A bed made from pallets is an excellent opportunity to get high-quality furniture without major expenses. Such decorative elements will fit perfectly into any interior, and they are made from environmentally friendly materials. You don't need to be a specialist to make a bed from pallets with your own hands .
You just need to prepare the tools, buy a few pallets and set aside some free time for work. Next, follow the instructions and recommendations provided in this article.
DIY pallet bed
Types and design features of beds made from Euro pallets
Wooden shipping pallets are a very good material for making furniture. Designers and experienced home craftsmen have created a large number of different modifications of beds, tables, chairs, armchairs, etc. Such furniture is perfect for country houses, country houses and city apartments, especially for interiors in a minimalist, loft, eco, ethno or studio style. However, it must be well processed to avoid splinters and impregnated with protective compounds to ensure a long service life.
You can make beds of various configurations from pallets
Description
Pallets are wooden structures for transporting or storing different types of cargo. They are also called pallets. A standard pallet consists of wooden boards that are located at a short distance from each other. This arrangement of elements makes the pallet very durable and resistant to heavy loads. As a rule, pallets weigh 16 kg, but in some cases the weight may increase, for example, when the wood gets wet. The length of the product is 120 cm and the width is 100 cm.
The sizes of Euro pallets are slightly different
In the manufacture of pallets, durable types of wood are used so that the finished structure can withstand heavy weight and transportation. Wooden products can withstand weights of several hundred kilograms; even old and used pallets are suitable for furniture.
Simple do-it-yourself pallet bed
Buying them is not so difficult, because there are many advertisements on the Internet for the sale of these wooden structures. You can contact a transport company in your city or visit a pallet production facility. As a rule, such products are given away purely for a nominal fee or completely free of charge (we are talking about used goods).
Decoration methods
Do-it-yourself pallet beds are decorated in various ways. We describe the most popular technologies in the table.
| Decor technology | Part of the bed that is decorated | Application Feature |
| Varnish coating | Base, headboard | Varnish protects wooden surfaces from negative factors, extends the life of furniture, and emphasizes the beauty of the natural pattern of wood. |
| Application of paint | Base, headboard | Paint allows you to completely or partially hide the aesthetics of a wooden surface. |
| Upholstery | Headboard | Allows you to give the design even greater originality and beauty. A pallet bed with a soft headboard has a unique look and special style. |
After the pallets are cleaned of dirt and sanded, they will need to be treated with a primer. Then you can move on to using the final finishing composition: varnish, paint. The product is applied to wide wooden surfaces using a roller, and hard-to-reach areas are painted using a brush. The products are left in a draft-free room for final drying, and then used to make furniture with your own hands.
A crib made from pallets can be painted in bright colors, a teenager’s bed can be painted in laconic tones, and a model in a garden guest house can be varnished.
Choosing a pallet bed design
From pallets you can make a small or large single bed, as well as a huge double bed. The principle of creating this piece of furniture is the same: identical pallets are connected to each other so as to form a podium on which the mattress is installed.
You can make a bed from pallets with your own hands, two-level, or low, on legs or wheels, with or without a headboard. But the most important thing is to assemble the frame correctly. How to make a bed from pallets with your own hands?
Bed on the podium
Using pallets you can construct a kind of podium for the bed. If you add lighting and decorations in accordance with the loft style, you will get a very original composition. The main thing about such a bed is that it is literally a mattress on a pallet without any unnecessary tricks.
Bed on the podium
DIY pallet bed with mattress box
For a bed that has a frame made of one row of pallets, you can make a box into which the mattress will be inserted. Depending on its size, you will need two or four wooden platforms.
To make a box from two pallets, you need to turn the pallets over, and then use a jigsaw to cut down the boards that are located in the middle of each wooden platform so that the supports take the shape of the letter “U”.
These boards need to be secured in such a way that each pallet has three closed sides. After this, you need to connect the pallets together with the open sides inward. The resulting box must be secured to a podium made of pallets, and then the mattress must be inserted into it.
If the box is created from four pallets, then each wooden platform should have only two closed sides.
DIY pallet bed with headboard
A do-it-yourself pallet bed can be complemented with a headboard. It can also be made from pallets. You can simply install two pallets at the base of the bed, or you can use separate boards to create a headboard.
