“Make Upholstered Headboard” was first posted by my predecessor, Nicolette the Design Diva, on July 7^th, 2009. After reading the blog entry, Sandra Barton made her own headboard and she recently sent me the pictures to show other Furniture and Design Ideas readers that it’s not too difficult.

Sandra writes:

Hi Heather,

Here are some pictures of the headboard. The instructions were great. I did add some coordinating upholstered buttons to give it a more tailored look – I measured and drilled holes in the back of the plywood and then used quadrupled button thread to pull it tight. All in all, this cost me about $100 to make.  The most expensive supply was the foam.

Thanks so much … Love your blog!

Sandra Barton

Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for sharing this with us Sandra – your upholstered headboard turned out great. It’s always good to hear from readers and even better when they send pics!

If you’re DIY-ing your headboard, then like Sandra, you already know how you want it to look. But what if you’re not DIY inclined? Here are some tips on how to get the headboard you really want.

The bed or headboard, like the Fashion Bed Group Dunhill Wood Headboard, is the automatic focal point of the room. Consider what kind of “statement” you would like the headboard to make. After all, when you (or someone else) enter the room, it will be the first thing you see. Do you want it to be imposing? The old headboard was made of wood: do you want your new headboard to be upholstered or to be made of metal? Would you like the look of a traditional poster bed but don’t want a footboard?

When purchasing a headboard for a room that has already been furnished, you will want to match the headboard to the bedroom’s existing décor. This means it should be the same color and/or style as your bedroom furniture and should blend with the other color elements in the room such the walls or the curtains.

The most obvious requirement when selecting a headboard for your bedroom is that, if you already have a bed frame and don’t intend on replacing the mattress/foundation (box spring), then the headboard size will have to match the mattress size.

But there are other things to consider as well. If you are in the habit of reading in bed, you may want the added comfort an upholstered headboard will provide or the convenience of additional storage a bookcase headboard offers.

Don’t forget height. Especially if you are selecting a headboard for a bed that has a plush or thick mattress, you will want the headboard to be tall enough to be seen. Buying high or tall headboards or pairing one with a low-profile type of bed can be useful when you want to showcase a specific type of material, such as a leather headboard, or a modern metal headboard like the Fashion Bed Group Brooklyn Metal Headboard with a unique design. As you can see in Sandra’s second picture, the height of her upholstered headboard really makes the bed “pop,” a combination of how tall the headboard is and the fabric she chose.

When buying a headboard, also give some thought to how it will work with your current bed or bed frame. Some bed frames are independently freestanding, but most are designed to be mounted on a wall, like an upholstered headboard. Don’t panic! If you have purchased a headboard that ends up not playing nice with the bed frame you already own or just bought, you can always secure it to the wall and place the bed in front of it.

Thanks again Sandra for sharing your DIY upholstered headboard with us. For those of us who can’t find the time to DIY, Cymax Stores is offering 10% off Skyline Furniture headboards, including upholstered headboards. Should you like to take advantage of these savings, use the coupon code SKY10 at checkout.

To view other entries in the “Design Files Of Heather B.” series, click here.

Inspired by the over-the-top lavishness of 1940’s Hollywood, the
ultra glamorous interior design style is all about intricate texture,
high sheen, and bold colors. When it comes to furnishings, the lines
are soft, curved, and extravagant. Home décor is accented by shiny
silver, gold, or copper. This is a design style not to be tried by
the timid – don’t be afraid to go all out when attempting the high
glam theme. However, you always have the option of incorporating
glamorous elements into your home, without dressing your entire
living space in glittery and alluring décor.

The following glamor furniture pieces and paint samples from
Benjamin Moore will help your home become a glamorous
Hollywood-inspired villa!

Glamor Design Living Room

A glam-influenced living room is the perfect place to catch
attention! Check out these high-end pieces fit for a glamourous
living room:

Tufted Seating

For a couch or chair, try a tufted back or cushion. The elegant Global
Furniture USA 9110 Series Tufted Back Sofa has a beautiful leather finish with lacquered wooden detailing.

