Hello again, lovely Friends, and welcome to day #24 of my March Madness, 31 Thrifty Makeovers in 31 Days series!! Today is special because it’s also Themed Furniture Thursday, where a bunch of my furniture flippin friends and I share furniture makeovers to fit the theme of the month. This month’s theme is “Farmhouse”, and I think I did it proud.
Here’s what I started with:
This bed looks much cleaner in the photo than it really was. It was a $10 yard sale find from last Summer. A man had sold it to me and as I was loading it into my car, a woman came over to tell me it was her childhood bed and she was so sad to be getting rid of it, but they had to downsize. I knew then that I had to do something special with it.
I think she would approve:
Don’t you? This is one of those times that I wish I could find the house again and drop this off to the woman who was sadly departing with her childhood bed.
It once had four posters, but she asked her dad to cut the posts off when she became a teenager.
Have you ever wanted to make a headboard bench?
I’m including a few affiliate links so you can find the products I use too.
In short, I basically cut the footboard to create the side pieces…
Then created pocket holes. It’s not hard to do if you have the right tool. I use my Kreg Jig Jr to make mine. It runs around $40, but it makes pocket holes that make joining two right angles together so easy. Here it is in action:
You use it with your drill.
Then I joined the sides to the back…see the pocket holes? I also added a support piece across the front. If you have the bed rails, they are perfect for this part. I also made sure it was level as I went…
I filled all the holes with Elmer’s wood filler. The Kreg Jig comes with filler pieces, but I just used wood filler since I had the bed rail slits to fill as well.
Then I painted it with DIY chalk paint in Pure White.
When that was dry I dry-brushed a little grey across the surfaces and on the raised areas…
For the seat, I decided to use wood from my wood stash. These are pieces I found in the woods near my house. They look like someone’s old decking boards that they had dumped there. There may have been some happy dancing involved when I found them.
I knew they would be perfect for this project. I wiped them down really well then white washed them. To do this I painted each board with white latex paint, then immediately wiped it back off in the direction of the grain with a rag.
I cut these to fit and attached with my nail gun. I sealed everything with Annie Sloan’s Clear Wax.
For more detailed instructions on how to turn a headboard into a bench, visit my full tutorial HERE.
I felt like it still needed something, so I created this graphic in Photoshop Elements:
I used my favorite old-school transfer method found HERE, to add this to the back of the bench.
I love how it turned out. It does have a farmhouse feel, no?
Here’s another headboard I transformed into a bench:
Mason Jar Blue Headboard Bench
Looking for more Farmhouse inspired furniture makeovers? Check out my friends’ projects below!
I’ll be back tomorrow sharing what I did with this little farmhouse stool:
UPDATE: Shazam! See it HERE now!
If you don’t already, follow me on Instagram HERE, so we can hang out there too! 🙂
If you missed any makeovers in this fun March Madness Series, you can check out yesterday’s HERE.
And catch up with the rest here:
1. DIY Tray from an Old Picture 2. How to Turn a Drawer Front into a Planter
3. Patterned Sofa Table 4. Mini Shelf Makeover 5. $5 Yard Sale Dresser
6. DIY Wooden Tote Redo 7. Antique Mirror Repurposed 8. Jewelry/Trinket Holder
9. Updated Candlesticks 10. Shutter Cabinet 11. 80’s Clock Cabinet Reimagined
12. Oval Rosette Mirror 13. $5 Thrift Store Lamps 14. DIY Jewelry Storage
15. Thrift Store Container Makeover 16. 15 Minute Table Makeover
17. Charlotte’s Night Table 18. French Provincial Desk Makeover
19. Spring Bird Nest Wreath 20. The Perfect Necklace Holder
21. Romantic Flatware Box Makeover 22. 80’s Shelf
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Joanne Taggart says
Oh yes Christy. I think the woman would approve. It’s beautiful. And now when I see furniture with those ‘holes’ I’ll know they’re pocket holes. It’s cool that they can be made with a drill. When you whitewashed the boards did you wipe paint on and off several times, or just once? It shows up so well, I thought it took more than one coat. Thanks for sharing. You have been a busy woman! Much to all our pleasure!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Joanne! I only did one coat and then filled in a couple of spots here and there, but I used the paint full strength. I didn’t water it down so that’s probably why it covered so well. I love that you’re enjoying this series! XO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Yet another amazing makeover, Christy! The sweet momento is perfect and I do think that lady would love it.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Larissa! I think so too…wish I could find her again. XOXO
Lindsay Eidahl says
Another great makeover! I love the saying you used! HEadboard benches are so much fun!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Lindsay! I love headboard benches too. 🙂
Karin Chudy (ART IS BEAUTY) says
I have had a bed sitting in my shed for 5 years waiting to do this to it. Yours turned out amazing as always and you may have lit the fire under me to finally tackle mine!