To do this, you need to disassemble the pallets, remove the nails, treat the boards with sandpaper, coat them with primer and apply a layer of paint or varnish. Then the boards need to be secured at the base of the bed vertically or horizontally.
floating bed
The floating effect is quite easy to create. To do this, you just need to place the pallet on a large support, which will be smaller in area. If you turn on the lighting from below, you will get the feeling that the bed is actually levitating above the floor. However, you need to act carefully with light so that the room does not turn from a loft style into futurism.
floating bed
Unusual beds made from pallets
In such a matter as making a bed from pallets with your own hands, you cannot do without imagination. Designers offer the most daring solutions. So, for example, a bed made of pallets can not be placed on the floor, but simply hung from the ceiling on chains or strong ropes.
In addition, you can make a two-level bed from pallets, where the two parts will be located at a short distance from each other, like steps on a staircase.
The bed can also be equipped with various drawers. They can be installed in the space between pallets or placed around the perimeter of the bed. In addition, you can build a bed with sides on which you can put books and other small items.
Under-bed storage
Buying a huge wardrobe for a loft-style room is not a good idea. Another thing is drawers constructed from pallets and installed under the bed. This will not only allow you to match the chosen design, but also significantly free up space in a small bedroom. In such niches you can store bed linen and other things that do not need to be taken out too often.
Under-bed storage
Preparation of the drawing
When preparing a sketch of a pallet bed, the following design features should be taken into account:
- the dimensions of a homemade bed, determined by the wishes of the customer, as well as the size of the living space. When assembling a two-layer structure, it will turn out to be massive and tall, and if you choose a single-layer option, it will only serve as a niche for a mattress;
- the configuration of the future product (usually rectangular or square beds are made on the basis of pallets, but if desired, you can choose other solutions);
- the order of placement of the sofa bed (on legs, directly on the floor or on rotating wheels);
- the size and quality of the sleeping mattress, which determine the choice of a specific place for it and ease of use (it can be placed directly on a pallet or placed in a separate box).
To this should be added a competent approach to choosing a headboard, the presence of which in some cases negatively affects the appearance of the product. In a number of situations, you can completely abandon it (unless there is an urgent need for it).
Before you begin to implement one of the proposed solutions, you should make a list of all the necessary devices.
Single and double beds
Single and double beds are a classic. For production you will need at least 8 pallets, which are fastened together using metal corners and screws. The number of pallets depends on the width and height of the structure you want. The bed can be complemented with a headboard.
Two-tier structures
Bunk beds made from pallets are an excellent solution for small apartments. They may have different configurations and functionality. For example, on the second tier there is a sleeping place, and below there is a desk with a computer.
Romantic setting
An excellent example of decorating a room with a bed made of pallets with lighting.
Original backlight
Easy environment
Cozy interior
Interesting bedroom decor
Original interior
Cute bedroom decor
The optimal solution for the interior
Original interior
Tiny bedroom
Cozy atmosphere
Optimal bedroom interior with a bed made of pallets.
Bright interior
A great example of bedroom decor in light colors with an unusual backlit bed.
Modern bedroom design
Just an extraordinary bedroom interior with a cool interior in a modern style.
Special interior
The original bedroom interior with a bed made of pallets looks extraordinary.
Cozy atmosphere
An excellent option for decorating a bedroom interior with a custom bed decorated with lighting.
Stylish bedroom design
A cool example of decorating a bedroom thanks to a bed made of pallets.
Contrasts in the interior
A simple but original bedroom interior that combines dark and light colors.
Cool design
A nice option for decorating a bedroom with a bed made of pallets with unusual lighting.
Source
Children's beds made from pallets
Since children's furniture is recommended to be made from natural materials, wooden pallets are perfect for these purposes. For a regular single bed for a child you will need at least 4 pallets. You can make a design with headboards and safety bumpers. Bunk beds with stairs and “lofts” are very popular. However, a children's bed made from pallets must be treated more carefully than for an adult. We invite you to look at photos of children's beds made from pallets, assembled with your own hands.
In what styles can the idea be used?
In fact, in any modern room. And even in interiors close to rustic country. Fans of classics and similar movements are unlikely to like this option. But connoisseurs of hand-made ideas and those who want to discover new things will want to try it.
Scandinavian, loft, modern, boho, wabi-sabi - all these trends will “support” authentic hand-made furniture.
Other types of pallet structures
There are also hanging beds made from pallets, which are perfect for a summer house or country house garden. The structures suspended on thick ropes will be a wonderful place to relax on a hot summer day.
A bed made of pallets on wheels is an excellent solution for an apartment, cottage or home. Since it is difficult to clean under a conventional structure, installing rollers will not only allow you to easily remove dust, but also move the bed to another place.
