Corner Unit for the Twin Storage Bed

Corner Unit for the Twin Storage Bed
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Take advantage of often wasted corner space by building a hutch for the storage beds. This hutch sits on top of the pictured corner unit.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and a special Father's Day.  We were blessed with beautiful weather and good food and lots of family time! TERESA'S BEDS Last week when Teresa posted pictures of her Twin Storage Beds and Corner Unit on our Facebook Fan Page, we were all stunned.  Teresa's beds were absolutely amazing, more of a knock out than a knock off of these beds from Pottery Barn Teen. Yes, you read that right.  $1800, and the beds and sold out!  Teresa don't be surprised if we start ordering from you!

YAY FOR COLOR! And we all loved the green.  I especially love a bright color on furniture, because you can be daring where huge corporations can't afford to be daring.  You can paint a bed any color you choose, without worrying about whether or not the color will sell in a store.  You can build just for YOU (and your family of course).

MORE WAYS TO CUSTOMIZE You can also add your own touches, be that in bedding choices (and I love bright paint because plain white bedding is always enough on a green bed, same goes for plain white walls), or in adding little touches of moulding like Teresa did.

This is my favorite of Teresa's photos, you can see the moulding up close.   Much better than my drawings, eh?

I'm still always amazed at how close the actual build is to the sketch up drawings.  Well, not as nice. After seeing Teresa's photos, I was so excited about the collection that I just had to go and draw up plans for the last remaining piece.  The corner hutch.

You can add a cork board or a mirror to the hutch like Pottery Barn Teen does here.

JUST BOOKCASES

This plans is basically two simple bookcases and some MDF and a few 2x2s to get a hutch.  Hard to believe that this retails for $600, you've got some high dollar skills!  Don't ever under appreciate the value of your determination and hardwork. Make sure your ceiling is at least 67" high.  And plan to assemble the hutch in the room.  We'll build the bookcases seperately, paint and finish, and then do the final assembly in your room.

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Corner Unit for the Twin Storage Bed

Dimensions
Corner Unit for the Twin Storage Bed
Dimensions are shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 1×2 8′ Length 2 – 1×12 10′ Length 1 – 2×2 8′ Length 1/4″ Plywood for the Backs (1 Sheet) 3/4″ MDF for the Top and Face (1 Sheet) 2″ Nails or Screws 1 1/4″ Screws 1 1/4″ Nails Wood Glue

Common Materials
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

8 – 1×12 @ 24 1/2″ (Sides and Shelves) 2 – 1×12 @ 26″ (Tops) 2 – 1/4″ Plywood @ 25 1/4″ x 26″ (Backs) 8 – 1×2 @ 11″ (Cleats, one end cut at a 45 degree bevel) 1 – 3/4″ Plywood or MDF @ 19 1/2″ x 25 1/4″ (Face) 2 – 2×2 @ 27 1/4″ (Back Supports) 1 – 2×2 @ 25 1/4″ (Back Leg) 1 – 3/4″ Plywood or MDF @ 40 1/2″ x 40 1/2″ (Top, end clipped off at angle as shown in step 6)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
General Instructions

Due to the size of this piece, it is recommended to finish the bookshelves and the top and face pieces separately, then assemble in the room. Build on a clean level surface. Be safe and use safety equipment. Use glue. Pre drill all screw holes. Have fun!

Instructions

Step 1

Build your box as shown above. You can use either 2″ screws or nails and glue. Screws will be stronger but nails (with a nailer) will be easier and easier to hide and fine for this application. Use screws if you plan on heavy objects resting on the top shelf. Build two as shown above.

Step 2

BACK
Fasten the back on with 1 1/4″ nails and glue. Make sure you also fasten to the back shelf.

Finish the bookshelves at this stage, painting as desired.

Step 3

CLEATS
Use 1 1/4″ nails and glue to fasten the cleats to the side of the bookshelves, on the insides. The cleats will NOT be fastened to the same side on the two bookcases, so line your bookcases up as shown below and attach the cleats.

Step 4

FACE
Paint or finish the face as desired at this stage. Then on room assembly, use 1 1/4″ screws to fasten the face to the cleats as shown above.

Step 5

Step 6

TOP
Paint or finish the top piece independently. Then on assembly, attach as shown above to the tops of the bookcases and the back support pieces. You may wish to also attach the bottoms of the bookcases to the tops of the corner unit.

Comments

Heidi (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 09:53

WONDERFUL! You are so amazing. I can't wait to build this for my girls! This is so empowering.

Tanjia (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:08

Now I know it's possible for my girls to share a room! I'm not big on bunk beds but this is FABULOUS!!

