MAKE A HEADBOARD

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT?

Intermediate

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

MDF jigsaw foam polyester wadding, fabric (enough to cover the headboard plus 4in on each side) spray adhesive staple gun pliers fabric scissors

One of the design secrets that the founders of the boutique hotel chain Artist Residence say is integral to their bedroom designs is a headboard. “They make a bed look more made,” says Justin Salisbury. Jessica Meek, who runs a bespoke upholstery studio in east London, makes work for clients including 2 Lovely Gays,

The Hospital Club and Kew ( jessicameek.co. uk). But she recently made a headboard for her own bed using a simplified upholstery technique she reckons most people could copy.

HOW TO DO IT:

“Cut your board to size with a jigsaw and cut the foam to the same size,” says Meek. “Peel back the foam in sections, spray the board and the underside of the foam and stick together. If you need to trim the foam down further do so now – an electric carving knife is perfect.

“Lightly glue the polyester wadding to the foam, leaving 4in extra on all sides. Cut the excess flush with the foam in the corners.

“Lay the fabric over the foam and attach the fabric using temporary staples on the back, starting at the top in the middle. Move to the bottom middle, then one side in the middle, followed by the other side. Keep looking at the front to see that you’re not pulling more in any direction and, if necessary, correct this by removing that staple.

“Neaten all the fabric in the corners on the upright side so that the excess is on the reverse side in a neat pleat.

“When you’re happy with the fabric placement put in permanent staples and take out the temporary ones. Trim the excess fabric to neaten it up.”

For an illustrated guide to making a similar headboard, visit heytherehome.com