Thursday, June 28, 2012

81 Boy's Bedroom Upholstered Headboards

We have been slowly working on the top ten DIY projects that I shared awhile back.  Oddly enough, the first two projects have both been some sort of IKEA hack.  The first one we tackled was an update to our Malm dresser with some pretty overlays, and today I am sharing how we have finally updated the headboards in the boy's shared bedroom.

Let's take a peek at what we were starting with:


Last year when we purchased the bed frames {from IKEA}, I didn't buy them for their looks, but more for their height, inexpensive price tag, size and ability to be "hacked". 

After purchasing some foam back when we did the playroom bench project, and ordering some adorable gray chipper fabric, we were finally ready to move forward with the update.

I originally was set on doing an upholstery project with some button tufts, and had read online the easiest way to do so is with pegboard.  So that is what we purchased and cut down to the size of the metal headboard.




Using some screws specifically for steel, Bryan slowly began screwing the pegboard backing into the metal headboard frame.


All the way around and down the middle in multiple places until it was secure on the frame.


I originally thought I would piece the foam in between the rails and then wrap it all in batting to soften things up.  However, I didn't measure my rails {oops} and purchased foam that was quite a bit too thick.  Luckily, when I placed the foam on top of the rails, it was so thick that you couldn't find or feel those bars at all.  Whew.


So as you can see in the photo above, we layed out the batting on the floor, then the foam, then the bed frame and pegboard.  The next step was just to pull the batting up and over to the pegboard all the way around the edges, using a nail gun to staple it into place.


Here it is all wrapped in the batting. 


We did the exact same step again, this time with the fabric.


Then came the fun part, assembling the beds and seeing the new headboards in the room!



The fabric wrapped around nice and smooth and looks like it was always meant to be there!


I decided to actually skip the tufting for now, since I was surprised with how much I loved the simple and clean look without the buttons.  Plus, I worried that my youngsters may get the urge to pick and pull on the buttons, so that might be a phase two of the project when they are a bit older.


I love how the patterns all play with one another and that the colors are nice and sophisticated, definitely a room they can continue to grow in!



The entire project came in around $20 for the fabric and $50 for the foam and batting since I used coupons at JoAnns.  The pegboard was just under $20 for a total of $90 for two nicely upholstered twin sized headboards!  Considering it is nearly impossible to find one new for under $150 {and up!}, I would say this is one big giant win for the boys {and me}!


It's amazing the difference the softness made to the room, it feels so much more cozy and finished now that the steel jailhouse like headboards are no longer present.


Of course, our backs and heads totally appreciate it while we curl up to read at night as well!

Boy does it feel great to be knocking these projects off the ol' list!  Anyone else been having too much fun hacking IKEA pieces?  How about awesome upholstery projects in the works?


81 comments:

  1. LOVE this room! Had to pin it, hope that's ok! My boys have those same sheets :)

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  2. They look fantastic!! Great fabric choice.

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  3. I love the fabric you chose. It compliments the bedding so nicely.

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  4. How do you keep the kid's room so clean and tidy?! I can't even get my husband to be this organized!

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    1. We actually just moved all toys down to the playroom recently and that helped a lot. Just clothes, books and beds in their room now. I know that is not the case for everyone, it's just a matter of doing a quick sweep every day/couple of days to pick up so it can stay fairly tidy.

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  5. Wow Jen. I am always BLOWN away by your creative DIY skills. So cool!

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  6. Very cute! I love the fabric and you make it look SO easy!

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  7. Wow! You caught me just time. I had plans to make it to the home improvement store today to buy some board for a headboard I've been wanting to do in our guest room. I also wanted button tufts but was stumped on how to go about it. Thank you for sharing and saving the day!!! P.S. I LOVE your blog and look forward to reading it daily.

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  8. I love the change. The fabric is great. Hmmm...maybe I change upholster my daughter's headboard instead of buying her a new one.

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    1. Hi Andrea!

      I say go for it! It's great to save some money and you have the opportunity to customize it to boot!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  9. I love the headboards! You picked gorgeous fabric, and they look super comfy.
    I hacked an Ikea bed for my little boy too - http://www.prettycitythings.com/2011/12/upholstered-bed-reveal-tutorial.html
    Lizzie :)

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    1. That turned out absolutely amazing! WOW! Looks like a very expensive piece! Fabulous job!

      xo,
      Jen

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  10. They turned out so cute!!! Love! :)

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  11. These look amazing. I love the peg board idea for tufting, but I am glad you skipped the buttons here. They look great without. I have two young boys and they have popped two buttons off our couch. I was able to repair them, but I would think twice before having button tufts around boys again. They can't resist pulling on them :)

    Love the whole room design!

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  12. That's a great idea for tufting. I am about to make my own upholstered headboard, and this will save me some pain with measuring for buttons!

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  13. Insanely cute!! ALWAYS love your style!

