BRIGHT BEDHEAD

1
Work out what size you would like your bedhead to be. Measure the width of your bed with the sheets and quilt on. (If you measure the mattress only, the bedhead may look a touch skinny once it's on your bed). Then work out how high you would like your bedhead. Remember the bedhead will be attached with brackets which will lift the bedhead off the ground so when working out the height of the bedhead you need to subtract the height that the brackets will lift the bedhead. Ours will be 1380mm wide x 1200mm high. Most hardware stores can do the cutting for you for a few extra dollars. Keep the left overs as they will be needed later.

2
To curve the top of the bedhead, measure 20cm in from each side and mark the centrepoint. Use the hose to outline the curve and cut out with a jigsaw.

3
Make a cardboard flower template about the size of your hand (other simple shapes like hearts would also be suitable). Use the template to outline the flowers onto the leftover MDF and cut out using a jigsaw. It's up to you how many you would like to have on the bedhead but remember you don't want to bump your head on them — about 5 should do. Sand all edges lightly.

4
Now that the cutting's out of the way, it's time for some colour. Position your ground sheet and lay the bedhead and cut out flowers on your work area. Seal the MDF with a coat of primer and allow to dry. Then apply the bright colours. For an even finish, use a roller to spread the paint. Allow to dry.

5
Work out where you would like your flowers to go and attach them to the bedhead with a construction adhesive. Remember not to position them anywhere which could be uncomfortable.

6
Attach the finished bedhead to the bed with universal brackets. Screw one side of the bracket onto the bedhead and then thread the other side through the bed castors. You can pick these up from leading hardware stores for about $25 a pair.

UPHOLSTERED BEDHEAD

1
Cut your MDF to the size you would like your bedhead to be (see "Bright Bedhead" step 1). Ours was 1100mm x 1390mm.

Position the MDF over the wadding. Mark 10cm extra around each side of the MDF and then cut out the wadding.

2
Reposition the MDF into the centre of the piece of wadding. Turn over the edges of the wadding and staple to the back of the MDF. Make sure you pull the wadding firmly when you staple and that the MDF is covered evenly. If you like extra cushioning in a bedhead, apply another layer of wadding.

3
Lay the covered MDF face down over the fabric and once again, mark 10cm around each side and cut out the piece of fabric. Reposition the MDF face down over the fabric, turn the edges of the fabric over and staple to the back of the MDF. Again make sure you pull the fabric firmly and evenly to achieve a professional finish. Neaten the back of the bedhead by trimming the excess wadding and fabric.

4
Measure and mark where you would like your upholstery pins to go. It's important to take time when measuring the positions as the pins, as they need to be positioned evenly. Use a small hammer to nail the upholstery pins through the fabric and into the MDF. When choosing the upholstery pins make sure they are long enough to go through the MDF but not too long that they will stick out.

5
Hand stitch the black cord onto the bedhead starting from one of the sides working across the top and then down the other side. The cord will hide the staples.

6
Attach the completed bedhead to the bed using universal brackets. As our bed is positioned against the wall, we don't need to cover the back of the bedhead.

SLIP ON BEDHEAD:
This bedhead is actually like a huge pillowslip which slips on over a piece of cushioned MDF. What's great about this is that you can easily remove it if it needs to be washed or you can make a second cover — one suitable for winter and one suitable for summer.

1
Cut your MDF to what you would like your bedhead to be (see "Bright Bedhead" step 1). Ours was 1100mm x 1390mm.

2
Position the MDF over the wadding. Mark 10cm extra around each side of the MDF and then cut out the wadding.

3
Reposition the MDF into the centre of the piece of wadding. Turn over the edges of the wadding and staple gun to the back of the MDF. Make sure you pull the wadding when you staple and that the MDF is covered evenly. If you like extra cushioning, apply another layer of wadding.

4
Lay the covered MDF face down over the fabric and mark 10cm extra around each side. You will need to cut two identical pieces out of this fabric.

5
Use the contrasting fabric to make your own piping. This is quite easy and a great way to make use of fabric scraps. Cut the fabric on the bias into 4cm wide strips. You may need to join fabric so you don't waste too much. Place piping cord on the fabic strip, fold it over hold tight and pin it in place. Then, using the piping foot attachment on your sewing machine, sew together.

6
Pin the two large fabric pieces together (good sides together) with the piping in the middle around all sides apart from the bottom. Before stitching, try the cover over the bedhead (still inside out). It's important to get a snug fit. Adjust the pins in any areas that need to be taken in, then it's to the sewing machine to sew up three of the sides — leaving the bottom open to slip on over the MDF. Retry the cover to make sure it fits.

7
Finish off by hemming the bottom of the cover.

8
Attach the bedhead to the bed with universal brackets.

UPHOLSTERED BEDHEAD
1 x 2400m x 1200mm x 9mm MDF sheet (cut to required size — see step 1)
1.5m x 1.5m wide thick wadding (if you would like extra padding you will need double this)
1.5m Fabric (suitable for upholstery)
Black cord (enough to fit around two sides and the top of the bedhead)
Staples and staple gun
Gold upholstery pins
Needle & Black thread
Hammer
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Marker
Universal brackets (to attach bedhead to bed)
Screwdriver

SLIP ON BEDHEAD:
1 x 2400mm x 1200mm x 9mm MDF sheet (cut to your required size — see step 1)
1.5m x 1.5m wide thick wadding (If you would like extra padding you will need double this)
3m Fabric
1m Contrasting fabric (for piping)
Piping cord (to fit around the sides and top of your bedhead)
Staple & staple gun
Ruler & Pencil
Sewing machine
Cotton to match fabric colours
Universal brackets (to attach bedhead to bed)
Screwdriver

UPHOLSTERED BEDHEAD
Sheet of MDF $32.55
1.5m wadding @ $5.50/m $ 8.25
1.5m fabric @ $17/m $25.50
Packet of upholstery pins $3.25

TOTAL $69.55

SLIP ON BEDHEAD: Sheet of MDF $32.55
1.5m wadding @ $5.50/m $8.25
3m fabric @ $17/m $34.00

TOTAL $74.80

NB: Universal brackets cost about $25 a pair.