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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Twin Headboard Bench With Shelf

    Twin Headboard Bench With Shelf

    Published by Gail | Published February 12, 2014 | Updated October 8, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to make a small bench from a twin headboard. Adding a bottom shelf is a bonus for storage and baskets. #MyRepurposedLife #headboard #repurposed #furniture #bench #blue #diy #project via @repurposedlife

    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. Smile  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!

    MyRepurposedLife-pottery-barn-blue-twin-headboard-bench


    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!

    MyRepurposedLife-how-to-make-a-headboard-bench

    Do you like this bench better than my regulars?

    See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial

    gail

    pottery-barn-blue-twin-headboard-bench

    sharing at Becky's under $100 Linky Party

    East Coast Creative Blog

    You can see more benches here

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    About Gail Wilson

    Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Barbara K Weaver

      February 26, 2023 at 6:30 pm

      I have watched your repurposed items. you so a fantastic job on things. Love to watch your posts. thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        February 26, 2023 at 7:10 pm

        Thank you so much Barbara! This is one of my all-time favorite headboard benches.

        gail

    2. Linda

      February 27, 2022 at 10:29 am

      how did you connect the seat to the legs?

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        February 27, 2022 at 11:32 am

        Linda,

        Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun were used to secure the seat to the skirt and legs. Hope this thelps.

        gail

    3. Mary Wrolstad

      February 28, 2014 at 8:10 pm

      why did you make pocket holes? How were they used?
      Mary

      Reply
    4. susan

      February 13, 2014 at 1:21 pm

      love this so much better !! It is so much cleaner not as fussy.

      Reply
    5. Cori Warner

      February 12, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      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!!

      Reply
    6. Leann Doyle

      February 12, 2014 at 9:38 pm

      I think a pretty quote across the back would be super cute! 🙂 I love this simple sleek bench!

      Reply
    7. Stephanie@cre8tive

      February 12, 2014 at 9:29 pm

      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!

      Reply
    8. Katy

      February 12, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      Ohhhh...I LOVE it!!!

      Reply
    9. Mindi

      February 12, 2014 at 3:54 pm

      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!

      Reply
    10. Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG

      February 12, 2014 at 3:10 pm

      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!

      Reply
    11. Sue at Blu

      February 12, 2014 at 11:46 am

      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!

      Reply
    12. Laurel Stephens

      February 12, 2014 at 11:25 am

      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!

      Reply
    13. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      February 12, 2014 at 10:40 am

      Beautiful. Can't choose a favourite, they are all wonderful creations.

      Reply
    14. Selina

      February 12, 2014 at 10:38 am

      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!

      Reply
    15. Nadine

      February 12, 2014 at 10:30 am

      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!

      Reply
    16. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      February 12, 2014 at 10:13 am

      Love the addition of the bottom shelf! And you are most definitely the queen of making benches from headboards!

      Reply
    17. Denise

      February 12, 2014 at 10:10 am

      I like them all!!

      Reply
    18. darrielle tennenbaum

      February 12, 2014 at 9:29 am

      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!

      Reply
    19. Korrie@RedHenHome

      February 12, 2014 at 9:27 am

      I don't like it better, but I DO love it!

      Reply
    20. cassie

      February 12, 2014 at 9:03 am

      that is awesome, gail! perfect for an entry or a playroom!

      Reply
    21. Nancy

      February 12, 2014 at 8:20 am

      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!

      Reply
    22. Holly

      February 12, 2014 at 8:14 am

      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.

      Reply
    23. Susan

      February 12, 2014 at 6:44 am

      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!

      Reply
    24. Pauline

      February 12, 2014 at 5:34 am

      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

      Reply
    25. Doris Henson

      February 12, 2014 at 5:17 am

      I don't like it any better.....but I LOVE it just as good. I LOVE everything you make! 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    More about me →

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