Fabric-covered headboard adds luxury to guest room

My children have grown, and I am now redecorating one of their rooms for a guest bedroom. I’m looking for some ideas to make it a bit different, stylish, comfortable — maybe with some glamour, but not over the top. I like your do-it-yourself projects. Have you one for me?

Now is your time to do a little dreaming about what you find glamorous, because I think this is just the right approach.

If your goal is a guest room that is chic, alluring and rich, look to materials and colors that connote this enchanting style. Glamour is developed in the company of metals that shine, glass that sparkles, and fabrics that are tactile and show a rich sheen.

A glamorous style is magnetic. It really does pull you in so that you feel pampered and special — just right for a guest room.

One of my favorite projects is to produce custom headboards. I have made many over the years, utilizing old doors, plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cut to size, posters and fabric.

When I wanted to create a sophisticated style for the delightful bedroom shown here, I turned to the sensuous look of velvet, framed with shimmering detail, to make an oversized headboard. The frame is gilded with metallic leaf.

I began with a stretcher frame wrapped in canvas. Art-supply stores will make a stretcher to your dimensions, or you can make your own using wood from your lumber store.

First, spray the canvas with adhesive and adhere one or two layers of fiberfill for a bit of padding. Cut a piece of velvet or other fabric to fit (add enough on all sides so you’ll be able to wrap the fabric around to the back of the frame). Stretch the velvet over the wooden frame and staple it to the back.

To make the decorative frame, you’ll need frame molding (the back of the molding strips have an L-shape cut on the inside edges to permit a picture to be set in). Cut the frame molding to fit around your headboard.

Apply water-based size to the frame, making sure you get it into all the grooves and indentations. When the size is tacky to the touch, apply metallic leaf, using a soft brush to smooth it out. Let it dry for an hour; then brush away any loose leaf. Attach the frame to the headboard, and hang it on the wall like a picture.

Look for a duvet cover or bedspread that connects to the color and feel of your headboard, such as silk, satin or ultra-smooth cotton. Dove-gray walls show quiet elegance paired with the lavender bed. There’s a good chance you will decide to make this room your own.

I have a pet peeve about scatter rugs. They are slippery — and therefore dangerous — and are always messy. However, it is nice to put your feet down on something warm. What can I do?

You make a good point. Small area rugs are especially slippery on wood or tile floors.

Look for nonskid carpet tape, which can be adhered to the back of the carpet, at your local home store or online.

It is also helpful to place one or two ends of the carpet underneath a heavy piece of furniture such as the bed or sofa. If you still have a slip problem, invest in a larger carpet.