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!
Note: This blog contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive compensation (at no additional cost to you.)
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?
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?
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.
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.
Step 3: Build Left Half
I added two 2 1/2” wood screws at each joint to form a rectangle as shown below.
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.
Secure the two longer pieces to the remaining short piece with 2 1/2” wood screws.
Then attach the right half to the left half using either pocket hole screws or angle brackets.
Place the structure between the mattress and the foot board, and enjoy!
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.
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!
