If you haven't already discovered this, and you're handy with a staple gun and a drill, then here's the simplest way to create custom upholstered headboards for your inventory 'without re-inventing the wheel!' I've used it so many times, I can't tell you. Enjoy.
click this link to Martha Stewart's website...(Yes...I know...MT!): Upholstered Headboard Craft
NOTE: Just have your local dealer pre-cut the hollow door for you before leaving the store. Home Depot, Lowes, and most of the "big box" home improvement stores provide cutting services. Sure beats doing it at home, and the door fits easily inside your vehicle (assuming you have a vehicle that can accommodate). Cheers.
Another site to find templates and ideas: http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-upholstered-headboard.html
You got me with "craft"! I love creative ideas and this one looks super simple! I am sooo going to try this sometime!
Awesome Stephanie...you'll have to post a pic when you're done!
David - This looks like a great idea. Ok, after sitting through the MT(!) episode, complete with Yale Nutritionist, Chef, and Saturday Night Live guest, complete with banter, repartee, and a little scolding by Martha, I do have a few questions... to affix the headboard to the wall, did you use the silver slider thingy they were talking about? Will it leave many holes in the wall? Also, do you bother with the "tufted buttons"? Looks like your version doesn't have them. One more thing... is the door very heavy to transport? Ok, 2 more things... how many of these have you made?
Sally - LOL...You never disappoint me with your comments! God bless you for watching the whole segment. The silver slider thing: Only when it was for a "permanent" install or when I felt like playing handyman (with spackle and touch-up paint) after the breakdown. More often than not, I would prop it up on the box spring and then push the mattress up to "hold" it in place (if that makes any sense). This, of course, is assuming that no one will actually sleep or climb in the bed (although I have some interesting stories I'll have to share someday about staged properties on lock-box). Tuffted Buttons: I did them on 3 of the headboards I've made. It definitely ramps up the overall look! The other 3 were "un"tuffted like the example in the (above) photo (which is actually a West Elm pic I grabbed for effect). Heavy, no...at least not for me. That's the beauty of hollow core doors. OK...this is getting to be a long answer, but here's a REAL stager's trick: You can create the same "headboard" look (with batting and material) that's easy to hang (with slim nails...you only need two!) by purchasing a 60" x 40" pre-framed painter's canvas and doing the same application. Super light weight, and easy to transport. After all, it's all "smoke and mirrors" to some degree! Below is a sample of one I made using a larger 60x60 canvas frame...
David - Thanks so much for your answers and posting the above photo - Loooove the zebra! Of course, silly me, prop it against the wall - I do that with my purchased headboards - just got caught up with Martha's very specific, 'do it like this or I'll wrap you on the knuckles' instructions. I actually already purchased some art canvases from Michael's 1/2 price, fabric and batting a while back with the intent of creating a headboard. Unfortunately, I also bought a staple gun, but purchased the wrong sized staples, so it's all sitting in a puddle in my basement, waiting for me to do something with it. Will certainly attempt the tuffted buttons - very smart. This has inspired me to get busy! Thanks for the advice and the extra photos! You're the best! Cheers.
Hey David...I like your version better...especially for staging purposes. I confess I skipped the nutrition part of the video (short attention span) but did chuckle a bit watching Kenan trying to staple those strings on the back. I have thought of using canvases and just wrapping with fabric but the buttons do elevate the look...Thanks for sharing!
It's so easy, Valerie. I've done the wrap and (gorilla) tape method as well. Less permanent and of course subject to accidental unraveling, but it works. It's the buttons, baby...I'm tellin ya!
David, it was a fun video to watch. I was thinking about that headboard for a long time but wasn't sure how to secure those buttons. I even bought discounted curtain to wrap around plywood or the door or canvas frame...I didn't make it anyway and just put large picture above that bed. I guess now it's time to try and I really like your version of the taller one. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Anna. You know, the canvas version will be much easier to lug around...I'd try that one out first. :-)
Than you can make a frame yourself from 2x2 (if it's too big make sure that you have 2x2 across every 16" for support)and than assemble and wrap at the place.
nice alternative :-)
A blog post comes back to light and just caught the suggestion of building this with a large canvas for staging. I've done some wall art that way but didn't think about going bigger for a headboard.
Good luck, Cindy. It should be a snap. :)