The Hojnackes (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:23

I just did a post on my blog about you and your blog! I am just trying to figure out which plans I should use first.

Cherie Averill (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:30

This looks perfect for us! Son #3 is a tween and he's too old for the top bunk but son #4 is too young for the top bunk. I'm off to measure their room! Thanks Ana!

Melissa (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:37

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I have a plan to tweak this to make a bank of daybeds for the basement!

lyndyjo (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:44

I was considering building the day beds for two of my girls and was looking at this on the PB website and wondering if I could build it, too. I've never built anything before, but would love to try. I also appreciate you including the complete dimensions. We're moving in a few weeks and I need to go measure to see if beds like this will fit in their bedroom. Love your site!

Pam @ diy Desi… (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:50

I remember these beds from when I was a teenager in the 70's. They were so popular & I always wanted one because I shared a room with my sister!

Teresa Pomerantz (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 11:17

You just made my weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!! Off to Home Depot to have them cut the wood!

Megan (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 11:26

Love, love, love your site! I've never built anything that wasn't from IKEA, but I'm taking this on! Thank you!

Liana Brooks (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 11:55

Perfect!

Sadly, the room is too small. I'm wondering if we could just, y'know, move a wall? Do you think my husband would notice? Or the neighbors?

P.S. Are those twin beds the same as the Stratton Daybed plans or the new full-sized daybed you posted earlier done in twin size? I'd love the new plans for a twin size mattress.

Liana Brooks (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 12:01

Okay, back again... how hard would it be to add hinges to the top portion so that the top opened and the inside could be used for storage?

Barlow Family (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 12:24

Ok Anna, picture this. I have twin beds set up like this in my girls room right now. (Though I totally need to make the top storage section.) The other cool part about my girls beds though, is that the table is made so that you can actually slide one bed into the open section of the table and then there's only a half bed out. You can use it as a seating area if you don't need the bed. It's really cool. I'll take pics if you want them.

Kim Comisar (not verified)

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 07:01

Hi, Could you please, please, please send me pics of this bed unit you made for your girls' room- I'm dying to see it!

Janae (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 12:38

I love it.

You are amazing.

I love making things using your plans. Everyone thinks I'm so talented, buts all you.

Lacking Productivity (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 15:26

I adore you.

As crazy as it is, nothing makes me want to have kids more than this blog. I SOOOOO want to build all your adorable kid stuff...so you have to keep this thing going until I have kids to build toy chests and sandboxes and twin beds for. Deal?

trish (not verified)

Fri, 05/21/2010 - 03:54

This is almost exactly what I'm looking for in a couch for the living room! I'd just shorten one of the 'bed' sections to be only one storage box long, and magically there are two coveted 'corner' seats. To make a back for the couch, would it be reasonable to make a simple upholstered headboard, attach it, and toss in some throw pillows? Or should I make something more structural, like the backs of the Simple Outdoor Sectional?

Vanilla Comfort (not verified)

Fri, 05/21/2010 - 07:58

I love it Ana! I might try to modify the hutch thing to put at the end of my storage daybed, if I ever finish it, lol. This looks much easier than the storage daybed. I wish I had waited. JK, I love them both. Do you think you will add plans for the piece that goes on top of the hutch, like in the PBT picture?

momtofatdogs (not verified)

Fri, 05/21/2010 - 16:55

You know what? I just saw this same set up on Craig's List / Nashville ! Guess how much? $1000.00 ! And YOURS looks better!! I just love your site. Our computer is at the top of the stairs in our bonus room - DH says (as he's walking up the stairs) "You're not lookin at that ANA site are you???" Our "to make" list is getting longer, and longer, and longer!!

Sam

Lea (not verified)

Mon, 06/07/2010 - 02:46

Any suggestions for a room where there is only 99" in one direction ??

I'm at a loss as to how to make my boys room a little more functional.

Rebekah (not verified)

Tue, 12/14/2010 - 07:19

This is amazing!!! I'm thinking this would work and look fabulous in my 2 youngest kids room!!! I'm inspired... THANKS ANA

Tiffany (not verified)

Mon, 01/10/2011 - 08:48

I just wanted to thank you for this. I've been trying to come up with something for our guest room/craft room. If I can tweak this a bit to fit 12x12 scrapbook albums in the cubes one of these will be perfect!! It's almost exactly what the picture in my head looked like but yours has plans LOL

Morgan (not verified)

Sun, 02/13/2011 - 14:59

I ran into the same problem. What I did was made the two beds first. Then I made the hutch a little different. I widened the hutch in both ways to ensure it was still square. But I left the bottom horizontal support off the hutch frame allowing one of the beds to slide into the hutch. I didn't allow the bed to slide all the way to the back but it still looks like it is going to work out really nice. Only two other things to consider first you can not use the cutting directions from this website for the middle hutch or anything else you build on top of it. Secondly, you will probably need another piece of 1/4" plywood to finish the inside of the hutch where the bed slides into. Hope this helps. If you have any more questions let me know.

