Ovals Bed

Difficulty

Intermediate

Make this DIY bed with these free plans, including step by step diagrams. Inspired by Maine Cottage Mabel Bed.

Thanks Alicia for inspiring this bed and for getting me out of my comfort zone! Really enjoyed creating this plan, can't wait to see your bed!

Dimensions

This bed plan is for a queen. Not recommended in king. For twin and full, reduce the number or size of ovals to fit mattress.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x10 @ 12 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long
1 - 1x8 @ 10 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long (hardwood recommended-use for legs)
2 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long (cleats, can be softwood)
4 - curtain rod finials

Common Materials

1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws

Cut List

12 - 1x10 @ 12" (Ovals)
2 - 1x8 @ 60" (Panel Footer)
2 - 1x4 @ 60" (Panel Header)
2 - 1x2 @ 60" (Tops of Panels)
2 - 2x2 @ 34" (Footboard Legs)
2 - 2x2 @ 44" (Headboard Legs)
2 - 2x8 @ 80" (Siderails)
2 - 2x2 @ 81 1/2" (Cleats)

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Carefully draw out your oval pattern on the 1x10 as shown above. Cut the pattern out, marking the centers clearly before you do any cuts on ALL of the 1x10 boards (so you know where to line the ovals up). When you are happy with the pattern, use it to trace the remaining patterns, considering the saw blade and placement when you cut. Sand the edges of the ovals smooth.

Drill Kreg Jig pocket holes in tops and bottoms as shown in diagram on all ovals.

Step 2

Once the ovals are cut to your satisfaction and sanded - you won't be able to do much sanding once assembled - mark the 1x4 and 1x8 for oval placement as shown above. Use 1 1/4" pocket hole screws to attach ovals. Make two of these.

Step 3

You can use a different type of leg here - I recommend for full and queen beds to use hardwood 2x2s at the minimum. For added support you can actually add a fifth leg to the center of the bed if necessary. Attach the legs as shown above.

Step 4

Then finish the top with the 1x2 as shown above.

Step 5

Step 6

The sideboards get attached even with the footboard footer. Use 2 1/2" pocket hole screws, with your jig set for 1 1/2" stock or bed brackets or 3" screws from the outsides.

Step 7

This bed is designed to be used with a box spring. Attach cleats flush to the bottom of the siderails with 2 1/2" screws and glue. Box spring will sit on top.

Step 8

Optional curtain rod finials can be drilled into the tops of the legs for a finishing touch.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. 

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Queen

Beds and Bed Frames

Room

Bedroom

Style

Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Lady Goats

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 12:42

You know what's cracking me up about this?

I was just telling my sister that I think this bed is absolutely adorable.. Seriously... days ago. Too funny!

k g (not verified)

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 13:48

This bed is super cute. I

This bed is super cute. I never thought I'd be saying/typing this but...I was actually disappointed in this post because I thought it was going to be about the momplex!!! It's so fun to vicariously live through you building a house!!! Yay for you!!!

(I do love the bed. It is super cute.) :)

ajcajj

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 13:57

This bed is beautiful! My

This bed is beautiful! My only complaint is that you're making it harder and harder for me to make beds for my daughters, because I can't decide which plan to use! :-) Thanks for all your hard work Ana!

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 14:25

I love this bed!

I've been in love with the farmhouse bed for over a year but for some reason have been holding off on building it. Now I know why! I was waiting for the Ovals Bed. There's no holding me back now!

Ana White

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 14:42

Thank you to Alicia for

Thank you to Alicia for requesting this plan! I'm so glad you all like it! @ ajcajj I totally know what you are going through . . . just ordered some parts to make my daughter yet another bed LOL!

@ kg you totally made Mr Ram's day - he just beamed when I told him about your comment! There's always a need for technical information, but knowing that you care about our building story is very touching! Thank you!

ajcajj

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 20:11

I can not even tell you the

I can not even tell you the joy it brings me to handmake things for my kids! I appreciate all the time and energy you put in to make this blog possible!