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DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler

Want to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this DIY headboard mattress gap filler. Made from scrap wood and done in under 30 minutes!

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Does anyone else absolutely hate when your mattress scooches forward and the pillows on your bed fall into the gap between the headboard and the mattress? Just me? 

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject

I can’t be alone here, so I came up with a simple headboard mattress gap filler to keep pillows from falling behind the bed. 30 minutes and a few scrap 2×4 pieces is all you need.

Alternatively, you could pay a small fortune for this super gimmicky mattress wedge. Guess which one I chose?

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject

Materials

  • Scrap 2×4 Pieces (probably two 8′ lengths worth, if you’re buying it new)
  • 2 1/2″ Wood Screws
  • Pocket Hole Screws/Jig OR Steel Angles

DIY Headboard-Mattress Gap Filler

So, full disclosure, this gap filler technically goes between the foot board and the mattress, not the headboard and the mattress. It pushes the mattress all the way up to the headboard so that the gap doesn’t occur at all. Win.

Step 1: Check Pieces and Determine Measurements

I started by checking to see if the 2×4 would fit between my foot board and the box spring. It did, so I opted to have the structure span the entire distance between the top of the foot board and bed frame below.

If it hadn’t fit, I would have made a shorter structure that rested on top of the box spring. Do what best fits your bed.

I also measured the length of the space (58”) and determined the cuts of my pieces based on that. I’ve provided my measurements below, but once again, do what best fits your bed.

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject
Step 2: Cut All Pieces

I used a miter saw, but this is a pretty basic project that doesn’t really require precision. A circular saw or even a jigsaw (although this would be slow going) would work as well.

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject
Step 3: Build Left Half

I added two 2 1/2” wood screws at each joint to form a rectangle as shown below.

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject
Step 4: Build Right Half

The right half won’t be able to connect to the left half with normal screws, since the opposite side is inaccessible. There are two options.

If you have a pocket hole jig, you can add pocket holes to the two longer pieces, and connect that way. This is what I’ve chosen to do.

Otherwise, you can put a steel angle at each joint.

If using pocket holes, drill two pocket holes into one end of each of the long pieces before starting to assemble.

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject

Secure the two longer pieces to the remaining short piece with 2 1/2” wood screws.

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject

Then attach the right half to the left half using either pocket hole screws or angle brackets.

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject

Place the structure between the mattress and the foot board, and enjoy!

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject

FAQs

How much does the mattress gap filler cost to build?

If you do any sort of building/woodworking regularly, probably nothing. Most of the materials you’d have on hand.

On the other hand, if you rarely break out the hammer and need to purchase all of the supplies, probably around $15.

How long does this take to make?

I did it in under 30 minutes.

Could you put the mattress gap filler at the top of the bed instead of at the foot?

I see no reason why not!

I love that this was made out of scrap wood? Do you have any more scrap wood projects?

Why, yes! I absolutely love this little wall organizer made from scrap wood!

Drawer organizers are also a super easy project that use up any 1x2s you’ve got sitting around!

Final Thoughts

It’s super nice to not constantly be losing pillows to the gap between the headboard and the mattress.

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject

 And considering this took less than 30 minutes to make, I consider it a win! If you do too, be sure to save this post to Pinterest so others can find it too! And if you end up making this, please tell me how it goes in the comments below!

Wondering how to keep pillows from falling behind your bed? Check out this easy DIY Headboard Mattress Gap Filler, made from scrap wood pieces! Done in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect fix to your problem! #ScrapWoodProject