How to Make a Headboard With Storage

Maximize your bedroom's storage by building handy cubbies into your headboard.

Headboard With Storage Cubbies

Create storage and visual appeal with a DIY storage cubby headboard.

From: Chip Wade

Photo by: Wade Works Creative

Wade Works Creative

By: Chip Wade

Related To:

Materials and Tools

(5) sheets 3/4" plywood
(8) 1x2 x 8' primed pine or poplar boards
(1) 2" x 2" x 3' walnut board
7/8" diameter dowel, 1' long
chop saw

circular or table saw
trim nail gun
drill
7/8" Forstner drill bit

Cut List

-Piece A - (3) bottom double and top inner horizontal stretcher: 2x10 x 7' plywood
-Piece B - (2) middle double horizontal stretcher: 8-3/4" x 7' 1-1/2" plywood
-Piece C - (2) inner sides of top unit: 9-1/2" x 2' 5-3/4" plywood
-Piece D - (1) back inset panel of top unit: 2' 3-1/2" x 7' 1-1/2" plywood
-Piece E - (2) outer sides of top unit: 9-1/2" x 2' 6-1/2" plywood, miter joint on one side
-Piece F - (1) outer skin of top unit: 9-1/2" x 7' 4-1/2" plywood, miter joints on both sides
-Piece G - (14) compartment dividers: 1" x 1' x 8-3/4" plywood
-Piece H - (1) face frame for center horizontal: 7' 1-1/2" poplar board
-Piece I - (2) face frame for top and bottom horizontal: 7' 4-1/2" poplar board
-Piece J - (2) face frame for side verticals: 2' 3-1/2" poplar board
-Piece K - (7) face frame for inside verticals: 1' 1" poplar board
-Piece L - (8) inner sides of base console table: 1' 8" x 1' 1-3/4" plywood
-Piece M - (2) back inset panel of console table base 1' 1" x 1' 1" plywood
-Piece N - (8) outer sides of console table base: 1' 8" x 1' 4" plywood
-Piece O - (8) face frame for console table base: 1' 2-1/2" poplar board
-Piece P - (8) leg for console table base: 2x2 x 4" walnut board
-Piece Q - (8) wooden dowel for console legs: 7/8" x 1"

Cut + Assemble Top Unit

Pre-cut pieces A-P with a table or circular saw. Glue and nail two (Piece A) sections together, and then glue and nail that assembly to (Piece C) on each side. Both (Piece C) sections will cap the end of (Piece A) sections. Glue and nail back panel (Piece D) inside the frame, and cap with one more (Piece A) (Images 1 and 2). Glue and nail two (Piece B) sections together, and mount that assembly in the center of the box.

Wade Works Creative

Precut all plywood, poplar and walnut pieces A-P with a table saw or circular saw.

Wade Works Creative

Headboard With Storage Cubbies

Precut all plywood, poplar and walnut pieces A-P with a table saw or circular saw.

From: Chip Wade

Photo By: Wade Works Creative

Headboard With Storage Cubbies

Precut all plywood, poplar and walnut pieces A-P with a table saw or circular saw.

From: Chip Wade

Photo By: Wade Works Creative

Finish Top Unit Frame

Glue and nail two (Piece E) sections on either side and a (Piece F) on top (Image 1). Take care to align miter joints closely, as this is the finished surface (Image 2). Place alignment marks for vertical dividers you will assemble in the next step (Image 3).

Assemble Storage Compartments

Glue two (Piece G) pieces together, and repeat for all pieces to make a total of seven (Image 1). Glue and nail the seven (Piece G) sections on the previously marked alignments (Images 2 and 3). Note: It is easier to finish this assembly separately, or you can finish at once at the end.

Attach Trim

Apply desired finish on (Pieces H-K), and let dry. Glue and nail (Piece H), two (Piece I) sections, two (Piece J) sections and seven (Piece K) sections to front of unit, ensuring boards are flush on all sides. Set the unit aside.

Chip

Photo By: Chip

Assemble Inner Table Frame

Glue and nail four (Piece L) sections in a pinwheel pattern, and inset (Piece M) flush against the back using glue and nails. Repeat to make a second console table (Images 1 and 2).

Chip

Photo By: Chip

Assemble Around Frame

Glue and nail four (Piece N) sections around the table, taking care to align all miter joints as this is the finished surface. Repeat for the second console table (Images 1-3).

Chip

Photo By: Chip

Attach Table Trim

Apply paint or finish to all (Piece O) sections if desired, and let dry. Glue and nail four (Piece O) sections in a pinwheel pattern, assembling flush on all sides. Repeat for the second console table (Images 1 and 2).

Glue and nail (4) piece O's as face frames in a pinwheel pattern as face frames aligning flush to all sides. Pre-finish O pieces with desired paint/finish prior to assembly)

Wade Works Creative

Headboard With Storage Cubbies

Glue and nail (4) piece O's as face frames in a pinwheel pattern as face frames aligning flush to all sides. Pre-finish O pieces with desired paint/finish prior to assembly)

From: Chip Wade

Photo By: Wade Works Creative

Headboard With Storage Cubbies

Glue and nail (4) piece O's as face frames in a pinwheel pattern as face frames aligning flush to all sides. Pre-finish O pieces with desired paint/finish prior to assembly)

From: Chip Wade

Photo By: Wade Works Creative

Mark + Drill for Table Legs

Measure and mark the center line for all console legs at 2-1/2" off the edges. Drill a 3/4" deep hole with a 7/8" Forstner bit at each mark. Repeat for second console table (Images 1 and 2).

Measure and mark center line for all console legs at 2 1/2" off the edges. Drill a 3/4" deep hole with 7/8" Forstner bit at each location.

Wade Works Creative

Headboard With Storage Cubbies

Measure and mark center line for all console legs at 2 1/2" off the edges. Drill a 3/4" deep hole with 7/8" Forstner bit at each location.

From: Chip Wade

Photo By: Wade Works Creative

Headboard With Storage Cubbies

Measure and mark center line for all console legs at 2 1/2" off the edges. Drill a 3/4" deep hole with 7/8" Forstner bit at each location.

From: Chip Wade

Photo By: Wade Works Creative

Assemble Legs

Cut all (Piece P and Q) sections (Images 1 and 2). Measure and mark the center line of all legs, and drill a 1/2" deep hole with a 7/8" forstner bit (Image 3). Glue and set wood dowels in the holes in the legs (Image 4). For an easier option, use premade legs and mounting plates.