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Upholstered Twin Headboard Bench

ByGail Wilson Published on Updated on
37 Comments

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I have a great no-sew upholstered twin headboard bench to share with you. I hope you love it as much as I do.

 

Please Pin it now, before you forget. 🙂

 

You know I love making benches from headboards. However, I try to change them up occasionally. I decided to give this upholstered twin headboard bench a softer touch.

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How to Make an Upholstered Twin Headboard Bench

It started with these twin bed pieces. I’ve had them for a long time, I believe I got them from my sister.

Cut One Section of the Twin Bed in Half to Make the Armrests

I used my circular saw to cut one piece in half. Then, I cut some off the posts with my compound miter saw to shorten the armrests to the back.

 

This small level is great for tight places. It’s essential to ensure all of your pieces are level and plumb.

 

I needed a longer level to ensure the twin headboard seat would be level. Sometimes, the bottom board on the back (headboard) may not be low enough to attach your sides and rest your seat. In that case, you must add a piece, as I did here.

Tip: if you don’t have a long level, you can attach your small level to a yardstick with a rubber band.

Attach Sides to Headboard (Back)

To get the back board level and screwed in place, I rest it on my quick 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 to make the pocket holes to secure the sides (armrests) to the back.

See my tips on using a Kreg Jig here.

 

How to Fill Gaps of Headboard Slats

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 excess glue. After the glue set, I used spackling to fill any remaining gaps.

 

Add Center Brace on Twin Bed Bench

Because I’m using an old OSB piece of plywood (left over from my waterbed), I added a brace in the middle of the upholstered twin headboard bench. You can see that I have filled all of the holes with spackling.

In this view, you can see how the pocket holes were used up the side to attach it to the back, making it very secure.

 

Primer and Paint Headboard Bench

Using my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer, I painted a coat of primer. Notice after filling the pocket holes; they are no longer visible.

 

After which,  I sprayed several light coats of black paint. Look at that beautiful finish made possible by the Finish Max!

Prepare to Upholster Twin Headboard Bench

I used twin egg crate memory foam for this bench, which my aunt gave to me. I try to keep costs down wherever I can!

 

Wanting to have at least three thicknesses of padding, I had to cut it several ways, so  I ensured the cut pieces were lined up differently on each layer. The top layer was a complete piece.

Spray Adhesive is Handy for Upholstering Headboard Benches

I used  3M spray adhesive to stick everything together.

Iron and Pin Ruffles for Upholstered Bench

I used a drop cloth for the upholstery material. It was washed in bleach and dried in the dryer to soften it up. I stapled a large piece onto the board. About 7 inches from the hem was ripped 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. Using the hemmed side makes it an easier project without hemming. It’s a lot like I did on this Upholstered Chair.

I folded the corner back to make sure I had a clean edge.

I took it outside to do a dry fit on the bench with it pinned.

Yep, I’m thinking it looks pretty good!

Use a Staple Gun to Attach Ruffle on Headboard Bench

I stapled the pleated hem on, and then I used fray check on the edges.

On one side, when I folded it back, it was too long. Therefore, I cut it off and added a fray check to it.

 

 

Pretty Black Upholstered Twin Headboard Bench

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.

 

 

Here it is in my booth. The pillows had been on the Spool Bed Bench, but it sold, so I didn’t include them in the sale.

If you want another tutorial on building a bench, check out the Twin Headboard Bench Tutorial.

Do you like the softer look of the upholstered seat?

gail

My Favorites

Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial

see more benches here 

Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.

37 Comments

  5. Thanks for linking up to my party, Gail!
    I am featuring your cute project in my post today.
    Blessings,
    Traci

    Reply

  6. 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

    Reply

  7. 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

    Reply

  10. Hi Gail,

    Your bench looks so amazing. I love the upholstered seat!

    I hope your feeling better after the fall.

    Hugs,
    Dee

    Reply

  11. 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 🙂

    Reply

  13. 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!

    Reply

  16. 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!

    Reply

  17. Wonderful Up Cycle! Love it, and love that you chose black for the color!
    New Linky follower:)
    JoAnn

    Reply

  19. This is such a great a thorough tutorial. I am working on a headboard project today!

    Reply

  20. I am so sorry you fell! Hope you are feeling better soon. The bench, as always, is beautiful!

    Reply

  21. Why do I want everything you do? Cause it’s all so awesome! I think I bought the wrong paint sprayer!

    Reply

  24. 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

    Reply

  25. 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!

    Reply

  31. 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

    Reply

  33. 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

    Reply

  34. 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

    Reply

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