Today, I have a great little headboard bench with shelf tutorial.
Because it’s cold and snowy, I have been working in the basement shop, therefore some of the pictures may not be the sharpest quality.
Twin Bunk Beds
I picked up two of these beds last fall really cheap. They are quite small, because they are bunk beds.
Use a saw to cut down one bunk bed
I took one set of the beds to the basement and got started. The first thing I did was design something different than I normally do. Typically, I use the foot board for the arms of my benches. I wanted to do something different this time. This time, I wanted to make a headboard bench with shelf storage.
I used the foot board for the front legs and front skirt of my bench. The posts were cut just above the lower portion of the foot board. The quick clamps
are in place to rest the seat board to figure out placement of the side braces.
A Flush Cut Tool Trims off the Post of the Bunk Bed
After getting started I realized that I needed to remove the little bunk bed “pegs”. To do that, I used my Dremel Multi-Max
. I love the way it flush cuts. You could use a handsaw or jigsaw.
Sand the bed post smooth
After cutting the pegs, I gave it a good sanding.
TIP: Don't skip this step, it completely turns your bunk bed into a bench!
Frame the Twin Headboard Bench by cutting side aprons
I used 1x4’s for the side braces—drilling pocket holes on each end.
Pocket Hole Assembly is my Favorite Way to Build Headboard Benches
Here you can see the close-up of how I did the pocket holes with my Kreg Jig. If you don't have a Kreg Jig, you could use "L" brackets.
This is a really, really tight fit for getting a drill in there. Option #2 is to place the pocket holes on the outside of the bench, and fill them with wood putty.
You could also make connections like I did when I first started building benches. See my Four Poster Headboard Bench, and this Headboard Bench Tutorial.
This is the bottom shelf of the bench. I had to use a ratcheting screw driver for all of the pocket hole screws because the fit was too tight to get my drill in there. Not good on the shoulder.
Add a Lower Storage Shelf
I notched out the headboard bench storage shelf to fit in between the legs. Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun were used to secure the seat. I used a 1x10 for the seat and shelf.
Primer and Paint Headboard Bench With Storage Shelf
I did a couple of quick coats of DIY Chalk Paint as a primer all over it, then I gave it two coats of Naval (Behr Premium Plus) the same as I used on the Twin Bed Makeover.
It’s such a deep navy blue, it almost looks black against the snow. 
Yep, I hauled it up the basement stairs out to the snow to take these pictures. I have never added a bottom shelf before—I’m actually loving it!
It’s just so darn pretty! Not at all like the benches I’ve made before. It’s petite, and would make a great addition to an entry way, or even at the end of a bed.
The color is scrumptious! Can you see what the pillow says? “Happy Spring” Wishful thinking on my part!
Do you like this bench better than my regulars?
See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
gail
sharing at Becky's under $100 Linky Party
Hi, there! Iām Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. Iām obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful againāmyself included! I hope youāll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the wayā¦ literally!
Barbara K Weaver
I have watched your repurposed items. you so a fantastic job on things. Love to watch your posts. thanks for sharing
Gail Wilson
Thank you so much Barbara! This is one of my all-time favorite headboard benches.
gail
Linda
how did you connect the seat to the legs?
Gail Wilson
Linda,
Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun were used to secure the seat to the skirt and legs. Hope this thelps.
gail
Mary Wrolstad
why did you make pocket holes? How were they used?
Mary
susan
love this so much better !! It is so much cleaner not as fussy.
Cori Warner
Ha! Thank you for giving me the name of the drill thingy that lets you make those holes: a pocket hole jig! I have a full-sized headboard/footboard which is kinda plain, and I want to do just this, with a big saying on the back of it, and burlap-covered cushion and pillows, to put on my porch! Thanks so much for the tutorial!!
Leann Doyle
I think a pretty quote across the back would be super cute! š I love this simple sleek bench!
Stephanie@cre8tive
Oh now that is a keeper! The shelf serves so many purposes and adding baskets gives it texture. I love Naval Blue, love it. Nice change from the black š You out shined yourself on this one Gail. I love it against the snow. But your crazy to do that!
Katy
Ohhhh...I LOVE it!!!
Mindi
It is perfect!! I love the shelf on the bottom! I think you scored on this one, but I love all your headboard benches! I still have a stash in my garage waiting for a transformation, I totally want to do another one now. I also like how small it is, not too deep! Great job Gail! And take it easy with that shoulder! I have had to drill my pocket holes on the outside in those tight spaces, but that stinks cause then I have to fill them, but it is much easier to build!
Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG
Love this! I need something like this for my entryway - I'm tired of sitting on the stairs to put on my boots!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Sue at Blu
Wow...what timing...just bought a hbfb at the local thrift store for $10 with the intent of making my first bench! Hopefully I can get to it soon! I will share the final pic! Thanks!
Laurel Stephens
This one's my new favorite of all your benches. I just love the shelf, proportions, and color. I can't believe you lugged it up your stairs by yourself! Next project: freight elevator. lol!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Beautiful. Can't choose a favourite, they are all wonderful creations.
Selina
I love it!! Thank you for including that note about the Kreg Jr. I've been trying to figure out if it would work for me instead of the more expensive one and I think I got my answer!
Nadine
I'm diggin it! What a great idea for a mud room or front entry to keep all the 'stuff' we drag in and out!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Love the addition of the bottom shelf! And you are most definitely the queen of making benches from headboards!
Denise
I like them all!!
darrielle tennenbaum
Love it! I have been saving a bed to make a bench like yours--haven't done it yet but it's waiting to be done. I love everything that you do!
Korrie@RedHenHome
I don't like it better, but I DO love it!
cassie
that is awesome, gail! perfect for an entry or a playroom!
Nancy
I love the color of this newest bench Gail! Looking at the pictures of your other benches, I don't see where you can say you make a "regular type". Only that you've added a shelf this time. You always come up with a new configuration, your imagination is boundless!
Holly
What a great bench. I have made a couple with the foot board going across the front instead of cutting it in half when I don't have a matching set. I really like the shelf you added. That's one I have done either. Love the petite size! Great job.
Susan
This one is one of my favorites my friend.... it would go perfectly in my house. I love that it is black, the baskets are perfect, and it is not too large š I will be right over to get it š Perfect and Pinned!
Pauline
OMG Gail that is so cute!! Love the curved lines on the front piece above the shelf. It adds such a nice (and expensive looking!) touch. Kudos! Keep up the nice work! š -- Pauline
Doris Henson
I don't like it any better.....but I LOVE it just as good. I LOVE everything you make! š