How to Build a Modern, Space-Saving Box Bed by William Holman

Beds are a problem for the nomad: too big to move and too expensive to leave behind. By default, many of us end up with a box spring on the floor, down in the dust bunnies and lost crumbs. Putting the mattress on the ground also eats up a lot of square footage in a cramped apartment, taking away an opportunity for storage underneath. I moved halfway across the country recently, leaving my old 2x8 Bed behind, and was looking to buy a modern storage bed to replace it. Looking at Ikea's offerings online, I came across the Brimnes bed and realized hey, I could make that! While this version lacks drawers, it's still a sleek, low-slung modern bed with four sizable storage compartments, hidden behind sliding geometric screens.

The box bed breaks down into four identical plywood units, each small enough to throw in the backseat. Each unit is stiffened with an internal rib, fitted with a shelf, and has two sliding doors made from old radiator covers. The platform nature of the bed gives good, even support and eliminates the need for a box spring (saving money!). I made mine from high-grade plywood, running up the cost. Very little of the plywood is actually exposed, so you could substitute cheaper grades to save cash. I used 1/2" stock instead of 3/4" where possible in an effort to reduce weight and expense. I also made this whole project with just a circular saw; it would go faster and be more accurate if you had access to a table saw. Materials and Tools 2 4x8 sheets 3/4" plywood 2 4x8 sheets 1/2" plywood Wood glue #6 x 1-1/2" slip-fit wood or drywall screws (I used Spax hardwood screws, which are superb for preventing splitting in plywood) 3/8" dowels for shelf pins and screw plugs Pencil Tape measure Speed square 4-6 12" bar clamps Circular saw Drill/driver Relevant safety equipment -Step One: Cuts -Step Two: Dadoes -Step Three: Assembly -Step Four: Doors -Step Five: Finishing