The Distinction
Leather Tufted Chesterfield Leather Sofa is fit for royalty with its tufted seat and back. It comes in over a dozen different leather colour/finishes, so you can customize its look.
This classic Avenue
Six Curves Tufted Loveseat channels the glamorous 1940’s with its simple, yet elegant design. It comes in three rich, deep shades for you to choose from.

A handy way to get more seating, storage, and style into your living
room is with the Skyline Queen Anne Tufted Storage Bench. It comes in two colours and features curved Queen Anne legs.

A room will instantly have presence with the Distinction Leather Tufted Chair. Traditional and sophisticated, this chair
also comes in a high amount of colors and finishes, giving you the opportunity to choose your own look.

Coming in three different upholstery options, one of them being leopard, the Avenue Six Curves Hourglass Chair is sleek, feminine, and a perfect fit
for glam décor.

Vintage Lamps

To add some sparkle to your living room, look for vintage styled lamps. The Parisian-influenced Quoizel
Lisette Chain Hung Piccolo Pendant features sparkling crystals and a dark bronze base.

Every Hollywood starlet in the 1940’s probably had a crystal prism strung floor light, just like the AF Lighting Candice Olson Harlow Hollywood Floor Lamp.

Get a simple dose of glamour with the Quoizel Table Lamp, if sparkles and glitter isn’t your thing. The shiny steel base in an urn-like shape has a glamorous, yet subtle vintage vibe.

Decorative Mirrors

Nothing says glamorous like a shiny, decorative mirror. The Quoizel Lombard Small Mirror features a detailed bronze frame with graceful European influence.
The gorgeous Stanley Furniture Shelter Island Mirror in Piano Key has an off white frame with free form accents, giving it a simple classiness.
For the true glamour puss, the Murray Feiss Mademoiselle Beveled Mirror features hanging crystal pendants and a unique oval-shaped bronze frame.

Curved Tables

The boomerang shaped Magnussen Ferndale Tables Free Form Shaped Cocktail Table comes in a warm dark brown finish, and featured rolling casters on the legs so it can easily be transported.

Another free form-shaped coffee table is the RTA Glass and Aluminum 2 Tiered Coffee Table. It has a modern feel to it but still conveys the glamour look with the glossy glass tops and
bright aluminum legs.
The smartly detailed Lexington Long Cove Fairfield White End Table has unique curving to its legs and comes in four different colors to match your living room design.

Rugs

What says glamorous more than a faux fur rug? The Walk On Me Polar bear pelt features 100% acrylic fur that’s environmentally friendly, as well as stylish!
A gorgeous tapestry-styled rug, like the Couristan Pave Area Rug Collection – Bezel Medallion/Chestnut-Lapis, will be a striking centerpiece to your living room.
This luxurious, thick L.A. Rugs Super Shag Style Black Rug is super comfortable while giving your living space style at the same time.
A bold animal printed rug, such as the Fun Rugs Supreme Collection Leopard Skin Rug, is an instant focal point (as well as a glamorous statement!).

Go bold with your choice of wall colours in the living room –choose from the following different swatches:

Glamor Design: Dining Room

Why not turn your ordinary dining room into an elegant, glamorous getaway? These pieces follow the glam guidelines:

Dining Tables

For a simple look, try the Sitcom Cameo Collection Black Dining Table. Its slightly flared legs and curved tabletop give it more glamor that a plain table with straight
lines.
The uniquely designed American Drew Bob Mackie Signature Oval Leg Table features expensive-looking brass feet and a soft rosewood finish.
Another simple, vintage-inspired piece is the Stanley Furniture Paradise Valley Antique Ebony Round Dining Table. Its antique-styled pedestal is a subtle detail that faintly gives off the glam vibe.
Want a stunning glass top table? The Standard Valencia Garden Round Table with Glass Top features a rounded glass top and an antique finished pedestal base.

