The last time I shared Henry’s tiny little room, it included Henry’s crib converted to a toddler bed. But crib took up way too much space and was cumbersome in such a tiny space.
So, I got to thinking that a little platform bed would be just the ticket. It would be a lower profile and would also fit against the window wall. Plus, it could give us a little more storage for the small room.
Luckily for me, my brother and Ryan knocked out this little bed in a few hours. And it’s made Henry’s whole room look so much bigger.
And the best part was when Henry hopped up on the bed and exclaimed, “I LOVE MY RED BED.”
I died. Right there.
The bed is build from less than 2 sheets of 1/2 inch plywood and 1 – 2×12. They cut the 2×12 to be the vertical pieces and used the plywood for the top and bottom. It ended up being plenty sturdy for the toddler mattress and has an abundance of storage underneath – which we’re mostly using for books.
This post includes affiliate links, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase I will get a commission (at no additional cost to you). Read my full discosure policy for more details.
I did a quick coat of paint with a gallon of barn red paint (Behr MARQUEE). And voila.
I think it’s such a huge improvement.
And I finally hung up Henry’s artwork – made by the very talented Jen from Onion Grove Mercantile. It’s one of the only pieces that isn’t in storage. I couldn’t bear to store it away.
What do you think of Henry’s new red bed?
If you like, put a pin on it.
Did you like this post?
We'd love to send you more inspiration and encouragement for your home. When you sign up below, we'll send you our free guide to save thousands on your next home project. Because your home shouldn't own you.
April Driesslein says
I love this bed and started mocking up a design to make one myself. One thing I noticed: because of the size of a toddler/crib mattress (27″ x 52″), this design is very wasteful of plywood. You have to buy 2 of 4′ x 8′ pieces, but use only a little more than half of each, and end up with two awkward L-shaped pieces left. So, here is the solution I developed: cut 53″ crosswise from the plywood. Cut this piece lengthwise into 3 pieces: 1 at 28″ wide and 2 at 10″ wide. Use the 28″ piece for the top of the bed. Use the 10″ pieces for the bottom, leaving a gap in the middle. A little bit odd, perhaps, but it will make the bed lighter and save roughly a third of the cost. You end up with a 43″ x 48″ piece of plywood left,
Tesla says
How did y’all assemble this? By screws/nails? Glue?
Kim Woodward says
Screws. Nothing fancy.
Susan says
Hey there: LOVE this bed and the storage. Any chance of getting the exact plans on how to build it ?
Vicki says
This is a 10 on the Wow-O-Wow meter! Fantastic finish, great cost and plenty of storage. Wonder if this would work for a twin size mattress? TYFS
Myranda Shafer says
Did he notch, or cut the end vertical pieces? I’d like to pitch this so my husband, but want to know a little more of the how- as neither of us have ever built anything before…and our little guy (36lbs- so not so little I guess) loves to JUMP. All.the.time.
Taylor says
Do you have any problems with your son rolling off the bed?
Kim Woodward says
He has rolled off the bed a few times, but the bed is really very close to the ground and we put extra pillows down there. I would prefer to put him in a twin bed at this point, but the space doesn’t allow it in our current apartment. I tried to put a pool noodle under the sheet to avoid it and Henry hated it. (I suppose it restricted his space more.)
Tiffany says
Adorable! Where did you find the bedding?
Kim Woodward says
The fitted sheet is from Pottery Barn Kids and the afghan was made by Maybe Matilda.
Jessica says
That looks amazing! I want to tackle this for my son. What size plywood did you use?!
Kim Woodward says
I think it was 1/2 inch.
Sarah says
I LOVE the red bed, but my favorite has to be all the cows. I am a pig collector so I can relate.
Kim Woodward says
There’s something about those farm animals!!!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
This is great Kim! I love the fact that there is storage underneath. That is so key! You guys rock.
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
I’m so glad you went with red. It is all so perfect. I love the book storage too! Nailed it!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
That is the cutest thing! I love how you fixed the book storage problem too. Genius!
Gina says
Wow…such a big difference! It looks great!
Jena says
It’s perfect! I would just like to suggest a child proof lock on the window since he-like most children-seems full of energy and curiosity.
Kathy says
It looks great and having a place to store all those books close to the carpet where he could sit and read is great. Great work to your design and the building men in your life. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Arizona Lainey says
I say, “WOW!” It looks fabulous Kim.
Emily @ imperfect says
Such a smart use of space! Love it – I was thinking you’d go with red 🙂
Kelly says
It’s adorable, and it fits perfectly! I love the red!
Rachel says
It looks adorable! And such a clever way to get more storage out of a small space.
Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says
I just love it Kim. I love the book storage underneath it and that new artwork is awesome. Locally grown. I love that 🙂
Kim Woodward says
Thanks! The artwork is really special to us!
Anne @ Planting Sequoias says
Oh, THAT is adorable! Fits the room so well!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Anne. It’s a much better fit for the space.
cassie says
i love every single thing about this- the color, the style, the storage… the toddler.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Cassie. I’m pretty smitten, too.
Karen says
Perfect ! You are stylin’. Lucky Henry !
Kim Woodward says
Kids get all the fun stuff!
Jaime Costiglio says
Kim it’s perfect. LOVE the red and you styled it just lovely. So cozy and just uber kid friendly, he will remember it forever.
Kim Woodward says
It’s always fun when your kids love it as much as you do. So fun as he gets older and notices the things we do for him.
Gretchen says
oh, wow–it’s PERFECT! it looks great in there, and I love how it adds storage.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks! The storage is the best! It really holds a TON.
Jenny says
Looks awesome. Would you mind giving me the measurements of how you cut the 2by12 and plywood? I want to try this so bad but I know I won’t make the right measurements. I will also be using a crib mattress
shannon Lapay says
Wow, this looks awesome. Love the storage under it too. That painting is amazing.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks! It’s a great upgrade for the room.