How to Make a Bookshelf Headboard
This bookshelf headboard for a single bed is attached to the wall for stability. It has two perpendicular extensions on both sides to hold more books. It's a weekend project and the end result is the most comfortable library in the house.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- One three-quarter-inch plywood the width of your bed plus 24 inches
- One 72-inch high backboard
- Two three-quarter-inch plywood 12-by-72 inches for side extensions
- Two three-quarter-inch plywood 12-by-72 inches for end pieces of extensions
- Shelving
- L brackets to reinforce shelves
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Stain finish
- Medium disposable foam paint brush
- Miter box
- Miter saw
- Wood putty
- Piano wire
- Nail heads
Instructions
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1
Have the lumber company cut all wood pieces to specification. Sand away splinters, clean with tack cloth and finish all boards with two to three coats of wood stain. Be sure to dry thoroughly between each coat.
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2
Screw the end pieces to the side extensions. Always drop a bit of wood glue into each screw hole to ensure a better bond. Screw the other end of the side extensions to the backboard.
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3
Anchor the bookshelf headboard to wall studs for stability.
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4
Measure and mark where the shelves will rest on the sides and back of the headboard. Use a miter box and miter saw to shape the shelves at a 90-degree angle. Use L brackets to fasten the shelves to the headboard. Fill any gaps in the mitered boards with wood putty if necessary.
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5
Attach piano wire to decorative nail heads hammered all around the frame six inches above each shelf. Drill small holes in each of the side extensions to accommodate plugs of small reading lamps. Fill the shelves with books, push the bed in place and snuggle in for a good read.
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