Tools and Materials

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Instructions

Daybeds are a versatile and functional addition to a home. They work great in a guest room or children's room to sleep. Place them by a window or in an alcove for reading and lounging. If the daybed has sides, you could use it as a sofa.

We'll show you how to build a daybed that includes storage, which works well for small spaces. This DIY daybed holds a twin mattress and works best against a wall. For maximum comfort, we recommend a mattress that's at least 8-inches thick.

Build this DIY headboard and daybed in a weekend using basic tools and carpentry skills. Then paint and assemble the bed where it'll be used.

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Make the Platforms

Cut four 2 x 2 x 8 boards for the trim (B) to match the 80-inch length of the hollow-core doors (A). Sand the trim boards with 180-grit sandpaper and attach them to the long edges of two of the doors with glue and 8d finish nails (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). The trim should be flush with one face of the doors.

Good to Know

After cutting each part, sand it smooth with 180-grit sandpaper. It’s much easier to sand the parts on your work surface than it is after assembly.

Place one of the door and trim assemblies on a work surface with the offset pointing up. Cut two 1 x 8 boards to length for the ends (C) (Project Diagram, Cutting List). Position them flush with the back edge of the assembly, and mark the location of the notch (Project Diagram, Drawings 2 and 3). Mark the notch using a square and a pencil; then cut with a jigsaw.

Good to Know

Hollow-core doors consist of two thin skins of plywood separated by a cardboard honeycomb core. The perimeter consists of solid wood to attach locks and hinges. When securing a part to the door, drill pilot holes and drive screws through the solid wood edging for the strongest connection.

Place the bottom assembly on the top section while it is still upside down. You can add casters or furniture-style feet to the bottom of the daybed. For the casters, cut the caster blocks (F) to size from a 1 x 6 and glue them to the four corners of the door (Project Diagram, Drawing 5). Center the casters on the corner blocks and fasten them with screws and washers. The 1-1/4-inch-long screws eliminate the need to clamp the corner blocks to the door.

For the furniture feet, cut two 1 x 4 boards to 36-inches in length and drill a hole (Project Diagram, Drawing 8). Drill a hole that matches the diameter of the threaded stud at the top of the bun and glue the foot to the board, slipping the threaded stud into the hole. Drive screws through the board into the feet to make the attachment permanent. Secure the feet assemblies to each end of the daybed, placing them 2 inches from each end.

Fill any screw and nail holes and apply primer followed by two coats of paint following the manufacturer’s instructions. Paint the door used for the headboard, too. When the paint is dry, place the bottom assembly on the top assembly and drill pilot holes. Drive screws though the door into the ends, back, and dividers to join the bottom door panel to the top assembly (Project Diagram, Drawing 6).

Good to Know

By painting the top and bottom assemblies separately, it is easier and faster to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

A bedroom with a taupe daybed, a cream rug, a table lamp and artwork.

Now that you've built your daybed, it's time to accessorize. Here are a few options:

Bedding
New pillows, bedding and blankets in crisp white look fresh or select a bold and bright design that kids are sure to love.

Rugs
An area rug creates a soft landing and can also liven up a space. If you're looking for a serene setting, choose soft neutrals in white, cream, gray, taupe or soft pastels. For a more bohemian look, select a Moroccan rug in an abstract pattern. Stripes and geometric designs work well in modern spaces. To figure out how to select the best size and shape for your space, read How to Choose the Best Area Rug.

Paint & Wallpaper
Paint or wallpaper can transform a space. Do an accent wall behind the bed or you can add artwork. Choose one large piece or create a gallery wall with several smaller pieces of art. For more ideas, read Hanging Picture Frames or Gallery Wall Frames.

Lighting
Lighting is always an important feature in a space -- especially if you'll be using it to read. Wall sconces, table lamps or floor lamps are easy to place next to a daybed. For more information, read How to Choose the Right Lights.

Home Decor Accents
Finish off your space with books, frames, vases, decorative boxes or candles.

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How to Build a DIY Daybed and Headboard

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Instructions

Make the Platforms

Don’t Forget the Accessories

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