    Great call on the no-tuft choice ~ looks cooler for a boy's room.

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  14. I really love the headboards. They look amazing at a very affordable price. Making a headboard for my daughters bed and eventually for my bed is on my list of projects I would love to try. I love your blog and the fact that you inspire me to try and be more organized. Being organized does not come naturally to me but seeing how much fun you have with it makes me want to try more.

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  15. I love them "untufted". You did a fantastic job and I can see how they would be much cozier to cuddle up to. Working on an Ikea hack over here. . .very slowly.

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  16. Did you make the red pillows? I love them! Great job on the headboards and the whole room.

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    1. Hi Shannon!

      I did make them, I used my Silhouette to cut the letters/numbers and ironed them on with their heat transfer material.

      http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/silhouette-heat-transfer-promo-giveaway.html

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  17. Using pegboard is such a great idea. I'm sure they'll look great tufted as well.

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  18. As with many of your projects, I would have never guessed!

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  19. That is Fabulous!! I love the fabric choice. I have a headboard project waiting in the wings...hopefully it turns out as well as yours!

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  20. What happened to the striped pillows? I am really so jealous of 1.your amazing ideas, 2.the fact that you actually DO them. These headboards are just amazing, and it doesn't look like it took that long to do it.

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    1. Thanks so much Jen!

      We still have the blue pillows. I tend to stockpile throw pillows and move them around the house so I am not 100% sure where they will end up next. I might just keep them on their floor in a corner of their room so they can curl up and read on them if they would like.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  21. Wow, I really like the way that turned out and it seemed...not to hard!!! I am totally pinning this post for what I'm sure will be a future project! Thanks for sharing!

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  22. You are so incredibly talented! Those headboards look like they cost hundreds of dollars. Thank you for sharing your process - I'm inspired as usual. :)

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  23. I love the headboard...I am in need of one for my daughter and have been searching...now you opened my eyes up to another way of approaching it. I would love to give her a fabric headboard. Thanks for the inspiration

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  24. Great job as always! I absolutely love the boys' room! You make it all look so easy, so maybe I'll have to add some upholstering to my to do list.

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  25. Love it! I was so sad to find out that Ikea discontinued those beds :( The headboards look great-- hope you all enjoy them!
    -Sandy

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    Replies
    1. I agree, they are great little beds. Knowing IKEA, they will have more "hackable" beds in the future. :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  26. Very nice change! The fabric looks great and I'm sure they are much more comfy now!

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  27. Love it and may copy. Thanks!
    Parenting question: how old were your boys when they started sharing a room and do they wake each other up etc?

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    1. They were about three and six when they began to share a room. We actually put them to bed separately right now because yes, they tend to feed off of one another at times. We are going to be updating that routine this summer however, because they will both be on the same schedule next school year and I would like them both to go to bed together. Wish me luck! :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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    2. I'm glad someone asked this. We've been looking at houses, but if we stayed in our rental and maybe bought it, our girls would have to share a room and they are 4.5 years apart! And it's not a big room, at least for two, but I think maybe comparable to this one.

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  28. Love this, my son has the same headboard & I will definitely be using you great idea! Question though, what did you do with the footboard that's also metal?

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    1. I just left it, our bedding completely covers it so it just stayed metal for now.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  29. Just in time. I am redoing my 5 and 2 yr old boys room. I love everything in your room. Now the question is if I keep them in seperate rooms or let them sleep in the same room. Any suggestions?

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    1. I am so torn on the subject and I think each parent probably will know what is best for their kidlets. My first thought was remembering how my parents were raised, most kids always shared a room, sometimes multiple kids to a room. Then I thought about how I like to entertain at times and it's nice to be able to host my parents and give them their own space while they visit, so the guest room is staying.

      My boys are pretty good friends and enjoy sharing a room. Bedtime can get a little crazy since they chat and giggle, but we work through it.

      Of course, it also depends on space and how the room is used. So many things to think about and consider, but I am sure you will do what feels right for your family! :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  30. What a great idea! They really do change the look and feel of the room. We're getting ready to make some upholstered headboards ~ just waiting on the fabric to arrive!

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  31. This room looks like it should be in a designer showroom! I love the fabric! What is the name of the fabric you used/where did you buy it? I agree with you, the tufting is out, at least for now!

    Did you make the blue and white accent pillows on the bed? Love those!

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    1. Hi Christine!

      I found the Gray Chipper fabric from Fabric.com: http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=c80bd9b5-6836-4235-928b-0cba170b2f63

      The blue patterned pillows were an Etsy find.

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  32. I love it. I need to find the time to do one for by bed. Looks easy enough...well kind of!!!! :) Thanks for the inspiration!

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  33. Oh this looks just amazing!! My little boy is only 6 months old, but I am already putting your brilliant ideas in to my inspiration file for his big boys room, cannot wait. I just adore the striped walls for a boys room too.

