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Home » Buy and hold real estate investing properties » 4th House: Raised Bungalow Build » How to make a built in bed with storage

4th House: Raised Bungalow Build Buy and hold real estate investing properties DIY Projects Furniture Makeovers

How to make a built in bed with storage

how to make built in beds with storage

Do you have an awkward area in your house that you don’t quite know what to do with? In our house, our shared boys bedroom has a nook about four feet off the ground. We built a raised bungalow, so this nook was the area above our front hall closet. My intention all along was to make a built in bed with storage, and complete the room with a reclaimed wood desk and a second built in bed to match. Over the last 6 weeks Tony and I have been working on completing this shared boys bedroom as a guest participant in the Spring 2018 One Room Challenge. And I’m glad to say we have completed (for the most part) everything on our to-do list!

 

*This bedroom makeover is sponsored by the HOME DEPOT CANADA, who provided me with products to complete this space. I have spent many an hour in the aisles of HD, and only recommend brands I use and love*

shared boys bedroom with built in beds

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through these links*

Let’s have a quick look back over the last 6 weeks, then I’ll show you all the pretty pictures!

Week 1: The plan

We started off with a room that was cluttered and disorganized, and not very fun for two young boys. The plan was to take everything out, build a loft bed in the nook area, build three storage steps, and a solid wood desk top.

Shared boys bedroom makeover

Week 2: Building built in bed with storage cabinets

The first step was to build the cabinets for the built in bed and storage drawers. I built the boxes out of 3/4 mdf, and glued, clamped, nailed, and biscuit joined them all together.

built in storage drawers and loft bed shared boys bedroom

Week 3: Paint the beds

Next I painted all the cabinets and the twin bed. First I primed with a good quality primer, then did two coats of paint using Behr alkyd satin enamel color matched to Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. I also painted the trim and doors using the same paint.

white built in beds for a shared boys bedroom

Week 4: Paint walls

Next I repainted all the walls, because the first time I painted the room I ran out of paint halfway through the last coat. The new paint color I chose is very similar to what I have done previously, except that it was a clearer blue with less of a purple undertone. This paint color is CIL Fostoria Glass Blue.

top tips for painting a room

 

Week 5: Epoxy resin reclaimed wood desk

This was our favorite part of the room. Tony and I built this desk top from reclaimed fir hydro pole cross arms. We cut them, planed them, glued them, sanded, stained, then finished with epoxy resin. The desk and steps are so shiny, and it really brings out the character of the wood (Check my Youtube video for the entire process).  We also installed the drawer boxes and the hardware during week 5.

bunk bed built in with steps

 

Shared boys bedroom built in bed with storage reveal!

This last week we worked on installing the plywood frame for the loft bed and finishing off the solid fir trim around the loft bed.

built in beds for a shared boys bedroom

Next I built a box for the headboard that has a hinged top for extra storage, and painted it white to match the rest of the built in beds.

built in bed with storage for a shared boys bedroombuilt in bed with storage for a shared boys bedroom

built in bed with storage for a shared boys bedroom

 

I replaced the two dressers that we originally had with one tall boy dresser. I found this dresser at a thrift store, and refinished it using two shades of country chic paint. Here is that dresser tutorial.

shared boys bedroom makeover

My budget ran out by the time I got to the artwork, so for the most part I used frames and pictures I already had. Then I filled it in with some 10 inch square IKEA frames, and put sentimental baby onesies and button up shirts in them.

shared boys bedroom built in bed with storage

I added an eclectic gallery wall above the dresser full of baby pictures, vintage pieces, and original kids artwork. And as a request from my husband and son, some Ottawa Senators things.

eclectic gallery wall mid century dresser makeover

eclectic gallery wall

shared boys bedroom makeover one room challenge reveal built in bed with storage

We also made some book ledges with leftover pieces of reclaimed fir.

diy child book ledge

I had planned to make matching zip-up bedding for the boys, but I ran out of time. Instead, I cut a duvet cover that I already had in half, and used one side for each of the beds. I love the mix of blues, lime green, and red within the room. It feels very colorful and fun.

built in loft bed

bedroom makeover

shared boys bedroom loft bed

We never finished making railings for the beds, but I actually think it’s okay without railings. The boys slept in their new beds for a few nights, and are so happy with their new room. And the best part, is that crib is gone forever! What do you think of this built in bed with storage? Is this something you could see yourself making in your own home?

shared boys bedroom makeover

 

I have a few projects in the near future that we’ll be working on, including:

  • a dresser makeover using two shades of Country Chic paint
  • how to make a farmhouse clock
  • how to install an above ground pool
  • designing and creating a new flower bed

 


41 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jess says

    May 9, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    WOW! These beds are so creative! I love how you put it all together. Congrats!

    Reply
  2. Em says

    May 10, 2018 at 1:16 am

    This is adorable! I love the beds and the way you incorporated the custom drawers. I have a 4-year-old and a 4-month-old, both boys, and look forward to the day they can share a room…saving this for later inspiration! Wonderful work!

    Reply
  3. Jen @ Noting Grace says

    May 10, 2018 at 10:15 am

    Jessica – those beds are the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! What an amazing focal point to a gorgeous room. It’s an ingenious use of space! Congrats on an amazing reveal!

    Reply
  4. by Brittany Goldwyn says

    May 10, 2018 at 11:22 am

    The beds are so creative and adorable! I bet your kids love their new space, I would have loved those beds as a kid!

    Reply
  5. Michelle @ Eamonn & Jack says

    May 10, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    Wow – I’m always so in awe of people who can build things from scratch! – Well done!! I always wanted a loft bed growing up 🙂

    Reply
  6. Tee says

    May 10, 2018 at 5:13 pm

    I’m impressed with the new beds! I bet the boys are loving this room. Awesome storage as well. Congrats on a job well done!

    Reply
  7. Rachel Joy // Joyful Derivatives says

    May 11, 2018 at 1:31 am

    That loft bed is awesome. And I love the way you installed a desk below it – genious! 🙂 Nice work, Jessica!

    Reply
  8. Emy says

    May 11, 2018 at 7:38 am

    The bed turned out so cool!! The room looks great! Your kids must be loving it!!

    Reply
  9. Lidia says

    May 11, 2018 at 8:52 am

    #1 – your kids are adorable! #2 – that bedroom is so stinking cute!!!!!!!!! The bed, the dresser and all of the styling details make it so lovely Jess! xo

    Reply
  10. jessicadevlin says

    May 11, 2018 at 8:58 am

    first off your kids are freaking adorable. This room seems so perfect to me. I can picture the excitement of the boys to see it for the first time. I love that bunkbed it’s really something amazing and i’m sure your sons will love it. Great job!

    Reply
  11. Ola says

    May 11, 2018 at 9:32 am

    Oh Jessica!!! I am simply blown away by the creativity here. What an amazing idea and such great use of space. You and your hubby make a great team!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 16, 2018 at 10:18 am

      Thanks a lot Ola! We do make a great team 🙂

      Reply
  12. Danielle @ clark + aldine says

    May 11, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    I absolutely love how functional this space is! We’ve got a shared room in our house too and this makes me want to redo that space too.

    danielle

    clarkandaldine.com

    Reply
  13. Natalie at NeliDesign says

    May 11, 2018 at 3:45 pm

    This is just perfect Congratulations

    Reply
  14. Kate Hollingsworth says

    May 11, 2018 at 7:09 pm

    What an epic bed/desk/storage build! You rock!! xx

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 11, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      Aw thanks so much, you’re so sweet!

      Reply
  15. Lindsay Brown says

    May 12, 2018 at 6:30 am

    Looks amazing Jess! Love the mix of colors and the beds are fantastic!

