Inside: Learn how to make this DIY bed frame with storage for toys. This easy step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make a platform bed with storage using IKEA shelves and a little DIY.
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Hunting for the perfect twin bed with storage
Who knew kids came with so many little things that seem to jump out and stab the bottom of your foot ?!? Trying to keep them all organized so that they can actually be played with is a constant struggle.
So when I was searching for a big boy bed for my little big boy, I set out on a serious hunt for a twin bed with storage so he could easily get to his toys AND put them away. — One can dream right?
But I just couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. So instead I decided to come up with my own DIY platform bed with storage plans to make my own.
I’d seen some toy storage solutions at IKEA that were perfect, so I came up with a way to incorporate them into the design of my DIY platform bed with storage…..and the result is better than I ever could have imagined.
The best part is, I had all of the wood cut at The Home Depot, which means you don’t need a saw to complete this project. Which also means less time, and less mess for you! –You’re welcome. (Check out the supplies list for a list of cuts from each piece of wood.)
I designed and made this DIY platform bed with storage using the standard dimensions for a twin mattress ( 39 x 75 inches). The final dimensions of the bed frame are 42 x 78 inches and 30 1/2 inches tall, including an 8 inch mattress.
Supply List: What Do You Need to Make a Bed?
- two IKEA TROFAST 37 x 17 storage shelves
- I bought the pine finish (even though they are more expensive) and lightly sanded them and painted them myself. It was more expensive to do so, but I wanted the color to match perfectly. The pine ones are made of solid wood, not particle board.
- TROFAST bins in colors and sizes of your choice
- one 48 x 96 inch pine plywood (see cut list below)
- Have the following cuts made from this sheet of plywood (they do this for free at Home Depot which means that this project does not require you to own or know how to use a saw!)
- A- two 2 1/2 x 20 1/2 inch strips
- B- one 78 1/2 x 2 inch strip
- C- two 22 1/2 x 42 1/2 inch pieces
- Have the following cuts made from this sheet of plywood (they do this for free at Home Depot which means that this project does not require you to own or know how to use a saw!)
- one 12 ft. 2 x 4 (see cut list below)
- D- three 19 inch pieces
- E- one 77 inch piece
- one 96 x 48 melamine (white) board (see cut list below)
- F- two 38 x 42 pieces
- four 1 1/4 inch binding screws
- twelve 2 inch wood screws
- Kreg Jig
- The Kreg jig is one of the easiest tools to use and allows you to make really strong joints without a ton of know-how. I highly recommend using this tool for this project.
- 1 1/4 inch Kreg screws
- two rock climbing holds
- one twin mattress: we went with this cool gel memory foam mattress from my friends at Overstock.com
- Paint: the color is up to you (I used bright white.) It is best if you use a gloss finish so that you will be able to dust and wipe it clean.
Tip: If you order all of your supplies at HomeDepot.com they will pull all of your items and have them waiting at the store for you so you don’t have to walk around with your twin bed with storage plans in hand. Once you pay, you can take your wood to the back of the store and they will make your cuts free of charge. This has saved me so much time.
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How To Make A Platform Bed With Storage
To make things easy, mark each piece with the letters you see above (or on the cut list) cause I will be referring to each piece with the letters.
Step 1: Build your 2 IKEA TROFAST shelves
The Trofast shelves are the base of the DIY platform bed and will give you a ton of storage. We will build around these shelves to create the platform for the mattress.
Build your Trofast shelves according to the instructions.
If you’re using the pine TROFAST you’ll need to give it a light sanding so your paint will stick properly. Sanding the wood before you put it together will save you time and make it easier. Wipe it down with a damp cloth after sanding to remove any dust.
Step 2: Lightly sand the edges of your plywood pieces.
Step 3: Paint All The Pieces Of Your Platform Bed
Paint the inside and just one outer side of both of your TROFAST shelves. Using a small foam roller will give you nice coverage and make for a really nice finish without brush marks.
