Every design starts with a vision. This vision is often inspired by a particular piece you love…a chair, a table or piece of artwork. Whatever it may be, it begins to set the tone and direction in which you design; but sometimes certain things such as layout or window placement can hinder that vision.
Prior to moving into my new apartment, I had a vision for my bedroom and it included wall lights. Refined and somewhat industrial looking is what I had in mind. So when I came across these wall lights (on sale + coupon) it did the trick. I bought them and set them aside for my future space.
Now, let’s fast forward to the apartment that I found and am currently living in…..
Challenge: There is only one wall that works for the bed to go on. That wall has windows on it…well how about that! Now where do I hang these wall lights that I am committed to using?
Solution: Create a “headboard wall”. Build a headboard that has end pieces extending past and in front of my windows. Mount my wall lights to the side extensions. To complete the look, cantilever shelving to act as bed-side tables.
My thought…this will create a dramatic focal point that is cozy and most of all, house my wall lights! When I shared this with a few others, their response was, “And cover up the windows”? Well yes, I figure the windows are tall enough where they can still allow for plenty of light in the space, and because they are tall you’re still able to appreciate them.
This is no new concept, but it is new for me and my assistant (dad) to build. Important Note: Whether or not this turns out is still TBD…it’s not complete yet!! I have only completed the first phase which is the upholstered headboard. You will have to stay tuned for my follow up post which will include the finished product.
Now we begin, DIY Headboard – part I, creating the actual upholstered headboard!
Step 1: Decide what you want your headboard to look like. Is it going to be arched, scalloped, squared? What material do you want to use…solid, striped, patterned? Do you want to add any details?
Because I knew this would be next to my lampshades and wood planks I wanted a material that would provide a nice contrast. I chose a heavy textured linen in a charcoal with blue undertones.
My inspiration:
When I came across West Elm’s upholstered nailhead headboard I loved it! It was exactly what I had in mind. While this headboard is reasonably priced and I’d love to have the ‘real deal’, it was still more than I could afford. I already owned a huge roll of imitation nailheads that I bought years ago and this would give me a reason to finally use them.
Step 2: Create your frame: We created a frame out of 2×4’s. Three verticals and two horizontal with an overall dimension of 26″ x 60″. This is for a queen size bed.
We then covered the frame by running 1 x 6’s horizontally to create the face. You could also use 3/4″ plywood along with many other material options. We used 1×6’s because we already had it to work with.
Step 3: We adhered 2″ foam to the face and left a 1-1/2″ perimeter along the top and two sides. We did this to allow for the nailheads. To attach the foam to the wood we used a heavy duty spray glue. That baby is going no where!
Step 4: We then stretched an inexpensive white backing material to cover and give the backside a finished look.
Step 5: We stretched 3/4″ backing material over the foam and stapled to the backside.
Headboard with the batting on it.
Step 6: Finally the fun part, attaching the fabric….or maybe the not so fun part, five re-dos over! Because my material had a very distinct weave in it, it was very difficult to keep it perfectly perpendicular and strait. When stretching it, the slightest pull too hard in any one direction would make the whole thing look crooked and off. My material also had some natural give to it that made this even more challenging. The more tout the material the easier!!
Finished product!
Stay tuned for “DIY headboard – Part 2” to see the finished product and how it all comes together (cross my fingers)!
It is amazing what you can create when limited by space. That is one sharp looking headboard and it is also so functional for reading in bed or getting served breakfast in bed…a bed has many more uses than just sleeping in it! I also think that the windows behind the headboard add a very dramatic flair while still allowing the natural light to warm up the space. What a perfect pair- function combined with beautiful design. Without this combination functionality does not matter if one’s eye is not pleased and of course beautiful design is pointless if the space is not functional. Overall, a perfect pairing- job well done…looking forward to the finale!