Can you use additional seating for the kids? I will show you how to make a kid's corner table bench, perfect for a corner in the dining room or playroom.
I have had a headboard and footboard in my storage shed for quite a while now. Maybe even a couple of years. It wasn't sturdy enough to make a regular bench with the pieces. I saw a great bench at Running With Scissors, and it inspired me to make this cute little corner table bench or banquette.
I picked up this really long board. It was 12 feet long. I had no place to store it, so I got busy making this bench and cut this monster down to size.
Rough design of corner table bench
Using my miter saw, I cut it at a 45-degree angle and worked on making some pieces to skirt it out.
Use a small block to mock up table legs
Because I knew I was going to be using 4x4 posts, I cut a small block to use as a guide.
Connect 45° boards with pocket hole screws
I connected the two pieces of board with pocket hole screws made with my Kreg Jig. Using a speed square ensures a good "square" joint.
Need more details on using a Kreg Jig? See my article How to use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System
The bed pieces had some pegs sticking out of them, so I rested the boards on them to get a "dry fit".
Cut corner table bench legs to size
That allowed me to measure and cut the legs to size. I marked the placement of the legs on the bottom of the seat.
Attach corner bench legs with pocket holes and wood glue
I attached the 4x4 posts with pocket hole screws and Gorilla Wood Glue.
Fill in the gap with scrap boards
It's looking good, but if you look closely, you can see a gap between the seat and the bed. I filled it in with a 1x4 that I cut to size and screwed into place.
Here, you can see the 1x4's in place. You could notch your seat to fill this void if you plan ahead.
Add an apron or skirt to the corner bench
In this picture, I have attached the front skirt on each side. I used 1x4s and attached them with pocket hole screws. You can see the two end pieces lying on the seat, with pocket holes drilled, and ready to attach.
Paint underneath of kid's corner bench
After all of that, it was ready for some primer. A piece like this is easy to paint with my Finish Max. This view of the underneath shows many of the construction details of building a corner bench.
Paint red topcoat
You can see that I used my red oops paint to paint the corner table and bench.
I think it's perfect for a large dining room for the "kids" table. Great for meals and/or homework. It would also work great in a playroom for arts and crafts! If you're handy with sewing, you could even add cushions.
I made the table from scratch; you can see it in the post DIY Kids Table.
Here are a few updated pictures:
If you love this, please pin it!
gail
See other fun benches here and kid furniture projects here
See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Kathy
I love this bench and table. You did great!!!❤️
Martha
Very cool idea! This could be great indoors and outdoors. Fun for both parents and kids.
Cheryl Burse
Lady Gail,
Is it possible for me to get a measurement and cut list of this wonderful project? We just moved and I've been holding onto these headboards (albeit my hubby's consternation) forever...now i'm just itching to get this banquette set made for my lil bits. Please and Thank you in advance.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Cheryl,
It's impossible for me to know the exact dimensions of this piece. It's gone to a forever home. Your pieces might not be the same size as mine were. Typically kid's seats are around 12" off the ground. The seat pieces would depend on the length of your headboards after being connected. 🙂
I would love to see pictures of yours after you get it completed.
gail
Megan Peterson 4 The Home Depot
What a great project! I’ve added a link to one of our pinboards. Check them out at Pinterest.com/Homedepot
krista bratcher
I absolutely LOVE this! The color too! I would actually love an adult sized for my kitchen. We have lived here over a year and the spot for a table has yet to be filled. This would be PERFECT. Would you make a bigger one the same way? Thanks.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Thanks for your comment Krista. Yes I would build a larger one the same way. 😉 Have fun, good luck!
gail
millieoja
That's awesome love it i wish I could make it good job
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Thank you. It was a very fun project.
Andrea
What a great idea! I have a crib that my baby girl is about to grow out of and already have a twin bed waiting for her. I'm thinking I may do this for her and my 4 year old. Is there a way to make this outdoor friendly? You may have already said, I just didn't see. Thanks for the great idea!!!
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Andrea,
I think it's difficult to make any wood project last a LONG time outdoors. But if you take the proper steps, it will last quite a few years. I would use outdoor paint, possibly oil based. After letting it cure really well, I would use a good outdoor sealant like marine varnish. You will need to make sure you get every nook and cranny sealed to keep out the elements. I would also recommend putting the piece on concrete, not the ground. If you put it in the yard, use some pavers or stepping stones under each leg.
gail
Pravin Amudan
What a cool idea! I have taken the liberty of posting this on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/thelittlegreenpage – an online community to spread eco-awareness. Trust this is fine with you. Thanks!
