Are you tired of cluttered bedrooms and struggling to find adequate storage space, especially in smaller rooms? This comprehensive guide will walk you through building a magnificent Queen Platform Bed with Storage, a project designed to maximize every inch of your bedroom. This isn’t just a bed; it’s a sophisticated storage solution, part of the acclaimed Kristy Collection.
Unlike traditional bed frames, this design integrates a clever storage bench at the head of the bed, perfect for items you don’t need daily but want close at hand. While this hidden headboard storage isn’t for frequent access, it’s invaluable for those who truly need to utilize every possible storage opportunity. If your preference leans towards a more conventional bed design with easily accessible drawers, you might also be interested in our plans for a Queen bed with storage drawers. However, for ultimate space-saving ingenuity, the Kristy Platform Bed stands out.
Why Choose a DIY Storage Platform Bed?
Building your own storage platform bed offers numerous advantages beyond simply saving money. It allows for complete customization to fit your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. You can choose the materials, finish, and even modify the internal compartments to perfectly suit your belongings. A DIY project like this also offers the immense satisfaction of creating something functional and beautiful with your own hands, transforming a challenging small bedroom into an organized oasis. This Queen Platform Bed design provides a sturdy foundation for your mattress, eliminating the need for a box spring, and elevates your sleeping area while cleverly concealing storage beneath. It’s a modern, minimalist approach to bedroom furniture that champions functionality without sacrificing style.
This specific design utilizes 1/2″ thick material for its construction. This choice is deliberate, given the robust internal structure featuring numerous dividers. These dividers not only create individual storage compartments but also provide exceptional support for the bed’s top surface. Once assembled, the entire platform will be capped with an additional layer of material, further strengthening the framework and ensuring unwavering support for you and your mattress. You can rest assured that your new platform bed will be incredibly sturdy and reliable.
Queen Platform Bed with Storage: Detailed Building Plans
Embarking on a woodworking project requires careful preparation. Before you begin cutting, gather all your necessary supplies and tools. Quality materials and the right equipment will ensure a smoother build process and a durable finished product.
Essential Supplies:
- 1/2″ Material: Choose between high-quality MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) or cabinet-grade plywood. MDF offers a smooth finish ideal for painting, while plywood provides greater strength and screw holding ability, often preferred for staining. Consider your finishing plans when making this choice.
- Wood Glue: A strong woodworking glue is critical for creating lasting joints. It adds significant strength when used in conjunction with screws or nails.
- Brad Nails: These thin nails are excellent for holding pieces in place temporarily while the wood glue dries or before permanent screws are driven.
- Wood Screws (1 3/4″): These specific length screws are essential for securely joining the main structural components. We recommend high-quality screws for maximum holding power.
- Pocket Hole Jig: An invaluable tool for creating strong, concealed joints. It allows you to drill angled holes for screws, resulting in clean, professional-looking connections.
- 1 1/4″ Coarse Thread Pocket Hole Screws: Specifically designed for use with a pocket hole jig in softer woods or plywood, providing a secure grip.
General Woodworking Tips Before You Start:
Always remember to “measure twice, cut once.” Precision in your measurements and cuts will save you time and frustration later. Ensure your workspace is clean, well-lit, and that you have all necessary safety equipment, including eye and ear protection.
Cut List is for Two Side Boxes.
The following image provides the detailed cut list you will need to prepare for constructing the two main side boxes of your Queen Platform Bed. Double-check all measurements before making your cuts.
Constructing the Side Boxes – You will need to make two identical units.
These side boxes form the primary storage compartments and the foundational structure of your platform bed. Precision in their assembly is key to a sturdy and level bed frame.
Step 1. Attach Dividers to One Side of Each Box.
- Begin by applying a generous amount of wood glue to the mating edges of your dividers.
- Align each divider precisely on one of the side panels according to your plans.
- Secure them in place using 1 3/4″ wood screws. Drive the screws directly through the side panel into the end grain of the dividers. Don’t worry about hiding these particular screws; they will be concealed by other components later in the build, and their primary purpose here is structural integrity. The combination of glue and screws creates a very strong joint.
Step 2. Add Cleats.
- Cleats are crucial for providing additional support for the subsequent dividers and for adding overall rigidity to the box structure.
- Apply wood glue along the length of the 1/2″ cleats.
- Carefully position and attach them to the dividers as illustrated in the provided diagram. Use brad nails to secure them while the glue dries.
- Important: Double-check that you are attaching the cleats to the correct side of each divider. Misplacement here could affect the alignment of future components.
Step 3. Attach Additional Dividers.
- With the cleats in place, you can now attach the remaining dividers.
- Apply glue to the edges of this divider where it will meet the cleats.
- Use glue and brad nails to initially attach this divider to the newly installed cleats, ensuring it is flush and square.