Dining Chairs

Believe it or not, some of the most glamorous pieces out there are dining chairs! The American Drew Grand Revival Russet Upholstered Side Chair features classy cabriole legs and a soft pattern on the cushions.
Channel the vintage 1940’s with the Lexington Long Cove Summerville Side Chair Beige Fabric in Shell White Finish. It has an antique finish, yet is stylishly current and glam.
Simplicity has never looked more glamorous with the Stanley Furniture Shelter Island Oval Back Side Chair in Marimba Wood. The soft curves and unique front legs are restrained, but prominent with glamour.

Chandeliers

When you think of a glamorously detailed house, your vision most likely includes an over-the-top chandelier, dripping with crystals. The ELK Lighting Josephine Five Light Chandelier fulfills that vision – it’s practically all crystals!
For something a little softer, you might like the TRUMP Home Westchester Bedminster Six Light Chandelier. The neutral colours with the mini lampshades and burnt bronze finish gives off just a hint of glamour.
The gorgeous wrought iron detail in the Murray Feiss Chateau 16-Light Chandelier is completely eye-catching, yet has simplicity to it.
The French parlour-inspired Quoizel Marquette Two Tier Chandelier has subtle multifaceted crystal drops and stunning antique silver detailing on the bronze candelabra-shaped base.
Not a fan of crystals? You can still have a glamorous dining room with the Kenroy Home Cardiff Oil Rubbed Bronze 12 Light Chandelier. It has a unique shade because the bronze has been oil rubbed, and it features intricate metalwork that will, like crystals, gain attention.

Side Tables

For the ultimate in glamour, the Ultimate Accents Old World Sideboard will compliment your dining room. Its stunning teardrop hardware and glamorous curvature embodies the
luxurious lifestyle.
The transitional Somerton Crossroads Side Server Buffet in Deep Burnished Brown has brushed nickel hardware and feet, and features curvy shelving to display your glamorous home décor!
The American
Drew Bob Mackie Signature Credenza features a gold-metal accent
handle that is reminiscent of the glamorous 1940’s. It also has a
granite top insert that is durable enough to use for preparing food
or holding it.

Keep the walls neutral, but deep in colour. The main focus of the
dining room should be the chandelier and/or dining room table, so
don’t go too overboard with the wall colours.

Glamor Design: Bedroom

The bedroom is a perfect place to carry out the glam design style
– especially if you want to experiment with the style. Start it off
in your bedroom first, since it’s seen the least by guests. Plus,
it’ll make you feel like a million bucks!

Canopy Beds

What will make you feel like a glamorous movie star more than a
canopy bed? The Magnussen
Hastings Canopy Bed is rich and bold with its shiny black finish
and crown moulding detailing.
A unique spin on the canopy bed is the Pulaski
Casa Cristina Canopy Bed. Instead of a square-framed canopy,
Pulaski’s version has curved arms that align inwards.
For a more modern-styled canopy bed, try the Stanley
Furniture Continuum Canopy Bed. Its simple design can be dressed
up glamorously with a boldly patterns bedspread and sheer curtains
hung off the canopy beams.

Chaise Lounges

No glamorous bedroom is complete without a chaise lounge chair!
Sprawl out on the comfy Avenue
Six Curves Tufted Chaise Lounge, and choose between two different
upholstery colours.
The ultra-glam curvature of the Klaussner
Furniture Reststop Chaise Lounge will be sure to stand out in
your bedroom – and is available in eight colours.
Stunning and feminine, the Skyline
One Arm Chaise Lounge with Berry Velvet Pattern offers you a
stylish place to relax after a long day.

Chests

The bright white Lexington
Long Cove Litchfield 12 Drawer Triple Dresser has antique
detailing that channels the glamorous periods of the past.
For a rich, regal look, try the Pulaski
Edwardian Semanier 7- Drawer Lingerie Chest. It features amazing
wood carving details and gold-tinted hardware that is fit for a
queen.
Are you more into the simple look? The Lifestyle
Solutions Venice 7 Drawer Lingerie Chest is glamour at its
slightest – the tiny flared legs and shiny chrome hardware gives off
a subtle glam vibe.