Michelle Parks (not verified)

Wed, 04/06/2011 - 11:46

Where to buy the foam Matresses or do you make them or order them? Im in Mesquite,TX  if you know of a placew in my area please let me know thanks!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 07/06/2011 - 16:54

Hi Ana, I just found your site last night while looking for a way to redesign my girls bedroom. However, I have been going around and round in circles on the site hunting for the plans for the two twin beds with the corner piece. I keep being redirected and the ending up on a page that says the file no longer exsists. Is there any way you could email me the pdf version of the plans? The only copy I can seem to get is the top Corner Unit for the Twin Storage Bed. So if at all possible I'd like to get the plans for the two twin beds and the bottom corner piece. I showed the girls a picture awhile ago and they are super excited, so I'm really hoping I didn't just get myself into hot water by not being able to get a copy of the plans! lol

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 09/30/2011 - 17:44

I really love these plans and want to build the beds for my boys. I don't see the dimensions or cut list for the bottom part of the corner unit. Like the person above, all I see are the plans for the hutch. Am I overlooking something? I would love the info if possible! Thanks!

LBad (not verified)

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 12:46

Hi
I have found your site recently and love it! I've been working on a design using your twin/full storage bed plans, however, my set up is just like this - the beds both need to be backed up against the wall so no way to access the "back" storage cubes. THESE beds are the ones I want to build, where it appears that storage does the entire width of the bed (front to back). I have some ideas of how to make this work but keep finding roadblocks. Any chance there are designs for Teresa's apple green style storage beds?

p.s.I don't know how you find the time to do all this work AND post the designs AND reply to all these comments but I sure am glad you do!!
thanks!

imalearba4

Wed, 12/07/2011 - 19:43

Hi everyone- Teresa here. Just letting you know that the Storage Daybed is the plan I used. It was my first woodworking project Ever! If I can build it so can you. It looks so seamless because I used long pieces of trim to cover all the joints so it looks like a single box. I did put the divider piece in the middle of the boxes- it really needs it for the support- especially if your kids are like mine and use it as a dance stage every once in a while. Hope that helps- but if you want to ask specific questions you can email me- teresa at pomeranch.com

ange dennix (not verified)

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 10:48

I am new to your site and just love these beds but can not find the plans for the beds themselves can you help me out ty

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 07:59

I am probably missing something, but I cannot seem to find the plans for the actual corner unit base. It seems like these plans are for the hutch that goes on top. I know I'll be busy building the actual storage day beds for now, but I would LOVE to have the plans for the corner unit. Could someone point me in the right direction? Thank you so much, and I am loving this site-- really growing the "to make" list.

Denise Becker (not verified)

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 12:11

Where can we get the plans to build this bed? I have looked all over the web site but haven't found them. Thanks so much!

Lenae Mannino (not verified)

Mon, 04/16/2012 - 18:36

where can you get the plans to build the corner beds dont know where to find them Can you please email me the plans I had the older model couch bed for my daughter for their room now I would like to make a set for my grandchildren when they come to stay with us. but also make it look like a den too. Thank you Lenae

MrsA_42212

Sun, 08/10/2014 - 11:47

I can't find the plans for the beds anymore....I want to make them and add backs to use as seating on our screened in porch. Can someone help! thanks!!!!

Namsiuh

Sun, 12/07/2014 - 04:57

I have been to 2 Home Depot and 1 lowes and can't fine pine that would make this project anywhere near the price people are saying it would cost. Is everyone using white wood and just calling it pine? The 1x12x8 are $35 alone! Please specify the type of wood that is being used because if it is pine I might as well order the beds from pb teen and save myself the time and energy it would take to make these. Thank you in advance!

JoanneS

Sun, 12/07/2014 - 11:33

Hi Namsiuh,  

Whitewood boards are just fine for this project.  Our Lowes calls them Whitewood, and our Home Depot calls them Common Boards.  You don't need to spend extra for the clear pine (our stores call these select pine or radiata pine boards) especially if you are painting or if you are doing a rustic looking piece (where the knots would look cool in that case).  The 2x2's referred to in most plans are furring strips.   In the majority of the plans when it calls for a 1x it's whitewood, or anything 2x it's stud grade lumber.  You have to pick through them more to get a pretty board but they are much cheaper.  You may also find nicer lumber (at a better price) if you have a local lumberyard.  We don't have one where I live, but I wish we did!  Happy Building1

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!