I did 2 coats, letting the first coat dry for about an hour before applying the second coat.
You’ll also paint one side and the edges of all of your pine plywood pieces. (You will not need to paint the 2 x 4 pieces.)
Assemble The Side Panels Of The Raised DIY Platform Bed
Set your Kreg jig to 3/4 of an inch (because that’s the thickness of the plywood that we’re using.)
Build The Side Panels Of The Raised Platform Bed Frame
STEP 4: Lay piece C (just one of them) painted side down. Lay one A piece along the short edge of piece C, lining up the bottom edges. Then mark where the A piece stops with a pencil. Remove the A piece.
STEP 5: Drill 3 pocket holes with your Kreg jig. You will have 1 pocket hole at each edge (one edge being the mark you just made) and one in the middle.
STEP 6: Place piece C up against something heavy with one A piece sandwiched between them so they create an L shape and the painted sides are facing out. The bottom edges of the boards will line up on one end and piece A will go up to the mark you made on the other end.
You’ll want to put this up against something heavy so that as you push to drill in your screw, your boards don’t move.
STEP 7: Insert a Kreg screw into each pocket hole to attach the 2 pieces (A and C) together.
STEP 8: On the opposite short side of piece C, place one D piece, 4 inch side down, so that the side of the 2 x 4 lines up with the edge of the plywood, and the bottom of piece D lines up with the bottom edge of piece C on the same side as the board you attached in the last step.
STEP 9: Predrill 3 holes, then attach the boards using wood screws.
STEP 10: Repeat steps 4-8 with the other C piece, but place the A and D pieces on opposite sides this time.
Assembling The Platform Storage Bed
Take all of your pieces into the room where your finished platform storage bed will be.
Place the TROFAST shelves so that they’re next to each other, end to end, painted side facing out.
(You’ll need a buddy for this.) Line up the edges of the shelves on all sides and have a buddy hold them together.
STEP 11: Predrill holes for the binding screws from the inside of one of the shelves so that your drill goes through both shelves end pieces. Your binding screws will be near each of the 4 corners.
Then place your binding screws in each predrilled hole and tighten them so that the two shelves are held together tightly with no gap between them.
Step 12: Find the center of piece E and predrill 2 holes from the top (4 inch side) along the center line. Then attach piece D to create a T shape.
Step 13: Place each side panel that you assembled at each end of your TROFAST shelves so that the white finished piece (A) is facing outward and is touching the ground.
Step 14: Now, place the long 2 x 4 (E) so that each end sits on top of the 2 x 4’s (D) you attached to the side panels. Predrill holes and attach with 2 screws.
Step 15: Predrill holes from the inside of the TROFAST shelves so that the holes go into the center of the side panel boards (A). Then attach with screws.
Your DIY platform bed should look like this at this point.
Step 16: Using your Kreg jig (still set for 3/4 inch), drill a pocket hole on the inside of your side panel about an inch from the top of piece C.
Repeat this step on the other side.
Step 17: Drill a pocket hole in the center minus one inch of the back side of piece B.
Step 18: Place piece B along the front of your twin bed frame and using the pocket holes you drilled at each end (on piece C) attach piece B to the bed frame.
Step 19: Add one more Kreg screw in the center pocket hole that you drilled to give this front piece extra support.
Step 20: Place your white melamine boards (F) on your twin bed frame and use wood screws to attach them on both sides.
Step 21: Attach the rock climbing holds at the end of the bed according to the package instructions.
Time to add the mattress to your platform bed frame!
Once we had the platform bed frame put together my little mister was really excited and couldn’t wait to open the mattress my friends at Overstock.com sent us.
This amazing cool gel mattress came in this small (for a mattress) box, but once you take it out and remove the plastic covering, it expands into a twin mattress and then…
instant fun and excitement! A bonus of going with a foam mattress is that it isn’t very bouncy – but they don’t seem to mind!