Just lovely!
Hugs,
Karin
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Karin! I love headboard benches but for some reason it takes me forever to get started on them too! XOXO
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
So pretty, as always! Loved the touching story about the bed. I’m sure she would approve.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Wendi! I think so too. Happy Easter, Friend! 🙂
Angelia says
So pretty! Yesterday I bought the Cottage White paint you use often on projects. I bought a sample pot at Home Depot. I attempted to make DIY chalk paint. I purchased plaster of Paris from the craft section at Walmart. Mixed my plaster until smooth and then added my paint in a jar and shook well. Sadly, I ended up with a jar of half paint and cement! 🙁
Any tips? I ruined that pot of paint.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Angelia! Oh no about the paint. I’ve never tried plaster of Paris. I use calcium carbonate that I order from Amazon. It seems to me that POP would harden since that’s what it does, but I know people use it for DIY chalk paint. Calcium carbonate doesn’t harden so it remains smooth. I wish I could give you advice on how to save your paint…sorry! Here is the link to the recipe I use just in case you want to try it: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/sewing-stool-redo-chalk-paint-recipe-revealed/. Good luck!
Lindy says
I have to say that I LOVE your daily blog. I finally found the inspiration to go forth and conquer the painting of my mess of a pine buffet (not anywhere NEAR what I would buy, but I did because of storage in my condo). I have stressed about this and looked at the ugliness for over 10 years. I’m very good at hiding the scars on this piece, but not so good at doing a whole face lift. I think I’m ready now, but still unsure of my decisions even though I have done many smaller projects. I’m sure not getting any younger so times a’wastein’– can you come over?
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Lindy!! I love that you are enjoying my makeovers and that you are feeling inspired to tackle your buffet! You have nothing to lose if you don’t love it as it is anyway right? I bet you will after you paint it…you CAN do it…you just need to take the first step! Wish I could come over lol…but you got this! 🙂
Kimm at Reinvented & Roadkill Rescue says
Ahh, I love it! The quote is perfect. I am sure that the sad lady would be thrilled to know that you have lovingly preserved her bed.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kimm! I think so too. XO
Catherine McDonnell says
I haven’t commented in a while, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been reading your posts everyday and continue to be amazed at your vision for creating beauty from the humblest of beginnings!!! Thank you again for sharing your multitude of talents everyday and for inspiring thousands!! Happy Easter!!!
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Catherine! It means a lot that you took the time to leave that sweet comment. I appreciate you following along even when you don’t! Happy Easter to you too! XO
Tonia L. Conner says
A sweet bench, the quote makes for a perfect finish
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tonia! I love that quote. 🙂
Ange says
As I was reading your post today I was thinking that the lady would have loved the transformation too. Just wondering…Do you have a special work area where you do all you magic?
Christy K. James says
I think so too…she seemed so sad to see her bed go, and I think she would be happy to know it will now be treasured for years to come. I work in my garage and on nicer days, I open the door and spill out into the driveway. I’m sure my neighbors love it. 🙂
Barbara says
Gorgeous! I love your headboard/footboard bench. It’s one of the pretties I’ve seen. I have a headboard & footboard I’ve been thinking of making a bench from This gives me more incentive!
