STEP 5:

Place your mattress on top and then cover with your sheets and bedding.

MATERIALS:

- One full size mattress - One 4 x 4 grid Ikea Expedit bookshelf (find some inexpensive options here on craigslist) - 2 sheets of 1/2″ thick plywood cut to 38″ wide x 60″ long (technically you could use one large sheet of plywood instead of two smaller ones but it’s easier to transport the smaller pieces, and it’s also easier to flip them up when you need to access your stuff) - Velcro - White paint (optional)

Your DIY storage bed will consist of 3 basic components – your Ikea bookcase lying on its side, a layer of plywood, and then your mattress on top. Due to the bookcase’s handy grid-like design, you’ll be able to store items you don’t need all the time inside of your bed. Then when you do need them, flip your mattress and the plywood up and access your stuff.

STEP 1 (optional):

Open a few windows and paint the tops and sides of your two sheets of plywood. Allow the paint to dry. If you don’t care about your wood having an unfinished color or if you’re pretty sure you won’t be able to see the wood under your covers, feel free to skip this step but you might want to sand your plywood instead.

3 Comments

jsgittens August 17, 2012 at 12:28 pm

Could you use a queen sized mattress in a similar way with this DIY?
cibi July 18, 2012 at 11:20 am

Nice idea, but don’t forget to drill holes in the plywood or you will have condensation between the mattress and the plywood and mold will grow…
Marc Carter July 10, 2012 at 11:21 am

This is a perfect and inexpensive way to store seasonal items, like sweaters that aren’t used in the crazy NYC summer months!