He finally has a big boy bed!
And the best part is all that storage for all kinds of toys!
There will be many years ahead of us filled with all sorts of little toys and this platform storage bed accomplishes my number one goal for my little guy’s room: toy storage and organization.
He now has a spot for all of his Legos, cars, train set, costumes, and action figures. He can easily get them in and out and keep them organized (which is a work in progress).
The storage bed design does sit a bit higher than a standard twin bed, but this just adds to the fun! The 2 rock climbing holds act as steps without taking up any physical space and are a really fun way to climb into bed.
I have to say, I’m really proud of this project. Who knew making a platform bed was this easy?
I had the idea swirling around in my head for awhile, and it came out better than I imagined and feels really sturdy and like it will last.
And I just can’t get over all of the storage that we created in a really fun way that he can actually use!
So I guess it’s official, my little boy is now a little big boy (tear).
I’ve got just a few more projects to finish this room for him so stay tuned!
If you loved this idea, I’d love for you to pin it to your decorating board on Pinterest!
Shop My Son’s Room
Click Each Photo for Sources!
Chris Bovia says
Great tutorial with awesome photos. Only detail step I see you’re missing is to use 4 wood screws (8 total) to connect the sides of Trofast to each sides A. However, 2″ may be a bit too long.
I just built this for my son. He’s 10. Thanks for details and capturing photos. I really appreciate it. Also, our Home Depot will not make cuts smaller than 12″ so the plywood cut ‘B’ (2″ x 78.5″) cannot be done there. I just had them cut 9″ off of the 96″ length and 87″ long piece fit perfectly in our mini-van with seats down. I had them over cut because I do not trust them. I spent about an extra 90 min making the cuts myself with just a circular saw and a straight guide.
Corey Willis says
Thanks for your input, Chris. I’d love to see a pic of your finished bed if you wish. Please email to [email protected]
Angela Williams says
I’m working on adapting this to full size. In order to save money, I’m wondering about using plywood in place of the melamine. That way I can pice together the formally melamine portion out of three pieces of plywood instead of having to buy two plywood and a melamine. Do you see any issue with using the plywood in place of the melamine?
Also could you elaborate on what kind of extra support you’d suggest for the full size version.
I’m also leaning towards not painting it. It’s such a toss up. I appreciate natural wood, but also don’t want to pay for something nicer than the plywood. How janky do you think exposed plywood will be? I guess I could get veneer for the edges?
Thank you for this tutorial! I’m excited to have this storage solution in my son’s small room!
Corey Willis says
You could definitely use plywood, Angela; it would just have a more unfinished look and if there ever were an accident the melamine has more of a barrier.
Painting or keeping it natural is totally up to you. If you decide not to paint, you’ll probably want to use a nicer wood for the panels at either end and either stain or use a clear coat on all of it.
As far as more support for a bigger mattress, you’ll want to make another support to run down the center of the bed. If it were me, I’d make one just like the one I made for the back wall and add it to the center. Hope this helps!
Ashley says
Can I ask what Kreg Jig you used? I see one for $69 and $129 I am very new to trying to build things so not sure which one I will need. Also have you laid on this bed before? My son always has us lay with him when we read book and until he falls asleep, I am wondering if I should do anything like get thicker wood or more pieces so that it doesnt break when an adult and 5 year old lay on it.
Corey Willis says
Hey Ashley! I used the Kreg 3r starter set. Some come with screws, but I think it’s best to just buy those separately depending on the thickness of your wood. I find I almost always use the same ones and don’t want to pay for screws I probably won’t use. The clamp is essential and this set comes with it. Oh and yes we lay on this bed all the time with our son. Often times all 4 of us climb up on the bed to read at night and it is SOLID! My husband is 6’2″ and 220 lbs. and it isn’t a problem at all. Have fun making it and would love it if you sent me a pic of the finished bed to [email protected]!
