This first step will be a personal preference - do you want your headboard to span just the width of your bed or extend a bit past your mattress edges? My headboard is 6' wide and is a bit wider than my queen size mattress. I didn't want to rip any of my boards down so I chose a height of 4' (exactly 4 12" boards). Cut your boards to length using a saw and make sure they are all the same length.

If your headboard will be located in front of outlets, switches or vents, I recommend cutting holes to accommodate them so they remain functional. I marked a center line on my wall then marked center lines on each board to make sure the holes would line up correctly on the wall. Use a straight edge and tape measure to mark and a jigsaw to cut.

Measure and cut the memory foam mattress topper for each board. I left a 1" overhang on each side so the foam would wrap over the sides and completely cover the edges of the MDF. Attach the foam to the MDF using spray adhesive. Next, cut the batting and leave enough to wrap around the edges and attach on the back of the boards.

Spread your fabric out face down, smooth out any wrinkles, then lay the batting over it and place board foam side down on top. I like to start by stapling the short ends first, then securing the middle of a long edge and work my way out going back and forth between the left and right sides. Once you have the short sides and one long side secured, move on to the second long side. Pull the fabric over the edge as tight as possible and check the front occasionally to make sure there are no wrinkles. Finish by securing the corners.

Once all of your boards have been upholstered, you will need to attach them together to hang on the wall. What you use for this step will depend on if you are hanging the headboard in front of your baseboards or above it. If you do not need to worry about baseboards, you can use a strap tie to attach the boards together. If you are hanging the headboard in front of the baseboard, you will need to use furring strips to offset it from the wall so it hangs straight. Double-check to make sure your boards are all lined up correctly and secure ties or furring strips using screws that are no longer than the thickness of the MDF.

Review the instructions for your French cleat as both pieces look very similar (I had to triple-check my placement to make sure I was putting them on correctly). Attach the headboard piece of the cleat at the top of your headboard, approximately .5" from the top and centered. To determine placement of the wall piece of the cleat, measure from the bottom of your headboard up to the top of the French cleat, then mark the wall at the same height. Use the screws included to attach the French cleat to the wall making sure it is level. Hang the headboard by lifting it up and over the cleat on the wall and slowly lowering it into place.

Make your bed look even more polished by upholstering your box spring with the same fabric as your headboard. Simply staple on the bottom, wrap over the edge and staple on top!

Add interest to your wall with a painted accent. This dusty pink arch balances out the teal headboard and bright colors in the artwork, while breaking up the white wall.