Padded Headboard Tutorial

I've been on the hunt for a padded headboard. But the ones I find are too tall for the low profile bed we have and the idea of cutting the legs off the bottom just didn't feel right. I looked at many tutorials on making a headboard, and finally came up with my own makeshift version. The best part, it cost me only about $85 and didn't take a huge amount of time. So if/when I find something better, it won't be the end of the world. See how I did it below.

Materials

• 3-5 seat cushions depending on width of bed
• 2 pine molding strips cut to the width of bed
• sticky velcro, cut to the width of the pine molding strips
• paint to match wall
• sewing supplies

Directions

1. Measure the width of your bed and determine the length you want the headboard. 
2. Find chair cushions that you like and that will work for the size of your bed.
• Ideally, don't select something to heavy or bulky that can't be supported by velcro. 
• Ultimately, the added width of four cushions went over about 2 inches on each side of our queen bed, which I didn't mind. 
3. Sew the cushions together. I did this by hand, holding the cushions together on top of one another and then sewing at the seam on the back of cushion. When I turned the cushions around, you could not see the stitching.
4. Cut pine (or any wood) molding to size. 
5. Paint the same color as your wall.
6. Drill 3-4 holes in each wood strip.
7. Position the cushions where you ultimately think you will want them. You will probably need help with this step. Make sure you consider how many other pillows you have on your bed and adjust accordingly. You will want to install the first molding strip about 2-3" below the top of your cushion and the next strip about 2-3" below the first one. Mark walls.
8. Drill holes in wall that match up to the holes in the wood strip.
9. Screw molding into wall.
10. Apply heavy duty sticky velcro to the strips on the wall and the back of the cushions, lining them up. 
11. Adhere cushion to the strips and press down hard.
• Depending on the fabric of your cushion, you may have more success with sew-on velcro for the cushion. I used sticky velcro and so far, have had no problems.

I'm pretty pleased with it. Now all we have left to do in the bedroom is find nightstands, paint the dresser, install the blinds. I also want to look for new lighting, both overhead and lamps. And finally--artwork. I have some things bought, but the pieces over the bed, I want to make, so stay tuned.