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  34. Finishing touches are so great! The room looks immensely more cozy now! Great job, and thanks for the tutorial!!

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  35. Love it! I have girls (three of them). My oldest is 17 and I have been looking for an idea for her headboard!

    Also, I am COMPLETELY in love with your playroom. In fact, we bought three Expedits (I think our room is a little bigger) and bought black baskets (the only color they had left - :-\). We don't have the seating cushions done yet or the wall decal.

    Anyway, I'm SO glad I found your blog. I {heart} organizing too - or, rather, I {heart} being organized!

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    1. Chassidy,
      I'm not sure the material of your boxes, but I bought the horrid red ones from Craigslist for the Expedit. I lived with them for a year before I got an epiphany and Mod Podged fancy fabric on the fronts. The playroom actually looks decorated now. My five year old daughter loved helping with it.

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  36. Love that fabric!! Can you give the details of the name and where you purchased?!

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    1. Hi Kimber!

      The Gray Chipper fabric is from Fabric.com: http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=c80bd9b5-6836-4235-928b-0cba170b2f63

      xo,
      Jen

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  37. Oooh, love that look. And it's awesome that it was a cheap and seemingly simple project! Great work, friend!

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  38. LOVE!! The room's colors are fabulous and I adore the fabric you chose for the headboards.

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  39. That looks amazing! I wouldn't mind living in that room! :)

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  40. The headboards look amazing!

    I've recently been shopping around for twin beds and happened upon ikea.com through your blog. We don't have an Ikea store anywhere near here (Chattanooga, TN), so I'm scared of ordering such a large purchase via the 'net without checking the product out. How would you gauge the durability of the furniture from Ikea?

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    1. The prices are pretty good for the quality you get. Some things are higher quality than others, it really depends on the specific items. We have three busy boys which is why I don't typically shop at expensive home stores, and all of our IKEA pieces have held up quite well to their "love".

      I have heard shipping charges from the website are crazy high however. Maybe also check craigslist or amazon for less expensive ways to find the ikea items.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  41. Love this! Looks great...and I think I like as is. Think the tufting might make it a bit feminine. I love the whole design. My girls have separate rooms because I hated sharing growing up! Lately they have been sneaking into each others rooms to have slumber parties! Ages 4.5 and 3...we are thinking of putting them in a room together!

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  42. That's a great improvement! Good job :D Makes me want to change things up in my room as well.

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  43. I Love this! I will definitely make note of this so when I move into my new home I can try it out. I'm super excited you have so many great ideas that I love.

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  44. I LOVE the bed sheets. I have been trying to find navy blue striped sheets for my son and can't seem to locate any that I like, but I love those. Where did you get them?

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    1. Hi Alicia!

      I found them at Target! :)

      http://www.target.com/p/circo-stripe-sheet-set-blue/-/A-13057559

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  45. Thanks for this! My son has this same bed and you are right! This bed is a back killer! Can't wait to get started.

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  46. Hi. I love love love the red wire airplane you have hanging. Where did you originally get it from?

    Thanks. Rebecca

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    1. Hi Rebecca,
      The airplane originally came from Pottery Barn Kids a few years ago!

      xoxo,
      Emily
      IHeart Organizing Assistant

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  47. Hi there. Love the room! What are the paint colors on the walls and also, is a 360panoramic picture available for those of us (me) who need whole room inspiration?

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  48. Hi there. Love the room! What are the paint colors on the walls and also, is a 360panoramic picture available for those of us (me) who need whole room inspiration?

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  49. the bedroom is very nice. lines on the fabric is very nice. Mevcutmu I wonder if Turkey was a place we can get

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  50. you did an AMAZING job! I'm hoping to transform our wood headboard into a fabric headboard next week. fingers crossed I have the same results!

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  51. Love this make over and was completely inspired. I just found the bed on craigs list for $50-score! Your headboard doesn't look as high as the regular bed. Are you using a normal twin mattress rather than the Ikea thin mattress? I would much prefer this. Do you have any problems with the mattress slipping around?

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    1. We use a standard box spring and mattress set and haven't had any issues. They work great!

      xo,
      Jen

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  52. How much fabric did you need for the headboard?

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  53. What paint colors did you use? I love the blue/gray and the stripes!!!

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    1. Thanks Jenn!

      I used Behr's Windsurf and Pittsburgh Paints Cityscape.

      xo!
      Jen

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  54. Just beautiful. I would have never thought of combining the motif from the headboard with the bedding and pillows. I love it.

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  55. So you turned the metal headboards into upholstered ones?! cool idea.

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  56. I am so in love with this idea! And you did it brilliantly! Do you happen to know if they still have these headboards in stock? I couldn't find them online.

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    1. Unfortunately, I believe that IKEA has since stopped selling the specific bed frame that we purchased. However, you may have luck looking for them on eBay or Craigslist?

      xo!

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    2. Thanks lady! :) do you happen to remember the name of what the headboard was called?

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