Design help

[Michael B]

I need the help and ideas of the woodworking gurus out here, I have a space between the bed and headboard that keeps stealing my pillows and need to close it off. I thought about pocket holes in some cleats and just lay a board in there. Or maybe order some tracks for sliding doors. I need to be able to get back there for all the stuff plugged in. It's a waterbed so no moving it to screw stuff from behind, so all has to be mounted from the front gap. Let's hear the words of great wisdom. Thanks Michael

[Michael B]

Sorry forgot photo

[Trace Farthing]

Whether you use pocket screws or something else, hide them with plugs painted or stained to match the piece.

[Ken Darga]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for posting a photo.

Here's what I'd do, to make it simple and yet effective.

Make an "L" shaped structure, to cover the opening.

A horizontal member and a verticle member.

Leg size "L" shape to accommodate the opening.

So when it's in the closed position, there are no visible openings.

Make from 3/4" material and of suitable length to accommodate the bed frame.

Use solid wood NOT plywood.

Secure the verticle member to the horizontal, at the rear, with the vertical member resting on top of the horizontal member.

Screws:  #8 1-1/2" flat head wood screws. 

The screws will enter the horizontal member, from the underside, and into the verticle member.

The joined members at the rear to be flush.

Locate the screws 2'' in from each end, and additional screws spaced at 6" apart.

The 3/4" horizontal member to rest on the frame of the bed.

The vertical member to rest against the vertical section of the bed frame, when in the closed position.

The width of the horizontal and vertical members to facilitate the opening.

Use 3-1/2" brass hinges, to provide the pivoting action.

One leaf of the hinge to be mortised into the underside of the horizontal member. and

the other leaf to be mortised into the top side of the frame of the bed.

The hinge will allow pivoting of the "L" shaped structure, so as to gain access to the area, where your power cords and plugs are located.

Use 2 such hinges---each located 8" from each end.

Select hinges with removable pins.  Removal pins will allow removal of the "L" shaped object, when it has to disassemble/assemble at a later date.

Make a cross-section model, an "L" shape about piece 10" long, from cardboard or poster board material,

before cutting and making the final project pieces. 

Bend or form the cardboard material to make the "L".

Make the leg lengths to facilitate the structure.

Place this cardboard model on the bed frame---

use making tape to fasten one leg of the "L" to the bed frame.

Pivot the model so as to get a visual of what you want to accomplish, and as described above.

Add and access opening (hand grip) in the vertical member of the "L" shaped object.

An elongated hole 1-1/4" wide x 6" long, centered and 2" down form the top.

This hole will provide hand gripping the hinged "L" shaped member to open and close the opening, to gain  behind your bed. 

With this design/construction you won't have any visible screws, when the unit is in the closed position.

If you should need any additional info, please do not hesitate to contact me.

[Robert Brennan]

Buy a bigger pillow !!

P.S. Did you find a solution?

[Ken Darga]

Perhaps he's still sleeping on it.

Robert Brennan said:

Buy a bigger pillow !!

P.S. Did you find a solution?

[Michael B]

I have a plan in my head it just hasn't made it to the wood yet, I will post some pics when finished.

[Robert Brennan]

Ok I will quietly await a result.