• Home
  • About Me
  • Projects
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact me

The Frugal Homemaker

Your guide to turning your house into a home... one DIY project and yard sale find at a time

Repurposed twin headboard into coffee bar shelf or towel rack shelf

June 14, 2021

It all started when I saw this solid wood headboard at the thrift store for $3.00.  With the price of lumber right now the wood itself was a steal and I knew I would enjoy the challenge to turn it into a functional piece of decor for our home.

Repurposed headboard turned towel rack or coffee bar shelf -1

For this project you will need:

  • 1×4 board (4 feet long is enough for a twin headboard)
  • 1×6 board
  • nail gun
  • circular saw
  • sander or sandpaper
  • wood glue
  • 4 coat hooks
  • spray chalk paint in color of choice

This twin headboard was 36 inches long so 4 feet long board or some 3 feet scrap pieces are perfect.  I attached a 1×6 board in between the 2 legs with my nail gun.  Then I cut a 1×4 board to length and attached it through the back with my nail gun along the seam of the headboard and new board.  I cut 2 45-degree angled pieces from the leftover scrap of the 1×4 board and attached them with wood glue and nails in the back and top to help support the top shelf and also just give it more of a mantel look. 

Repurposed headboard turned towel rack or coffee bar shelf -2

The one thing I wished I would have done at this point was to apply a quick coat of stain over the new boards.  It would have allowed dark wood show through when you distress it and also helped the chalk paint cover better on the new wood. 

But I gave it 2 coats of this spray chalk paint  – I love the brush on version of this paint as well but the spray version works well too and so much easier on all those spindles than hand brushing it.  I find that the spray version distresses so quickly and easily too!  I distressed around all the details and on the spindles and it just gave it more of a vintage antique look. 

And here it is styled in our bathroom as a towel rack shelf!

Repurposed headboard turned towel rack and shelf-2

Can you even believe it?  I knew it would turn out good but it always turns out better than I expected and then I want to keep it and not sell it. Smile

Repurposed headboard turned towel rack and shelf-3

This would work so well over a big garden tub or even in a smaller bathroom hanging on the wall to hang towels and display a few decor pieces.

Repurposed headboard turned towel rack and shelf-3

I used some small french cleat-type hangers on the back and you’ll definitely want to make sure it is securely into a stud with some sturdy hangars.

Repurposed headboard turned towel rack and shelf-7

Repurposed headboard turned towel rack and shelf-9

So the other way I imagine this being used if you had a long enough wall for a 3 foot shelf I would use this as a coffee bar shelf!  With a fun piece of furniture below it this could be hung right above it and the hooks are perfect to hang coffee mugs and the shelf to display some coffee themed decor. 

Repurposed headboard turned coffee bar shelf-1

I just love it either way!

Repurposed headboard turned coffee bar shelf-3

Repurposed headboard turned coffee bar shelf-2

What would you use it for?  A towel rack shelf or a coffee bar shelf?

Repurposed headboard turned coffee bar shelf-4

If this inspired you I’d love for you share or Pin this image!

3 Comments LABELS ~ Uncategorized

SHARE >>
« 2 DIY ways to upcycle a large wood wire spool
Summer Essentials for entertaining and outdoor living »

RELATED POSTS

  • Patriotic Coastal Summer Mantel
  • How to paint a concrete porch or patio
  • Friday Frugal Finds–Goodwill shopping spree!
  • How to spray paint a brass light fixture or the RED chandelier in my bathroom (Beach-inspired bathroom makeover part 3)

Comments

  1. Janalyn Voigt says

    June 15, 2021 at 8:46 PM

    Thanks for the idea! This would be perfect for my guest bathroom.

    Reply
  2. Kaye Mattson says

    June 17, 2021 at 5:21 PM

    I like it as a coffee bar shelf. You did a great job

    Reply
  3. lak says

    June 21, 2021 at 9:24 AM

    Terrific idea! As usual you did a great job!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow me:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hi!  My name is Christina . . .

I love doing simple, frugal things to make our house feel like HOME! Come learn along with me how to have a beautiful home on a budget.

Recent Posts

  • Garage curb appeal spring refresh with Scott’s Miracle-Gro
  • Affordable (and adorable!) source for kids clothes
  • Making family memories with matching family Christmas pajamas
  • White Chicken and Bean Chili
  • Enjoying summer at home! (Essentials for entertaining or having a fun family night)





THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS