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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Upholstered Twin Headboard Bench

    Upholstered Twin Headboard Bench

    Published by Gail | Published July 9, 2019 | Updated July 10, 2019
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    No sew upholstered headboard bench. Complete directions from start to finish. Tips on using egg crate foam and drop cloth material to make this an inexpensive project from start to finish.  #myrepurposedlife #headboard #bench #diy #project #easy #upholstery via @repurposedlife

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

     

    Pin it now, before you forget. 🙂

     

    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 twin headboard bench.

    *this post contains affiliate links read more here*

    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 sides

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

     

    This small level is great for tight places. It's important to make sure that all of your pieces are level and plumb.

     

    To make sure the twin headboard seat will be level, I needed a longer 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 will need to 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 (arm rests) 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 anything that was overflowing. After the glue set up, 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 all the way up the side in order 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 a twin egg crate memory foam for this bench. This was given to me by my aunt. 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 made sure that the pieces that were cut 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. A lot like I did on this Upholstered Chair.

    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!

    Use a staple gun to attach ruffle on headboard bench

    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. Therefore I cut it off, and added 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. 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

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

    see more benches here 

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Brenda Chambers

      July 10, 2019 at 7:52 pm

      Just beautiful. Thanks for the post.

      Reply
    2. Maricella

      March 07, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      Wow that's so nice. I wish I lived closer so I could visit your booth.

      Reply
    3. BekRAS

      July 24, 2013 at 10:23 am

      My absolute favorite! LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Fabulous Job!

      Reply
    4. Anonymous

      August 22, 2012 at 12:45 am

      This is awesome! Thanks so much for the tutorial. Cant wait to get started!

      Reply
    5. Traci@ Beneath My Heart

      July 23, 2012 at 10:53 am

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

      Reply
    6. TheMoonAndMe

      July 02, 2012 at 7:52 pm

      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. paola

      June 16, 2012 at 8:39 am

      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
    8. Christine

      June 15, 2012 at 6:50 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality! xoxo

      Reply
    9. PitterAndGlink

      June 14, 2012 at 9:32 pm

      This is fabulous! I love it!!!

      Reply
    10. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life

      June 13, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Gail,

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

      I hope your feeling better after the fall.

      Hugs,
      Dee

      Reply
    11. Christine

      June 13, 2012 at 1:54 am

      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
    12. Morena Hockley

      June 12, 2012 at 11:41 pm

      This is gorgeous!! Great work!!

      Reply
    13. Lori C

      June 12, 2012 at 11:25 pm

      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
    14. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      June 12, 2012 at 5:46 pm

      LOVE it! the upholstered look is perfect!

      Reply
    15. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      June 12, 2012 at 4:46 pm

      I LOVE the upholstered seat! I'm sure it will practically fly out of your booth!

      Reply
    16. Toqua's Crafts

      June 12, 2012 at 4:02 pm

      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. SweetPepperRose

      June 12, 2012 at 3:51 pm

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

      Reply
    18. Layn @ reignalayn.blogspot.com

      June 12, 2012 at 3:45 pm

      WOW!! Love it. The skirt is lovely! Hope you heal and feel better fast!

      Reply
    19. Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence

      June 12, 2012 at 2:45 pm

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

      Reply
    20. Korrie Bastian

      June 12, 2012 at 2:09 pm

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

      Reply
    21. reFresh reStyle

      June 12, 2012 at 1:50 pm

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

      Reply
    22. Cristina Garay

      June 12, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      What a lovely bench you created! That ruffled skirt is the perfect final touch!

      Reply
    23. tracie

      June 12, 2012 at 1:02 pm

      great job! love the paint as well!

      Reply
    24. Corn in my Coffee-Pot

      June 12, 2012 at 12:54 pm

      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. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      June 12, 2012 at 12:43 pm

      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
    26. Jamie

      June 12, 2012 at 12:28 pm

      Wow.

      Reply
    27. Full Circle Creations

      June 12, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      It looks really great! Nice and easy no sew seat..my fav! I love the color!

      Holly

      Reply
    28. Jamie@OwlReally.com

      June 12, 2012 at 12:08 pm

      looks great! still so impressed that you stapled pleats! 🙂

      Reply
    29. Terri

      June 12, 2012 at 11:55 am

      Another amazing bench...love how you created the padding, the ruffle is the perfect finishing touch!!

      Reply
    30. Tonia B.

      June 12, 2012 at 11:34 am

      I wish I were that handy with power tools. I'm sure that whoever gets it will be happy!

      Reply
    31. Sue

      June 12, 2012 at 10:43 am

      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
    32. Cynthia

      June 12, 2012 at 10:41 am

      Just lovely! I love your little skirt!

      Reply
    33. Susan @ homeroad.net

      June 12, 2012 at 10:27 am

      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. Sherry@ Ties2ThePast

      June 12, 2012 at 10:25 am

      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
    35. Susan

      June 12, 2012 at 10:23 am

      Your bench is beautiful. People are using drop clothes for all kinds of projects now, I love this idea.

      Reply
    36. Chase the Star

      June 12, 2012 at 7:39 am

      This looks awesome Gail! What a great idea to soften it up with the fabric! I wish I had your talents!!
      XO, Barbara
      http://chase-thestar.blogspot.com/

      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!

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