Are you looking for an easy and affordable way to increase storage in your bedroom? Underbed storage drawers are a great option!
If you’re looking for a creative and practical way to maximize storage space in your bedroom, consider building underbed drawers! This project can add tons of hidden storage without occupying precious floor space. Not only are they great for clothing, shoes, blankets, and more, but the added height creates an illusion that can make your room look larger.
With just a few simple supplies and our easy-to-follow guide, you can craft beautiful storage solutions that fit the dimensions of your bed frame – no matter what size!
So let’s get started building those drawers – read on for all the tips and tricks you need for how to build underbed storage drawers.
What Will You Need?
Before building your underbed drawers, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need:
- Plywood
- Wood glue
- Nails or screws
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Hand saw
- Sandpaper
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to get started.
8 Easy Steps on How to Build Underbed Storage Drawers
Step 1: Measure Your Bed Frame
To start, you’ll need to measure the size of your bed frame and decide on the dimensions for your underbed storage drawers. Make sure you measure carefully – the measurements must be exact so that everything fits properly! Once you have your measurements, mark them on your plywood using a pencil.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood
Now it’s time to cut your plywood according to your measurements. Use a hand saw to carefully cut out the pieces you need for your underbed storage drawers. You’ll need four sides and a bottom for each drawer. Make sure your cuts are straight and even. After cutting, smooth the edges with sandpaper to prevent any potential splinters or rough edges.
Step 3: Assemble the Drawers
The next step in building underbed storage drawers is assembling the pieces. Apply wood glue along the edges of your plywood pieces, where they will join. Then, secure the pieces with nails or screws, ensuring each corner is square, and the sides flush with the bottom. Remember that the bottom piece should be inside the four sides.
Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a strong bond. Once the glue is dry, your drawer should be sturdy and ready.
Step 4: Finish the Drawers
After the drawers have been assembled and the glue has dried, you can proceed to finish your underbed storage drawers. Start by sanding the surface of the drawers to smooth out any rough spots or inconsistencies. This provides a more professional finish and prepares the wood for painting or staining. Choose your preferred color or shade of wood stain to personalize your drawers.
Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Safety comes first; always work in a well-ventilated area when applying finishes.
Step 5: Add Handles
Now that your drawers are assembled and finished, it’s time to add handles for easy access. You can pick up basic drawer handles at any hardware store, or for a more personalized touch, consider using vintage knobs or handcrafted pulls. Measure and mark the spot where you want to attach the handle, making sure it’s centered and at the right height.
Use a drill to make holes at the marked spots, then screw in the handles. Make sure they’re secure and manageable to ensure easy usage.
Step 6: Install Casters
The final step in building your underbed storage drawers is installing casters. Casters are small wheels that you attach to the bottom of the drawers, allowing them to slide in and out from under the bed easily.
You can purchase casters from a hardware store or online. To install, simply turn your drawer upside down, measure and mark the spots where you intend to attach the casters, drill holes at these marks, and then screw the casters into place.
Ensure the casters are securely fastened and spin freely. Your underbed storage drawers are ready to be filled and slid under your bed. Enjoy the extra, hidden storage space in your bedroom!
Step 7: Filling Your Drawers
With your underbed storage drawers successfully built and installed, it’s time to start using them. Begin by sorting through the items you plan to store in the drawers. Categorize them accordingly – seasonal clothing, spare bed linens, shoes, etc. This will make accessing your items easier in the future. Fold clothes neatly and arrange them to maximize the drawer space.
For smaller items like shoes and accessories, consider using drawer organizers or dividers to keep everything neat and easy to find. Now, slide the drawers under the bed, ensuring they fit snugly and can be easily pulled out and pushed back in.
Step 8: Maintenance and Care
Now that your underbed storage drawers are in place and filled, it’s important to remember to maintain and care for them regularly. Dust and clean your drawers periodically to keep the contents fresh and your room tidy. If your drawers are made of wood, consider reapplying a coat of paint or varnish once a year to keep them looking good and to protect the wood.
If you’ve installed wheel casters, check and oil them occasionally to ensure they always slide smoothly. By taking these small steps, you can ensure your underbed storage drawers last for many years.
By following these steps and using the right materials, you can craft beautiful storage solutions that fit the dimensions of your bed frame. With these tips, creating durable, stylish storage drawers in no time is easy. So get building and enjoy the extra storage space that comes with it!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Quality Materials: Ensuring you use high-quality materials to build your underbed storage drawers will guarantee longevity and durability. Opt for resilient woods like pine or oak.
- Select the Right Sizes: Measure the space under your bed carefully before starting. Ensuring the drawers will fit and slide easily under the bed is essential.
- Choose the Right Hardware: Choosing the right sliding hardware is critical for the ease of use of the drawers. Consider metal sliders for a smooth and durable option.
- Think About the Drawer Fronts: You might want to choose a design style for your drawer fronts that complements your bed or bedroom decor. Paint or stain can also be used to match the existing furniture.
- Organize Efficiently: How you organize your underbed storage drawers can make a big difference. Use dividers or small boxes within the drawers to divide your items into categories. This will make finding what you need quicker and easier.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to build efficient and aesthetically pleasing underbed storage drawers. From selecting quality materials and the right hardware to careful measurement and thoughtful organization, each step plays a critical role in the end result.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Overlooking Safety Measures: While crafting your underbed storage drawers, consider safety precautions. This includes using safety equipment like gloves and eye protection that ensure your workspace is tidy and free of potential hazards.
- Ignoring the Weight Limit: Remember to consider the weight limit of the materials and the sliders you choose. Overloading the drawers could result in damage or injury.
- Using Inappropriate Tools: Always use the correct tools for each process part. Using inappropriate tools can not only damage the materials but can also pose a risk to your safety.
- Forgetting to Sand: You might be tempted to skip the sanding process, but this can leave rough edges that could cause splinters. Always sand down all surfaces for a smooth finish.
- Disregarding Aesthetic Appeal: While functionality is important, consider the aesthetic appeal of your drawers. Ignoring this aspect may result in storage drawers that clash with your bedroom decor. Always aim to create a balance between utility and aesthetics.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re more likely to , durable, functional, and pleasing to the eye.
Conclusion
It is always great to have extra storage in any room of the house. Building your underbed storage drawers can be done with or without a bit of help from tools and supplies. It is important to have an idea of what you need in terms of size, material, and design before you purchase anything.
If you don’t feel confident, there are plenty of tutorials or DYI YouTube channels that show how to build underbed storage drawers.
Last but not least, choose a color and finish for your new drawers that will match the bedroom’s overall style – modern, sleek, or shabby chic. With some patience and creativity, you can create your own stylish underbed storage solution for a bonus to any bedroom in your home!
Hopefully, the article on building underbed storage drawers has given you the information you need to start. Good luck with your project! Happy building!
