Things You\’ll Need
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Plywood
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Sandpaper
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Foam
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Marker
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Utility knife
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Scissors
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Quilt batting
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Fabric
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Staple gun
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Stud finder
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Flush mounts
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Screws
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Screwdriver
Cover a padded wall panel in the fabric of your choice. Image Credit: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
A padded wall can bring warmth and softness to a room. Whether you'd like to pad the wall of a playroom to keep your children safe, create a soft headboard for your bedroom or you simply like the look of an upholstered wall, making your own wall padding is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project.
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Step 1
Cut a sheet of plywood to the desired dimensions of your padded wall panel. Sand the sides and corners of the plywood to remove any splinters and rough edges.
Step 2
Put the sheet of plywood on top of a large sheet of foam that is 1 to 2 inches thick. Use a marker to trace around the edges of the plywood, then remove it. Cut the foam along the lines with a sharp utility knife.
Step 3
Use scissors to cut out a sheet of cotton quilt batting and a sheet of fabric. Both should be approximately 6 inches longer on each side than the piece of foam.
Step 4
Place the fabric right side down on a clean, flat surface such as a large table or the floor. Place the batting on top of the fabric, making sure that all of the sides are lined up. Lay the foam on top of the batting, centering it as much as possible, then place the sheet of plywood over the foam.
Step 5
Pull the edges of the fabric up and over the plywood and use a staple gun to secure the fabric in place. Begin at the center top of the panel and work outward, stapling approximately every 2 inches, then pull the fabric taut and do the same on the bottom of the panel. Repeat on the right and left sides. If you are using a patterned fabric, be sure to pull the fabric evenly so that the pattern won't be crooked.
Step 6
Locate two studs in your wall using a stud finder or by knocking on the wall and listening for areas where it does not sound hollow. The studs you use should be as far apart as possible while still falling within the dimensions of your padded panel. Screw two flush mounts into the studs at an even height, then lean your padded panel against the wall and mark the spots where the mounts will attach to the back of the panel. Screw the second half of each mount into your panel, then lift the panel and slide it into the mounts to attach it to the wall.
Tip
Home improvement stores often cut lumber to size as a courtesy before you purchase it.
