You know I love making benches from headboards. However, I try to change them up ever so often. I decided to give a softer touch to this upholstered headboard bench.
It started with these bed pieces. I’ve had them for a long time, I believe I got them from my sister.
I used my circular saw to cut one piece in half. I then cut some off the posts with my compound miter saw to make the armrests shorter than the back.
This small level from Tomboy Tools is great for tight places.
To make sure the seat will be level, I needed a larger level. Tip: if you don’t have a long level, you can attach your small level to a yardstick with a rubber band.
To get the back board level, and screwed in place, I rest it on my clamps. (there is nothing to clamp the board to, it rests right at the bottom of the original back board. I used my Kreg Jig® R3 to make the pocket holes to secure the sides (arm rests) to the back.
IF you follow me on Facebook, you know I fell while building this bench. It is at this point that I stepped into the frame to screw those pocket hole screws. When I went to step out—that is when I fell in the driveway with this bench tipping forward to land on top of me. Still bruised and sore.
Some beds have larger openings for the slatted side rails. Instead of using so much wood filler or spackling, I used some scrap pieces to fill in the gap. I used Gorilla Wood Glue to hold these scraps in place.
I used my putty knife to chisel off anything that was overflowing. After the glue set up, I used spackling to fill any remaining gaps.
Because I’m using an old osb piece of plywood (left over from my waterbed) I added a brace in the middle. You can see that I have filled all of the holes with spackling.
Using my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer
After which, I sprayed several light coats of black paint.
I used a twin egg crate for this bench. My Aunt Dot gave it to me when we got together for Easter.
I wanted to have at least three thicknesses of padding. I had to cut it several ways. I made sure that the pieces that were cut were lined up differently on each layer. To top layer was a complete piece.
I used 3Mspray adhesive to stick everything together.
I used a drop cloth for the upholstery material. I washed it in bleach and dried it to soften it up. I stapled a large piece onto the board. I had ripped about 7 inches from the hem to make the ruffle. (if you make a slit, drop cloth rips quite easily) I ironed my pleats (not pictured), then pinned them in place.
I folded the corner back to make sure I had a clean edge.
With it pinned, I took it outside to do a dry fit on the bench.
Yep, I’m thinking it looks pretty good!
I stapled the pleated hem on, then I used fray check on the edges.
On one side, when I folded it back, it was too long. I cut it off, and added fray check to it.
I had to notch the osb (seat), and it’s a very snug fit. I LOVE the finish this paint has. It is the same Behr Premium Plus Ultra I used on my kitchen island.
%20upholstered%20headboard%20bench "Pin It")
Here it is in my booth at Unique Creations.
The pillows had been on the Spool Bed Bench, but it sold. I didn’t include the pillows in the sale.
If you would like to see a better tutorial on building a bench, check out Twin Headboard Bench Tutorial.
Do you like the softer look of the upholstered seat?
gail
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Wow that’s so nice. I wish I lived closer so I could visit your booth.
My absolute favorite! LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Fabulous Job!
This is awesome! Thanks so much for the tutorial. Cant wait to get started!
Thanks for linking up to my party, Gail!
I am featuring your cute project in my post today.
Blessings,
Traci
Wow…I really love this bench! It’s something I wouldn’t have thought of, but I’m so glad you did. Your instructions are great, too. I guess I need to be on the lookout for a headboard. 🙂
Kelly
ANOTHER FABULOUSLY AMAZING BENCH Gail!! i have some head boards just begging to be done, i am just terrified of trying in case i mess up, still have to paint the telephone bench so intend to start with that. Let me know if you ever come to Africa, have a geust suit for you so you can come and help me with my bench, lol
smiles
Paola
Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality! xoxo
This is fabulous! I love it!!!
Hi Gail,
Your bench looks so amazing. I love the upholstered seat!
I hope your feeling better after the fall.
Hugs,
Dee
Oh goodness!! I am in LOVE!!! It sooooo perfect!!!
I hope you are planning on sharing this over at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream to Reality!! Please 🙂
This is gorgeous!! Great work!!
Love it, Gail. Not sure if I like the pleated ruffly thing (I’m not into frillies) but padding is always a plus!! I see your storage bench is highlighted on ‘betterafter’ today! Way to go! Told ya it would be a star!
LOVE it! the upholstered look is perfect!
I LOVE the upholstered seat! I’m sure it will practically fly out of your booth!
It’s go’geous Dawling! Absolutely go’geous!
🙂
I forgot to tell you… I found a coffee pot IDENTICAL to the one you made into a lamp… only it had an $18 price tag on it… so I opted to leave it in the store! Ha!
Wonderful Up Cycle! Love it, and love that you chose black for the color!
New Linky follower:)
JoAnn
WOW!! Love it. The skirt is lovely! Hope you heal and feel better fast!
This is such a great a thorough tutorial. I am working on a headboard project today!
I am so sorry you fell! Hope you are feeling better soon. The bench, as always, is beautiful!
Why do I want everything you do? Cause it’s all so awesome! I think I bought the wrong paint sprayer!
What a lovely bench you created! That ruffled skirt is the perfect final touch!
great job! love the paint as well!
So of course it does look great! I figured the paint was the same as the kitchen island too!
Yep, I’m with you- I think it looks pretty good too!
Now as to falling down? I hadn’t heard. I hope you’re alright. I hope you mend well.
Be careful!
Pat
Wow, this just might be my favorite bench yet Gail! I love that pretty seat and the black makes it a classic. I can so see this in some lucky someone’s foyer!
Wow.
It looks really great! Nice and easy no sew seat..my fav! I love the color!
Holly
looks great! still so impressed that you stapled pleats! 🙂
Another amazing bench…love how you created the padding, the ruffle is the perfect finishing touch!!
I wish I were that handy with power tools. I’m sure that whoever gets it will be happy!
It looks so pretty and the pillows match great! Again I wish to live closer to you so I can go and buy things from you both!
Happy Tuesday,
Sue
Just lovely! I love your little skirt!
Another bench well done! I love the seat with the drop cloth, I think that fabric was the perfect choice and the pleating is perfect! Nice job again Gail I’m sure it will sell in a minute!
Susan
Homeroad
I do like the upholstered seat…looks so cozy!!
I’m in love with Behr paint also!
Even if you use a roller or brush, it flows on so smooth!
I’ve been using the sample sizes to paint my barn quilt signs!
Love ’em!
♥’s
Sherry
Your bench is beautiful. People are using drop clothes for all kinds of projects now, I love this idea.
This looks awesome Gail! What a great idea to soften it up with the fabric! I wish I had your talents!!
XO, Barbara
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