Thursday, March 21, 2013

Headboard Progress & Swatch Lesson

So... today I'm happy to report I finally found a fabric for my headboard project that's been ongoing since last summer. My dad originally helped me with the plywood and such, and I wrapped the sucker in foam. That's where it's been stalled for quite some time. 

Here's the fabric I've chosen to use, but not before much debate and trial and error. It's Robert Allen Linen Duck in Natural. I love it so much. Here's the internet picture...

Robert Allen Linen Duck Natural
And the swatch with my other fabrics... But I didn't come to this fabric easily. Let me take you on a ride.. or what I like to think of as a lesson in swatches.



Behold, the metallic linen. This is the internet picture of the fabric. It's a linen with intertwined strands of metallic in gold. I thought it might be pretty. I've seen Candice do blingy fabric wonders in her bedroom designs... so I ordered a swatch.

Metallic European Linen Blend in Gold Mine
Ok, we can laugh together. Fabric swatch FAIL. Big time. HA! I showed it to my husband trying to keep a straight face. "Honey, what do you think of the headboard fabric?" I think the metallic shined right off his face. He all but reached for his sunglasses. 


These pictures don't do it justice. It's really shiny, like a fish. Woah. Let's just say I quickly ruled this one out.


I also ordered a swatch of velvet. I love how luxurious and soft velvet is, and definitely love velvet upholstered headboards. So, I was excited to find this.

Antique Cotton Velvet in Taupe

But, when the swatch came, the color was much more muted. More of a gray-khaki than the warm beige it appeared to be online. I'm not sure I can stress the importance of buying a swatch first.


While it's a very nice fabric, I just wasn't really feeling it.


And the three swatches together... I know what you are thinking. Use the gold, right? HA.


And the winner is... definitely the Robert Allen.


And the two losers.... sorry guys.


Here's how the headboard has looked for a few months. Oops! It's been resting peacefully down in the basement. 


As you can see, one layer of 3" foam is on it. I still need to tidy up the edges with an electric carving knife and add batting. Maybe I can get it done this weekend... that's a big maybe.


And these will finish the deal... I sort of can't wait to get this thing done and in our bedroom. I need to find the motivation somewhere! 


I'm hoping it'll come out like my inspiration picture...TBD.

Rue Magazine

It's almost Friday folks. What DIY plans do you have this weekend?