When I first started building with recycled materials, one project I dreamed of was a headboard bench. They were everywhere—Pinterest, Instagram, DIY blogs—you name it. But finding a matching headboard and footboard was harder than I expected. So instead, I got creative and built this DIY headboard bench with storage using two mismatched headboards and salvaged wood.

This upcycled bench not only saved money but added loads of charm and functionality with a hidden storage box under the seat. Here’s how you can make your own, even if your headboards don’t match.

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How to Build a Headboard Bench with Hidden Storage Using Recycled Materials

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Materials Needed

• 2 recycled headboards (or a headboard and footboard)
• Plywood or formply for the box base
• Bolts, washers, and nuts
• Wood glue
• Screws and nails
• Corner brackets
• Scrap timber for bracing and leg supports
• Chalk paint
• Primer (for sealing formply)
• Water-based polyurethane sealer
• Appliques
• Epoxy glue
• Foam and fabric (for seat cushion)
• Nail gun and staple gun
• Orbital sander with 120-grit discs
• Router and round-over bit
• Angle grinder with cutting disc

Step 1: Build the Storage Box

Start by building the box first. I used formply reclaimed from a construction site. It’s solid, but has a black coating, so I planned to paint over it.

Box dimensions used:

• 4 x 1350mm x 400mm (sides)
• 2 x 400mm x 400mm (ends)

Pre-drill and countersink all holes. Screw together the panels to form your box.

Step 2: Attach the Box to the Headboard

Lay the box face down and align the headboard to the back. Drill bolt holes, insert bolts through the headboard into the box, and tighten with nuts.

I left the bolt ends sticking out for now and trimmed them later with an angle grinder once I confirmed the fit. Use scrap wood to support the box while you level it and prepare the legs.

Add two hinges to the lid so it can open and close.

Step 3: Add the Legs

I cut the legs from the second headboard using a jigsaw. Because of the curved design, gaps formed between the legs and the box. To fix this, I added spacers made from scrap wood using glue and screws.

To secure the legs:

• Add blocks on either side of each leg and drill through all layers
• Insert long screws to lock the leg position
• Add side screws from the inside of the box into the legs
• Reinforce with corner brackets

I added extra brackets underneath for stability—better safe than sorry!

Step 4: Hide the Brackets

To hide the brackets, I routed a rounded edge onto a strip of timber using a round-over bit and glued it over the brackets. I also used some leftover trim to dress up the bottom front.

Step 5: Painting the Bench

Chalk paint is often said to stick to any wood without sanding or primer, but that wasn’t true for the formply. I lightly sanded the entire surface using 120-grit sandpaper, then applied a primer. Without priming, the paint just wouldn’t adhere properly to the slick coating on the formply.

Paint the entire bench with two coats of Annie Sloan chalk paint in white. To protect it for daily use, seal it with three coats of water-based polyurethane instead of wax.

Step 4: Hide the Brackets

To hide the brackets, I routed a rounded edge onto a strip of timber using a round-over bit and glued it over the brackets. I also used some leftover trim to dress up the bottom front.

Step 6: Add Decorative Appliques

I painted three appliques with Annie Sloan French Linen and glued them onto the backrest using epoxy. A few small nails secured them in place, but be careful—nail guns can crack detailed appliques.

Step 7: Make a Seat Cushion (Optional)

Cut foam to the size of the bench lid. Cover it with fabric and secure it underneath using a staple gun for a soft, comfortable finish.

Finished Headboard Storage Bench

This DIY headboard bench is strong, beautiful, and useful, with hidden storage and a soft cushion top. It proves you don’t need matching bed frames or new timber to create something unique and functional.

More DIY projects you may like

This old piano was repurposed into a bar/ drinks cabinet

This old table was repurposed into a party table. 

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