My daughter, Sereena needed a room makeover. She outgrew the light pink and purple girly decor from when she was little so it just wasn't working anymore. It was time for a change.

I'm going to be real and say that the budget was beyond small so I had to get creative and a little dirty with some DIY projects.

First project on the list? A DIY fabric headboard.Her bed, like most bedrooms, is the focal point of her room, but without a headboard, it didn't do much to grab your attention. So I got to work to search for a headboard, but after searching for hours online for a fabric headboard that was both pretty and affordable, I gave up and decided to just make one. That's how this DIY headboard project was born.

Originally, I was going to try to follow this tutorial or this one from one of my fave blogs, Centsational Girl, but who am I trying to fool. I'm not going to build anything let alone a headboard so that idea was scratched real quick.So the wheels in my head began turning and finally the clouds parted and an idea came to me.Foam boards! Duh!I wondered why I never thought of this before. It met my criteria:

affordable….check

cute…check

I must admit that initially I struggled with trying to figure out how the foam boards would stand up to wear and tear, but then I decided to just try it out since Sereena is 17 yrs old plus she's pretty good with taking care of her stuff.

So I did the math.

The foam boards only cost $1.50 each and I bought 6 for my project, but only ended up using 4. I figured, if my idea doesn’t work, then I’m only out of pocket $9, which I was fine with losing if this doesn't work …so I went ahead with my DIY project.

List of supplies needed:

4 foam boards
about 2 yards of your favorite fabric
glue gun
velcro
level
measuring tape
scissors or rotary cutter & sewing supplies
pencil
tape
nail heads
fiber fill

I don’t have a pic of the fiber fill that I used or I should more accurately say planned on using (that was until I checked my stash and discovered that Robert used it all up without telling me).

Let’s just say that the situation was far from cute when I found out, but anyway, moving on.I was forced to improvise and so I cut open some extra throw pillows that I bought at Ikea months ago to make some more envelope pillow covers and used those as filling for the headboard.

Let me share with you my DIY headboard project.

DIY Fabric Headboard: #1 Measure It Up

When measuring the width of her full size bed, I added 2 inches to each side of her bed for a total of 58”, then measured the height that I felt would look best…I went with 42”.

Then I configured my foam boards to best fit my measurements.

DIY Fabric Headboard: #2 Make It Pretty

For a nice glam look, I cut out some curves, but first, I hand sketched a design with a pencil (because I had to trace a pattern out a few times before I came up with something I liked).

Then I started cutting with my fabric rotary cutter and cutting mat….viola! perfect cuts (You can also use scissors, but Lord knows that I cannot cut a straight line let alone a curved one to save my life - thank God for my sewing materials)

Tip: Use your newly cut foam board as a template for your second foam board for consistency.

I’m sure that there might be easier ways of making this fabric headboard, but I was creating as I went along…no pre-planning here so don't judge, but if you have any easier steps or supplies that might be simpler, please share below in the comments.

DIY Fabric Headboard: # 3 Make It Easy On Yourself

Next I taped my four foam boards together for easier handling.

DIY Fabric Headboard: #4 Add Some Fluff

Then I cut open my Ikea pillows (I used 2 for this project) and spread the stuffing out evenly across my headboard.

DIY Fabric Headboard: #5 Nip It Real Good

Next, I used some leftover fabric that I have stashed away and used my hot glue to seal in the pillow stuffing in place (this will be a lifesaver when adding your headboard fabric since it helps to keep the stuffing in place).

DIY Fabric Headboard: #6 Add Your Fabric

Then I laid my headboard fabric on the floor (pretty side of the fabric touching the floor)placed the foam headboard on top (fluffy side touching ugly side of fabric).

I began to hot glue my fabric onto the foam headboard (while tugging the fabric for a nice crisp and even look).

When I got to the top of the headboard, where I cut out my curves, I snipped my fabric a bit closer to the headboard for easier maneuvering and gluing. Don't worry about it looking pretty since no one will see the back of your headboard. (Take a look at how mine came out below...ugly I know, but hold tight and just wait til you see the finished product.)

Once I was all done hot gluing my fabric onto the headboard, I flipped it over and viola..the beginnings of my fabric headboard were born, but wait, I wasn't finished.

DIY Fabric Headboard: #7 Add Some Detail

I still had to add on the nail heads to the headboard for a more polished look. I decided to also hot glue them onto my headboard for a sturdier feel and crispier appearance instead of just pinching them on.

DIY Fabric Headboard: #8 Mount It

To hang your new headboard, simply place your velcro on the back of your headboard.

TIP TIME... Rub the wall area down with some alcohol so that the velcro will hold up nicely and won't end up on your face in the morning. Now that that's out of the way, onto mounting your headboard...It's best if you get an extra pair of hands to help you (it will eliminate the f bombs that will come if you go at it alone, but if you're feeling like having a breakdown moment then move on without the extra pair of hands-yes, I'm talking from experience). If you took my advice and got a friend to help you, have them use the level to make sure you don't end up with a crooked. Once it's straight, you're all set to mount it to the wall.You can also use picture hanging hardware instead for a sturdier option.

Below is the final look!

I’m really satisfied with the finished look and Sereena loved it too! Happy baby, happy mom! (Although she is 17, I still call her my baby and probably always will).Now you are done! Go ahead and get your dance on or have yourself a nice drink and relax (you did good my friend)

Total Cost = $20 (yup, just $20!)

Your turn!

Don't let a small budget stop you from creating a room you love. With a little imagination and time, you can transform your room.

Not feeling confident about decorating your room? Then hit me up here for some help.

DIY Fabric Headboard Tutorial In Just 8 Easy Steps