Dorsey Designs

DIY and Interiors by Sarah + David

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Nailhead Metallic Linen Headboard | Tutorial

Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my post yesterday! Your support means so so much!

Today, I’m sharing our most recent headboard – a nailhead and metallic linen square headboard.

Nailhead can seem intimidating, but since working on several projects with nailhead (including this massive nailhead feature wall) we’ve found a few tips that make it go faster! 

Here’s how we did it!

First, we used (for a queen bed)

Plywood (1/2″ cut to 60″ x 36″)
2x2s for the frame (qty 4)
Metallic linen look table cloth (found at Marshalls) (I think it was around 76″ x100″, if you’re buying yards, you need about 2)
Nailhead (UPS is the only shipping option listed online at DIY Upholstery, if you call, you can get USPS shipping which is about half the cost)
Cardboard upholstery strip
Upholstery stapler

First, we simply framed the back with 2x2s by creating a box on the outside of the backside of the plywood (legs extend from the top of the plywood to the floor. The total height of our headboard was 55″

We secured the plywood to the 2x2s by screwing from the top.

Since our fabric was semi transparent, we primed the plywood so you couldn’t see any knots through the fabric.

We ironed and cut the fabric to size – enough so it could wrap around the sides.

Outside, we applied spray adhesive to the front of the plywood. Make sure to cover up anything that you don’t want the adhesive on since it gets everywhere!

Then, we centered the fabric and applied it to the plywood, smoothing it. We lifted the fabric up and re smoothed as we went. Having two people for this step really helped!

You could just staple the fabric on the back, but for a more finished look we used a cardboard upholstery strip and an extra strip of fabric, stapled along the edge and then folded it over and stapled on the back.

Next, the pattern. We did a couple of versions and then landed on this fretwork inspired design. You can download our design HERE (it’s a 10 page PDF, 1st page is the entire design, remaining 9 pages are the design, arranged top to bottom, left to right) Carefully tape them together. 

First, we poked holes through the center of each circle (we use an awl – used to mark metal) off of the headboard. Next, we centered and leveled the pattern – we took a lot of time ensuring it was even so the pattern would stay consistent. Then, we taped it to the headboard and marked each hole with a pen.

So here’s the trick to make the nailhead super easy and fast. With a small drill bit (compare to the end of the nailhead and test on scrap wood first – you want the nailhead to sit in the hole, but it should be snug) Drill each previously marked hole a small amount – you want the nailhead to go in about half way. Again testing on a piece of scrap would is recommended till you get the hang of how deep to go.

It’s an extra step, but trust me, it makes applying the nailhead SO much faster! Not shown in the image, but we covered the tip of the hammer with leather (for durability) and then painters tape to secure the leather in place – this protects the smooth surface of the nailhead. We replaced the leather and painters tape combo a few times throughout. They also make hammers specifically for applying nailhead, but this was a great substitute since we didn’t have one.

We like to insert a few at a time (spaced at least one apart – otherwise they are too close and go in properly) and hammered a few at a time. This is so much easier than picking up hammer up and down every time you insert a nailhead.

I made a quick video to show how fast it is!

Note: A few of the nails went in crooked, so we used those to go in sideways in the few spots where the screws were underneath the placement of the nailhead on the edge of the plywood.

Depending how the light hits it – the fabric shows a subtle metallic glow.

I’m obsessed with the pattern!

The lumbar pillow is a hair on hide from Marshalls (Tahari) I love the cut out and subtle natural ombre. 
So if you’ve been wanting to tackle a nailhead project, don’t be scared! It really is easier than it looks – dare I say, kinda fun!? 
Coral shams Crane & Canopy // Stripe pillows Nate Berkus // lumbar pillow is from Marshalls // Duvet is Marimekko for Crate and Barrel a few years ago // Print is from Artfully Walls, Twos Company urchin found at the thrift store!! // lamps are from Ross. 

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Comments

  1. (Oops hit publish accidentally:) )
    As can always be expected from your projects, this is stunning. I can't believe the quality of your projects! And I love your new trick of using the upholstery strip, that is so clever to add a professional quality. Love!!!

    Reply

  16. Sarah, you just changed my life! I did a project a few months back using nailhead trim and it was NOT pleasant in the slightest. I swore I would never touch nailhead trim again. After seeing this tutorial you have restored my faith. 😉 thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply

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