How to Make a Custom Upholstered Bed
I love when a DIY project turns out looking way more expensive than it actually was. This is one of those projects! We reupholstered the bed in our guest bedroom and I’m super happy with how it turned out. I photographed the entire process to create a tutorial for you. In an effort to repurpose the existing bed that lived in this room, we worked with what we had and used the same frame and rails. All of the details are in the post, but it went smoothly and the result is gorgeous. Click through to see how we transformed our old guest bed and get the scoop on my DIY upholstered headboard…
Ok, let’s do a before… this is what the bed looked like before- maybe you remember it from our previous guest bedroom, pictured below, at our old house? It was a great looking, sturdy bed, but it didn’t fit my vision for this room after we renovated.
Why Upholster Your Bed?
If you’ve ever shopped for a custom upholstered bed, you know the price tag can be steep. My plan was to switch up the fabric, adding some pattern, and create a bit of drama with a unique shaped headboard. You can catch my initial design plan here. When beginning this room, I had purchased a custom bed and was planning to sell or donate our existing bed. Long story short, my bed got delayed, the wrong bed shipped, I ended up canceling the order altogether, and decided to up-cycle the bed we had. This bed project cost us $300… it looks strikingly similar to the one I had initially ordered, which cost around $2k- and that was just for the headboard alone. I’m calling this a major win! Here’s where we started…
Ready for the process? It was honestly pretty easy! It just took a bit of patience, a few basic tools, and the right fabric, to create something that feels every bit as luxe as the designer versions. You can find the supply list below:
Supplies and Tools
- Existing bed frame with rails (similar)
- Batting (cut to size)
- Staple gun & air compressor
- Staples
- Upholstery-weight fabric (mine came from a local shop) linking similar option
- Scissors
- Dust cover cloth
- Wood glue
- Super 77 spray adhesive
- Staple remover
- Clamps
- MDF or plywood
Designer tip: Go for a heavier, textural fabric… think performance velvet, linen-blend, or even a small-scale pattern. It will feel elevated and timeless.
How to Upholster a Bed (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Design and Cut Your Headboard
After some careful measuring, I determined the size and shape I wanted the new headboard to be. Here’s the big confession: for the sake of time, I sketched it out in CAD and sent it over to Emmett at work, and he cut it out on the CNC router. You can easily trace your design onto plywood or MDF and cut it with a jigsaw though.
Step 2: Assemble the headboard
We wanted our headboard to have some depth to it… it’s about 3 inches deep. Therefore, Emmett cut out an outline of the headboard, knowing that we’d glue and nail it to the backside… giving the impression that it has depth, while keeping it lightweight.
We used wood glue and finishing nails to tack the outline to the back of the headboard. We also included a couple braces for additional support. Again- this is totally optional… I just liked the look of a thicker headboard, so we layered the material. It’s a trick that makes the headboard feel more custom and layered.
Step 3: Adhere the batting to the board
I dug out some very old Super 77 to spray on the particle board to help hold the batting in place. This step is critical in keeping your headboard wrinkle free! It will also prevent it from sagging over time. We used clamps to help with this process, while smoothing it out. Apply it to the board and smooth the batting across the surface to prevent wrinkles. Clamp it down while it sets, this helps keep everything tight and professional. Batting helps soften hard edges, don’t skip that step.
Step 4: Cut off the excess batting
Once the batting is totally stuck and secure, you can begin trimming the excess, around the perimeter. We cut it pretty close to the edge, for a nice clean look.
This part always feels satisfying. The spray adhesive was especially helpful in holding the batting to the edges, where it wraps. It should look something like this!
Step 5: Prep your fabric
Next, prep your fabric by making sure it is facing the appropriate direction, determine the pattern, and scale everything out. Once you have it planned, you can rough cut it. Before cutting, make sure your pattern direction is correct and the repeat is centered. This is one of those “measure twice, cut once” moments. If you’re using a patterned fabric, align the pattern at each joint for a seamless look.
Step 6: Upholster the headboard
We began stapling at the top center of the headboard and worked our way to the edges. Pulling the fabric tight, and being carefully not to distort the linear pattern in our fabric, we continued stapling around the perimeter of the headboard. Take your time smoothing fabric; small wrinkles can show once the bed is assembled.
Step 7: Cut off the excess fabric
Once the fabric is stapled to the headboard, clean up the backside by trimming any excess fabric.
Your finished headboard should look something like this, pictured below. Next, we’ll move onto upholstering the bed rails.
Step 8: Upholster the rails
The rails are very quick and easy to upholster. Following the same steps, staple the fabric to the rail. We actually ended up upholstering directly on top of the original velvet fabric. We didn’t even worry about adding new batting. It saved time and turned out beautifully.
When upholstering the rails- if you’re using a patterned fabric, make sure your pattern aligns where the rails connect. We made sure to upholster each rail in the same way, using the exact pattern repeat. Alignment and little details like this make a piece of furniture feel custom, high-end, and thoughtful.
Step 9: Attach the dust cover
Once all of your fabric has been stapled, it’s time to add the black dust cover for a clean, finished look. Cut the dust cover fabric to size and staple it over the upholstery fabric on the backside, concealing seams, any uneven lines, or excess fabric- giving a polished, professional feel.
