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Under Loft Bed Tall Bookcase

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Submitted by Ana White on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 19:17
Difficulty
Intermediate
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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

loft bed under bed storage

 

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.  

BIG BOOKCASE

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.

IT'S JUST A BOOKCASE

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.

Dimensions
large bookcase dimensions
Fits under the Loft Bed

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 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
Common Materials
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List
  • 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)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
General Instructions

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 5

Step 6

TOP SHELF TRIM
Just like the footer, attach the top shelf trim as shown above. Use glue and 2″ screws.

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″.

Step 8

ASSEMBLY
Screw the bookshelf to the sides of the legs to stiffen up the loft bed. The bookshelf replaces the bottom support, so you need something to keep the loft bed legs square.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill any holes with wood filler. Let dry completely. Sand with a coarse sandpaper and work your way to fine. Prime and paint as desired.
Project Type
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Loft Beds
Room
Teens
Kids and Toys
Style
Tradditional Style Furniture Plans
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Yolanda (not verified)

Mon, 06/07/2010 - 19:32

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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?