Materials: Expedit shelving unit, Sultan Lade
Description: I used 5 Expedit shelves as the base, arranged so that there were no gaps along the 2 exposed sides.
I built a bed box for the top by cutting planks into boards 6"x77.75" (2 each) and 6"x40" (2 each).
The boards for the bed box were held together with screws through the end and corner braces on the inside. I used the Expedit wall fasteners to secure the bed to three of the bookcases so the mattress and bed would not shift.
I used the Sultan Lade twin size bed slats across for support and two flat metal bars I had left over from another project to support the slats in the gap between Expedit shelves.
The Expedit shelf in the front middle is not anchored so we can pull that out and get to the shelves in the back for long term storage like winter clothes and such. Not easily, but it can be done so it's not totally wasted space.
Drona bins and Leksvik stool are also pictured.
~ Meredith
what would be really fun for younger kids is if you reversed the layout so the opening was facing out so the kids could have a fun play fort right under their own bed...and you could also rig some lighting in there to have a cozy little nook to hide out in...
ReplyDeleteGreat idea !
ReplyDeleteIf you want to get 2 of those Expedits back, you could get a stud finder. Pull the bed a way from the wall and draw a line on the wall using the top of your Expedits as a straight edge reference. Screw a 2x4 to the wall just below your line. You'll probably need 4" screws for that. Then you can get 2 of those Expedits back, because the bed will rest on top of the 2x4 ledge you create. For safety, I would probably still run 3" screws into the wall through the Sultan frame to keep it from sliding away from the wall.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Those storage beds are expensive and this is a creative solution.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Steph Perry - plus all of the cubbies would be accessible by whoever could squeeze through the 15" opening :)
ReplyDeleteI very much like this hack.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the proposed under-bed storage/fort area for kids, I'd suggest getting rid of one of those horizontal shelves within the Expedit bookcases. Structurally, I you will find that they bear absolutely no weight, and I imagine the a small child will easily be able to squeeze through that area sideways. For a more universal size hole that even an adult could fit through, I imagine that the center vertical wooden piece in the Expedit bookcases is non-crucial to the stability of the bed, so if you went ahead and anchored that front middle bookcase but removed all of the shelves, you'd have a rather large area that just about anyone could fit through. Perhaps regain some structural stability by placing a couple of "EKBY LERBERG" brackets (or similar, but sturdier supports not found at IKEA) on each side of that front middle shelf.
That should do the trick and cost very little more. Of course, be sure to test it thoroughly before letting anyone sleep on it.
My boys are having no problem at all climbing inside as it is. They pull out a bin and crawl right through.
ReplyDeleteI did debate using something else for the back or side corner but I ended up just happening to go to Ikea on the day they had these half off, so I got another bookcase for $20 - I wouldn't get lumber and heavy duty hardware too much cheaper than that. I figure when he outgrows this, we will use the bookcases elsewhere.
Thanks for the comments. :)
brilliant idea!! i think ill have to show hubby :)
ReplyDeleteI've thought of doing something like this many times! Looks great. My son regularly climbs into the cubby holes so I know he'd love the idea of doing that to get in. I'm showing this to my husband so he can get a visual.
ReplyDeleteThis is by far, one of the easiest space saving bed ideas I have seen so far. And I love the idea of switching the hole to the front so it can be a fort underneath. I've been looking at a bunk system so my 5 year old can have space to play or hang out under his bed, but he is afraid to be too high off the ground.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering though, how many years do you think I'd get out of this layout?? I mean, it would need some more support under it to carry it further than a few years. ??
I have to thank You a lot!!! Nedded an idea for kid's bedroom (they grow, you know...), and I got it almost for free, as already got three expedit-
ReplyDeleteI thing i'll put some wheels to move the front Expedit and let it turn as a door..........
Got an idea to put a little wood border not to let little climber to fall...
I'll post as I will fix all! THX again!
A great idea! Will test to see what fits best here. Maybe I should order a tailormade mattress to really make use of the space ontop :)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how much weight this can hold? I would like to use this idea in my guest room.
ReplyDelete