Decorating Rooms Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas Bedroom Furniture How to Build a Platform-Style DIY Bed Frame with Storage Build a DIY bed frame with storage to add needed drawers and cubbies in a bedroom lacking space for clothes, toys, and other necessary items. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 7, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Project Overview Working Time: 0 minute Total Time: 0 minute Skill Level: Intermediate Estimated Cost: $50+ Under-bed storage is a missed opportunity due to its inaccessibility and the difficulty of organizing it. As a result, items stored there are often left to be forgotten. This platform-style DIY bed frame with storage solves that problem. Follow our instructions for making this hardworking unit yourself. Once all your belongings have a place, you'll be happy you did. We made our unit to fit a queen size mattress (80 x 60 inches). All measurements are approximate, and will vary depending on the size of your bookcases. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Wood glue Miter saw Circular saw or table saw Jigsaw Drill/driver Pocket hole jig Speed square and/or carpenter square Sander Tape measure Materials Hardware 1-1/4-inch coarse thread pocket-hole screws 2-1/2-inch coarse thread pocket-hole screws 1-1/4-inch wood screws Set of two 2-inch angle braces Wood Products 3 1 x 4 x 96-inch pine boards 2 1 x 4 x 72-inch pine boards 1 1 x 4 x 48-inch pine board 1 3/4 x 48 x 96-inch pine plywood 1 2 x 4 x 96-inch pine board Parts List 6 platform stretchers 1 x 4 x 41-5/8-inch pine board 3 bookcase sets, approximately 18 x 70-7/8 x 14-5/8 inches 2 support legs 2 x 4 x 16-1/2-inch board 1 bed platform 3/4 x 41-5/8 x 70-7/8-inch pine plywood 1 support stretcher 2 x 4 x 35-1/8-inch board 1 head stretcher 1 x 4 x 41-5/8-inch pine board Instructions Assemble the Base Build and lay three bookcases on their sides in a U shape. Measure the dimensions between the bookcases; this will be used for the width of the bed platform. The length of the bed platform is equal to the height (or length) of your side bookcases. Cut two headboard pieces to length using 1x4s. Drill pocket holes for 3/4-inch material at both ends. Attach them to the headboard end of your assembly, as shown, with wood glue and 1-1/4-inch pocket screws. The bottom is flush with the bottom of the bookcases, and the top is attached 1-1/2 inches down from the top. Attach 2-inch angle brackets at the bottom of the interior foot end, where the side bookcases meet the third bookcase. Cut the side supports to length from 1x4s. Drill pocket holes for 3/4-inch material at one end of each board. Attach them to the inner sides of the bookcases 1-1/2 inches down from the top, as shown, with wood glue and 1-1/4-inch wood screws and pocket-hole screws. The pocket hole ends will go to the foot of the bed structure. Optional: Attach fabric to the inside of the bookshelves if you don't wish to see through the cubbies to the other side. We recommend attaching the fabric to the top and bottom for a clean, taut look. Another option is to fill the cubbies with large storage baskets. Then, when you remove them, you can reach the storage for larger items under the bed. This project calls for pocket holes, often preferred among professionals for their ease of use. However, if you don't have a pocket hole jig, you can use traditional screws. How to Give Your Nightstand a DIY Storage Upgrade Build Bed Platform Cut the bed platform from 3/4-inch plywood to the dimensions from Step 1. Find the middle of the platform. Use a jigsaw to cut two handle holes on each long side of the platform. The handles should be 5-6 inches from the middle. Cut Platform Stretchers Cut five bed stretchers to length from 1x4s. Attach to the bed platform, as shown, with wood glue and 1-1/4-inch wood screws. Sand the platform assembly. Build Support Leg Assemblies You will make two support leg assemblies. Cut two support legs and one support stretcher from the 2x4s. Drill pocket holes for 1-1/2-inch material at one end of each leg and both ends of the stretcher. Attach the support stretcher to the support legs with wood glue and 2-1/2-inch pocket-hole screws. Repeat for the second assembly. Sand the support assemblies. Attach Support Attach the support assemblies to the platform assembly, as shown, with wood glue and 2-1/2-inch pocket screws. Attach Platform Set the platform assembly in place. You'll be able to lift the bed to access the storage.