Last week I shared the room makeover I did for my nephew and the most asked question I got through messages and emails was if I bought the headboard or made it. It was a total DIY. To buy one is hundreds of dollars so I knew it had to be a do-it-yourself project if I was going to keep this space under budget. Two of these woven leather headboards cost about $40 make (only $20 each!). It is probably the most money I have ever saved by DIYing.
The overall theme for the room was "baseball" and I thought that not only are these woven leather headboards super cool, but they give a subtle nod to baseball mitts. They are also super easy to make!
Supplies For DIY Woven Leather Headboard
2x2 Boards (4 8' boards)
Wood Stain (Optional)
2 ½" screws
Faux Leather (2 yards per headboard)
Yardstick or Ruler
Staple Gun + Staples
How To Make A Woven Leather Headboard
Step 1:
Build the simple frame for the headboard. I built mine 39" x 44". I attached them together using 2 ½" wood screws and counter sunk them so they were less noticeable. I stained them with Early American by Minwax. One coat.
Step 2:
While the wood stain was drying on the frame, I started cutting the fabric. I was able to snag the fabric when it was 60% off. If you don't happen to catch it on sale, use the Joann Fabric 40% off coupon from their app. I used a large piece of hardboard as my work surface but a work table or cardboard would work too. I decided since I had so many to cut out, it would be easier to make the strips of fabric be the same width as the carpenters square I was using. So instead of makerking each one, I simply used the ruler as a guide and straight edge for using the rotary cutter to cut the fabric.
Each headboard had 15 across and 15 down for a total of 30 strips of faux leather.
Step 3:
I stapled the fabric strips about ½" apart.
Step 4:
Once I had the horizontal strips stapled in place, I stapled the vertical strips along the top. Then I was able to start weaving them.
*Tip:
When stapling, don't pull too hard on the fabric or it will curl and distort the fabric strips.
To mount it on the wall, I simply screwed it into studs on the wall. I placed it so the screws would be hidden under the leather. You can see the full room makeover HERE.
So what do you think? I wouldn't mind a headboard like this in my own room. I think a woven leather headboard would go with a bunch of different design styles!
If you don't want a headboard but like the look of woven leather, I also made a leather pillow using the same technique! Check that tutorial out too :)
PIN For Later:
I love the look of these! What a neat project idea and it ties in so nicely with the baseball theme. 👏🏻
I was wondering where you "found" those neat headboards. I should've known you FOUND a way to create them! Way to go Stacy! These are so awesome!!!
How did you cut the leather strips so straight?
I use a rotary cutter and I used a carpenter's square as a straight edge. Similar to how did it for this leather pillow:https://www.notjustahousewife.net/woven-leather-pillow/
I’m loving this DYI headboard. I wanted the name brand version in a king size but you’re inspiring me to test my DIY skills and save a FEW THOUSAND dollars.
I’ve got two questions-
How well has this faux leather held up? And do you think with a king sized head board I should increase the leather strip size to 1 inch wide?
Any guidance appreciated!!!!
The faux leather I used is slicker and thinner than real leather so it moves a bit when leaned against and bunches up. If I were to do it again, I would find a faux leather that was thicker. But other than that, it is great. I think going with thicker strips for a larger bed is probably a good idea.
Good luck!
Did you use the thicker side of the carpenter square for your guide? I’m going to do this for my sons baseball room!
Yes I did! A good tip is that thicker material will hold up better. The thin faux leather stuff I used moved and bunched up when leaned against often. Stiffer fabric or leather will work better.