How To: Upholstered Headboard redo

Thank you for all of your comments about my new bed!  I am still amazed at how much a few curves can make!  I thought I would share how I reshaped my headboard.  It was a super simple project {mostly because I really didn't do anything} but even still... anyone can make this!

I originally started with a basic headboard that was 78"W x 60"H.  To make that I took two pieces of plywood that is typically 96" x 48" and cut one down to 48"w x 60"h.  Then I cut down the other piece of ply to 30"w x 60"h.  I attached the two pieces with a 2x1 over the seam.  That was five years ago and it has served us well.

The first step to reshaping was to remove the fabric to expose the corners of the headboard.  I planned on using the existing fabric and batting so we carefully removed the staples.

To make the cut outs I measured 12" from the outside corner across the top and 12" from the top corner down.  I decided on 12" because I didn't want it do be too far down the side, but I also wanted the curve it to be pretty drastic.  To draw the guide line to cut, he measured the inside to the 12" mark {which was measured on top of the wood build up} and it was 10 3/4".  So then he measured from the corner of the inside of the build up at a 45 degree angle and marked.  Then he moved the tape over slightly on both sides and marked that.

Next was to connect the dots.

Using a jig saw he followed line to make the cut out.

Next was replacing the build up. I think the build up on the sides makes it look less DIY and more like what you would see purchased.  To make the build up on the curve, he used the same wood, a miter box, and a hand saw.  He measured would lay the piece of wood out and marked where it touch the edge of the curve and cut there.   Then we reapplied the batting and fabric to the headboard.  I wish I had taken pictures of this step, but it took all four of our hands to get the fabric to lay smooth on the curve!  No hands free for a camera.  I will say to get the curve smooth is helped to make small cuts in the fabric on the back and then staple those.  It elevated the tension in the fabric.

Next was to apply the nail head.  I like using the nailhead that comes on a spool and is all connected.  Yes it doesn't have that individual look, but I think it looks great and saves me from having to measure every nail!  

When he would get to the corner and didn't have a place to insert a tack, he would drill a little hole in the end nailhead to allow the tack to slip in easily.  

Before:

After: 

This project only cost me the price of the nailhead which was $20!!  I buy my nailhead online here.  I wondered about what a headboard like this would cost if it was bought and here is what I found:

It is sort of blurry, but the price reads $699 - $899.  The price for a king is $899!  Seriously!  Even if I factor in the wood and fabric I have saved well over $800!!  

YES PLEASE!