Joel says
I plan on tackling this project within the coming week. Just purchased and had my wood cut yesterday. I am actually excited for this build! Thank you!
Corey Willis says
That’s awesome Joel! Let me know how it goes!
Stephanie says
Love this so much! My only concern is are you not worried that a mattress lying directly on a platform instead of slats will not allow it to breathe, therefore causing mold/mildew on the underside of the mattress?
Corey Willis says
Hi Stephanie, We have a waterproof mattress pad that gets washed regularly but if this is a concern (we live in a really dry area), do a google search on drilling ventilation holes in a platform bed. Best wishes!
Sarah says
My son is 3 and his room is always tiny every time we move (military life). I’m thinking of making this. Do you think it would be easy to disassemble for moving and reassembling? Without taking every single piece apart that is? Will the integrity of the bed be comprimised the more we take it apart?
Corey Willis says
Great question Sarah. I do think that the integrity of the bed would be compromised if you take it apart and put it back together repeatedly. I should also mention that parts of it are heavy. I guess it depends on how often you will be moving it. It does provide a ton of storage and would be great in a small space. Hope that helps.
Sarah says
Military families move typically every 2-4 years. However, it seems like we have moved once a year. So I assume then waiting a bit longer till we are more stable somewhere would be best to make this bed.
Blanca says
I would love to make this bed but into a twin xl for my teen!
Paige says
Can you tell me how I would adjust this for a full bed ?
Corey Willis says
Hi Paige! You would make the two end pieces longer to adjust for the width as well as the platform piece. You can base the measurements off of the measurements of your mattress. Hope this helps!
Stevie K says
What was your total cost for supplies?
Corey Willis says
Hi Stevie, I think the bed frame was about $250.
Gordon says
Hi, great job! But I was wondering if we could get those measurements in metric? Thanks a bunch!
Corey Willis says
Hi Gordon, thanks for your interest! I must admit to never having worked with metrics conversions. Rather than risk flubbing it up, I suggest you consult an online metrics conversions chart. Best wishes!
N grist says
Loved the pic of the Lego’s in the bin! I’ve always thought the road to Hell must be paved with lego’s. Try walking across a little boys dark bedroom floor…..
Nicole says
Hi. We just finished this build! And have a twin mattress on the way. I have a question about the size there seems to be a 3″ space from side to side. A twin mattress being 39″ and the inside platform frame being 42″. What have you done with the extra space?
Also we are thinking of adding hinges to the top boards so we can get in there and clean or store things easily! I’m so excited about this thank you so much for the idea!
Corey Willis says
I left a few inches to make it easy to make the bed. By the time you tuck things under in the front an inch is gone and in the back the comforter gets tucked between the mattress and the wall so it fits nicely.
Hinges would be a great idea. My little guy takes out the bins and crawls in there with his friends. As he gets older I may use that space to reach in and store stuff too.
Barb says
Wow! What a great bed! Looks amazing. My boys are teen/pre-teen now, but this would have been such a great space saver and cool bed for their younger years. Love it!
Nicole says
I was wondering how long you have had this bed now and how long it has been holding up over time. Also, if there were any thing you had wish you would have done differently.
Corey Willis says
Hi Nicole, It’s been about a year and it is really sturdy and holding up to a crazy 5 year old boy very well. I love this bed and wouldn’t change a thing!
Maria says
I’d still like to use the other side of the “unused” space for more permanent storage (memory boxes seasonal sports equipment, etc.). Do you have any suggestions?
Corey Willis says
Hi Maria! When you pull the bins out you can reach back in the empty space. My kids crawl through and play under there 🙂 If the things you’re storing won’t fit you may want to come up with a way to have the end of the bed open up so you can access the unused space.
Nicole says
Hey Maria, we just finished this build and have come up with the idea to put hinges along the wall side if the melamine board. That way we just have to remove the mattress and lift.
Ebony P says
This is a great project! Do you think it would work with the smaller Trofast meant for the wall?
