Three-Sided Upholstered Headboard Frame

Tools and Materials:

two 1/2” sheets of medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
batting, fabric and decorative trim
tempered hardboard (bendable board)
2x4s
staple gun
drill and wood screws
table saw or circular saw
measuring tape
miter saw
jig saw

Steps:

1. Make the frame of the headboard in two pieces, the top and the bottom.

2. To make the top frame, cut 2x4s to the following lengths:
two at 13-1/2” long
two at 10” long
two at 5” long
one at 30” long
one a 60” long

3. Stand the two 5” pieces up vertically at each end of the 60” piece and attach with screws. Measure and mark 15 inches in from each side of the 60” piece then attach the two 10” pieces vertically at this mark — make sure you have 30 inches in between each piece. Screw the 30” piece horizontally on the top of the two 10” pieces creating a rectangle. Use the two 13-1/2” pieces to connect the 5” pieces on either end to the rectangle (see the second image below).

4. Cut two strips of the hardboard 1-1/2" wide by 16" long. Attach one strip to the top side of the middle rectangle. Bend the hardboard to curve down to the top of the 5” piece, if necessary, trim off excess hardboard. Repeat with the second strip on the other side of the top frame.

5. Construct the bottom frame by cutting six pieces of 2x4s 60” long.

6. Attach four 2x4s into a box shape then add the two remaining 2x4s in the middle for support.

7. Screw the top frame and bottom frame together.

8. For the side panels, cut two pieces of MDF 10-1/2” x 66-1/2“. Cut a curve on one end of the panel to mimic the curve of the top piece.

9. To cover the top frame, cut a piece of MDF 11-1/2” x 60”. Lay the top frame on the piece of MDF and with a pencil, trace the curves of the frame onto the MDF. Use a jig saw to cut out the pattern.

10. Cut MDF to exact size of bottom frame and screw it onto the front of the frame. Screw the curved piece of MDF to the front side of the top piece.

11. Using a staple gun, add batting to cover the entire frame. We rolled our batting the top of the frame to add dimension to the headboard. Cover the batting in fabric.

12. Wrap the side pieces in batting and fabric.

13. Screw sides pieces onto the frame.

14. Add decorative trim to cover seams and staples.