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Pool Noodles aren’t just for summer fun anymore! Here’s how to turn your extra pool noodles into a chic headboard

Editorial Staff
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Are you looking to change up your bedroom look? Or maybe you are tired of living that no-headboard life. Either way, this DIY Pool Noodle is an easy way to bring style into your bedroom decor.

For this project, you will need the following:

  • pool noodles
  • 1/4” plywood (cut to size in store)
  • blanket (or fabric)
  • electric knife
  • staple gun +1/4” staples
  • duct tape
  • removable adhesive strips
  • utility knife
  • permanent marker
  • tape measure
  • construction adhesive
  • caulk gun

Step One: Measure and Cut Plywood

First, determine the headboard’s desired width and height. For the board’s width, add 4 inches to the width of your mattress.For the height, you can decide how tall you want it. Plywood usually comes in 8’x 4’ sheets, so have the store cut them into your desired size.

Step Two: Cut the Noodles

Use an electric knife to slice all the pool noodles in half lengthwise, so they’ll lay flat against the plywood. Temporarily place cut noodles on the board to assess any gaps. Then, use the electric knife to cut any necessary smaller pieces to fill in gaps.

Step Three: Trim Blanket

Trim the blanket to allow 8″ of extra fabric on either side of the headboard, so it’s easier to work with during the upholstering process. Leave the length as is — you’ll need extra fabric to accommodate the channel tufting upholstered effect.

Step Four: Attach Top Row

Apply construction adhesive to the flat side of the first row of noodles, then align them with the top edge of the plywood and hold in place for a few seconds. If you’re concerned about the noodles shifting until the adhesive is dry, use duct tape to keep them in place.

Step Five: Attach Blanket

Next, staple the top edge of the blanket along the backside of the plywood. If you’re using a one-sided or directional fabric, make sure it’s correctly oriented so the “good side” hangs as intended when flipped over to the front of the headboard.

Step Six: Cover Top Row

Once secure, flip the blanket back over to the front, snuggly wrapping the top row of noodles. Staple the blanket across the width of the headboard, getting right up under the noodle.

Step Seven: Continue Upholstering Headboard

Continue the upholstery process by flipping the blanket to the back and out of the way, applying the next row of noodles with adhesive, then flipping the blanket back to the front to cover the new row of noodles, then stapling the blanket in place. Continue the process until you reach the plywood’s bottom edge.

Step Eight: Staple, Trim, and Clean it up

Along the headboard’s bottom and sides, tightly wrap the remaining fabric to the back of the plywood, then secure with staples. Trim excess fabric from the backside of the headboard to eliminate bulk, then tape down the raw edges.

Step Nine: Add Adhesive Strips

Add several sections of removable adhesive to the back of the plywood, removing the paper backing from the “wall side” strips, to ready the headboard for installation.

Step Ten: Hang Headboard

With a friend, carefully position the headboard, pressing it firmly to the wall. Hold for a bit, while the adhesive strips set.