Are you looking for a creative way to repurpose an old headboard? Why not turn a headboard into a bench? It’s an easy and unique furniture makeover idea that will add character and functionality to your home.

So how exactly do you turn a headboard into a bench? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. You can totally do it! Let’s walk you through the steps in this simple tutorial.

photo of headboard before transformation

You may have an old headboard or bed frame lying around, taking up space and collecting dust. Instead of throwing it out, why not repurpose it into a stylish and useful bench? Not only will this save you money on buying new furniture, but it’s also an eco-friendly option.

Repurposing your old bed frame into a bench also allows you to customize the design according to your personal taste and style. You can choose the fabric, paint color, and other details to match your existing decor.

It’s also satisfying to see something you thought was useless transformed into something beautiful and functional. So let’s get started and make this one of a kind headboard bench!

Table of Contents

Supplies Used for Turning a Headboard into a Bench

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Old Headboard or Bed Frame
1″ x 4″ Common Wood Boards
2″x2″ Common Wood Boards
2″x2″ Wood Legs
Kreg Jig Pocket Holes
220 Grit Sandpaper
SurfPrep Sander (Use code RAY10 to get 10% off your order)
Shop Vac
Tack Cloth
Clear Shellac Spray
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Napoleonic Blue
Wagner Double Duty Paint Sprayer
Waterbased Polyurethane

Creating A Bench from A Headboard

We already have our bed frame ready, so let’s dive into creating the bench from it! The first step was using 1″x4″ common board wood and 2″x2″ common wood boards to create the bench.

We attached these to the headboard using Kreg Jig Pocket holes, which made the process a lot easier. We did the same to the new 2″ x 2″ legs, making sure that they were sturdy and secure.

photo of wood and using Kreg Jig Pocket holes to attach wood to headboard

We made the seat depth to be 18″ deep. This was for a comfortable seating space for anyone using the bench. The build was simple and straightforward, with some support beams under the seat for added stability.

After all, we wanted the bench to be strong and able to support anyone who sits on it. We made sure to double-check all connections and make any necessary adjustments. We have a guide on how to make a bench from a headboard and footboard here for more details on this process.

Sanding Bench Before Painting

Before painting your repurposed headboard bench, it’s important to properly sand the surface. We used 220 grit sandpaper and my SurfPrep Sander for an efficient sanding process.

The goal of sanding before painting furniture is to smooth out any rough edges on the new wood pieces, as well as scuff up the finish on the headboard itself so that the paint will adhere better.

photo of sanding furniture using surfprep sander

After sanding, be sure to clean off any dust and debris from the bench using a vacuum and tack cloth. Doing this helps us make sure the surface is completely clean and ready for painting. You wouldn’t want any dirt or particles messing up the paint job!

Priming Bench for Painting

And before we move on to painting, we need to make sure to prime the bench first. This helps create an even more smooth surface for the paint to stick to and it also blocks Wood Tannins Coming Through Paint. We used a clear shellac spray and applied 2 coats on all surfaces of the bench, including the new wood pieces that were attached.

photo of priming furniture using clear shellac spray

Once the primer is applied, it’s important to let it dry overnight. This gives enough time for it to fully dry and create a strong base for the paint. If you’re tempted to skip this step, don’t! Priming wood for painting really helps with the overall finish of the bench.

Painting Bench with Chalk Paint

We were so excited to finally start painting our headboard bench with chalk paint. We chose Napoleonic Blue from Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and used a Wagner Double Duty paint sprayer for an easy and even application.

photo of annie sloan paint and wagner double duty paint sprayer to paint furniture

The bed frame had some intricate details, and it helped that using this HVLP paint sprayer for furniture could easily reach all the nooks and crannies. Check out our honest Wagner Double Duty paint sprayer review for our experience and thoughts on it.

Paint the new bench with 2 coats of the Napoleonic Blue chalk paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before spraying the next. We wanted to make sure we got an even and solid coverage, so we made sure to apply a second coat.

Here’s our Annie Sloan Chalk Paint review if you’re curious about this paint and brand. You can also get inspired by these Annie Sloan chalk painted furniture projects.

Distressing Painted Bench

We wanted a distressed look for our bench, so we took some extra time to sand the edges and corners of the bench once it was dry.

We used 220 grit sandpaper to gently sand away some of the paint – this gave it a more rustic and aged appearance, just the way we wanted it. You can learn other distressing furniture techniques here for different effects.

close up photo of furniture after distressing edges using 220 grit sandpaper

Of course, cleaning off any dust must be done after sanding. We got our vacuum and tack cloth to thoroughly clean the bench and our workspace before moving on.

Spraying Poly on Painted Bench

Now it’s finally time for the finishing touches!

If this bench was going to be used outside, we would have used an oil-based polyurethane for extra protection against outdoor elements.

Instead, we sprayed 3 coats of waterbased polyurethane onto the painted bench. Waterbased poly is durable and dries quickly, making it great for indoor furniture.

If you’re going to use oil-based polyurethane, make sure to let your painted furniture dry for at least 48 hours before applying it. Check out our post on topcoats for painting furniture for options and tips on how to choose the best one for your project.

Don’t skip on sealing painted furniture – it protects your hard work and makes sure that the paint will last for years to come. We still used our sprayer to easily apply the polyurethane, and here’s a tutorial on how to spray polyurethane if you’re new to it.

With this makeover, you get your very own repurposed headboard bench that will be a unique piece in your home. It’s functional, stylish, and easy to make! We hope you have fun creating your own version of this project.

close up of headboard turned into bench furniture

full view photo of headboard turned into a bench

More Before And After Makeovers

Click any of these “before” photos below to view the “after” of that makeover.