twin fabric panels in a colorful botanical pattern feel like tapestries when placed at the head of the bed. They give the soft look of an upholstered headboard without the fuss and are a terrific way to try out pattern without making the commitment to wallpaper.
What you’ll need: a curtain rod, fabric and dowels.
Step 1: choose your fabric and curtain rod. For the fabric, we used 2 yards in an extra-wide statement-making print. For the curtain rod, you’ll want something substantial and weighty.
Step 2: cut the fabric in half vertically, so you have two pieces that are 2 yards high and about 28″ wide. These will be the two fabric panels. sew a 1″ hem on the two long sides of each piece.
Step 3: sew two rod pockets on each piece of fabric: one at the top edge for the curtain rod, and one at the bottom edge for a slim wooden dowel.
Step 4: measure the height of your finished fabric panels, subtract 2 or 3 inches, and hang the curtain rod that distance above the top of your mattress.
Step 5: thread the panels onto the curtain rod, leaving a space between them so the outer edges of the fabric hang flush with the edges of the mattress. Insert a wooden dowel into each panel’s bottom pocket to keep it hanging taut.