IKEA Hack Platform Bed DIY
This video shows you how to turn seven standard kitchen cabinets from IKEA into a platform bed with storage underneath. It's a perfect solution for anyone with limited closet or attic space.
Please be sure to read this entire page and check out the Q&A Page before asking a question. Blueprints are available below if you want to consider building this bed.
Supplies
The approximate cost of this project was $480, roughly broken down as follows:
$355 – Cabinets
$85 – Lumber
$40 – Paneling, carpet, knobs
Details about the cabinets and other supplies can be found on the Q&A Page.
Blueprints Available
Blueprints for this IKEA Hack Platform Bed project are available for purchase in my store. The detailed blueprints show you exactly how I built this bed so you can build an exact replica or adapt it to your own design.
Celebrating 30 million views! Use coupon code 30MILLION for 30% off bed blueprints!
Weight Capacity
The bed has been tested with three full-size adults and two dogs so I'm not worried about weight capacity of the bed, but please feel free to add support if you feel it is needed. The “steps” are a different situation, however. The cabinets alone are probably fine for pets or young children, but they will not last with the weight of adults and require additional support not shown in the video. I recommend doubling the thickness of the tops by sandwiching a solid wood or melamine shelf across the “step” cabinets, screwed from inside the cabinets into the shelf above using 1.25″ screws (be sure to drill pilot holes). You can then lay paneling or carpet on top of that double-layer sandwich. Please see more about topic on the Q&A Page.
A new Mattress for your New Bed
I recommend the Leesa mattress for this bed not only because they sponsored one of my videos, but because it works great for platform beds and it's an incredible value for the money. Leesa is a direct manufacturer of high quality, foam mattresses that are amazingly comfortable. They make your mattress to order and ship it for free. Then you get a 100-night risk-free guarantee, which includes free return shipping. If you don't think it's the most comfortable mattress you've ever slept on, just return it, no questions asked. You really have nothing to lose.
The best part is YOU can save $75.00 off the price of a Leesa mattress using my link! Just click the button to shop now:
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Space off the Floor
One minor detail that I omitted from the IKEA Hack Platform Bed video: I installed four plastic furniture glides under every cabinet (one in each corner) to keep them off the floor by approximately 1/4″. These will prevent the cabinets from scratching the floor, and prevent the doors from rubbing on the floor. If you have carpeting, you may need to build up the cabinets even higher to prevent the doors from rubbing on the carpet.
Free-Standing Option
Several people have asked if this could be made free-standing so they don't have to attach it to the wall. If you want to structurally incorporate the cabinets in the design, as I've done here, I recommend attaching it to the wall because the wall provides a huge amount of stability.
If you want to build a bed like this without attaching it to the walls, check out the Free-Standing Version.
Testimonials
If you think this project is too hard to build, it's really not. Check out all of my Subscriber Stories for inspiration from some of the many people who have built this project.
Adding a Television
Wondering how you can place a television that is comfortable to watch in this bed? I have the answer right here.
Are you a Dog Lover like me?
This video ends with a cameo by our loveable dachshund, appropriately named “Oscar”. Isn't he the cutest thing ever?
Contrary to popular belief, I DID NOT build this bed for him! But the carpeted steps definitely make it dachshund-accessible and he often lays up there to spend time with Becca.
