Last summer I spotted this headboard at a church sale. It was sitting off to the side with a sticker that said “make offer”. It had been damaged in a rain storm the night before so the veneer started to bubble and peel. What made it unattractive to others, meant a good deal for me!
Have you seen the headboard benches online? Some people use them as an outdoor bench, others as an entryway piece. I just always wanted to build one. So when I grabbed this headboard and footboard set, I knew it would make a fabulous headboard bench.
The neat thing about building these benches is that there is no scrap. Especially on a pretty piece like this. I did remove a few parts and cut the footboard with a little to spare, but it can all be used later in other projects – there are so many pretty details!
The building of a bench like this is pretty basic, with a little patience, wood glue and just a couple of tools it can be a rewarding project, even for a beginner.
I’m showing my membership group the full details on how to build this bench step by step in a video tutorial this month. If you’d like to join us to get this video and so much more you can find out more here.
Building things with a combination of old and new wood always looks a little rough before it’s finished. But keep going, grab that can of paint and watch it come to life.
I removed the peeling veneer, primed the piece with General Finishes Stain Blocker and painted it in General Finishes Antique White Milk Paint. It’s the perfect creamy white (not too yellow). I had to distress these details to make them pop – it’s just such an elegant piece. I love all the curves and turned legs.
For comfort this bench needs a simple cushion, it brings in a bit of pattern and softens the piece. Now it’s the perfect bench for a covered porch or a spot to take off your shoes after a long day.
Join my monthly membership group for one on one support for your painting projects. We build and paint and decorate together each month. It’s a safe place to learn and grow as we work on turning our houses into a home.
Until next time,
Jenni
Looks lovely! No uneven surface where the peeling veneer came off but I don’t see a step with wood putty or other filler? I find wood putty to be a rough filler, even sanded it isn’t totally smooth. Trying to find just the right filler, that when sanded is as smooth as wood. Thx
Susan, I removed all this veneer and sanded the back of the headboard smooth. For a really smooth wood filler, try Bondo Wood Filler. It’s an epoxy, dries quickly and is smooth in texture than traditional wood filler, I really like it!!
Thx so much. I like Bondo products so I bet I’ll like it! Thrilled. Tomorrow I’m headed to get some. Have several projects ready to start.
Yay! Let me know what you think!
As I said on Hometalk..absolutely stunning! I’m curious…what did you do with the rest of the footboard?
Thank you Shirley! The rest of the footboard (only about 18" section) was left, so I painted it up, put some hooks on it, and made it a piece of wall decor!! Too pretty to waste. I still have a small piece of trim left I’ll find use for somewhere!!
Hi Jenny. This is really pretty. I’m trying to do the same so I’ll be helpful if u have a video to can show me step by step when u did it. It will be great. Thanks
No video for this one, sorry!