Benches

Add a bench to the foot of your bed to set off a glamorous room.
The Powell
Bristol Leather Bench in Lightly Distressed English Oak has a
traditional, European feel, which will instantly give your bedroom a
touch of class.
The padded suede NW
Enterprises Queen Anne Bench Footstool has delicate Queen Anne
legs for a soft glam look.
More tufting is featured in the Kathy
Ireland Home by Omnia Furniture Leather City Loft 2 Arm Bench.
Choose your leather and wood finish to fully personalize your bench.

Candle Holders

Set the mood in your bedroom with glamorous candle holders! The Zodax
Cabinet de Curiosites Silver Mercury Glass Large Candle Holder is
minimal in design but maximum in shine.
A more traditional option is the vintage-inspired AA
Importing Brown 6 Light Candleholder with Bowl. It channels the
glamour of the early 20th century.
Bringing back the crystal theme is the Zodax
Antique Victorian Candelabra with Hanging Crystals – ideal for
those who love the crystal’s glitter and shine.

Headboards

Tufting is indeed popular in glamorous design! The Lexington
Hancock Park Bel Air Upholstered Headboard is simple and classic,
but its tufts define the glam style. Choose from 6 different colours.
Upholstered in a silk-like material (shantung), the Skyline
Furniture 850 Series Arch Nail Button Upholstered Headboard has a
unique, regal shape that
If you’d like something more modern, try the Fashion
Bed Group Chancellor Metal Headboard. The combination of gold and
mahogany creates a glamorous colour scheme

You can choose to keep your paint colours jewel-toned and rich, or
go for all white and make your furnishings the focal point.

Glamor Design: Bathroom

Sleek, sophisticated, and accented with silver, gold & bronze
– that’s a true glamorous bathroom!

Vanities

A gorgeous vanity will make you feel like a Hollywood star as you
get ready for the day! The Cole
& Co Lorraine Package with Black Top and White Single Bathroom
Vanity features hand-carved detailing in the glamorous French
Baroque style.
Soft and curved, the Avanity
25″ Dark Walnut Single Bathroom Vanity with Black Granite
Top represents glamour in a subtle fashion.
All the glam lovers out there will appreciate the Ultimate
Accents Black Double Pier Bathroom Vanity with Stool! The double
sinks are handy if your share a bathroom, and it includes a glam
zebra print stool that completes the vanity’s dramatic vintage look.

Sinks

What says glamour like a vessel sink? Try the Avanity
Tempered Segmented Glass Vessel Sink for an expensive look that
makes a statement.
How amazing would the DreamLine
Square Edged Stone Vessel Sink in Nero Marquina look in your
bathroom? Its natural stone finish and smooth, curved edges are
definitely glamorous in style.
Want something detail-free, yet elegant? Nameek’s Neck Supported Basin is extra simple, but can be finished in a
variety of styles to differ your sink from others.

Faucets

For an antique touch, the DreamLine
Two Handle Lavatory Faucet in Antique Bronze has the exquisite
details of decades past.
Choose from seven different finishes with the Cole
& Co Prescott Faucet. This faucet is completely refined with
its glamorous grooved detailing.
A unique kind of glamour is found in the DreamLine
Cascade Tall Waterfall Faucet. Finished in chrome, it gives off a
soft sheen, while its innovative way of spouting water will make your
bathroom look like an oasis.

Shaving Mirrors

Need a closer look when you’re getting ready in the morning? Try a
glamour-inspired shaving mirror. Nameek’s
Windisch Wall Mounted 7 x Magnifying Shaving Mirror is accented
with gold metal, and can be mounted to the wall and extended.
The Cooper
Classics Antigua Bathroom Free Standing Shaving Mirror has a traditional feel
with its carved detailed wood base. It stands from the floor, and the
mirror can be tilted depending on your height.
Try Nameek’s
Windisch Free Stand 3 x Magnifying Shaving Mirror for your
tabletop. Featured in all gold metal, it has plenty of sheen and
style for the glamour lover in you.

Try a deep gold or burgundy for the bathroom walls – they’ll
instantly give the room more presence and richness.

What are you going to do with your Hollywood Glamor Interior Design?

Nicolette Interior Design Diva