First Time Upholstery Project: A Member’s Beautiful Handmade Headboard Journey
At The Upholstery Studio, I love seeing our students bring their creativity to life through our online courses. Cornel is a shining example of what’s possible with some guidance and determination. With no previous upholstery experience, she took on the challenge of creating her own headboard after following our step- by- step Online Headboard Class. The results are nothing short of stunning!
Here’s how Cornel made it……
Designing The Headboard
Using Chubby Check Fabric
Argh this combination of fabric and piping is just a dream to work with, fabric is by CHRISTOPHER FARR CLOTH - you may recognise the fabric from the mid-century armchairs I upholstered late last year.
I asked Cornel what inspired to her to make the headboard, “I worked in Suffolk Street in London, just next to the Haymarket hotel for several years. I loved the use of colour and all the fabrics, even on the walls. It has a welcoming, vibrant, fun atmosphere. I like the way Kit Kemp uses headboards in her designs.”
Tips From Our Online Class
The first step in creating a stunning headboard is designing the perfect template. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram offer excellent sources of inspiration, helping students explore different styles, shapes, and aesthetics that align with their vision.
Once you’ve chosen a design, we recommend printing or sketching your template and pinning it above your bed. This step allows you to evaluate the visual proportions and overall fit within your space. Seeing it in place ensures that the shape, height, and width feel just right before moving forward.
Very Important Tip: Avoid cutting into your plywood sheet until you're 100% satisfied with the shape and size. Taking the time to perfect your template now will save materials and ensure a flawless final result!
Cornel’s Bold Design Choice: MAXIMISING Wall Space with Height
When designing her headboard, Cornel opted for height to make a striking statement and maximise the use of the wall space behind her bed. By extending the headboard upwards, she created a grand focal point, adding both visual interest and elegance to the room.
“I looked at many different shapes online and picked the perfect shape to fill the space. As my bedroom walls are white in colour, I wanted the fabric to be bold enough to make the headboard a focal point. I ordered lots of fabric samples it was helpful to see the fabric in the space before a decision was made! I chose the Chubby Check from Christopher Farr Cloth because the fabric is double-width and covers the whole headboard without the need for seams.”
Making The Headboard
What was the most challenging part of the project, and how did you overcome it?
“Fear of failure was definitely my biggest challenge. But approaching it systematically helped. Watching the class videos reassured me that I could do it. The lessons were broken down into manageable steps, which made it all feel achievable.”
Were there any surprises along the way?
“Not really, but I did have moments of uncertainty when it came to the exact positioning of the piping. I revisited the lesson and that helped me work through it. One important thing I learned was to leave enough fabric for stretching, as the class advised. I forgot once and struggled! Other than that, I tackled each step systematically— from adjusting my paper template on the wall, and figuring out how to properly hang the headboard. Whenever I was unsure, I went back to the video and rewatched a lesson until I got it right.”
How did the class help you feel confident in completing your headboard?
“The way the lessons were structured really worked for me. It felt like a series of small achievements rather than one overwhelming task. I would watch a section, complete that step, and then move on to the next. This approach ensured I didn’t miss any details. The class was excellent at explaining everything, including small ‘tricks of the trade’ that helped me achieve a professional-looking result. When you’re investing in fabric and materials, you want to get it right the first time, and the class gave me the confidence to do just that.”
The Result
“It is a real sense of achievement to see the Headboard up. The feedback has been great. I feel happy and content about my choices and loved the process. I love that my whole family had an opinion and supported me.”
Ready to Create Your Own Stunning Headboard?
Cornel’s story is proof that with the right guidance, anyone can design and build a professional headboard. Our Online Headboard Class walks you through every step, from designing the perfect shape to assembling and mounting your creation with confidence.
