Hello, thank you for your question. The LAXseries Storage Headboard has 2 panels that slide to reveal hidden storage. The panels slide and meet in the middle, where you can see the seam above. They do not overlap or slide in front of each other. Please see the photo below to see them in a partially open position. I hope this is helpful to you!

Thanks. So, in order to get at the full storage, you have to have enough space on either side of the bed, equivalent to half of the width of the headboard?

Also, is there anything to prevent them from falling off when you try to slide them out almost all the way? Are they on tracks or is it just metal against wood?

Hello, thanks for asking. The drawers themselves are about 25" long, so that may give you a better idea of how much clearance you need around the bed to get full drawer usage. About 2 1/2 feet of clearance from the bed on both sides would be optimal, in order to pull the drawers out all the way. The drawers are on tracks, so they should not fall out if extended all the way. Happy Houzzing!