Have you ever wanted to upcycle your vintage queen headboard into a corner bench? Why would you want 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 place it on the table saw to cut it. To get the proper size you cut it in half minus the thickness. This one was 61 inches and it was ¾ 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 to NOT cut it in half. One side butts up against the other side.
Make sure you square the corner.
Add Front Brace
We try to find a "third" leg that matches, but sometimes we just have to go with what we have. In this case a 3x3 or even a 4x4 would probably have made more sense.
We attach a 2x4 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 to actually drill the screw in. Having 3 drills really makes the work go a lot faster!
Measure and Cut Seat for 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 I do not know the technical name. Anyway, I made my own by using some old dresser drawer pieces and my battery operated nail gun. I shot some really long nails through a thin board.
It keeps the plywood raised off the table, to make painting it easier. As I said, I don't know the real name, but I have seen them on HGTV.
Paint Corner Bench
I like to use 2 coats of primer.
A put about 2 ½ to 3 coats of black on this bench. I used a brush, however, I did use some spray paint to make sure I got in all the grooves of the appliques.
Apparently, I was so busy getting ready for our show, that I forgot to take an "after" picture.
I used silver rub-n-buff on the appliques. It really highlighted the details.
You can see it here 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
Related Content Designed Decor
See other fun bench projects here
Ted Hall
Hi, May I ask how much this would bring at a craft sale?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Ted,
I would sell this kind of bench for around $125.00 Some people may ask more, some less.
gail
The After Craft
That is just... wow... stupid cool.
What a great idea.
Jane
Amazing! Thanks!
The Elegant Thrifter
So good, and your how-to is excellent, as always. Stan
The Elegant Thrifter
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Carla
Oh my goodness!!!!! I am officially impressed!!!!! That is absoulutely beautiful! Even without the 'after' photo!!!
Chari
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
Jen R.
That bench turned out fabulously!!
Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking
What a great idea to make it into a corner bench. Love it!
Leanne
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.
Marilyn
That is just darling!!!!
Debilou~Mississippi Mama
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.
Funky Junk Interiors
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
Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
What a great spin on the headboard bench. Love it!
Sarah
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!
FleaMarketTrixie
what a neat idea to turn it into a corner bench, great job!!! very cute, love the black.
Cinnamon Berry Lane Primitives
Great job! I enjoy stopping by to see your creativity. Blessings Leah
I Play Outside The Box
Tha turned out great!!
Miss Mustard Seed
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!
Candace
I love it!!!
Gina Sisco
Fab job, you know how to handle those tools. Isnt it great!!!
Lissa
Just goes to show that nothing can be too hideous to be made into something gorgeous! Love it!