Looking for an inexpensive but cool bed, with built-in side table and plenty of storage? Look no further.
Here's an easy way to turn a bookcase into a bed. No tools required. That's right: no drill, no hammer, no nails -- just paint.
What you'll need:
A sturdy bookcase. Ideally, this should be at least one foot longer (taller) than your mattress, so you can have a built-in bedside table. You can repurpose a bookcase you already own, or find a cheap one on Craigslist. Last time I checked, there were dozens. Or, if you're feeling really crafty, you can make one yourself. There are lots of Instructables that can show you how to make a bookcase cheaply and easily.
A can of paint. Whatever color suits your fancy.
One piece of plywood that fits over the bookcase, cut lengthwise into two planks.
Here's an easy way to turn a bookcase into a bed. No tools required. That's right: no drill, no hammer, no nails -- just paint.
What you'll need:
A sturdy bookcase. Ideally, this should be at least one foot longer (taller) than your mattress, so you can have a built-in bedside table. You can repurpose a bookcase you already own, or find a cheap one on Craigslist. Last time I checked, there were dozens. Or, if you're feeling really crafty, you can make one yourself. There are lots of Instructables that can show you how to make a bookcase cheaply and easily.
A can of paint. Whatever color suits your fancy.
One piece of plywood that fits over the bookcase, cut lengthwise into two planks.
Step 1: Paint your bookcase & panels
Paint the outside of your bookcase. Ditto for the two panels that will become the platform for your mattress.
Step 4: Admire the nifty storage space
All you need to do to get to the hidden storage compartment is to lift one of the panels and prop it against the wall. If you were feeling really ambitious you could hinge the two panels together, but I used this bed for four years without needing to do so. By the way, the panels do not slip out of place when you are using the bed, which is why you don't need to nail them down.
Step 6: Nifty Extras
Your bed has three nifty features:
1) Without a headboard or typical bed frame, it doesn't look like a bed, so you can easily use it as a sofa, by throwing some extra pillows along the wall.
2) The platform extends beyond the mattress, so you have a spot for books and drinks, whether you are in sofa or bed mode.
3) The storage under the bed is easy to get to. Just flip the mattress up against the wall and lift one of the platform panels. Voilá!
Sweet dreams.
1) Without a headboard or typical bed frame, it doesn't look like a bed, so you can easily use it as a sofa, by throwing some extra pillows along the wall.
2) The platform extends beyond the mattress, so you have a spot for books and drinks, whether you are in sofa or bed mode.
3) The storage under the bed is easy to get to. Just flip the mattress up against the wall and lift one of the platform panels. Voilá!
Sweet dreams.
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3
domesticdiva
says:
May 30, 2012. 11:20 AMReply
LOOOOVE!!!! I'm so doing this in a few weeks when I move! Thanks!
worldzend
says:
Jan 27, 2013. 6:42 AMReply
I had been thinking of doing something like this as a raised floor storage system. Do you think it would work?
1
lmph (author)
in reply to Jan 28, 2013. 11:04 AMReply
I think so. The key to its simplicity is being able to lift and prop the panels up against the wall to get access to the storage. I'm sure you could find instructables with details on making a hinge and/or hinge-prop-up system if you need it to be freestanding. Good luck! And let us know how you did it!
sugarsnout
says:
Dec 28, 2012. 6:52 AMReply
this is so friiggin awesome!!!
aggiec
says:
May 14, 2012. 2:39 PMReply
I am going to try this as a daybed/sofa/guest bed. I'm all about hidden storage - especially when my parent come over!
giraffegal
says:
May 14, 2012. 2:34 PMReply
Wow, this looks great. Can't believe no tools!
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