Sometimes DIY doesn’t pay. The Home Snob learned this the hard way a few years back, when she attempted to make her own upholstered headboard.
She succeeded, alright, but she couldn’t open or close her hand for a week and now shivers at the sight of a manual staple gun.
She had been trying to save money, which is a noble impulse that’s completely unnecessary where upholstered headboards are concerned. These beauties can be had for such modest cost nowadays that it’s hardly worth the effort to make one – unless, of course, the satisfaction of DIY is what you’re aiming for.
Buy:
The headboard that taught the Home Snob the error of her ways was Ballard Designs’ Camden Untufted Headboard. If she had only seen it sooner, the Home Snob could have had the queen size upholstered in the twill that she wanted (not to mention a pain-free week and hours of free time) for $353 plus shipping. It would have been well worth the price.
Ballard Designs – Camden Untufted, Camden Tufted, Stevenson Nailhead, others
FabricWorkroom.com – affordable custom… thousands of options… online quotes
West Elm – nailhead
HeadboardSource.com – various
DIY:
There are many how-to’s available online. Our favorite is from Better Homes and Gardens, but it’s worth reading more than one before you run out to buy your plywood and foam.
Better Homes and Gardens – the most complete
Home Improvement with Eric Stromer – video
Whatever you choose, there’s nothing more cushy and luxe than an upholstered headboard for reading in bed. For sheer comfort, the Home Snob would have no other kind.