Build A Twin Platform Bed With Storage Perfect For Kid Rooms

Ever stepped on a rogue toy and questioned all your life choices? Welcome to parenthood - where tiny plastic landmines lurk in every corner. That’s exactly why I set out to build a twin platform bed with storage - because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that kids come with a lot of stuff, and keeping it organized is a daily battle.

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When it was time for my little big boy to graduate to a twin bed, I had one mission: find something that made it easy for him to grab his toys and put them away (a mom can dream, right?). But after scouring every store and website, I just couldn’t find the perfect fit. So, like any determined DIYer, I decided to create my own.

Not only does this twin platform bed with storage maximize space, but it also helps keep the chaos in check - because let’s be honest, anything that makes cleanup easier is a win.

And if you’re tackling a full room refresh, don’t miss How to Design a Room That Functions Exactly The Way You Need It To, where I share my go-to tips for creating a space that works for your life - not against it.

Now, let’s get building!

IKEA Trofast Hack: The Secret to Easy, Kid-Friendly Storage

Now, let’s talk about one of the most genius storage solutions ever: IKEA Trofast storage. If you’re not familiar, Trofast is basically the MVP of kid-friendly organization. It’s a modular storage system that uses bins and cubbies to make it ridiculously easy for kids to access (and put away!) their toys.

That’s why, when I started dreaming up the perfect twin platform bed with storage, I knew I had to incorporate an IKEA Trofast hack into the design. These bins are lightweight, slide in and out effortlessly, and come in different sizes - making them perfect for under-bed storage.

So, instead of hunting for a pre-made IKEA storage bed that sort of worked, I built my own twin storage platform bed, specifically designed to fit Trofast bins underneath. This way, my son could easily grab what he wanted and (fingers crossed) put it away without much effort.

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How To Plan Your DIY Twin Bed Frame With Storage

Okay, so now that you know why a DIY platform bed with storage is a game-changer, let’s talk about how to plan it.

Decide on the type of storage you need

Every kid is different, which means every twin platform bed with storage should be, too! Before you start building, think about what kind of storage will work best for your child’s needs:

• Trofast bins for toys and small items (great for easy access)
• Drawers for clothes, books, or blankets (a bit more hidden storage)
• Open cubbies for baskets or bins (ideal for quick grab-and-go items)

Measure your space

Make sure you measure carefully before building your do-it-yourself bed frame with storage. Think about how much room you have for the bed frame and how much clearance you need for bins or drawers to slide in and out easily.

I designed and made my DIY twin 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 ½ inches tall, including an 8 inch mattress.

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How Do You Build A Platform Bed? Step-by-Step Guide

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 Bed Frame With Storage

Set your Kreg jig to ¾ of an inch (because that's the thickness of the plywood that we're using).

• 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 4: Build the side panels of the twin platform bed frame

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Insert a Kreg screw into each pocket hole to attach the 2 pieces (A and C) together.

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• Predrill 3 holes, then attach the boards using wood screws.

• Repeat steps 4-8 with the other C piece, but place the A and D pieces on opposite sides this time.

• 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.
• 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 5: Assemble The Twin Platform Bed With Storage

• 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.
• 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.

• Using your Kreg jig (still set for ¾ 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.

• 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.

• 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 twin platform bed with storage should look like this at this point.

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• Drill a pocket hole in the center minus one inch of the back side of piece B.

• 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.

• Add one more Kreg screw in the center pocket hole that you drilled to give this front piece extra support.

• Place your white melamine boards (F) on your twin bed frame and use wood screws to attach them on both sides.

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• Attach the rock climbing holds at the end of the bed according to the package instructions.

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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.

This amazing cool gel mattress came in a 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 this bed has storage underneath for all kinds of toys!

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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).

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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.

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Final Thoughts: A DIY Storage Bed That Works for You

I have to say, I'm really proud of this project. Who knew building a platform bed was this easy? The best part is that you can customize it to work exactly how you need it to. Whether you go with an IKEA storage bed style, a twin storage platform bed with drawers, or a raised bed frame with storage for extra space, you’ll end up with something that’s both functional and stylish, feels really sturdy and 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).

And if you're looking for more IKEA-inspired projects, check out this DIY bed, reading nook, and shelves project, where I created a dreamy, functional space for my girl's room. It’s packed with clever storage solutions and cozy vibes - perfect for any little bookworm or budding decorator!

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P.S. What if I told you there's a whole new (and way easier) way to decorate your home—without the overwhelm, indecision, or endless Pinterest scrolling.