A modern DIY headboard for a quick guest room update
This guest room has had its headboard for a while. It was one of the earliest home upgrade projects I did many years ago based on a mattress topper, fence posts and an old bed sheet. It was great to experiment around at the time, but after all these years, it desperately needed an overhaul. If I’m being fully honest, it feels like I didn’t really know what I was doing at that time. I almost feel a little embarrassed every time guests come to stay with us but I’m still grateful I gave it a go and started a long journey of home DIY projects! This is an easy beginner friendly DIY project that cost me just under $200 for materials and took about an afternoon of work.
I wanted to have the headboard in two pieces - it makes it visually more interesting. Something a little different than what we usually see, yet not overly complicated. Some extra point of interest while still being minimalist and modern. While I love a little bit of whimsy, I’m still drawn to clean lines and clutter free interiors. Especially in the bedroom. A bedroom, for me, is a place of calm and serenity. A place to slow down and unwind from every thought and task of the day.
Form follows function, always. And this is very functional for me - a soft landing on the head but also a nice soft back rest if you sit up. I envision visitors making a cup of coffee in the morning and going back to bed with a note pad to plan the day ahead, or maybe a book for some morning readings. A few quiet moments before the day starts. Maybe they open the window to the sound of birds (and most likely also the sound of barking from our dogs haha!).
The fabric I chose for this project is a light summery blue striped material. It is called Magnolia Home Berlin Stripe Ocean fabric and I bought it on the Sailrite website, but many other online fabric stores have it, too. Since we live in Texas and it’s sunny and hot most of the time, I really wanted it to have a light summer feel. Because the fabric is 55” wide and I wanted the stripes to go vertical, I ended up having to sew two pieces of fabric together (two horizontally next to each other) to cover the width of the queen headboard, which is 65”. If you are not set on stripes, it would be easier to use a non-directional fabric - mono color or a different pattern that can be put horizontal or vertical - to save yourself this extra step. Below are some examples of what would work without having to sew two pieces together horizontally to achieve the width.
Sources from left to right / top to bottom: Minimalist Wabi Sabi Fabric by kittenlane, Fall plaid in sage, Elko plaid fabric, Belgian linen fabric in oatmeal
The base of this modern DIY headboard is made of 1/2” plywood, which is then layered with foam and batting before the fabric is applied. It’s measured to fit a standard queen sized bed and is wall mounted, so it can be used with any bed frame that doesn’t already have a head board.
Sewing aside, this modern headboard is so beginner friendly! There aren’t a lot of tools you need - most importantly a saw (could even be a handsaw) and a stapler - and includes minimal wood cutting, most of which can be done by the hardware store or lumber yard. The other reason this DIY modern headboard is beginner friendly, is that it’s fairly error forgiving. If the measurements are off by a little, or if the cut isn’t 100% smooth, the foam and batting smooth out a lot of that and it still looks cohesive and professional.
I detail everything for this modern DIY headboard in a step-by-step guide with details instructions and photography that leaves no doubt. It includes exact measurements for the headboard pieces and cuts, and I also add extras at the end for twin and king sized headboards!
Ready to make your own headboard?
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD GUIDE
(no physical product)
This is a step-by-step guide to make a beautiful modern queen sized headboard in an afternoon and for under $200. This is a beginner friendly guide with details on all tools and materials with detailed step-by-step instructions with actual real photographs of the process in detail and full measurements.
1. What's in it
This is a complete guide for a modern upholstered DIY headboard that uses plywood, foam and fabric. The main dimensions are made to fit a queen bed, and additional measurements are provided for twin and king size beds. You will end up with a headboard that is 30" high - the perfect height to comfortably sit up in bed for reading or a morning cup of coffee.
2. What makes this different
Handwerk Studio is based in Austin and designs and makes custom furniture. And this is a true and tested headboard that was made to upgrade a guest bedroom. All our designs are minimalist and modern with the intention to make a house a home and the invitation to slow down.
3. All skill levels
This DIY guide uses minimal tools and is very beginner friendly. You do not need a big workshop.
4. Delivery
This is a pdf ebook that will be downloadable after purchase.