- For permanent and robust attachment, drive 1 3/4″ wood screws through the outside of the side panel into this divider, just as you did in Step 1. This ensures a strong, multi-point connection for maximum stability.
Step 4. Attach Second Side.
- This step brings the box together. Apply wood glue generously to all adjoining edges of the dividers and cleats that will meet the second side panel.
- Carefully align and press the second side panel onto the assembled structure.
- Secure this side using 1 3/4″ wood screws. Drive the screws directly through the side panel into the dividers. Similar to Step 1, there’s no need to hide these screws as they will be covered by the face frame later, but their presence is vital for the structural integrity of the box. Ensure everything is square as you fasten.
Step 5. Square Up and Attach Back.
- Before attaching the back panel, it is absolutely critical to square up the box. Use a large framing square or measure the diagonals of the box; they should be equal if the box is perfectly square. If you’re unsure how to square up, look for a woodworking tutorial (a detailed guide will be coming soon). A square box ensures proper alignment for future components and a professional finish.
- Once squared, apply glue to the edges of the box where the back panel will attach.
- If you possess a power stapler, use it with 3/4″ staples for a quick and secure attachment of the back panel.
- Alternatively, if you don’t have a power stapler, use #6 3/4″ wood screws, spaced appropriately, or finish nails to firmly secure the back panel onto the box. The back panel significantly increases the rigidity of the entire side box.
Faceframe Material and Assembly
The faceframe provides a clean, finished look to your storage boxes, covering the raw edges of the plywood or MDF and concealing the screw heads from the previous steps. It also adds significant structural integrity and rigidity to the front of the unit. For a durable and attractive finish, we recommend using poplar wood. You will need one set of these faceframe pieces for each side box you are building.
- One 1×3 at 52 1/4″
- One 1×3 at 19 1/4″
- One 1×2 at 52 1/4″
- One 1×2 at 19 1/4″
- Six 1×2 at 13 1/2″
Step 1. Build Front Faceframe.
- Using your pocket hole jig, drill pocket holes on the appropriate pieces as per your detailed plans.
- Apply wood glue to the mating surfaces, then join the pieces using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. This method creates extremely strong and aesthetically pleasing joints that will not be visible from the front. Ensure the faceframe is square during assembly.
Step 2. Attach Front Faceframe.
- Once your front faceframe is assembled, apply wood glue to the front edges of your assembled side box.
- Carefully align the faceframe onto the front of the box, ensuring it is flush and square with the box’s edges.
- Secure the faceframe to the box using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws, driven from the inside of the box into the back of the faceframe, as illustrated. This method ensures all fasteners are hidden, providing a clean, professional finish.
Step 3. Build and Attach End Faceframe.
- Similar to the front faceframe, construct the end faceframe using pocket hole screws, following the principles illustrated in “Faceframe Step 1.” Pay close attention to the specific dimensions for this section.
- Once assembled, apply glue to the corresponding end edges of the side box.
- Attach the end faceframe using both glue and finish nails. The finish nails offer a discreet fastening method for this visible end section. Ensure precise alignment for a seamless look.
Congratulations! At this stage, you should have two perfectly constructed side boxes, complete with their faceframes, ready to form the foundation of your magnificent Queen Platform Bed with Storage. These robust units will provide ample storage and solid support.
Integrating the Center Section and Finishing Touches
With your two robust side boxes complete, the next exciting phase involves integrating the center section. Our design offers incredible versatility here; we’ve crafted this center portion as a functional pullout storage trundle. This trundle can serve as an extra bed for guests or provide an expansive, easily accessible storage drawer, making your Queen Platform Bed even more dynamic. Follow the dedicated plans to build this ingenious component.
Even if you opt not to build the pullout trundle or custom drawers immediately, you now have a fully functional Queen Platform Bed with significant storage space underneath. The open compartments can be easily utilized with stylish storage baskets or bins, providing an instant solution for decluttering your room. If you’re ready to take your storage to the next level with custom, integrated drawers, simply follow this link to build the drawers and their fronts, perfectly designed to fit this platform bed.
Once your platform bed is fully assembled, the final steps involve sanding, priming, and applying your chosen paint or stain. This personalization allows you to perfectly match the bed to your existing bedroom decor. Then, simply place your mattress directly on the platform, eliminating the need for a box spring.
Transform Your Bedroom with the Kristy Collection
This DIY Queen Platform Bed with Storage is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a strategic investment in organization and style for any bedroom, particularly those challenged by limited space. The satisfaction of building such a versatile and beautiful piece of furniture yourself is immeasurable.
For inspiration and to see how truly stunning this project can be when completed, make sure to check out Kristy’s bedroom reveal. There, you’ll find beautiful finished photos of a complete Kristy Collection bedroom, showcasing this storage bed in a real-world setting. Don’t stop here – unlock the full potential of your home by exploring the rest of the plans for the entire Kristy Collection and continue your journey toward a perfectly organized and beautifully designed living space. Happy building!