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Open Storage Bed Frame (Twin)

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rustic farmhouse storage bed grey paint
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Build your own storage bed frame. This unique design maximizes storage - so you can store all the things! 

Use any headboard, or build your own as shown with our free rustic farmhouse headboard plans.

Collections
Brookstone Collection
Storage Bed Collection
image by Ana White

 

 

One of the challenges with designing storage bed is obviously adequately supporting your mattress and creating the storage zones as actual structures that support the bed. 

 

We love this plan because there is SOOOO much storage!  You can throw suitcases in there!  

I was on the fence about slats vs plywood for the bed top - plywood isn't entirely necessary, especially if you have a box spring, but I ultimately choose 3/4" plywood you could use inexpensive builder grade plywood (it's all hidden for the top) and it would be easier to build this way.  BUT slats would be preferred for moisture issues.

image by Ana White

 

Dimensions
diy storage bed frame dimensions
Fits a standard twin mattress

Preparation

Shopping List

2 - sheets 3/4" Plywood (AC is fine)

2 - 2x2 @ 8 Feet Long

1 - 1x12 @ 10 Feet Long

1 - 1x6 @ 16 Feet Long

1 - 1x3 @ 8 Feet Long

5 - 1x2 @ 8 Feet Long

Common Materials
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

 

Quantity

Board

Length

Description

A

2

2x2

70”

Under Bed Supports

B

2

¾” Plywood

75 3/4 “ x 39

Side Legs

C

2

1x12

39”

Dividers

D

2

1x12

11 1/4”

Small Dividers

E

2

1x6

75 3/4”

Side Rail Trim

F

1

1x6

40 1/2”

Foot Rail Trim

G

2

1x2

75 3/4”

Bottom Shelf Side Trim

H

1

1x2

40 1/2”

Bottom Shelf Foot Trim

I

2

1x2

18 1/4”

Legs

J

2

1x3

18 ¼”

Legs

K

1

1x3

42”

Footer Trim

L

2

1x2

75”

Side Top Trim
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Table Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

On the bottom side of the bottom piece of plywood, attach the two 2x2 supports with 2” screws.  You only need a few screws, the bed rests on top of these supports, and the screws just hold the cleats in place. 

Step 2

Build the bottom divider unit as shown to the left with the 1x12s and 2” finish nail and glue.  Small dividers are 11 ¼” long.

Step 3

Attach dividers to the plywood as shown with nails and glue.

 

Step 4

Attach the top plywood as you did the bottom.  Measurements shown are to the sides of the dividers, not the centers.  Nail into the centers.

Step 5

As shown in the diagram above, attach the siderail trim to the bed frame.  Make sure you also attach to the dividers to reinforce all joints.

Step 6

Nail the end trim in place with 2” finish nails and glue.

Step 7

Keeping edges flush with the top of the bottom plywood, attach the bottom trim with 2” finish nails and glue.

Step 8

Attach the 1x2 legs to the sides, as shown in the diagram, keep outside edges flush and reinforcing all trim joints.  Use 1 ¼” nails and glue where needed to avoid overshooting nails.

Step 9

The 1x3 legs will be nailed to both the 1x2 leg and the 1x6 and 1x2 trim boards to reinforce all joints.  Minimize any gaps between the two leg boards to make the leg appear as a solid board.

Step 10

The bottom trim is a 1x3.  Use 2” finish nails and glue to attach, reinforcing all joints by nailing into both leg pieces

Step 11

Attach the side trim as shown here, flush to the inside of the bed.  Use glue and 2” finish nails.

Step 12

It will be very easy to attach this bed to the headboard.  Simply drill pilot holes and attach with screws directly through the headboard legs, as shown in the diagram above.

PDF

PDF Version
Project Type
Beds and Bed Frames
Room
Bedroom
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Emily (not verified)

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 09:29

Oh, I need to make this! I always love to look at your site, but this is the first time I have decided that I NEED to make this--my little boy is ready to transition into a big boy bed, and he is in desperate need of storage. Now I need to build something easier first for practice!

fhmaughan (not verified)

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 09:36

Ana,

Thanks for yet another spot on plan - if I ever need to build a bed - this is the one I will build - heck I may do it just for fun and "find" someone who would appreciate it. As ever you continue to amaze and inspire me. I hope you realise that aside from building furniture you are building a community who inspire, encourage and help each other. I do believe that is your greatest "project" to date!

