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Trash To Treasure

Making a padded headboard from comforter

rob333 (zone 7b)

15 years ago

I am losing the bed frame, head, and foot board, but get to keep the mattress/boxsprings. I want to buy a frame (where is the cheapest?), and make a padded headboard. I've been pondering padded headboards for quite awhile, thiking about what style I'd like, the material, etc., and I think my old comforter has seen better days, but still can arrange it so that good part is what is seen above the bed. And the matching shams also still look good. So have you ever done this? What would you take into consideration? I assume the comforter batting is good, but an additional layer would be needed, especially if I tuft in any way.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

kudzukween
15 years ago
Check on DIY,or HGTV . I know I've seen a lot of shows that tell you how to make headboards. I'd use plywood or MDF. If you want to tuft it, like with buttons, you'd have to pre-drill holes for that. If the comforter is big enough, cut the best part off, and use the rest for batting.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kudzu's Blog
rob333 (zone 7b)
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks! Yea, I could fold it in half and it'd still work. I think. Good thought.
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Hi Lynn, We purcased ours at Interior Fabrics, here in Houston. They do have a website, so you may be able to order it from there. We also got our batting from them. They make headboards there, so you could also ask them for the lining fabric they use on the back. Their prices are great -I think Susie paid $7/yard. I looked on their website, and I'm pretty sure the fabric called "Twister" is the one, but they only show it on a white background. I would just call the Houston store and see if they'll just cut it all up and bundle it together for you from there. If you have any trouble, email me. I can email you pictures which you can always send to Interior Fabs to have them match. INTERIOR FABRICS - Houston, TX 3104 Fondren Rd. Houston, TX 77063-4904 Tel: 713-782-3311 - 713-789-9259 Fax: 713-789-3087 Email: fabricsfondren@sbcglobal.net I think this place sells the same fabric, called Galaxy for $12.99/yard Here is a link that might be useful: Galaxy Fabric (same?)
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you might try a spindle on each corner for a '4-poster' You could put some of the little round pieces or knobs for the bottom also to raise it up a bit. Yes you could use heavy cardboard or light wood and pad and upholster to match the mattress. I agree with the wood or plastic 'fences' for gardens..they make some that look like headboards. And the plastic ones are easy to cut and glue or nail or screw on.
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Tina, I do love the flax fabric. They also had that at the fabric store. It has no reds, though, and I'd have to completely re-do the room around the flax fabric. I'd have to lose my red rug, and all of my throw pillows, etc. My inspiration pic is a little too blue for my taste, but I love the style, which is what I was drooling over. I'm a little discouraged today, as I really wanted to make this headboard this weekend (Dh is off work Fri-Tues, so I'd have it done in no time.) There's something about the fabric I bought that's just not quite "right", though I can't really put my finger on it. grrrrr.....
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lydia1959
15 years ago
Put an ad on Craigslist that you are looking for a free/cheap bedframe. Usually when you buy new matresses, you get a bedframe free... so people may have an extra to give away.
concretenprimroses
15 years ago
I used to make message boards out of homasote. (Not sure how it is spelled.) If you just want to make a head board to mount on the wall, it would be very easy to work with and I don't think its expensive. (Cut to size, wrap with batting then your bedspread)
kathy
sharon_fl
15 years ago
If I were to do this-I'd cut the headboard into the style you like-from MDF-cover with a medium thick batting, cut your spread-llowing plenty to staple to the back side. Then to created the tufted look? Just use the hammered brass upholstry nailhead tacks-. However-if you want a different color-you can always spray paint them with Krylon paint color of choice, by sticking them in a sheet of styrofoam, to hold in place & spray the heads. Just make sure you place something soft & padded over each nail while pounding into the headboard, so as not to chip the paint.

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