DIY Footboard Bench With Storage: Cheap Options

I was talking to my mother on Mother’s Day and we got to chatting about some old paintings that my recently deceased great Uncle had given to me when I was a young “Master Scott”.

My mom keeps them in an old cedar chest she uses as a footboard and for storage and I decided that I want to build one.

I only have a small wardrobe closet here in Thailand and it would be great to have more storage.

Build a DIY footboard bench with storage using reclaimed wood and hinges, a saw, screws or nails, and paint.

The DIY videos start about halfway down the page. So if you are not interested in the following information feel free to scroll down to see the various how-to video projects.

Footboard Components

Below are the components of the footboard and some considerations yoy may want to think about.

Footboard Height

The footboard height should match the height of your mattress for the most appealing look with the items on your bedroom being proportional.

If you are building a TV stand or a wardrobe footboard then the height may obviously be higher.

Footboard Width

The width should not exceed the width of your bed frame or mattress.

This is determined by the size of your bed and if it is for a child’s bedroom you may want to consider future beds that may be larger as your child becomes a teenager.

Footboard Legs

There are many options for the legs, including:

  • can be simple lumber (2″ x 4″) tapered to give it some character.
  • no legs with the footboard sitting on the plywood across the entire width.
  • purchase legs from the local hardware store. Screw pilot holes in the base of the footboard and then screw in the legs or feet.
  • blocks of wood that can be one size or fasten several together that are different widths to give it character. Sand or cut the edges to add profiles like molding.
  • Cushion pads can be attached to the bottom of the footer if legs are not necessary such as if you have a storage chest as your footboard.

Footboard Attachment Brackets

There are many universal footboard attachment brackets available at furniture brick and mortar stores and online.

These can work for most footboards purchased separate from the bedroom furniture set and also for DIY projects. Many sizes and configurations are available to meet most needs.

Footboard Bench DIY

Table 1. How to Make a DIY Bed Bench

TitleHow to Make a DIY Bed Bench for Bedroom
By20112 System Furniture DIY
CostNA
Difficulty Rating2
Helpfulness3
Like vs Dislike Percentage95.5
ProAttractive design
ProSimple to build
ConThe soundtrack repeats and drove me nuts by the time I got half way through. I recommend turning volume off since there is no voice-over.
ConHe is using a sewing machine for the custom upholstery work. If you don’t have a sewing maching or the skills simply staple and fold the upholstery as needed.
ConThis bench was built with a solid top. I don’t know why he did not add hinges to allow the top to open towards the bed. This would be a great storage area for toys, blankets, pillows, off-season clothes, or family memories like my mother does.
ConNo measurements or material list provided.

Table 2. Build a Twin Size Footboard

TitleBuild a Twin Size Footboard
ByDIYwithRick
CostNA
Difficulty Rating2.5
Helpfulness3
Like vs Dislike Percentage98.60%
ProSimple design that looks good
ProCheap to build and not fancy tools needed
ConNone

Footboard Storage Drawers

Table 3. DIY: Easiest 2×4 Drawer Bench

TitleDIY: Easiest 2×4 Drawer Bench
ByAna White
Hours
Difficulty Rating4
Helpfulness3.5
Like vs Dislike Percentage98.90%
ProSimple materials, 2x4s and plywood and can be easily used as a footboard.
ProShe knows how to mark for joists with an X like a framer! (carpenter who builds the wood frame of a house).
ProNice footage of Alaska
ConHer helper might be a little underage, but SO Cute haha.

Footboard Storage Chest

Table 4. How to Build Cedar Storage Chest

TitleHow to Build Your Own Cedar Chest
ByWhiskey Drankers
Hours20 – 30 hours
Difficulty Rating4
Helpfulness3.5
Like vs Dislike PercentageOnly 9, all likes
ProHe mentions the materials and measurements. No room in description area as it is stuffed with affiliate links.
ProIt is a awesome storage chest.
ConThe camera work makes me think I “Drank” a lot of “Whiskey”. By the time I got to the end of the video I had a headache.

I recommend following along as you are building your own and move forward in the video as your project progress.

Table 5. Build a Storage Chest From Reclaimed Wood

TitleBuild a Storage Chest From Reclaimed Wood
ByDIY Montreal
CostNA
Difficulty Rating2.5
Helpfulness3
Like vs Dislike Percentage97.40%
ProHe provides a link in the description area to an article with the cut sheet and material list.
ProHe answers questions in the comments section.
ProVery beautiful and I like the exposed black hinges.
ConNone

Blanket Storage Chest DIY

Table 6. Simple Blanket Storage Chest DIY with Removable Dividers

TitleA Simple DIY Plywood Blanket Chest
BySawdust is Life
CostNA
Difficulty Rating3.5
Helpfulness3.5
Like vs Dislike Percentage96.20%
ProList of tools in description area and no affiliate links!
ProI like the end of the video where a chipmunk is taking sunflower seeds from his hand. Reminds me of Home in Nova Scotia many years ago 🙂
ConNo cut sheet or material list

Footboards are almost a footnote in history, which is a shame because they can provide so much value for storage, saving space, sitting bench, TV stand, closet, and more.

This is the most versatile piece of furniture someone can add to their bed and bedroom.

Especially if space is an issue. Wow, what an amazing storage space in an area that is usually completely wasted.

If your bedroom is twelve feet wide then the space at the end of your bed is completely wasted unless you utilize a footboard.

If you want to make a homemade cheap headboard for storage or for enhancing the look of your room then check out my article about how to build one here.