Twin Headboard Bench With Shelf
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Today, I have a great little headboard bench with a shelf tutorial. I love making benches out of headboards, regardless of size or shape.
Because it’s cold and snowy, I have been working in the basement shop. Therefore, some of the pictures may not be of the sharpest quality.
Twin Bunk Beds
I picked up two of these beds last fall for really cheap. Because they are bunk beds, they are quite small.
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 footboard 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 footboard for my bench’s front legs and front skirt. The posts were cut just above the lower portion of the footboard. The quick clamps are in place to rest the seat board to determine the side braces’ placement.
A Flush Cut Tool Trims off the Post of the Bunk Bed
After getting started I realized 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 turns your bunk bed into a bench!
Frame the Twin Headboard Bench by Cutting Side Aprons
I used 1×4’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 a drill. 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 screwdriver 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 between the legs. Then I secured the seat with Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun. I used a 1×10 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 two coats of Naval (Behr Premium Plus).
It’s such a deep navy blue that it almost looks black against the snow. I hauled it up the basement stairs to the snow to take these pictures. I have never added a bottom shelf before, and I love 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 entryway or even at the end of a bed.
Related Content: Navy Blue Furniture Projects
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
I have watched your repurposed items. you so a fantastic job on things. Love to watch your posts. thanks for sharing
Thank you so much Barbara! This is one of my all-time favorite headboard benches.
gail
how did you connect the seat to the legs?
Linda,
Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun were used to secure the seat to the skirt and legs. Hope this thelps.
gail
why did you make pocket holes? How were they used?
Mary
love this so much better !! It is so much cleaner not as fussy.
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!!
I think a pretty quote across the back would be super cute! 🙂 I love this simple sleek bench!
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 🙂 You out shined yourself on this one Gail. I love it against the snow. But your crazy to do that!
Ohhhh…I LOVE it!!!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Beautiful. Can’t choose a favourite, they are all wonderful creations.
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!
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!
Love the addition of the bottom shelf! And you are most definitely the queen of making benches from headboards!
I like them all!!
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!
I don’t like it better, but I DO love it!
that is awesome, gail! perfect for an entry or a playroom!
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!
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.
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 🙂 I will be right over to get it 🙂 Perfect and Pinned!
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! 🙂 — Pauline
I don’t like it any better…..but I LOVE it just as good. I LOVE everything you make! 🙂