 for a savings of $705. Total score! If you have questions about this (I know several steps weren’t photographed), please email me or leave a comment. I would be happy to help and answer questions!

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Posted in DIY, Home Decor Ideas, Home Style, home updates, Master Bedroom | Tagged Bedroom, DIY, Fabric, Home Decor, Home Updates, White | 50 Comments

50 Responses

  1. on April 29, 2013 at 10:38 am craftingwithrage

    I have always wanted to know how to do this!! Thanks for being so detailed! 🙂


    • on April 29, 2013 at 4:26 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      You’re welcome! Thanks for reading.


  2. on April 29, 2013 at 4:17 pm SoPrettyIsAsPrettyDoes

    Hi Laura,
    You and I were seriously on the same wavelength today! I posted a West Elm inspiration headboard piece today too 🙂 Happy blogging – loved reading this post. http://www.soprettyisasprettydoes.com


    • on April 29, 2013 at 4:25 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      Too funny! Love your headboard, it looks great!


  3. on April 29, 2013 at 7:16 pm Emily

    You’re amazing! It looks so good! I bought a house and am thinking about painting some furniture for it, so I will definitely be using your blog! Also, are you coming to the theta reunion in June? I’d love to see you!!


    • on April 30, 2013 at 6:19 am Laura @ The Steen Style

      Thanks, Emily!! I haven’t decided about June – I’ll let you know!


    • on February 20, 2015 at 7:09 am international insurance car

      It’s wonderful to have you on our side, haha!


  4. on April 29, 2013 at 9:09 pm DIY: Mirrored Nightstand | The Steen Style

    […] (Pssst – like that green painter’s tape above our bed? It is now a tufted headboard, inspired by West Elm, that my mom and I made! Check it out here.) […]


  5. on April 30, 2013 at 6:17 am edie

    Wow, Laura!!! It looks so awesome. And I’m sure you’re enjoying every minute of it! Thanks for linking up today:)
    xoxo


    • on April 30, 2013 at 6:49 am Laura @ The Steen Style

      I am loving it!!! Makes me want to spend much more time in bed…not a good thing on a work morning! Thanks for hosting and stopping by, Edie!


  6. on April 30, 2013 at 2:43 pm Kelli

    wow that is a big project and you did a great job!


    • on April 30, 2013 at 2:50 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      Thank you, Kelli!


  7. on April 30, 2013 at 10:01 pm laura @ libertyfarmchronicles

    Looks great!
    Your patience and hard work is paying off and your master bedroom is a beautiful, restful, glamorous retreat.


  8. on May 2, 2013 at 10:29 pm Lori

    Your master bedroom looks amazing; well done! What a fantastic product; it turned out beautifully.
    Love your picture in your about space, by the way- gorgeous!
    Lori


  9. on May 6, 2013 at 11:06 am dimplesandtangles@att.net

    OK, now I know we’re really in the same area…Truman’s is a great local upholstery resource! And, just FYI for the future, they will totally make your covered buttons for you with a machine press for about $.50 each, and you’ll never have to worry about the front possibly popping off like they might with the covered buttons from the fabric store. Saves so much time…totally worth it! Your headboard looks great..what a sense of satisfaction knowing you did it yourself!


  10. on May 13, 2013 at 7:00 pm Tufted Headboard

    […] Laura from The Steen Style has been hard at work decorating her master bedroom for the past three years. While she really wanted an over-sized, tufted headboard, she certainly didn’t want to spend bahoodles of dollars on one. Instead, Laura took on the bear of a project with the help of her fearless mom. Here’s what Laura has to say:  “The size made this project intimidating,but once we were finished, it was well worth the time…and definitely the money saved!” […]


  11. on May 14, 2013 at 1:18 am Deb

    beautiful – I love that headboard. You and your mum are so clever!


    • on May 14, 2013 at 9:07 am Laura @ The Steen Style

      Thank you very much!


  12. on May 14, 2013 at 9:00 am Featured! | The Steen Style

    […] great ideas on how to get the look for way less from many different stores. What a thrill to see my DIY tall grid tufted headboard as a main feature! Thank you so much, […]


  13. on June 24, 2013 at 9:47 pm Say what?! | The Steen Style

    […] to a girlfriend, I was alerted that my DIY tufted headboard was featured as one of their 24 West Elm Hacks. It was a pretty cool feeling to see my headboard […]


  14. on June 24, 2013 at 10:43 pm Julie

    I’d love to know where you got your bedding? More specifically those navy shams!


    • on August 6, 2013 at 8:43 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      My mom actually made them, didn’t she do great! We found some fabric at the local fabric store and she sewed them for me. I don’t have a link or anything, sorry!


  15. on July 23, 2013 at 10:14 pm colette

    i am going to tackle this job i hope mine lookes at great as yours
    keep fingers crossed


    • on August 6, 2013 at 8:38 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      Good luck!! I think the hardest thing was the size of it. Send me pictures of yours, I would love to see it!


  16. on August 5, 2013 at 8:45 pm Anonymous

    I like yours better than West Elm’s!! Great job, kudos!


    • on August 6, 2013 at 8:36 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      Thank you so much!


  17. on August 26, 2013 at 4:50 pm j

    How wide was your fabric? I can’t seem to find fabric wide enough to make such a tall headboard?