Cheri (not verified)

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 09:40

Love the new plans! Thanks to you, we have so many options to choose from when it comes time to do a new bed for our three-year-old--how will I ever decide?

Mandy McDonald (not verified)

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 10:15

Ana,

Please, please, please do these plans for a full! This bed is exactly what I want design wise, beautiful and functional, I just need it to be a full! Thanks so much for all the amazing plans. I LOVE your stuff!

Megan (not verified)

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 10:27

I was one of the "omg I love it" comments from the headboard post. I showed the husband last night and he loves it as much as I do!!!! Eagerly awaiting the king sized version. THANKS ANNA!

gfpumpkins (not verified)

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 10:33

I would LOVE to see this in a full size. Forget the kids, this is the kind of bed I need! I have zero plans to buy a box spring, but I'm not too keen on straight platform style beds, so I love the box top of this bedframe. I also love the storage ideas on the bottom.

Isabel (not verified)

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 11:35

This perfect Ana! I live in a apartment and the rooms are not huge! This is a perfect space-saving bed! I want to build one right now!! THANK YOU!!!

~Sha~ (not verified)

Sat, 08/07/2010 - 07:16

I was trying to figure out a way to combine the Farmhouse bed and the storage bed. This is perfect! I am making a queen size. Hubby approves!

Desiree (not verified)

Sat, 08/07/2010 - 11:12

Is there any way you could make a King sized version? We have a baby coming in November and *no* storage in our room or house. This would be perfect!

themomlife (not verified)

Fri, 09/10/2010 - 11:18

I have configured the fort bed into a full that was pretty easy, but not sure how to do this one into a full with the use of the plywood vs rails....I would love to see the plans for this in a FULL SIZE! Pretty please!! I will continue to rack my clueless brain if you can't. I love your plans and appreciate all your hard work!!

TD (not verified)

Fri, 11/26/2010 - 21:48

Will this bed be structurally sound if the dividers are left out? I would rather use the space under the bed for a trundle. Thanks for great site and ideas.

newbuilder (not verified)

Mon, 01/24/2011 - 12:48

I love your site and have completed two projects in just two weeks! I'm hoping to make this bed project number three but I'm having a hard time saving/downloading the plans. When I select download it takes me to scripd and wants me to pay a subscription fee. Am I doing something wrong??

deepaxbrown (not verified)

Sun, 02/06/2011 - 02:36

Has anyone tried to make this in Full? I'd appreciate plans for a full, I'm a novice, and don' t have anyone I can go to for woodworking help and I'm nervous to try and modify this on my own. Thanks for any help you can provide..

Sky (not verified)

Sun, 02/27/2011 - 09:07

it's also asking me to pay for Scribd subscription to download or print the file...any suggestions??? I love this plan and it would look great in my son's "big boy" room

Randy (not verified)

Wed, 03/02/2011 - 19:02

For those of you that are trying to print the building directions from the scribd service. Here's the trick. After you initially click the print button, choose the Standard Quality option. It will allow you to print without paying for the subscription service. Good Luck!..

ToddGODLisa

Tue, 09/02/2014 - 17:05

This looks great! I'm going to build this for our son, but I don't see the plans for the headboard. Did I miss something? Well done, once again!

Wendi Howard (not verified)

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 10:20

I would love to do this for our king size bed! Please let me know when you do plans for a king!

SarahV (not verified)

Thu, 01/17/2013 - 20:49

Would this work for a double size bed? or do you have the dimensions for a double?

ahoppi

Sun, 01/27/2013 - 20:02

have you configured this for full size? We'd love to make it for our daughter just entering junior high who wants a slightly larger bed! love the design and your plans are very clear and wonderful!

ToddGODLisa

Tue, 09/02/2014 - 16:35

Am I missing the plans for the headboard, or are they located somewhere else? I can't wait to build this for our son!

Chantal V.

Mon, 11/03/2014 - 21:13

Currently working on the plans for my 2nd furniture project.  My daughter loves the pass thru storage seen in this particular design but I am going to change the headboard to the pattern found in your Woven Back Bench plan.  Can't wait to get started.  Hopefully it will look as great as I envision. :)

kbz2002

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 12:25

Do you have headboard plans for this?   I love this bed,   I think it'll look so cute with my kids books underneath and it's a perfect project to start with my dad.   

MamaFred

Sun, 03/21/2021 - 18:48

I would like to make this in full and appreciate any advice you have to offer! Thanks