Upholstered bed frame and headboard.

The bed in our guest bedroom originally consisted of a queen size mattress and box spring on a metal bed frame with a metal headboard. While the mattress and box spring were in great shape, we wanted to change the bed frame to something that was a bit more updated and in tune with our modern style. However, we also didn't want to spend thousands of dollars on a new bed frame because, well... why should you if you can make it for much cheaper??? 

The idea and plans for this bed frame came together rather hastily and on a whim. One random Saturday morning, we had just finished at the gym and with no weekend plans on schedule, we decided to detour to our local reno store to pick up supplies for the bed frame. Sitting in the car in the store's parking lot, I roughly sketched out the first idea that popped into my head, Eric loved it, and the rest was history!

We would build a simple rectangular frame around the boxspring and mattress with a matching headboard. To make things visually interesting, instead of using whole pieces of wood, we decided to individually upholster 2x6's in fabric and stack them on top of each other horizontally. We chose to work with 2x6's because three of these stacked equaled the desired height, which was about 2" lower than the height of the mattress and boxspring. 

This project was pretty straight forward. First, we cut the wood to size; six long pieces and six shorter pieces, where three of each length would be stacked on top of each other horizontally to make the four walls of the rectangular frame. For the headboard, we cut four pieces that were about 2" longer than the shorter sides of the rectangular frame. Next, I upholstered all of the 28 2x6's. To construct the walls of the frame, we used metal brackets on the back side (which would be the inside wall of the frame) of the upholstered wood pieces to keep them together. Flat brackets were used at two midpoints of each wall and corner brackets were used in each corner of the rectangular frame. 

To construct the walls of the frame, we used metal brackets on the back side (which would be the inside wall of the frame) of the upholstered wood pieces to keep them together. Flat brackets were used at two midpoints of each wall and corner brackets were used in each corner of the rectangular frame. The use of brackets (in lieu of a more permanent attachment method) would allow for easy disassembly/assembly if needed.

The headboard is a separate piece from the frame and it simply stands up against the wall on legs. We simply stacked four 2x6's and screwed two long pieces of wood to the back side to hold them together. The long pieces of wood extend below the bottom edge of the headboard and serve as legs on which the headboard stands. To keep the headboard in place and prevent it from falling forward, the bed frame is pushed up firmly against the legs. We preferred to construct the headboard to stand on legs so that we would not have to drill into the wall to display it.

For the upholstery, I selected a suede-like fabric. It's very soft and luxurious. I also really like that, as with genuine suede, various "imprints" or patterns form when the fabric is touched. I find this gives the frame visual texture and makes the fabric look rich instead of flat. As for the colour, I opted for a light gray. I wanted to keep the colour light, neutral, and modern, so that no matter what the decor in the space, the bed would fit right in.  

This bed frame turned out fantastically! It looks like a million bucks, but it actually was one of the most affordable projects in our home. And what a presence it has in the room. In comparison to the outdated metal frame it replaced, this bed frame is sleek, modern, and unique. Certainly a much better fit in the room.