The subject of my post today is this twin headboard we bought as a part of a set. The dresser set was done in this post, and now it’s the headboard’s turn for some lovin’. Because of the design of this piece, I decided to turn it into a repurposed bookcase headboard bench complete with storage. 
DIY TIME
At first, those built-in cubbies totally reminded me of nesting boxes or “bins” for chicken when flipped on its backside. I kept thinking I would be creating something along those lines, but the last few projects I did were wall related, and I wanted to change it up. Something that struck me was that the board spanning the front fit exactly over the “bins” like a lid. Here is what I created utilizing those pieces.
It didn’t have a bottom, so I cut a piece of new wood to fit. I stained and pre-drilled counter-sunk holes before attaching it. However, here is a peek to give you the idea.
Next, my goal was to build up the sides. I cut two side supports out of a 1″ x 12″ board. I had hoped to get a bit decorative with it, but because that box lid needed clearance, I had to keep the design to a minimum.
BUILDN’
Once I dry fit the sides, it was time to create the top. I wanted a rustic, planked look, so I used 1″ x 4″‘s cut to length for the seat. Yes, this is me out in freezing temps wearing a turtleneck, two sweaters and my down parka trying to get this thing built. I need a new home with an awesome shop attached, eh?
Actually, it’s all I have known since I was born here, and I couldn’t live without the snow. However, I found that living down south meant it was wretched hot in the summer…sooo not for me. As a result, the only perfect place to live that I know of is heaven.
Okay, so my goal was to make use of every bit of that headboard. I even yanked of these bed rail supports and used those as reinforcements for the seat I was creating. Those side supports will become something in a bit too. Hang on!
THE REVEAL
Finally, after a bit more DIYness, here is my newly created repurposed bookcase headboard bench. (say that 5 times fast – ha!)
The bench came out just as I’d hoped with ample seating and plenty of storage below.
In addition, I added hardware that would keep from the lid from slamming down and make it easier to access those bins.
MORE REVEAL
Plus, notice the bin on the wall? That was made from the two side supports and beadboard. woot!
I’m tellin’ ya, nothing goes to waste around here. I even was able to make a small shelf and towel bar using the ends of the supports and a croquet mallet handle. The little corbels are the scrap pieces from the headboard.
Not only did I have fun creating this repurposed bookcase headboard bench, but also hope you enjoyed seeing how something can be put to use in a whole new way.
SHARE
In addition, pin and share this project to encourage others to think outside the headboard…hee hee hee. Seriously though, sometimes it’s just finding that inspiration that starts us on a wonderful adventure.
Up next, I will be showing you how this dresser got a new lease on life.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
While you’re at it, here are more projects like my repurposed bookcase headboard bench:
My favorite makeover is a dilapidated old treadle machine that I turned into a beautiful desk.
That’s awesome! Hope you like my creations. 🙂
Love them!
I’m new to this diy-ing so I started small with a cute little milking stool makeover . So much fun!
That works for me! 😀
My favorite make overs are vintage trunks. I never get tired of re-purposing them.
I’m with you! They are so useful.
I love your repurposing projects today’s is one of my favorites but your makeovers are amazing too. Love your work
In an abandoned house I found a waterfall style vanity with the mirror intact. A few days later at a flea market I found a 5 drawer water damaged waterfall dresser which I got for$25. Five sample paints in various shades of blue, and a half gallon of wall paint, along with a lot of sanding and wood filler, I had a new bedroom set for myself! Moved into our new house, and the previous owners left me an old wood fabric crate, that I plan on turning into a chair, and an old window that I am going to turn into a matching headboard for my bedroom.
