How to Make a DIY Upholstered Foam Headboard
Our beds endure a lot, and so do their headboards. When you sit up in bed, it's surprising how much wear and tear a headboard takes, and before long it may not look as good as it once did. Many are also made to a design that was on-trend at the time, and as tastes change you may want to replace the upholstery foam along with the outer fabric and design.
Refreshing an upholstered headboard is a great chance to get crafty and give an existing product a new look while minimising waste. A DIY upholstered headboard is also the perfect answer if you're short on cash for a new one – those who can reupholster and replace the inner foam themselves can save a considerable amount.
Which foam for a headboard?
We recommend replacing old, worn headboard foam with a Soft-Medium density polyurethane foam, depending on the thickness you need. Polyurethane is the most durable and is considered the best headboard foam if you spend a lot of time sitting up in bed. Alternatively, memory foam is praised for its orthopaedic comfort and is the luxury choice. At skin temperature it softens on contact and moulds to the shape of your body, making it an excellent option for sitting up in bed without needing extra cushions.
How to make a DIY foam headboard
- Remove all outer material and old foam from the wooden or plywood underboard. To keep the existing fabric, unstitch it carefully around the edges at the seam. If it's quilted, undo every stitch and note the pattern, as you'll need to re-create it or the old stitch holes will show.
- Choose your cut to size foam and use a spray adhesive to attach it to the plywood. Leave it until secure and dry.
- Pull fabric batting over the foam and plywood – it should be two inches wider all round than your foam – then secure it with staples.
- Repeat with your chosen outer fabric, pulling all edges tight and finishing them neatly.
eFoam is a leading provider of foam for DIY and commercial purposes, and we're happy to advise on the right foam and dimensions to refresh a headboard. Please contact us today to discuss your requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is best for a headboard?
A Soft-Medium density polyurethane foam is recommended for headboards, with the exact choice depending on the thickness required. Polyurethane is the most durable option and a good choice if you spend a lot of time sitting up in bed.
Can I use memory foam for a headboard?
Yes. Memory foam is the luxury choice, praised for its orthopaedic comfort. It softens at skin temperature and moulds to the body, so it can be comfortable enough to lean on without extra cushions.
How do I keep a quilted headboard pattern when reupholstering?
Note the existing quilted pattern before removing the fabric, and reattach it to the new foam in the same pattern. If you don't, the pre-existing stitch holes will be visible.