Step 10: Assemble the bed
Once everything is upholstered, reassemble the bed- reattaching the rails and the new headboard. It turned out really beautiful and looks wonderful in the space! I love the height the headboard adds.
The Finished Look
I couldn’t be happier with how this one turned out. The fabric added just the right amount of pattern and texture, and the shape feels so much more intentional than our old frame. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and fits perfectly with the rest of the room’s design direction.
Emmett and I both agreed, this was one of those “why didn’t we do this sooner?” projects. If you’ve been thinking about updating your bed, this is a fun weekend project that makes a huge impact without blowing your budget.
FAQ
I love performance velvet, linen-blends, or even textured cotton. Stick with upholstery-weight options for a polished finish.
Yes! As long as the existing fabric is smooth and secure, you can go right over it.
Medium-weight batting is perfect… it gives enough cushion without making the bed bulky.
Plan for an afternoon. We knocked ours out in about five hours start to finish.
Related Posts
Looking for more inspiration and ideas for updating your bedroom? I’m going to share some reader favorites below. I hope these are helpful!
- Best Affordable Bedding for a Designer-Looking Bed
- My Go-To Formula for Styling a Bed
- Designer Picks: The Best Bed Frames from Wayfair
- My Top Bedding Picks from Brooklinen
- 20 Ideas for Making a Basement Bedroom Feel Cozy on a Budget
- Timeless Tips for a Bedroom Refresh Without Renovating
- 20 Things Every Bedroom Should Have (According to A Designer)
- How to “Train” Readymade Curtains
- How to Hang Artwork in Front of Curtains
I’d love to hear your thoughts on our guest bed! I’m incredibly happy with how it came together. Sometimes the most rewarding designs come from working with what you already have- and making it better. Emmett and I are both thrilled we saved a lot of money, and it looks and feels intentional, timeless, and completely custom in our finished guest room. Let me know if you have any upholstery questions. If you give this project a try, tag me on Instagram– I’d love to see your version!
Beautiful! I honestly can’t get over how much it looks like the bed in your original design, and I love the idea of repurposing a piece. Adding depth the way you did is genius; a thicker headboard definitely seems more luxe. Love the little peek of the bubble chandelier! Can’t wait to see the entire room! I bet you’ll be pleased to get this wrapped up. I’m sure you’ve already started scheming for the dining room. Not to mention your birthday and Tuesday Made…lots of excitement in the Gibson house! Have a spectacular Thursday…I’m off to strategize and bake cakes!💜
Thanks Peggi! I’m glad we were able to make our existing bed work with this little makeover :) We installed the window treatments last night and started moving furniture in. It’s looking so beautiful in this room already! I can’t wait to photograph it and share soon. Lots of fun and exciting things happening around here lately!! It’s all going to happen simultaneously. Haha! Happy cake baking on this beautiful Thursday- that sounds like the PERFECT day to me! Enjoy. xo
Oh wow – loved seeing this process. It looks easy to do, and came out looking fabulous. Can’t wait to see the entire room!
Thanks Monica! It really was easy and I’m glad we were able to save a lot of money taking the DIY route. I’m really happy with how it turned out. I can’t wait to share the entire room! :) Have a great day! xo
This is gorgeous! I love the upholstery and the shape of the head board. Excited to see the room reveal! Could you share the shop the upholstery came from? I’m Utah local and I’m always on the look out for local sources.
Thank you, Anne! I can’t wait to share the final reveal soon… just waiting on some accessories and art to be framed. The fabric came from Designer Resource Center in Salt Lake City :)
Looks soooo good. This is just in time for my master bedroom project where I REALLY want to try and do an upholstered bed like this. Save so much money. Were also going to attempt wall molding like you did in the last picture! Sorry you had so much craziness with your order, but I think this DIY was meant to be! Can’t wait to see the full reveal!
Thanks, Katie! Perfect timing :) I vote yes to trying an upholstery project. It’s well worth the savings! I’m sure you’ve already seen it, but we shared a wall moulding tutorial here (in case you need it): https://roomfortuesday.com/how-to-install-panel-moulding/ I also think this DIY was meant to be… it was actually pretty fun, too. Happy Thursday!! xo
Adore the fabric! Love.
It’s funny, my first big (relative now) DIY project was making a headboard and upholstering it. I had my dad cut the curves and we did all the steps you did in this tutorial, but I used a dropcloth (very frugal at the time on a college graduate budget) and nail heads on the side (not my style anymore but remember being very impressed that it looked lik the Pottery Barn option at a fraction of the price). Now, I’ve upholstered (and constructed in some cases) two beds, an ottoman, bench, etc.! It’s really a cost effective option if there isn’t too many details (this girl CANNOT sew!)
I am planning on redesigning our guest bedroom this late fall/winter and reupholstering that first DIY headboard I every made. I was going to go for a lovely velvet green but now thinking maybe a plaid after seeing your headboard…I’ll have to play around in my moodboard and try different combinations now.
