🔨 Build: How To Build The Queen Mini-Shelf Headboard

As I mentioned in my previous post the redesign of my bed caused it to be higher than before. This made the plain boring white headboard that was already short, almost invisible.

Before: Basic, Bland and Boring

I needed that flat white headboard to be taller so it would be visible above the pillows and more interesting. I also wanted something that would match my sense of style and give me a small shelf I could rest my phone, iPad or book on. Yet, the fear of a top heavy book case falling on me in the middle of the night almost paralyzed me into inaction. This idea kept me moving.

Building Necessities

With my handy dandy Stanley tape measure, Black and Decker 6 amp drill, a 1/8 " Kobalt drill bit, a Kobalt phillips screw tip and a mini broom with dustpan for cleaning I was raring and ready to go.

Bright and Tidy

Oh, just in case you're wondering (for those who read my first post on my this bed)...Yes! I'm still loving the unfinished wood look of the bed, so I decided to continue the headboard in the same style. 

Building the Foundation

Ok, lets get started: First I screwed down one of the 70 1/2" 2x4 boards in to the top of the existing headboard. Then I screwed the second 70 1/2" board into the first board to create a strong foundation. Next, as pictured, I started placing down one of the 14 3/4" 2x4 boards on the left side of the headboard.  With each board I used two 2 1/2" screws per board, measured and placed 4" in on both sides of the first board and 7" in on the second board and so on. Alternating the placement of the screws on each board 4" in and then 7" (as close as possible for the smaller boards),  to make sure the screws didn't end up hitting each other when drilled through to the other side of the boards. 

Lighting it Up!

Using the mini LED lamp to light up the area, I next placed the 12 1/4" board, then the 9 1/4 and finally the 6 1/4" board in place to start forming a shape.

Light Really Swivels!

Next I used the included instructions and screws to attach the 8" LED Fixture to the side of the headboard.  The light swivels from left to right, allowing you to direct the light where needed.

Wrapping it Up!

With all four pieces of wood solidly screwed down and the light in place I then went to the right side of the headboard and repeated the same steps until I was ready to place on the last 70 1/2" 2x4 board. 

All Shaped Up!

I love being able to have my phone easily accessible (instead of lost in the sheets or on the end table) right next to my head now. Especially since I use the Pillow app as my sleep aid and alarm clock. My phone can charge without getting lost on the bed and I can turn off the light from the bed when I'm ready to go to sleep. 

I Love the Night Life!

I also love the reading lights as they give a good amount of directional light without disturbing anyone else that may be in the room. Bottomline, this headboard has made the bed even more functional and enjoyable!

The End! 😉

Ok,that's  everything for now. Check out my post "How to Build a Queen Japanese Style Platform Storage Bed" to learn more about the rest of the bed. Since I already had the wood from my previous bed project and lumber cuts at Lowes are free, this project only cost about $60. As I only had to pay for the mini lights. Any questions? Please feel free to ask.

Suggested materials:

• 3 - 70 1/2" 2x4s  (Lowes)
• 2 - 14 3/4" 2x4s  (Lowes)
• 2 - 12 1/4" 2x4s  (Lowes)
• 2 - 9 1/4" 2x4s  (Lowes)
• 2 - 6 1/4" 2x4s  (Lowes)
• 22 - 2 1/2 wood screws  (Lowes)
• 2 - GetInLight Matte White 8 in UltraSlim Swivel LED Fixtures