Advantages and disadvantages of beds made from Euro pallets
From pallets that are unpresentable at first glance, you can make an inexpensive and stylish bed that will fit perfectly into an interior in a loft, country or Provence style. However, such designs, like everything else in the world, have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positive aspects of pallet beds:
- low cost of the product due to the low cost of the main consumables;
- the optimal dimensions of the pallets make it possible to produce single and double beds even without the use of a hacksaw;
- the ability to create original, stylish and durable designs;
- Even a beginner can assemble a bed from cargo pallets.
Even a beginner in the furniture business can assemble such a bed.
The disadvantages include the following:
- since pallets are intended for transporting goods where a perfectly flat and smooth surface is not required, a lot of effort will have to be made to process it to an ideal state in order to avoid splinters;
- For the manufacture of pallets, mainly second-grade wood that has not undergone protective treatment is used;
- Not suitable for every interior style.
A bed made of pallets is not suitable for every interior style
What is important to remember when making
Today, many owners of their own home or any other premises want to make their territory cozy and stylish. To make such a desire come true, you can use the services of famous designers, you can do everything you need yourself. True, in order to complete this task on your own, you will have to work hard and first study more than one master class and read the advice of famous masters. But in any case, the effort and time spent are worth it, because the result will truly amaze with its originality and beauty.
Interior set of pallets
Based on everything that was said above, it becomes clear that, if desired, anyone can make their home even more comfortable and practical, and for this it is not at all necessary to have great financial resources or detailed knowledge. A little perseverance and patience are enough.
Well, you definitely need to think about the external design of such products, because they should fit harmoniously into any interior
Creation technology
There is no single instruction on how to make a bed from pallets with your own hands. This process in each specific case has its own characteristics, since the master’s flight of imagination is not limited by anything. Let us describe the main stages of creating individual structural elements of the future sleeping bed from wooden pallets.
Base
Pallets are an excellent material for making a reliable and strong base for a bed. The standard size of such material is 120*80 cm. The technology for making a bed from pallets with your own hands involves performing preparatory work. First, you need to carefully inspect the pallets for contamination. If clean material is selected, it is simply wiped clean of dust. If the pallets have been used, they will need to be cleaned of adhering dirt and dust. Use a broom, brush and damp cloth to make the work go faster and the result to be of the highest quality. If assembly will be done outside, you can use a garden hose to rinse off the trays. Next, the material must be allowed to dry.
After final drying, the material must be thoroughly sanded. To do this, use fine sandpaper, a special grinder or a drill brush. Working with tools will go faster, and the result will be better. Wooden surfaces are carefully processed so that the homemade bed is as safe as possible during use. Poorly treated wood can leave splinters on the skin. After finishing the sanding process, wipe the wood again with a damp cloth. Next, you will need to perform priming and final finishing of the surfaces using varnish or paint.
To create a single bed or sleeping place for a child, you will need 2 pallets, which are laid out on the floor one after the other. Then the sleeping place will have the following dimensions: length - 240 cm, width - 80 mm. If you use 3 pallets, 2 of which are folded with the long side facing each other, and the third is placed on top, then the dimensions of the sleeping bed will be different. Their length will be 240 cm and width - 120 cm. Let's measure the area of the bed in both cases. In the first it will be 1.92 sq. m, and in the second - 2.88 sq. m. The first option is more suitable for a schoolchild or teenager, and the second - for a baby with his mother.
To create a low double bed 240*160 cm for adults you need 4 units of material, for a tall one of the same size - 8 pallets. If you plan to create a double bed from Euro pallets measuring 240*240 cm, you will need to get 6 or 12 pallets. Having six units will allow you to make a low base, and 12 – a high one. Pallets need to be folded in two rows of 3 pieces on the floor, fastened together using self-tapping screws. Then, another 6 pallets are laid out on the first row and also fastened together.
Sanding
Primer
Painting
Bars for the base
Pallet stacking
Legs
Before you make your own bed from pallets, consider whether it is worth equipping the structure with legs. Their presence will make the sleeping bed higher, which increases the comfort of the furniture for people of short stature, heavy weight, and with sore joints. A low bed made of pallets looks lighter and does not burden a narrow space, but it will be problematic for an elderly person to sit down and get up from it.
To make the legs of a wooden sleeping bed, you should use wooden blocks or make four cubes from cut pallets for installation in the corners of the base. If you want to give the design mobility, install it in the center of the bedroom, you should choose supports for the product in the form of wheels. You can purchase them together with the fasteners that are relevant for a particular model at a furniture store. With such legs, furniture can be moved around the room if necessary.
Please note that the level of load on the wheel supports reaches its maximum when several people lie on the bed at the same time. For this reason, it is necessary to select high-quality wheels so that they are able to withstand significant weight.
