Corner Bench (headboard)
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Have you ever wanted to upcycle your vintage queen headboard into a corner bench? Why would you like to? Because a corner bench makes a great statement piece in an entryway or foyer. In addition, the corner bench takes up much less room than a huge queen-sized bed headboard bench.
How to make a Corner Bench
This is our headboard “before.”
Cut Headboard in Half (almost)
We placed it on the table saw to cut it. You saw it in half minus the thickness to get the proper size. This one was 61 inches, and it was 3/4 inches thick.
Divide 61 by 2= 30.5
Subtract the thickness of the bed 30.5 minus .75 = 29.75
One side of the bed will be cut 31.25
the other side of the bed will be cut 29.75
Attach Two Sides Together
This is why you need NOT to cut it in half. One side butts up against the other side.
Make sure you square the corner.
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Add Front Brace
We try to find a “third” leg that matches, but sometimes we must go with what we have. A 3×3 or 4×4 would probably have made more sense in this case.
We attach a 2×4 for the front brace, using a level to make sure that it isn’t cattywampus (Gail’s favorite word)
Multiple Drills Make Things Go Faster
This is our arsenal. One drill to make a pilot hole, another to sink the screw head, and the third one actually to drill the screw in. Having three drills makes the work go a lot faster!
Measure and Cut the Seat for the Corner Bench
Cutting the plywood across the front is not an easy task for me.
Homemade Painting Jig
Someone can probably tell me what this kind of thing is called. I know what it’s used for but do not know the technical name. So, I made my own by using some old dresser drawer pieces and my battery-operated nail gun. I shot some long nails through a thin board.
It keeps the plywood raised off the table to make painting easier. As I said, I don’t know their real names, but I have seen them on HGTV.
Paint Corner Bench
In general, I like to use two coats of primer.
I put about 2 1/2 to 3 coats of black on this bench. I used a brush. However, I used some spray paint to ensure I got in all the grooves of the appliques.
I was so busy preparing for our show that I forgot to take an “after” picture.
I used silver rub-n-buff on the appliques. It highlighted the details.
You can see it in one of my pictures from our show in Glendale.
Over the years, I’ve changed how I make headboard benches. See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
gail
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See other fun bench projects here
Hi, May I ask how much this would bring at a craft sale?
Ted,
I would sell this kind of bench for around $125.00 Some people may ask more, some less.
gail
That is just… wow… stupid cool.
What a great idea.
Amazing! Thanks!
So good, and your how-to is excellent, as always. Stan
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Oh my goodness!!!!! I am officially impressed!!!!! That is absoulutely beautiful! Even without the ‘after’ photo!!!
Hi Gail…
Just checking out your delightful blog since I’ve become a follower!
My friend, I love, love, LOVE your little corner bench…it’s gorgeous! What a fabulous idea for repurposing an old headboard…I love this idea!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us and all the “how to’s” as well!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
That bench turned out fabulously!!
I love it as a corner bench and I love it painted black. You did such a beautiful job. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the visit. Have a wonderful weekend.
What a great idea to make it into a corner bench. Love it!
That is just darling!!!!
i just love these benches you do.. absolutely love them.. i have the perfect place to put one like this.. You really have a talent for this repurposing. Thanks for sharing.
I would never even have thought of doing something like that! What a cool idea! Old headboards certainly have new meaning these days. No wonder they’re now hard to find in the thrift stores!
Well done! It’s really cool!
Donna
What a great spin on the headboard bench. Love it!
no freaking way, how innovative! seriously, you’ve got a great eye for design when you can spot a headboard and turn it into such a unique piece of furniture. excellent job!
what a neat idea to turn it into a corner bench, great job!!! very cute, love the black.
Great job! I enjoy stopping by to see your creativity. Blessings Leah
Tha turned out great!!
What a cool idea! I’ve seen headboards turned into benches, but never a corner bench like that. You took a dated headboard and made it a really special piece. Well done!
I love it!!!
Fab job, you know how to handle those tools. Isnt it great!!!
Just goes to show that nothing can be too hideous to be made into something gorgeous! Love it!