Talk about a score!! Wow! You are a kindred spirit. 😀
Grrrrrr. I had a long comment typed out and it disappeared when firefox decided to interfere for for an update. My little repurpose project was turning broken jewelry and a piece of driftwood into a suncatcher, which I sent to a lovely friend. she shared a picture of it on Instagram and another person has now requested one. For a larger project I have an old iron sewing machine base which I will top with a beautiful oval piece of marble that I got at a plant swap in exchange for plants. Should be a very simple project screwing the top to the base, and I can’t wait to have it in the house. Regarding your project…. as I mentioned, I have a very similar headboard and had wanted to make it into a bookcase. But after seeing what you have done, I’d like to turn it into something completely different. I have some questions. You said the cubbies didn’t have a bottom, but in the original picture they do have a back. couldn’t you use that as the bottom ? Also, what did you use the top board for ? I can’t seem to locate it in the picture of your leftovers. How did you get all the pieces separated? A good hammer? I don’t know if my pieces are nailed or screwed together. Love what you did and hope I can do something just as awesome. Thanks SO much for sharing, Larissa.
Gah! I hate when that happens. 😛 Sounds like you’re on it! For my headboard, the front of the bins on the bench is the top. The back panel was only a cheap, thin particle board that wouldn’t suffice for a “bottom”. My headboard was all attached by screws, so my drill was my best friend. Hope that helps!
Thanks, Larissa! I hope I can make something just as beautiful and functional as you have. You are GOOD!
Girl you are amazing!! Your vision is always on point! Awesome makeovers!! XO
Thanks, Christy!
Larissa, what a great makeover! I love your no waste approach with your trashure, that hanging towel bar holder, amazing! As for me I turned a thrifted piece of metal into a solar powered chandelier.
Thanks! I have always wanted to try one of those. Just need somewhere to put it!
You are amazing! I can’t believe that you made so many different items out of 1 headboard. That storage box is awesome!
It was kind like a game trying to figure it all out. Fun! Thanks, Bonnie.
Larissa,
Your creativity and determination are amazing. I love how you used every piece of the headboard to report use in your post.
Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
Thanks, Karen!
Larissa,. My favorite repurpose so far is turning a bed into a bench but, not in the traditional footboard as arms and headboard as the back. The best part I if your needs change it can still be converted back into a bed frame.
The headboard is the seat in my entry way with the footboard is the back of the bench. Thank you for asking and th he chance to win some of your terrific work.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Karen Marie
Sounds like a plan! Can’t wait to see. 😀
Larissa, I love how you don’t let anything go to waste. That bench is fantastic, and I have a soft spot for anything croquet-related so that little towel bar made me giddy! (and kudos to you for braving the freezing cold for this project… feels like spring is almost here in the midwest now though!)
I couldn’t wait to make use of that handle. Was saving it for just the right project. Thanks, Jen!
My favorite DIY is making pillows from crochet items I pick up.
Those have to be beautiful. I love crochet!
Tough to narrow down but my favorite is probably the tray I made from an old framed print and some pallet wood since it turned out so pretty and a cancer support organization received the profits from an auction. I’m a “Rescuer” so Trashure is my life! Thank you for the Inspiration.
What a wonderful way to stay active and also share the love with others who need it. Thank you!
I took all of my dad’s ties and created throw pillows for our mother and the five of us children to commemorate his 75th birthday. My very favorite trashure for sure!!
That is a such a special gift that will be treasured for years to come. Good for you!
Never would I ever…seriously that headboard turned into that!!! I like how you think my friend.
I finally got a headboard bench done – a different kind, but a bench nonetheless! 😀 Thanks, Marie.
Wowee!!! That is absolutely amazing but so is everything you do Larissa! 🙂 xo
You are so sweet, Nancy. Thank you for the love!
Wow, what an awesome makeover and 3 projects out of that one headboard!! Great job!!
Thanks, Cheryl! I was on a roll. hee hee hee. 😀
That hidden storage is great! I love that you try to use everything in your pieces. So much creativity!
Thank you so much, Jenny!
Hi Larissa! I bought a low, outdated wooden coffee table at a thrift store. I replaced the pressed wood aprons around the table with pine and then tufted the top with drop cloth and turned it into a bench! So much fun!
That is awesome!! I love being able to create.