Corey Willis says
Hey Ebony! Great question, I definitely think it could. If you try it let me know how it goes!
Michelle L says
An awesome tutorial and beautiful result! Thanks for all the great pics in detail. I love this so much!
TheTechGrandma says
Absolutely the coolest! Very creative!
Sabrina says
I love this, doesn’t look too bad for an adult either lol. Just change the measurements to fit the mattress and you have awesome storage! If you have a room smaller than you’d like its perfect! I’m really gonna think about this one, thanks.
Corey Willis says
Thanks for stopping by, Sabrina! I’d love to see your finished bed if you decide to do it!
Wendy says
This is nothing short of amazing! The only thing i would say – is to drill holes in the bed base so the mattress can breathe! I slept on a solid base like this when I was a kid and still remember the horror to find the mattress had gone mouldy underneath, as the normal sweating of a little body can’t escape!
I intend to do this in our new attic – for a daybed/sofa for grandkids.
Corey Willis says
Hi Wendy, We have a waterproof mattress pad that gets washed regularly, but good to know! Thanks for the tip!
Kate at KateDecorates.co says
Wow – I love a good IKEA hack, and this is so smart! My daughter has a bed frame from IKEA but it doesn’t have any storage underneath, and I’m increasingly looking for ways to store small items that somehow make it from our playroom to her bedroom. Might need to tackle this as part of her room revamp….
Corey Willis says
I’m sure your project will turn out awesome, Kate! Thanks for stopping by!
Amy Lauritsen says
Love this idea- do you think you could do this with 4 TROFAST shelves without building a top piece? We would likely have the bed in the middle of the wall and would be great to have access from both sides -and limit building too 🙂
Corey Willis says
That would definitely work Amy! I even thought about doing it that way but my little mister’s bedroom is small so we will always have it against the wall. You may want to do a few slats across, but it really depends on if you’re using a box spring or not. We didn’t. If you’re just using a mattress you’ll want it supported somehow. Let me know how it turns out!!! I’d love to see it 🙂
Decorio says
I almost deleted your email because I don’t have young children at home anymore and I say the reference to toys, but I’m glad I opened it because I think it might be a good solution for small bedrooms in general. Questions: Do you believe the side of the bed that does not have the IKEA shelving underneath are going to be strong enough? It looks like only a small wooden frame is holding the whiteboard material and then a mattress on top. Do you think the same plan would work for a double bed? Would you have any design ideas if you wanted to hide the drawers from view but still wanted easy access? I’m not a big fan of a single rod idea……….Thanks! And love the Blue “headboard” too!
Corey Willis says
Hi, thanks for the great feedback! The frame that I built for the back side of the bed is definitely strong enough. Both my husband and I can stand on the bed with no movement or creaks. I think you could definitely switch up the dimensions to make this a double bed. I would suggest that you either use the IKEA shelves on both sides or add a support from the back 2 x 4 to the shelves (in the middle) since the bed will be wider and you’ll need that extra support.
If you wanted to hide the drawers I think you could make some doors that would swing open on hinges attached to the panels you create at either end of the shelves, although I think this would cut down on the accessibility of the bins. Another option would be to use all white bins so they sorta blend in and aren’t as bold.
LaVonne Kindred says
Adorable and achievable! Total home run Corey, great design.
Corey Willis says
Thanks a million, LaVonne!
Barbara Keller says
Wow, what a wonderful project!! You are amazing!! How in the world did you figure out all of those cuts and picture the finished project in your mind? I don’t have any young’uns so won’t be trying to make the bed, but I have followed you for quite awhile. I decluttered and did a re-make of my living room after following your advice.
Good job!!
Corey Willis says
Thanks for posting and being a loyal follower, Barbara! 🙂
Juanita Lane says
Absolutely genius! Without taking up space in befroom area. Love it!
Allison | Upright and Caffeinated says
I LOVE this bed!!! What an awesome idea!