Keep up your great projects.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Barbara! Yes, go forth and tackle ha ha. XO
Paula@SweetPea says
I love this and definitely think that the previous owner would approve. The saying that you put on the front of the bench is the icing on the cake. One of these days I want to try this project.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Paula! When I find a bed for a bench project, I always put off getting started for some reason, but it really isn’t hard at all. You would rock a headboard bench with your mad DIY skills!
Maggie M says
The bench is awesome! I love it! Great makeover:)
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Maggie! XO
Addie says
CCCCome OOOOn!!!!! I can barely hold a hammer and you are making “pocket holes”!!!!
Another beauty!!!! VERY nice!!!!
It would be nice if the original owner got it back.
You are also a Sweetie, to always comment back on all the comments….thanks!!!!
God Bless!!!
Addie XXOO
…funny thing….when I typed this I wrote, camera instead of hammer. Apparently, I cannot even think and type at the same time!!!
Christy K. James says
You always make me chuckle, Addie! So glad you like it. And I love to respond to back as I truly appreciate the time you take to say something nice! 🙂
Treva says
The bench is absolutely beautiful!
Such a sweet sweet saying you added.
As always you did a wonderful job.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Treva! XO
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
Another one of your signature headboard/footboard benches Christy! Love this one too, especially the story behind it as well as your choice for the graphic. Nice!!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marie! I’m glad I was able to do something sweet with it! XO
Karen Marie Kedzuch says
Christy,
You did a beautiful job respecting the childhood bed and giving it a new purpose.
Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Karen! XO
Amy @ Highstyle Restyle says
I sure love the sentiment in this makeover. It’s a beautiful transformation and I’m sure the original owner would gladly give her stamp of approval. 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Amy! I think so too…if only she could see it! XO
Jeanette Chaney says
What a great repurpose and sweet saying. Pinning and sharing.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jeanette! 🙂
Patty says
Oh how I love your bench and you did a beautiful job. One of these days I’m going to try to make one of these.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Patty! Yes, you definitely should. 🙂
Tania says
I love this project too! I’ve been wanting to try making one of these, I’ll have to try and find a headboard and footboard at a garage sale this summer.
Tania
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tania! Oh how I’ve missed yard sales…almost that time again yay! XO
Rose L. says
You did a great job on this and am sure it will become a cherished piece to be handed down.
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Rose! I hope so. 🙂
Kim @ Hunt & Host says
I’m going to make the leap to pocket holes. You pushed me over the edge. Girl, I am so impressed with your March Madness…I am not sure many people understand what all that takes from a blogging standpoint. You blow me away!!! Amazing!
Christy K. James says
Ha ha yes you can do it, Kim! And yes you are right, most people will never know the work involved to pull something like this off, but I love it because I have gained a loyal and supportive network of readers from it, and they are awesome…so totally worth it! 🙂
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
You know how much I love a good headboard bench makeover! This one is fabulous, makes me want to work on another one real soon!
~Tami
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tami! Yes, you have done some amazing headboard benches! XO
AFS says
This is the BEST bed frame to bench makeover I have ever seen. Very cute
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much! XO
Vicki and Jennifer Fenton says
Amazing! This is a fantastic repurpose and makeover. The bench looks beautiful and we love your quote. Well done!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Ladies! XO
Lucy @ Patina Paradise says
You make the best headboard benches! Period! And the saying is just perfect! Hope you had an amazing Easter!
Christy K. James says
Aww thank you, Lucy!! ????
Marilyn Stein says
Christy, can you share the font you used for “together?” I’ve surfed hundred of script fonts, but I really like this one. Thanks.
Christy K. James says
Hi Marilyn! The “T” is Great Vibes and the rest is Bickham Script. ????
Marilyn Stein says
Thanks, Christy! Am I the only one who has never even thought about using two fonts in the same word? You’ve just opened up another realm of possibilities!
Christy K. James says
Ha ha you’re welcome! I just didn’t like the “J” from the script font so voila! ????
Marcie Lovett says
Crazy amazing!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Marcie!!
Julie Briones says
I SO want to do one of these… I’m just not sure I can find a place to put one in my Wee Abode. =/ I love these… and your B&B signs, too!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Julie! I sold this one, and unfortunately I don’t have the space for one either! One would be perfect in an entry if space allowed. XO