Storage Headboard

Cut the column faces (C), shelves (D), and filler (E) to size (Project Diagram, Cutting List). Sand and secure to the back and side. Assemble a second column creating a mirror image for the opposite side of the headboard.

Cut a piece of medium density fiberboard (MDF) to size for the column fronts (F) and headboard (G). Glue and nail the column fronts to the columns (Project Diagram, Drawing 2). The headboard panel is what ties the columns together and is the first part that will need to be modified for length when adapting the building plan to the size of your bed.

Cut 1-1/4-inch-long spacers. Start the top stiles (H) (Project Diagram, Drawing 4 or Drawing 8) 1-1/4 inches down from the top of the headboard.

Continue gluing and nailing the headboard stiles and rails, working from the top and from one side to the bottom and opposite side.

Cut the front moulding (N) to length, and cut a miter on one end of the trim to match the miter of the side moulding you just installed. Place that miter against the side moulding and mark the miter cut for the opposite end. Miter-cut the front moulding to length. Then glue and nail it in position.

Cut a miter on the second piece of side moulding (M), hold in position, mark the final length at the back of the headboard assembly, and cut to length. Secure with glue and brads.

For an alternate finish to the one shown, first paint the headboard with a base color (Retro-Colonial Blue, #4006-4B, shown). Then use a dry brush to apply a thin, feathered coat of a contrasting color (Woodrow Wilson Putty, #6006-1A, shown). Concentrate on dry-brushing the middle of stiles, rails, and recessed areas, leaving the edges blue.

For a fun color that updates this headboard’s traditional look, try this deep mustard shade (Santa Monica Blvd., #ar825, shown).

Choose a dark headboard color (Ocean Storm, #4004-2B, shown) to contrast with a light wall shade.