A year ago, I set my sights on a project and shared my commitment right here on this little blog. Fast forward, and I can finally say—mission accomplished! This upholstered headboard has been a labor of love, and while there are countless tutorials out there, I want to share some insights from my own trial-and-error experience, particularly when it comes to nailing down (literally) the nailhead trim.
The Inspiration Behind the Upholstered Headboard
About eight years ago before blogs became my go-to for DIY inspiration Mark and I crafted a simple headboard for our old home. We started with a sheet of plywood from Lowe’s, cut it to match the width of our king-size bed, and wrapped it with batting and a clearance coverlet I had stumbled upon. The result? A classic, rectangular upholstered headboard that served us well for years.
Why Choose This DIY Method?
If you’re looking for an easy and budget-friendly way to make an upholstered headboard, I highly recommend this method. The process is straightforward:
- Square off the corners carefully.
- While this method may require more fabric than a headboard with legs, a sheet of plywood is the perfect size for a full-sized sheet or coverlet.
- You can simply prop the headboard behind the bed frame and mattress, or for added stability, mount it to the wall using D-rings or a Hangman bracket.
- The result? A cozy, supportive headboard perfect for sitting up in bed.
However, after years of use (and three little munchkins climbing in and out of our bed), our headboard started showing signs of wear. Spot cleaning and vacuuming helped, but eventually, I knew I had to remove the fabric, wash it, and—since I was already in DIY mode—give the whole thing a fresh new look.
The Challenge: Nailhead Trim
As excited as I was to refresh my upholstered headboard, the process threw some unexpected challenges my way namely, the nailhead trim. The elegant finish I envisioned quickly turned into a frustrating battle.
I had to redo the trim three times before achieving a professional-looking result. If you’re planning to incorporate nailhead detailing, here are my key takeaways:
Mistake #1: Too Many Fabric Layers
Initially, I drove the nails through multiple layers of fabric and batting, thinking it would create a plush effect. Instead, it resulted in an uneven, wavy line far from the crisp, polished look I wanted.
Solution: Minimize the layers in the area where you’re attaching nailheads. A good trick is to stop the batting about an inch before the board’s edges and staple it to the front before covering the entire headboard with fabric. This leaves a 1-2” border of exposed wood for the nails, ensuring a cleaner, more controlled application.
Mistake #2: Using Loose Nailheads vs. Nailhead Trim Kits
I experimented with both individually attached nailheads and a nailhead trim kit, where every fifth nail is real, and the rest are just for aesthetic consistency.
- With individual nailheads, I struggled to keep them perfectly aligned.
- With the trim kit, I expected an easier application, but unfortunately, the color of the nails didn’t perfectly match the strip, making the unevenness stand out even more.
Mistake #3: Not Using Proper Tools
Many tutorials suggest holding the nails with pliers while hammering with a rubber mallet, but I found this to be cumbersome when working alone.
Alternative Trick: Instead of pliers, use a flathead screwdriver to help drive the nails in evenly. This little hack made a significant difference in my results.
Also, measure and mark where each nail should go rather than eyeballing it. Trust me you’ll thank yourself later.
The Final Design Fix
After my frustrating attempts, I took a new approach inspired by Kristin from The Hunted Interior. She cleverly folded a strip of fabric over the outer edges of the headboard, giving it a clean, professional finish reminiscent of Pottery Barn’s high-end headboards.
How I Achieved the Look:
- Cut and Fold: I cut long strips of fabric, ironed a sharp crease, and wrapped them around the edges.
- Secure with FabricTac: Instead of stapling, I used FabricTac glue to adhere the strips to the headboard’s edges.
- Nail Placement: Instead of placing the nails on the front face of the headboard, I attached them along the top and sides.
This approach was a game-changer. The fabric strips created a refined finish, and because I wasn’t staring straight at the nailhead trim, any minor imperfections were much less noticeable.
The End Result
Finally, I was satisfied! The nailhead trim added just the right amount of visual interest without looking too DIY (or worse, DIY-gone-wrong!).
Here’s what I love about this version:
- The subtle nailhead placement gives the headboard a polished look.
- The fabric strips provide a clean and professional finish.
- The corners, reinforced with extra glue, are rock solid and won’t fray over time.
Mounting the Headboard
This time around, I decided to mount the headboard using a Hangman bracket rather than just propping it against the wall. This gave it a more structured, intentional presence in the room.
Now, it’s not just a stylish bedroom addition it’s a comfortable and durable backdrop for reading, lounging, and even enduring the inevitable chaos of family life!
What’s Next?
With leftover fabric from this project, I created a fixed bed skirt, which I’ll be sharing with you next week.
And stay tuned tomorrow, I have another exciting kitchen renovation reveal that you won’t want to miss!
Have a fantastic day, friends!
