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This is a roundup of all the headboard bench ideas I’ve done over the last several years along with some of my friends’ benches as well. Each link will take you to the original post.
If you’re new here, welcome! If you’ve been around for awhile you are probably familiar with my headboard benches, heck maybe that’s how you even found me. I made my first headboard bench in 2009, and I still enjoy making them as much today as I aways have.
Each headboard is different which brings it’s own challenge to make a bench. That’s part of the thrill that makes me keep loving all of this I do.
I will tell you that using a Kreg Jig makes building headboard benches so much easier than it was back in the day when I first started repurposing headboards. I sure hop you find something to inspire you to pick up a headboard at the thrift store, or maybe even off the side of the road.
Repurposed Headboards, chalkboards, coatracks and more!
I have about 10-12 projects just waiting to be built—stay tuned!
gail
Wooden Slat Bench Plans | Rustic Bench with Back
Repurposed Furniture Old Dresser Ideas and Makeovers
Double Column Console Table
Upholstered Bench made from a Coffee Table
Jenny Lind Bed Bench pt 2
Repurposed Window Cupboards
Repurposed Window Cabinet
Repurposed Piano Fall into a Mantel
DIY Chalk Paint (kids table and chairs)
Faux Metal Finish Upcycled Shelf
Headboard repurposed into an Amazing Grace sign
twin bed toy box
Kids Art Desk Repurposed Armoire
Stool Turned Side Table
chippy chair planter
Piano bench re-do of a re-do
Brown twin spool bed repurposed into a bench
Twin Headboard Repurposed (repurposed headboard ideas)
upcycled door projects
Corner bench (headboard)
Decor Transfer Repurposed Headboard Sign
DIY Kids Corner Bench (banquette)
Garden Bench made from Repurposed Chairs
Chest of Drawers Repurposed into an Entertainment Center
Love these ideas! I need some more in depth instructions on how to make a bench from using METAL headboard and footboards. I have seen countless pictures of them, never any instructions. If anyone can direct me to any, I would be forever grateful!
Sheila,
I did a metal one when I very first started. It wasn’t an antique bed. I drilled holes through the metal and attached the “box” frame of the bench across the back with bolts and or screws. I didn’t blog about it….
hope this helps!
gail
Love all of your benches Gail. Inspired hubby and me to check out 2nd hand stores. I do have 1 question for you tho…why do you use the chalky paint for your primer coat instead of regular primer? An email reply would be great as I am not very good on the computer.
Hi there! I’m so happy you’re inspired by what I do! I like to use the same color of primer as I do for the paint. So, red bench, gets red primer, navy bench gets navy primer, and purple bench gets purple primer.
The chalky paint is so flat (after you add the plaster of paris) so it makes the perfect primer. I hope that helps.
Let me know if you get this because I replied on the blog so others will know the answer. It should automatically come to your email inbox.
gail
Yes Gail, I got your e-mail and I thank your for being soooo prompt with your reply. Thanks to my great grand daughter I now have your site in my favorites, an awesome little gadget. Keep up the good work or should I say fun?
Hello my name is Martina and I live in Germany Biribauer near Stuttgart Swabia. Am 60 years old and am now encountered by chance on your great do it your self . I find it exciting that one can gestallten of old furniture in new design . I MOEC hte me in this way to thank for the great suggestions .