Catherine Collins
I love this what a cleaver idea. I also love your chalk board table for the kids. I am linking to you and putting it in a post for homemade recipes for kids play. Thanks (Momma's Fun World)
Gail Wilson
thanks so much Catherine--share the link with me, and I'll pin it. 🙂
gail
Sherry Clarke
What a great makeover! I love it!!!
Mandy Beyeler
so so cute - - I really love this!!
Rozalynn Bradford
Where can i order one i want one in white this is to cute my daughter and nieces and neffews would love to use this
Theresa @junk2jewels-diy.blogspot.com
This is Wonderful!! I am totally inspired!! Thanks for sharing!!
Anonymous
Thank you! All three of my children were in the same crib and I can't bring myself to get rid of it. I don't know if this will work with the style crib I have, but I will definitely have to give it a try. I have saved it all these years and it probably wont meet the "new baby code" if I ever have grandchildren.
Any suggestions for the old bouncing horse? 🙂
lpace214@yahoo.com
7235495
Is this a baby crib ends or side rails? Or is this a single bed with a headboard and footboard? My email is dbs0786@gmail.com. I hope to hear back from you soon! 🙂
Melanie
WOW...awesome, clean work there. Oh, and props for a Gorilla Glue mention. (Go Gorilla Glue!)
themeaparty
Lisa
Beautiful!
Torviewtoronto
creative cool idea repined
Carrie
Oh my goodness...this is the cutest thing ever!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting on our bed frames being the same... I do love my results but I love yours MORE! Now I have to find another bed frame!! This is AWESOME. Pinning it for later!
Sandy
What an amazing idea. I love that you made it a corner unit and the red is fabulous. I am a new Linky follower.
Traci
What a great idea and a fabulous execution. You are quite the woodworker. Thanks so much for sharing.
Traci
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Totally awesome Gail! I know I'm repeating myself, but that's exactly what the little voice in my head says when I read your posts - totally awesome!
Toqua's Crafts
Oh My Gosh!! What a super cute kids bench and table!!
Jacque n Matt Knowlton
I love this, totally pinning this!!! Did you use a Kreg Jig for your pocket screws? Seriously can't get over how creative this is!!! Great job :o)
-Jacque @theDIYvillage.com
Chase the Star
You are amazing Gail! What a fantastic bench! Love it!
Barbara @ Chase the Star
Full Circle Creations
Now that one cute kid's bench and table! Great job as usual!
Holly
I Play Outside The Box
Oh my...that was just the perfect headboard and footboard for this!! The table is just great also!! What an adorable set!!
Janet
I adore the shape of this bench, just look at those curves! 🙂 Amazing job Gail!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
That is such a cute little set, Gail. I would never have thought of making a corner bench like that, but it's perfect for kids.
Sandi @ The Primitive Skate
Good Morning Gail! Wow! What a Beautiful bench!!! I must say you never cease to amaze me. I wish I lived closer to you, so i could get hands on lessons on how to build. I have had many tries, and all failures. Love the red color also. Happy Belated Mother's Day my friend!
Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures
You never cease to amaze me! What a fabulous project. Love the color too.
Carolyn
Gail,
Very creative use of the head and foot board. Perfect size and the color is lovely.
The table plus banquette is very craftsman/mission style and I love that. Beautiful lines.
Can't wait for the table post.
Have a great day.
Carolyn
Proper Prim
How adorable is that. What a clever way to use footboards. You are truly amazing. Love it and perfect with the table.
I love that red oops paint... lucky you.
Great job yet again Gail.
Hugs,
Deb
Kathy
So AHHDORABLE! What an ingenious idea! You constantly amaze me with your creative abilities. Love it! Plus I'm REALLY partial to red, so this is perfect!
Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple
that is amazing!!!
Korrie Bastian
This is SO cute! I want to put it in the corner of my girls' room!
Jamie@OwlReally.com
it's even cuter in person! i love it!
Terri
This comment has been removed by the author.
Terri
This is adorable! The red is the perfect color for this super fun project...my grandkids would love it. Great job~
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
looks fabulous! you know i love the red!
✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life
Hi Gail,
I love the transformation! I've seen headboards turned into benches but never an adorable banquette. I love the table too!
Dee
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
That is so adorable! I love how it looks with the red paint too. What a super build.
Susan @ homeroad.net
Gail this is the cutest little bench and table ever! Makes me wish my kids were little again. Perfect place for them to do crafts or eat. The red color you chose is perfect too!
LOVE it!
Susan
Homeroad