Thank you, JoNae! I love that you tackled this project with your dad and used drop cloth. It sounds beautiful and the savings can’t be beat! I’m also a fan of reupholstering to give pieces new life. I think it’s a fun project, too :) Happy guest room designing this fall! That sounds like a super fun project. Have a great day! xo
OMG, I’m so inspired! I have a headboard almost shaped just like this, and she’s ready for her makeover! And, thinking I could now order an upholstered platform frame and reupholster it to match & go with. Genius! Dying over wall color, details, and light fixture as well!
I love hearing that, Cyreesa! You could definitely order an inexpensive upholstered bed (or maybe even just the rails) and upholster them to match. Thanks so much for your kind words :) Hope you’re having an awesome day! xo
Holy Moses!! This headboard turned out incredible!! I would love to do my own headboard but I’m nervous with fabric selection. Is there a difference between regular fabric and what you should use for upholstering? I adore the shape of this- it’s actually similar to what I’ve been looking for myself. The fabric is to die for and gives me all the Ralph Lauren vibes. I truly hope some horse artwork ends up in this room!! Can’t wait for the reveal!! I see a sneak of the bubble chandelier and I know I’m going to love what you’ve done in here. Serious inspiration on the horizon, and I can’t wait for the rest of our birthday month! Cheers to Thursday!! Xo
Thank you, Lauren! I’m really thrilled with how it turned out. The pattern had me nervous for a minute, but it honestly wasn’t bad once we got started. You definitely need upholstery weight fabric to make this work… but not too heavy (it’s more difficult with super heavy textiles- like leather), but it could be done. You MADE MY DAY by saying this is giving you Ralph Lauren vibes. Yessss! Love that, and thank you! Ha. You know there will be horse art somewhere in here. There is at least one horse in every room in our house (true story). The bubble chandy is looking cute, window treatments went up last night, and I can’t wait to pull it together and share! Cheers to October- the best birthday month :) Hope you’re having a lovely day my friend! xo
Hey Sarah! What a fun project! I honestly LOVE how much you incorporate stripes & plaid into your home. Quick question…how to plan on covering the box spring? I just re-did my master room and the box springs sit above the side boards just like yours. I don’t think a bed skirt is appropriate in this situation (do you?) and I already have a king comforter, and its not long enough to cover the sides. I have considered purchasing a Cali King comforter, but based on measurements that will not be long enough to cover either. Can’t wait to see your finished project!
HELP please :) -Chloe Fernandez, Ft. Worth, Tx
Thank you, Chloe! Amazing question (and good eye on the box spring)… I purchased a box spring cover to match my bedding, so it shouldn’t stand out once the bed is dressed! I wouldn’t recommend a bed skirt if your bed has upholstered rails, but it’s a good solution to hide a basic metal frame with a box spring. You could also purchase a larger duvet or comforter. Lots of options :) Hope this helpful! xo
Chloe, I’ve always used an extra fitted sheet to cover my box spring. Good luck!
This is absolutely beautiful! It turned out so well and seems really doable. I will have to keep that idea in my back pocket. Funny story, I had to cut the dust cloth off of my upholstered bed (Crate & Barrel Colette found on FB Marketplace!)…my cat started playing with it and tearing it out, and the dust cloth staples came with it! Then I had to pay for a kitty endoscopy…good thing she’s insured! If I ever upholster a bed I think I’ll feel more confident that the staples are really in there! I can’t wait to see the full reveal!!
Thank you, Brittany! It wasn’t difficult at all- it just required time and patience. OMG!! Your poor kitty. I’m so happy to hear she was ok after the staple incident! That is terrifying. I definitely think you’d feel better knowing they’re in there really good. Some of the vintage pieces I’ve reupholstered in the past have had their staples falling out… they must just loosen with age. Happy Friday! xo
This is so beautiful – absolutely love the fabric!! Do you know how much fabric you purchased? Queen size?? Love your posts and DIY.
Thank you so much, Lynn! We purchased 5.5 yards of fabric for the headboard and rails.
Is the headboard attached to the bed frame somehow or just hung on the wall?
It’s attached to the bed frame! Since we used our existing bed frame, we just unscrewed the old headboard and replaced it with the new. Therefore- the bed is freestanding (no need to be attached to the wall). Hope this helps to better clarify that! :)
Your headboard looks so good! You and Emmett did such a fantastic job. Lining up the stripes was brilliant and does make it look high end. Love the fabric choice and all. Can’t wait to see the rest of the room.
Thanks Danna! The space looks SO good- I can’t wait to share it soon :) I’m just waiting on a few more accessories to arrive.
Thank you for sharing! You’ve inspired us to try it out as well. Did you consider doing the headboard all the way down so there was no gap? Is that possible?
I love that, Karen! Let me know how it goes :) Yes- you can definitely continue it all the way down
I loved. Good idea!
Thank you, Ana!
Thank you Sarah! I just used your post to make two headboards for my teens. I rented air compressor and stapler and that made a huge difference in getting it done timely and professionally. I used the batting you recommended and the dust cover! Turned out great!
I’m thrilled to hear this, Jacqueline! I’m so glad the tutorial came in helpful. I hope your teens are happy with their new beds!