A large bookshelf plan that fits under the loft bed. Adds open storage in a pass through top design. Closed bottom design. Features four shelves. Free step by step plans with full diagrams by ANA-WHTE.com
See also: Loft Bed Plans and Under Loft Bed Desk System Plans
We wanted to add some storage under the loft bed - since that's why you do a loft bed, right? To increase the useable space in the room.
And you could even hide a CPU tower back there.
Today we will focus on the big bookcase. You can omit the bottom supports on the loft bed if you are going to be attaching the bookcase. The bookcase will give you all the support that you need.
Overall Dimensions are shown above. What we are building today is a simple bookcase that could be used without the loft bed. Composition is 1x12 boards with 1x2 and 1x3 trim and 1/4" plywood back. This bookcase can be made from solid wood for a natural stain finish.

Preparation
- 2 – 1×2 Boards, 8′ Long
- 1 – 1×3 Board, 8′ Long
- 2 – 1×12 Boards, 10′ Long (Cut 2 Sides from one, and 3 Shelves from the other)
- 1 – 1×2 Board, 8′ Long (Cut 2 Shelves from this board)
- 1/4″ plywood 30″ x 38″ or larger
- 2″ self tapping wood Screws
- 3/4″ brad Nails (for tacking down the back, could be up to 1 1/4″ length nails)
- Glue
- 2 – 1×12 @ 56″ (Sides)
- 5 – 1×12 @ 36″ (Shelves)
- 1 – 1×3 @ 36″(Footer)
- 4 – 1×2 @ 36″ (Shelf Trim)
- 4 – 1×2 @ 9″ (Optional Shelf Supports)
Since we essentially build chop-screw-paint, the instructions are pretty simple. Work on a clean level surface with good straight boards. Check for square after each step. Use self-tapping screws or pre-drill and countersink all of your screws. Be safe and have fun!
Instructions
Step 1
This bed was very much inpsired by Pottery Barn Teen’s Sleep and Study Loft. According to Pottery Barn Teen, their bed was made of:
Frame: Pine
Panels: MDF with veneers
Slats: Pine
Drawer Box: Plywood
Shelves: MDF with veneers
Knobs: Pine
Ladder: Pine
This is also the most economical materials to buy.
Step 2
LOFT BED
Build the loft bed, but you can skip the bottom support on the side that this bookshelf will be installed. Loft bed plans can be found here. This bookshelf is designed for a twin bed. You can alter the bed by cutting all shelves and trim to 51″ long, assuming that your full size bed mattress measures 54″ wide.
Step 3
BUILD THE BOX
Use the 1x12s to build the box as shown above. It is always recommended to measure and mark your joints on both sides of the joint so you know where to line the board up and where to screw. If you have a Kreg Jig™, you can drill pocket holes on the undersides of the shelves and attach the shelves to the sides. If not, 2″ wood screws and glue will keep everything in place. Don’t forget, we will also be adding a back that will hold the shelves in place and shelf trim.
Step 4
FOOTER
Attach yoru footer as shown above. If you are using a Kreg Jig™, simple drill your pocket holes on the ends of the 1×3 and attach to the sides. Otherwise follow the instructions above.
Step 6
Step 7
OPTIONAL: SHELF SUPPORTS
If you know these shelves are going to be taking some abuse, it would be a good idea to cut scrap pieces of 1x2s and fasten to the sides of the bookshelf under the top shelves. This will keep the top shelves from ever moving. The bottom shelf is attached through the grain to the back, and they are not going anywhere. But the top shelves are attached through the end grain, and a support like the one pictured above would add considerable strength to the shelves (and you already have the scraps laying around!). The 1×2 will be 9″ long if you inset your shelf trim pieces 1/2″.
Comments
Yolanda (not verified)
Mon, 06/07/2010 - 19:32
Love the original loft bed
Love the original loft bed and love this room within a room design even more. What an efficient use of space. It’s amazing the way you break these unwieldy-looking projects into small we-can-do-it bites.
liesel (not verified)
Mon, 06/07/2010 - 20:00
this is the most tempting
this is the most tempting project yet!! I love loft beds! Thanks so, so much for all the great plans!
Amy (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 02:47
I was hoping you would add
I was hoping you would add this to the loft bed! My daughter has been asking for this bed from pbteen for over a year!
Gnomeful Things (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 03:33
While the original bed was
While the original bed was too high for my girls (we opted for the fort bed) I am really excited by the modifications because this bed is now perfect for my niece. My sister will be thrilled!
merideth (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 03:49
i love it. my little guy's
i love it. my little guy's bedroom is 8'x8'. tiny. and his windows are tall & start really low to the ground, so there is only one place for his bed. when our big kids lived in this room (at various times), we had a "cargo furniture" loft bed with dresser 7 desk underneath. BUT! that furniture is SO massive and the ceilings are SO low. a lower loft bed is a great idea!
Crystal (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 04:03
What a great addition to the
What a great addition to the loft! My husband and I are planning on building TWO of your loft beds this year. Two kids, one small room, lots of toys... we were so happy to find the plans for the loft bed! Of course... we'll be building the kids' beds *after* we build our queen size storage bed ;-)
Christine (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 04:10
Thank you so much for adding
Thank you so much for adding on to the loft bed! This is the deal clincher for me!! I have been eying the pb teen one for my 8 yr old, but now I have the plans! Please keep posting on this 'cause I'm building the whole set!!!!
Thanks so much for all you do!!
You are AMAZING!!!!!
Keli (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 04:28
Thank You Thank YOu!!! I have
Thank You Thank YOu!!! I have been waiting for additions to the loft bed! I am really excited to build this for my daughter....we are painting it HOT pink!!!
Drea (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 05:28
I adore this bed! My 7-year
I adore this bed! My 7-year old stepdaughter's room is teeny tiny, so this would be a perfect use of space. My only reservation is wondering whether this will be considered a "baby bed" in a few years. Anyone have teenagers that use/want a bed like this?
Adelle (not verified)
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 05:53
wowowowowow! I just found
wowowowowow! I just found your blog and how appropriate I just started my own blog and I put up that I was going to build a loft bed for my son and my ahm drawing! lol. I'd love some tips for the futon if you've got them!
http://justneedsafreshcoatofpaint.blogspot.com/2010/06/inspiration-litt…
Adelle