Bookshelf footboard for a queen bed?

**MaryCarney** · 05-05-2010, 01:26 PM

I am trying to figure out how to make a footboard for my queen bed. I want to use a bookcase, but cannot find any the right size (60 wide by approximately 36 high)
I have NO SKILLS in this area at all - I am thinking I could make the upholstered HEADBOARD I want (I've watched enough HGTV to tackle this)
Thoughts? Suggestions? You live in central Indiana and will just do it for me?

I have about $100-150 to spend.

**frugalfranny** · 05-05-2010, 01:38 PM

Have you looked at some of the HEADBOARDS that are bookshelves?..........and could you model it after one of those.....only make it lower? Sounds like you also would want more shelves.

they have bookshelf headboards........I have one.

**MaryCarney** · 05-05-2010, 02:18 PM

I have seen the headboards, but the reason I want the footboard is this.

I'm getting ready to enroll in an online Masters degree program, and my 'office' will be in the bedroom. The desk is on the far end of the room, and I would have to climb on the bed to retrieve stuff if I used a bookcase headboard. I could just twirl my chair around if it was the footboard.

(If it was just for ordinary reading material, I would definitely go with your idea)

**Russ** · 05-05-2010, 02:38 PM

It seems to me you could make just a bookcase the size you want. Go to Lowes or HD and buy the white shelving boards and build what you need.

**MaryCarney** · 05-05-2010, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Russ

It seems to me you could make just a bookcase the size you want. Go to Lowes or HD and buy the white shelving boards and build what you need.

I think you missed the 'no skills' part of the post

, but I am taking all these suggestions and saving them for someone who owes me a favor!

**Russ** · 05-05-2010, 02:57 PM

I wonder how much money I could make as a handyman?

**monkeywrangler71** · 05-05-2010, 03:15 PM

Ikea's Expedit bookcase is about that size, but there doesn't seem to be a store in Indiana.

Are you sure you don't want to expand your skills into woodworking

Shelves are really easy. Natural Handyman's Simple Free-Standing Bookshelves (just in case you want to give it a shot)

The only other thing I can think of, if you can't find one shelf the right size, is to look for stackable cubes or 2 or 3 smaller shelves that you can put together to make the right size. You can screw the sides together so they don't slide apart all the time.

**Josephhgoins** · 05-05-2010, 04:44 PM

I know this isn't what you want but.....I would check out the discount stores or even better second hand stores and get 2 short bookcases and set them side by side at the foot of your bed. Almost no skills required.

**MyMelody** · 05-05-2010, 08:01 PM

You could buy two of these and stack them side by side, which would result in an assembled width of just under 60" and a height of 45.28". I know it's higher than your desired measurements, but I still wanted to throw it out there.

Here is the link to different merchants selling them:

Sauder 190753 Cherry 3 Shelf Bookcase

**frugalfranny** · 05-05-2010, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by Russ

I wonder how much money I could make as a handyman?

A LOT! And if you make cabinets....even more.

come to my house.......I have projects!!

**MyMelody** · 05-05-2010, 08:07 PM

Here's another thought: I Googled "36 x 60 bookcase" and found that those are the measurements of most standard bookshelves, except vertically oriented instead. If you could luck onto a solid wood bookcase @ a thrift store or on Craigslist, and turn it on its side, someone might be able to help you cut new shelves and supports and nail them in to fit horizontally. This would be much sturdier and more durable. Are you wanting to attach this to the bed frame like a standard footboard?

**monkeywrangler71** · 05-05-2010, 08:15 PM

This one is 35" high, but two together are only 50" not 60.
Walmart.com: Sauder Beginnings 3 Shelf Bookcase, Cinnamon Cherry: Furniture

Two of these together make the right width but are only 31" high
Walmart.com: Mainstays 3-Shelf Bookcase, Black: Furniture

**foxxyroxie** · 05-10-2010, 01:37 AM

If you don't need it to hook to your bedframe, I would go with milk crates. You should be able to stack them 2 high and maybe 3 or 4 wide (not sure). Use all one color or mix and match the colors. You can secure them together with the plastic locking strips (available at the dollar stores)... you know the ones that hold your electronics wires together. Then if you wanted a solid shelf along the top for knickknacks, etc. you could buy a piece of precut shelving to go across the entire length.

BTW... I have the milk crates for my cookbooks. I have a single tower of 3 high. Surprisingly it holds a good amount of books of varying sizes.

**Luckybustert** · 05-10-2010, 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

A LOT! And if you make cabinets....even more.

come to my house.......I have projects!!

Cabinets....grrrrrrr.....I am still aggravated with the friend of a friend who supposedly had skills in this area but we quickly found out did not. Of course hubby is a nice guy and actually paid him for his work. Did I mention this was 10 years ago? LOL I have a looooong memory!

Bookcases are really simple to make, but wood isn't all that cheap. I liked the second hand store idea. Those places that sell used office or hotel furniture might be a good place to pick up bookcases at a good price. (Or if you live in the Portland area like I do, just go to IKEA...that place has EVERYTHING!)

**Luckybustert** · 05-10-2010, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by foxxyroxie

If you don't need it to hook to your bedframe, I would go with milk crates. You should be able to stack them 2 high and maybe 3 or 4 wide (not sure). Use all one color or mix and match the colors. You can secure them together with the plastic locking strips (available at the dollar stores)... you know the ones that hold your electronics wires together. Then if you wanted a solid shelf along the top for knickknacks, etc. you could buy a piece of precut shelving to go across the entire length.

BTW... I have the milk crates for my cookbooks. I have a single tower of 3 high. Surprisingly it holds a good amount of books of varying sizes.

I just LOVE milk crates! We pick them up at the Goodwill for next to nothing and they're awesome for storing thing in.