How to Make a Headboard With Storage

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.

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.

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

Attach Legs

Glue and align legs in holes in bottom of the console table ensuring legs are parallel with edges of the box. Apply touch up finish as needed.

Assemble Headboard

Place top shelving unit over the two bottom console tables (Image 1). Fill compartments with your favorite books and other personal items (Image 2).