How to Build a Loft & Study Space With a Bunk Bed

A bunk bed is a space-saving solution in a small room.

Kids love bunk beds. This versatile piece of furniture is a standard fixture in many children's rooms. Once your teen has outgrown the old bunk bed, it is easily converted into a cool loft bed. Underneath, a desk and bookshelves make a practical and user-friendly study space. A little paint, a few extra boards for support, a lamp and chair complete the project. This bunk bed conversion is an easy weekend project for the do-it-yourself parent.

Things You'll Need

• 1 bunk bed, wood
• 1 small desk
• 1 office chair on wheels
• 2 bookcases, 3-foot wide
• 4 boards, 1-foot by 6-foot
• Measuring tape
• Saw
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• Screws

Instructions

1. Set up the bunk bed in the middle of the room. Do not install the bottom mattress. Measure the interior width of the framework, the exterior length and the height from the floor to the bottom of the top bunk.

2. Cut one 1-by-6 to the outside length of the bed frame. Screw it to the posts horizontally across the back of the bunk bed and halfway between the floor and the top bunk.

3. Cut two 1-by-6 boards to the interior width of the ends of the bed frame. Screw onto the inside of the frame, one on each end, halfway between the floor and the top bunk.

4. Move the bunk bed to the planned location of the loft bed/study space. Remove the front bed rail from the bottom of the bunk bed.

5. Place the desk under the bunk bed, centered across the back. Roll the chair up to the desk and check for head room. If the top bunk is too low, purchase four bed risers and put them under the legs of the bunk bed.

6. Place one bookcase across each end of the bunk bed. Screw through the back and attach to the 1-by-6 supports, using at least four screws or nuts and bolts for each bookcase. Add a lamp and office accessories to finish the study space.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach the bunk bed to the wall studs with lag bolts for greater stability.

• Inexpensive bunk beds, desks, office chairs and bookcases are easily found at thrift stores, yard sales and online.

• Stain or paint the support boards to match the bunk bed before installation.

• Children like to climb. Attach the bookcases to the bunk bed to prevent them from tipping over onto a child.

• Do not use a rolling office chair in a child's room. It may roll out from under a child.

• Use safety glasses and gloves when using a saw or power tools.

References

• Ask the Builder: Build a Loft Bed
• Service Magic: Loft Bunk Beds

Resources

• Bunk Beds Central: Number One on Your College Wish List; The Dorm Bunk Bed
• The Sleep Guide: Space Saving Beds