How to Turn Headboards Into Benches

In The Pursuit of Happiness: One Bed at a Time

I've been turning headboards into benches since 2009! At last count, I've done almost 50 bench projects. That doesn't include all the other upcycled headboards I've used for random projects. Let's take a look at my favorite benches in no particular order. These projects are like children, and choosing the one you love the most is hard. Many of these upcycled bed projects can be completed in one afternoon.

Black Queen Size Armless Bench

If you like the look of armless benches, use the footboard for the front brace. The seat for this oversized bench was constructed of new lumber.

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Antique Spool Bed Made Into a Bench

A slight modification was needed to get the bench to a proper height using the original parts of an antique spool bed.

Armless Twin Two-Toned Bench

When turning headboards into benches, you have many options. The "knobs" were cut off the top of the bed to give this simple bench a more traditional look. Baskets underneath add extra storage space.

Easiest Headboard Bench Ever

This is a great beginner project if you want to turn a headboard into a bench. The build is simple. Adding reclaimed wood flooring for the seat makes this an inexpensive undertaking.

Upholstered Seat Headboard Bench

Adding an upholstered seat gives a softness to the look and feel of this bed bench. A frugal source of upholstery is a painter's drop cloth.

Twin Headboard Plus a Kitchen Cabinet

It's fun to marry items when turning headboards into benches, as in the case of this pretty white bench with storage.

Small Twin Armless Bench With a Shelf

The style and color of this small navy blue bench make it unique. Adding a shelf can be a challenge, but by following the directions, you can knock this project out on a weekend.

Massive Maple Beauty

This maple bed bench is undoubtedly the heaviest bench I've ever made. The neutral color made it perfect for a bright rub-on transfer.

White Twin Two-Toned Bed Bench

This twin white two-toned bed bench is perfect for placing at the end of the bed or as extra seating at a farmhouse table.

Full Sized Headboard Corner Seating

Cutting the headboard in half gives you a unique corner bench for an entryway or foyer. This button tufting method is the easiest hack ever!

Add Upholstery

The upholstered back of this bed bench was challenging, but the button tufting was worth the work. Yes, you can turn headboards into benches when no footboard is present.

White French Provincial Twin Bed

A pretty French Provincial twin headboard and new lumber make this fun, fancy headboard bench with shelves and baskets.

Mid Century Modern Bed

Turning an MCM headboard into a bench was a new project for me. The trick was matching the color of the new lumber to the original headboard. Blue velvet fabric was used to upholster the seat.

Bunkbeds Are Perfect as Small Benches

When turning a bunkbed into a bench, you can use the footboard as the front legs or cut it to make arms. This piece would be helpful at the end of the bed or as extra seating at the kitchen table.

Caned Back Headboard

If you're serious about turning a headboard into a bench, this caned-back headboard bench includes in-progress photos and a video. It's nice to match the new lumber to the original bed.

Pineapple Style Headboard

The tall posts on this pineapple headboard bench may not be to your liking. If that's the case, remember that you can trim off as much of the post as you like.

Mission Style Headboard Bench With Hidden Storage

Adding hidden storage (under the seat) is not for the beginner woodworker. If you have some experience and follow my tips, you can easily make this mission-style bench a weekend project.

More Headboard Benches

More fun headboard benches to inspire you.

Unique Headboard Project Ideas

You can do a lot more than just benches with headboards. They also make great signs or coatracks for large walls.

Fun Desk Projects

Check out desk makeovers and desks turned into new furniture pieces.