DIY Awesome Built in Bed with a Built in Shelves, Closet & Light

Sharing all the tips & tricks for how to build an awesome DIY built in bed with a drawer, built in bookcases or built in shelves, a closet & a light to maximize floors space in a narrow bedroom with step by step instructions & pictures.

DIY Built in Bed with Bookcases

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Before – Spot we Chose to Place the DIY Built in Bed

Just for a reminder of how Ryan’s room looked like in the beginning…

Step by Step Instructions for How to Make a DIY Built in Bed

Step ONE – Demo to Make Space for a DIY Built in Bed

The first thing we did was take down the double plantation door closet that was here originally. 

This allowed us room for a twin bed on one side and a single door closet on the other. 

Step TWO – Build the DIY Built in Bed Frame

Using 2 X 4’s we framed out enough room for a twin size bed. 

We also had to add new drywall to cover the crumbling plaster that had been wallpapered. 

It was a lot easier to drywall instead of stripping the wallpaper and re-plastering.

Step THREE – Add MDF to the DIY Built in Bed

We added MDF over the 2 x 4’s for a clean look that is cheaper than sheets of plywood or wood. 

I had Jason cut a lip for the side so the mattress would stay in place and help keep the sheets in place.

I really like the curve he added to the DIY built in bed.

Step FOUR – Making the Closet

We made the closet wide enough for a 30 inch closet door. 

Although his previous closet was a great size, we needed more floor space to hold his bed & he was never going to fill the closet with his clothes.

Step FIVE – Adding a Drawer Under the DIY Built in Bed

In order to give him more storage we added a large drawer under the bed out of MDF.

His new drawer is large & helps keep his many sweatshirts & sweatpants in order.

We added oil rubbed bronze pulls to match the other hardware & doorknobs in his bedroom.

Step SIX – Adding a Built in Bookshelves to the DIY Built in Bed

We also added a hidden bookcase next to the bed for his books and alarm clock. 

He loves to read and we knew it was important to add some storage next to the bed since we weren’t going to have room for a nightstand with the closet next to his bed.

After – Finished DIY Built in Bed

Here is the finished DIY built in bed painted & looking pretty awesome in my opinion.

I found the red light at the Restoration Hardware outlet for $20.

His plaid quilt and sham are from Pottery Barn kids and the ticking stripe duvet cover and sham are from Ikea. 

I love how preppy his bedding is!

His bedding and built in bed go so well with the DIY Pallet sign we made him. (DIY Pallet Name Sign HERE)

Boys Bedroom Renovation Plan

His bedroom is really coming along, here is what we have done so far and what’s next…

• demo
• add bead board ceiling
• paint walls navy
• add wide pine floors
• add baseboard trim
• build a built in bed
• add new closet
• build bookcase, built in dresser and desk (see it HERE)
• add a new doorway and door (DIY door HERE)
• decorate and reveal (see the finished Boys bedroom HERE)

I hope this answers all your questions & inspires you to create a DIY built in bed at your home!

by Tara Lehman

DIY Built in Bunk Bed

If you liked this DIY build in bed, be sure to check out the DIY built in bunk beds we made for our youngest boys bedroom HERE

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