Today’s project: painting upholstery — a simple way to refresh an upholstered headboard without reupholstering.
You might remember the debate about whether to change the fabric on our upholstered headboard. I went ahead and painted it, and I’ll walk you through exactly how I did it so you can decide if it’s right for your piece.
UPDATE: See the full master bedroom makeover reveal and source list in the linked post.
If you’re nervous about painting upholstery, don’t be — it’s straightforward, affordable, and can dramatically change the look of a room. Below is the step-by-step approach I used on a king-sized upholstered headboard.
Supplies needed to paint upholstery
- Chalk paint (I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Grey — the king-sized headboard took about 1 quart.)
- A paint pail or large cup to mix paint and water
- Painter’s tape to protect wood trim
- A high-quality 3 inch angle brush or similar paint brush
- Fine-grit sandpaper (I used 320 grit)
- Drop cloth or canvas to protect surrounding surfaces and the mattress
- Clear soft wax (optional for added protection)
- Your upholstered furniture piece
Here’s a quick overview of the process and tips to get smooth, even results.
Preparation: I taped the wooden frame of the bed with painter’s tape to keep paint off the frame. Lay a drop cloth over the mattress and floor to avoid splatters. If your piece has loose dust or debris, vacuum or brush it off first.
Mixing: Combine three parts chalk paint with one part water in your pail. This thins the paint enough to penetrate fabric fibers while still providing coverage. Stir periodically while you work to keep the mixture consistent.
Application: Use long, consistent brush strokes and follow the same direction (I painted straight up and down). Start with a light, even first coat — it may look uneven at this stage, which is normal. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Coats: I applied three coats total. The first coat can be alarming — it often looks blotchy — but subsequent coats build opacity and even out the finish. Let the paint dry thoroughly between coats.
Sanding: After the final coat dried, the fabric felt stiff. Lightly sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (320 grit worked well) to restore a softer, velvety texture similar to the original upholstery.
Optional Protection: For heavily used pieces like sofas or chairs, apply a clear soft wax or fabric-safe sealer to protect the finish. For a headboard that won’t receive regular contact, I skipped wax and the finish still holds up well.
Results: The painted headboard now coordinates with the room’s gray-blue palette and nightstands. Sanding restored a pleasant tactile feel, and the color change transformed the space without the cost and labor of reupholstery.
If you’re planning a bedroom refresh, this is a budget-friendly, relatively quick update that makes a big impact. It’s a great option when the original fabric color no longer fits your room’s palette.
Related projects and resources for the master bedroom makeover:
- Master Bedroom Design Plan
- How to Get Designer Paint Colors on the Cheap
- DIY Planked Board and Batten Focal Wall
- Quick and Easy Dresser Makeover
- 3 Tricks to Upgrade Plain Windows
- Choosing the Perfect Blue Vintage Rug
- DIY Metal Industrial Initial Sign
If you try painting upholstery, remember: prep well, thin the paint slightly, apply multiple light coats, and finish by sanding for a soft feel. This method is an easy, cost-effective way to update fabric furniture and refresh a room’s overall look.