  18. on August 27, 2013 at 6:01 am Upcycled Ikea Bed with DIY Tufted Headboard - Design, Dining + Diapers

    […] I have always wanted to make a DIY Tufted Headboard and this was the perfectly opportunity. I have to say I think the hardest part was making the buttons! My dad helped me make the headboard and I have to say it was much easier with two people. It helped to have someone hold it in place while tightening the tensity of the buttons and to have an extra set of eyes with placement. Since this was my first time making a headboard, I relied on tutorials from Thrifty Decor Chick and The Steen Style. […]


  19. on September 22, 2013 at 6:56 pm Tom

    I want to build this headboard for my mom, thank you for being so detailed. Let you know how it comes out.


    • on October 6, 2013 at 6:26 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      Hi Tom! Good luck!! I would love to see pictures of your project.


  20. on September 26, 2013 at 4:29 pm Linda Choi

    Was the fabric long and wide enough to cover the whole thing since it was so wide and tall? If not, how did you get around that? What was the total yardage that you ended up buy for your fabric? Thanks! Your headboard looks BEAUTIFUL!!!! Wanna come do mine??? 😉 Thanks for posting!


    • on October 6, 2013 at 6:30 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      Hi Linda! Glad you like it, I’m in love with it 🙂 I used 5 yards of 54″ wide fabric. I had to run a second layer of fabric at the bottom of the headboard since it was taller than the width of the fabric. I don’t see it though since my pillows cover it. If you look at the picture of the headboard installed without any bedding on the bed, you can see the second layer of fabric. I hope this helps!


  21. on November 19, 2013 at 10:12 am Anonymous

    Love the headboard! Did you sew more material together to make it taller? Most material is 54″ wide? Smr_reeves@hotmail.com


    • on December 26, 2013 at 8:20 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      Thanks! We had to use a second strip for the bottom. It was hand stitched in several places to the top piece and also adhered using spray adhesive. we haven’t had any problems so far!


  22. on January 1, 2014 at 2:17 pm 2013 Year in Review | The Steen Style

    […] second most favorite post/project of the year is our tufted headboard, inspired by West Elm and featured on BuzzFeed! (What a thrill and lesson learned…don’t […]


  23. on January 10, 2014 at 1:18 am Anonymous

    I’ve made a tufted headboard, but didn’t think about using pegboard, would have been much easier. Have a small dresser like yours and using as a nightstand. Can’t wait to start the mirrored project!!


  24. on January 25, 2014 at 12:41 am Veronica Chavez

    Hello, my name is Veronica I’ve been searching the web on making DIY tufted headboard my bed is a king size I really like the look on your bed, what were the measurements for your pegboard?


    • on February 9, 2014 at 10:12 pm Laura @ The Steen Style

      The pegboard is the size of the headboard – 78″x56″


  25. on March 6, 2014 at 7:59 pm Kc

    What size buttons did you use?


  26. on March 19, 2014 at 7:23 pm custom headboards

    A few months ago the craft forums were abuzz with the idea of making a paper headboard.
    Here are some clever and inexpensive ideas for DIY headboards.
    Starting from the middle of the top start stapling it to the back of the plywood pulling it tightly as you go.


  27. on April 11, 2014 at 6:42 am indian wall art canvas

    It is the best time to make some plans for the longer term and it is time
    to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to recommend you few interesting
    things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles relating to this article.
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  28. on May 12, 2014 at 5:48 pm Anonymous

    The air compressor nail gun didn’t shoot right through the pegboard? Seems like you would have to be very precise. I’m scared of pneumatic tools!


  29. on May 14, 2014 at 9:58 am olivia

    I was just wondering how you attached the peg boards together? From the pictures it looks like tape or some sort of thin metal.


    • on May 19, 2014 at 9:13 am Laura @ The Steen Style

      Correct. We used rope and tape to attach them together. Once the foam and fabric were attached, it helped secure them together


  30. on August 26, 2014 at 5:22 pm lauramariecarroll

    Reblogged this on laura marie carroll and commented:
    Definitely doing this with my old mattress cover!


  31. on October 20, 2014 at 2:33 pm Teri

    Thanks for your mirrored dresser example! I gto half way in to mine and had to get some suggestions! You’re a doll!


  32. on November 17, 2014 at 6:40 pm Rhonda

    You have inspired me! I found this picture but not quite sure how to obtain this look. Is it just a difference in fabric? Would love to hear from your experience and expertise! Would be for a king bed as well.


  33. on November 17, 2014 at 6:42 pm Rhonda

    Put the link to picture in my last post:)


  34. on November 23, 2014 at 2:00 pm Anonymous

    Love, love, love, this project. Using pegboard is genius. Cant wait to start this project. Thanks and congrats on your beautiful bedroom.


  35. on April 18, 2015 at 9:08 pm Maribel

    You are sooo awsome for sharing this information! I’ve been wanting a huge white head board but don’t have the money to spend on one. I shall try this project although I am a bit nervous of what the outcome will be Aghh! Thank you!



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  • About Me


    My name is Laura and I love a good DIY. Home decor is my passion and I enjoy creating a better place to call home. This blog is my virtual journal and is all about the style of my life. I can't always guarantee the best grammar or best photos but I do guarantee this blog will always be 100% authentic. Thanks for reading!

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