How to Make a Storage Headboard

Purchase two same-size bookcases that are at least 5 feet tall. These two bookcases will flank the head of your bed, but they will not be attached to the bed frame.

Find the wall studs on the wall behind your bed where the bookcases will stand. Attach the wall bracket straps to one wall stud behind each bookcase with screws. Attach the straps to the corresponding backside of the bookcase. This step will secure the bookcase to the wall.

Measure the wall distance between the two bookcases. This measurement is for shelving that will hang on the wall behind and above your bed. The ends of the shelves should be no more than 1/2 inch from the outside edge of the bookcases. The close proximity will read visually as a single headboard unit.

Cut two 12-inch-wide-by-3/4-inch-thick wood boards to fit between the bookcases. These two boards are storage shelves for the headboard. Sand the cut boards with light grade sandpaper to prepare them for stain or paint. Remove the debris with a damp cloth.

Stain or prime and paint the cut boards to coordinate with the bookcases. Allow the finish to dry.

Find and mark the wall studs on the section of wall between the two bookcases. Attach three evenly spaced, decorative wall brackets with screws to the wall directly beneath the desired spot for each shelf. Make sure that you attach one bracket for each shelf into a wall stud. Use wall anchor screws to attach any bracket that does not fit into a wall stud. Make sure that the tops of the decorative brackets are level.

Place the finished shelf on top of the three brackets. Screw the shelves into the decorative brackets. If the brackets do not have an allowance for a screw attachment, run a bead of construction adhesive along the top of each shelf bracket before pressing the shelf into place.