Reuse Old Couch Cushions To DIY A Simple Headboard On A Budget

There's no law that states your bed needs a headboard. But if you're someone who likes to add luxurious touches to your bedroom, a headboard can pull the space together while adding a more mature, elegant air to the bed itself. While the price of headboards can range, if you're on a budget, you might be less inclined to drop the money on one in favor of other home additions. But what if you could make your own headboard out of items you already have — for instance, old couch cushions? This DIY isn't just sustainable and eco-friendly. It also adds comfort to the most cozy place in your home, leveling up your bed for the ultimate relaxing and sleeping setup.

If you've been wondering whether or not you should add a headboard to your space, this simple DIY doesn't take up too much room, and it's budget-friendly. Some projects, like turning an old door into a shabby chic headboard, might require a little extra craftsmanship and tools, but this hack should only require a couple hours of your time and a little patience when attaching the fabric. For this trick, you don't need much experience at all in upholstering, sewing, or even crafting. You just need some unused cushions, fabric of your choosing that matches your bedroom aesthetic, and either some safety pins, a staple gun, or fabric glue. Depending on how in-depth you want to get in creating the headboard, you can also introduce wood planks for a sturdier backing, but that's completely up to you. 

The most important part of this DIY is finding cushions that fit the width of your bed. Measure the head of your mattress, and then see where your couch cushions will end to ensure the effect isn't unbalanced. You don't want to create a headboard that is too short, or it could look uneven. For king-size beds, you might need three cushions, where full and queens could work with two — that's why measuring is key. When you have your chosen headboard pieces, you can head to the fabric store to choose your new materials. The first step will also help you determine how much material you need.

If you're not planning to add a wood board, you can just use your length of fabric to wrap the cushions together. You can either pin or fabric glue the back of the fabric to the side of the cushions that will face the wall. Depending on your bed height, you can also arrange these vertically to create a taller headboard. If you do want to add wood, you will place your cushions on top of the wood plank before adding the fabric, then use a staple gun to attach everything at the back of the wood. Make sure you get a large enough cut of material to enclose the plank edges so that everything looks uniform.

If you want to ensure your headboard stays in place, you have a few options. You can add hooks to the fabric and the wall, or you can get crafty and secure a leather strap, ribbon, or other tether to the wall and wrap it around the cushions. Not only does this keep them from falling over or behind the bed, but it also adds a little design element that enhances the overall effect. You might not even need new fabric if you like the look of your couch cushions as they are. Just by hanging them from a metal bar with straps, you can elevate them and create a headboard with those few simple items. If you don't have couch cushions laying around, there is another alternative that still lets you upcycle items from your home to make a headboard.

Memory foam or mattress toppers can also be used for this DIY. This will definitely require a wood board, as the foam itself won't be sturdy enough to remain upright as a headboard. Cut your memory foam or topper to the length you need, and do the same with your board. Place the fabric over both and staple it to the back of the board to keep everything in place. Not only does this look stylish thanks to the fabric, but it also adds comfort so that you can prop against it to watch TV, read, or even just enjoy a little peace and quiet. This genius headboard alternative is inexpensive, DIY beginner- or expert-friendly, and so easy you'll wonder why people even buy headboards from the store.