Herzlioche greetings from Germany sends them Martina
Hi, I’m a volunteer and co-founder of the House of Blessings soup kitchen/clothing room/youth center/soon to be shelter, plus many other services available to the needy; free of charge. We are a Christ based, non-denominational organization. We consist of approx. 22 different churches. We are strictly ran by all volunteers/ NO paid positions. Just people who want to help; give to others, and love the ones nobody wants. We pay all our bills by donation only, we ARE non-profit. In saying all that; I’d be grateful if would even consider donating a few(or one) bench for the front hallway lobby(not a lobby yet). We are housed in an old condemned school that we’ve worked hard on and were able to pass a building inspection to be able to open and use the first floor only at this time. We hope to be able to start on the 2nd floor soon and open a shelter; with job training, placement, and possible re-schooling. I’d appreciate anything you could do for us/our people. The benches are ALL so unique and beautiful that I thought they could make our people feel special when they walk through the front door. Thank You for any consideration, Sincerely, Michelle J. Wiggins; Other e-mail awiggi01@aol.com Art W. Wiggins Chairman
Wow!!! I love them all, I would love to get into doing something like this. All of them are beautiful!!! thank you for showing them and giving good idea’s. going to the flea market this weekend to see what I can do my first one out of. thank you again!!!
Angie!
Love all of these ideas!!! Would love it more if I didn’t have to pause a video every time I come to your page though 🙁
Thank you so much! 🙂
Don’t pause the video, mute it. It will stay muted on each page if you mute it once.
gail
I love this post … I’m just about to make a headboard bench and this is an awesome selection to choose from! Thanks!
Wow! What a fantastic round up! So hard to pick a favorite, but I think the black bench with the white pleated skirt pad. I am actually in the process of making a bench from a headboard I pulled out of an apartment dumpster, and well….old garage door panels that I cut up to make the arms. Let’s just hope my vision in my head actually translates to one I can use in my living room!
Happy to feature you at the part this moning!
Love how you put them into one post. Very smart and a great reference for anyone who wants to build one! That was a lot of work!
I love looking at all your benches. The Jenny Lind ones are my favorites.
Holly
Wowza Gail–you have been one bUsy lady!
They’re all fAb–but I especially LUV-absolutely-LUV the last one and the white w/green pillows!
Man I could have some fun building with you!
Catherine
Gail,
You never cease to amaze me! You are so talented! Wow, that must have been a TON of work going back and forth linking and pasting all these benches into the post! I hope your shoulder is healing… I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately!
As i’m sure you know by now i am nuts for all the benches you have made and cant wait for the next one
smiles
Paola
This is an amazing collection of projects! I love to see where your vision takes you, each of your benches is so original and beautifully made! I spotted the Pound Puppy in your picture, if they aren’t already bringing them back, they should. 🙂
Wow – you have been busy! I love how each bench is so unique. Beautiful job!
WooHoo! You’ve just saved me tons of work…lol I am about to undertake my own bed-turned-bench project for a friend with an antique piece from family. I have always admired your work and now I’m using it for reference…your pieces are all so unique!
OH my gosh Gail!
They are all so beautiful.
I would have such a hard time picking a favorite!
Gail! I’ve loved every single one…and have certainly been inspired. Even made my own bench…from 3 chairs, using your favorited TOOL. the kreg jig!!!
You’ve certainly done a lot of them. I don’t know which one I’d pick as a favorite. I really like the corner benches…but all my corners are taken up with stuff!
…have a great Tuesday! Pat
I am going to echo the first comment…The headboard bench is what brought me to your blog for the first time! I am so happy too! These benches are so awesome, Thanks for showing all of them!
you amaze me!every time…
Fabulous work, Gail!!!
Stopping in to do some quick pinning.
Bliss
That’s a lot of benches! Good job!
So many amazing designs! Love this collection.
Awesome collection Gail! And just what I needed. I’ve never made a bench, but the other day Megan & I picked up a headboard and footboard from the side of the road and I immediately knew we should give this a try. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Very cool made one my self this summer! lots a fun!
Looks impressive to see them all in a row. Just think of all those beds you saved from the landfill or even worse, firewood!
I always think of the headboard bench as the ultimate recycle project.
It was fun seeing your headboard benches all together. They are each so clever in their own unique way.
You are the bench-queen! Looking at them is like a travel thru the past ;o)
Happy Tuesday,
Sue
Loved looking at this review of all your benches. A link to one is what brought me to your blog for the first time and I’ve enjoyed each and every one since that first day. I hope you never stop doing them!