This French Bench has to be my favorite repurposed headboard bench. I love finding unique and rare beds so I can transform them into a bench.
This post contains some affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
This one is my favorite because of the poster spindles, that give the repurposed headboard bench so much character. This headboard reminds me of a French antique headboard.
The other reason is because I picked her out of the trash! I find some of the best beds in the trash. I found out that most of our area thrift stores say no to headboard donations so people just throw them away.
We start by cutting the footboard in half and drilling 3 pocket holes with a Kreg Jig
into the back sides to attach to the headboard. We like to use the sideboards from the bed as a bottom base to give the bench more stability.
This bed already had the bottom base, so we only needed a front board, so the bench had a uniform look all around.
We also used the Kreg Jig to add pocket holes to the front baseboard. The Kreg Jig
is one of the easiest tools to use and it gives your piece a custom look since it hides the screws.
DIY Videos from Designed Decor
Next, was building a frame to sit the bench seat upon. Again, use 2 pocket holes at both ends of the 1-inch boards and the center support.
Once the seat frame was built we cut boards for the seat. These were just nailed in place after painting and staining with my Ryobi AirStrike
Nailer. Now the pretty begins.
I painted the bench using Maison Blanche Vintage Furniture Paint in the color, baguette. That paint is no longer available and I would recommend this one from Country Chic paint in cheesecake. It was lightly distressed, sealed with a matte varnish, and glazed.
The Laurel Wreath stencil was added by using glaze. I created the “Bonjour” stencil using my Silhouette Cameo and adhesive vinyl.
The look of natural wood and paint is a favorite finish and it was an easy decision to stain the seat of the bench. The walnut stain adds warmth and brings a perfect balance to the bench. The stenciled hardboard bench is a french country style perfect for any french country decor.
More Headboard Benches
I have joined with my fellow Power Tool Challenge bloggers this month and our theme was anything goes! Make sure you stop to see what these creative builders made this month.
DIY Family Sign by My Love To Create
Adirondack FireBowl Table by Interior Frugalista
Headboard Bench by Domestically Speaking
DIY Wall Sign by Designs By Studio C
Easy Bird Feeder by Virginia Sweet Pea
DIY Headboard Bench by Designed Decor
DIY Small Pet Bed by H2OBungalow
How To Use A Kreg Jig by My Repurposed Life
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
I think this may be my all time favorite makeover of yours. Everything came together perfectly including how you built this fantastic bench from the bed headboard & footboard!
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Wendi, that means so much! I think this has to be one of my favorites as well!
karen@somewhatquirkydesign says
I love this. It’s gorgeous. I like the way you used the glaze for the stencil instead of paint.
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Karen! I love using glaze on most of my furniture pieces, so why not as a stencil too!
Maryann says
So pretty – love the color combo!
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Maryann!
Cher-Ann Texter says
This is a really beautiful bench, DeDe! I love the color mixed with the stained seat, and the graphic really adds a vintage touch!
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Cher-Ann. I love painted furniture with stained wood!
Mindi says
I can’t get over your beautiful finish on this awesome bench! You knocked it out of the park DeDe! And the spindles, so awesome!
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Mindi! I will take a home run in a finished furniture piece!
Paula says
What a beautiful piece of furniture. I didn’t know that thrift shops often won’t accept beds. I think I’ll start haunting the back of Goodwill to see if I can find one there. (Our Goodwill throws A LOT of good stuff away.) I love the paint and glaze that you used and how you combined it with a stained seat. So pretty!
Designed Decor says
Paula, I was surprised about them not taking things as well. I thought they took everything! Good idea about looking behind the stores!
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
DeDe, your headboard bench is gorgeous!!! The perfect headboard and footboard combination and I’m loving the touch of Français you gave it too! Pinning to share 🙂
Designed Decor says
Thanks Marie! I appreciate you pinning as well!
Gail (@repurposedlife) says
DeDe! A headboard bench! Two this month… oh my! I need to get busy making some benches for the fall. I LOVE making them because each is so unique.
I love the finishing touches you put on your bench.
pinning!
gail
Designed Decor says
Gail, I have about 5 beds waiting for me to turn them into a bench! I know you love a good bench makeover as well and you are so right about each one being so unique!