Strengthen the legs with metal corners
Headboard
A bed made of pallets with an original headboard looks stylish and elegant. You can add an original part to your bed on your own, using available materials. Such a detail can be a hard or soft headboard with original decor or a non-standard shape.
To create a headboard you will need 1-2 pallets. They are mounted to the base vertically at the head. If desired, the backrest can be fixed not on the base, but on the wall surface. The disadvantage of this solution is the need to drill into the wall. In addition, it will not be possible to move the pastel to another place without dismantling the headboard and minor repairs to the wall.
If the design project requires it, you can create a soft headboard for a bed from pallets. To do this, the pallet is lined with foam rubber and covered with upholstery material using a construction stapler. Among various types of upholstery, the following options are most often preferred for making a soft headboard:
- fabric (velvet, brocade) - such luxurious-looking materials will look even more interesting in combination with the aesthetics of wooden pallets;
- eco-leather is an affordable, practical, beautiful material that will be very easy to care for in the bedroom;
- genuine leather - in combination with pallets, this expensive material may seem inappropriate, but when creating a unique bedroom design, such original ideas are quite applicable.
A soft headboard is mounted on the wall and decorated in different ways. The main function that such an element will perform is to create a decorative accent. But let’s not forget that when you lean your back on the soft upholstery of the bed, a person feels additional comfort. For the sake of this fact, it’s worth tinkering a little with foam rubber and upholstery.
Painting
Personal preference is important at this stage. You can leave the natural color of the wood or paint it any color you want.
Wood paint, acrylic varnish or impregnation are ideal for painting a wooden pallet.
To get the perfect effect, you must follow the paint manufacturer's instructions.
Between applying layers of paint, be sure to allow time for the previous layer to thoroughly saturate the wood and dry completely.
Assembly
After careful processing and painting, they can be combined with each other.
Pallets must be arranged in a specific order and securely connected with bolts, metal angles and/or studs.
If the design is the same as in the diagram below, then for each row of a double bed you will need 8 pins with a diameter of M10.
A washer must be placed under all nuts, and the length of each stud must be at least 25 cm.
Since each block (pillow) of the pallet has dimensions of 10x10 cm + 5 cm, the margin will be sufficient if the upper part of the pallet does not protrude around the perimeter.
For the studs, do not forget to drill through holes at equal distances with a 10.5 mm drill. After this, we twist everything one by one into a single structure.
In order to securely fix the second row, it is enough to twist them with an additional 4 bolts in the corners.
The headboard is fastened in the same way as the base. Or you can fix it to the wall through a metal corner.
After rolling the pallets, make sure that all components have been thoroughly painted and that there are no bald spots. And to protect the mattress, you need to attach thick fabric to the base.
The free space under the pallets can serve as a place for storage systems in the form of cardboard, plastic or fabric boxes.
Creating a highlight
A bed made of pallets with lighting gives the bedroom additional comfort at night, fills the space with an atmosphere of love, promotes relaxation, and evokes romantic lightness. Therefore, experienced designers advise using LED strips, glowing cords or simply free-standing lamps to complement self-made furniture from wooden pallets.
Select two glow cords, each 185 cm long. Connect them with plugs and place them at the bottom of the base along the entire perimeter of the structure, so that when the lighting fixtures are turned on, the illusion of the bed floating above the floor is created. Make sure that each of the contacts fits deep into the channel in which the wiring is placed. Protect the free end of the cord with a cap. Next, connect the duralight to the electrical cable and check if the system works.
The main thing is to position the backlight switch in such a way that you can use it without getting out of bed. Light fixtures, cord, switch can be picked up in the store.
More about decorating
Proper decoration plays an important role in interior design, because a simple wooden bed will not look very aesthetically pleasing against the background of modern furniture, curtains and household appliances. You need to learn how to properly decorate a bed. There are several tricks for this. If your bed has a headboard, it can be decorated with spectacular paintings or ornaments made using a jigsaw or a special burner. Paint the bed itself in the color you like, which will harmonize with the interior of the bedroom.
Pallet beds with lighting
Note! When decorating a children's bed made from wooden pallets, you can use delicate fabric to create a canopy. Silk fabric is best suited for this.
For a minimalist bedroom setting, where the bed is not only the central piece of furniture, but often the only one, pallets are perfect
If you wish, you can install LEDs in the headboard, thereby creating a romantic backlight. They can be supplemented with hanging electric lamps - one on each side. However, it doesn’t matter what exactly you decorate your bed with. The main thing is to do it with your soul! This is the only way to achieve the perfect combination of beauty and home comfort.
A bed made of pallets is not poverty, but style
