DIY Bookcase & Headboard

Find two old doors at a flea market, estate sale or re-purposing center. Make sure that both doors are the same height. If you want a symmetrical headboard, look for two of the same width and design.

Sand the door to remove the old paint, and clean it with soapy water and a scrub brush. Use an electric sander for the quickest result. Sanding by hand is possible, but it is more time consuming.

Repaint the door and shelves using colors that complement your room. Some people choose to use two colors on the door, which can highlight any architectural features carved in the door. Paint them a solid white or cream for a clean and simple look. Use a latex-based paint for the best results, as latex flexes and preventing chipping. Paint doors using a small roller on the flat surfaces and a brush on the hard-to-reach areas of the door. Keep in mind that only one side of the doors needs to be painted because the other side will be against the wall.

Attach the doors together, on the long thin side, using three flat metal brackets and medium screws, about two inches in length. The brackets should be placed at the top, bottom and center of the doors on the side. to be placed against the wall. Screw the brackets into the first door, using an electric drill to push the screws through the hole on one side of each bracket. Push the doors together on the ground, back side up, to attach the other door. Connect the two doors by screwing the other side of the brackets into the other door.

Attach the shelving brackets to the doors using the level and four medium screws. Measure your board, making sure to place the brackets equal distances apart. Measure from the top of the door to each bracket, ensuring that the shelf will be level and centered.

Connect the board to the door using the last four medium screws. Once done, set the piece upright and use the level to check your work. If you are planning on putting a lot of weight on the shelves consider adding another bracket to each shelf.

Mount the doors to the wall using the electric drill and four long screws that are 4 to 5 inches in length. Secure each corner of the headboard to the wall. Though a tall bed can pin this type of headboard in place without it being screwed into the wall, this method is not recommended. By mounting the headboard you can avoid worrying about it tipping onto your bed.