    Reply
  16. Jen @ Jenron Designs says

    May 12, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    Jess that built in bed turned out perfect!!!! I love it and I bet your boys do too! You created so much space and individuals areas for each child which is so important in a combined living area. Great job my friend, you knocked it out of the park!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 16, 2018 at 10:18 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  17. Laurie @ Vinyet Etc says

    May 12, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    Wow Jessica, I simply adore how this creative bed(s) desk combo looks, the most clever use of space ever! The special touches too are amazing, framed onesies – adorable! And I simply love that moose puzzle, too cute!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 16, 2018 at 10:17 am

      That moose puzzle was a little project I started, but never finished. Hope to get back at the little things now that the room is done!

      Reply
  18. Jessica | Petal + Ply says

    May 12, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    The built-in bunks and desk are terrific!! Your boys must be ecstatic with their new space.

    Reply
  19. enannylink1 says

    May 12, 2018 at 10:36 pm

    Very beautiful I ❤ the style and simplicity of the best 😊

    Reply
  20. natashawashington says

    May 14, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    What an adorable room!! Your boys must be thrilled with their big boy bunk beds! They tuned out so fantastic. Awesome job!!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 16, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Thanks so much. We’re so happy with how it turned out!

      Reply
  21. Dannyelle says

    May 15, 2018 at 9:40 am

    Wow the beds turned out amazing. What a great way to use some wasted space. So clever!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 16, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  22. Susanne says

    May 15, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    Those beds are wonderful!! I would have loved to have a loft bed when I was a kid so I know your boys are going to love it! You guys worked so hard and did a marvelous job. Congratulations on a beautiful makeover!!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 16, 2018 at 10:16 am

      I would have loved a bed like that too. Thanks so much!

      Reply
  23. Lisa Scibilia says

    May 16, 2018 at 7:56 am

    So incredibly clever. I love all the storage that you incorporated into these built-ins and how fun is this room for your boys? They must be so fired up!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 16, 2018 at 10:15 am

      They love their new room!

      Reply
  24. Marcie Millholland says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:39 am

    Really the coolest built in beds ever. I love that you put outlets in strategic places!! There will always be technology to charge as they grow!!

    Reply
  25. Vonda says

    May 17, 2018 at 1:32 pm

    So creative! I love the artwork idea of framing the sentimental clothing.

    Reply
  26. Jenny says

    May 18, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    What an amazing space for your kids! It’s such a creative use of space AND it looks absolutely gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      May 18, 2018 at 11:05 pm

      Thank you Jenny!

      Reply
  27. L says

    September 22, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    Hi, I know this is months later, but I just found this post through the ORC, and I wanted to tell you how inspiring the built-ins are. Congratulations! Also, I agree that railings aren’t needed because with that desk below, the loft bed isn’t any higher up off the “floor” (desk) than a regular bed sitting on the floor would be. Plus, with railings the kids wouldn’t be able to all sit on it with their legs dangling off the way they are in that adorable picture! Cheers!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      September 28, 2018 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you so much! My son has slept in that bed for 6 months now, and he’s never fallen out. So I think at this point there’s really no need for railings.

      Reply
  28. countrymeadowsdesigns says

    February 11, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    What an open and airy room. The most creative use of space for a shared room. Wonderful!

    Reply
    • Jessica Vanderveen says

      March 9, 2019 at 7:40 am

      Thank you!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Friday Favorites: Shared Kids Rooms and Small Bathrooms – Tamara White – Blog says:
    May 18, 2018 at 12:55 am

    […] stuffed animals multiply every night?!) and this shared boys room with stacked loft-style beds at The Vanderveen House has storage and then some! Two beds, and a desk, with storage in between — […]

    Reply
  2. Friday Favorites: Shared Kids Rooms and Small Bathrooms – Manuel Lapid – Blog says:
    May 18, 2018 at 4:12 am

    […] stuffed animals multiply every night?!) and this shared boys room with stacked loft-style beds at The Vanderveen House has storage and then some! Two beds, and a desk, with storage in between — […]

    Reply

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