21 Awesome DIY Bed Frames You Can Totally Make

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Building your own DIY bed frame can be both easy *and* save you a lot of money!

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If you are like me, your initial reaction to building your own bed frame was that it must be difficult and would cost you a lot of money, right?

This could not be further from the truth!

While there are definitely advanced projects that require lots of time and money, there are also super easy bed frame DIY projects that will cost you less than a meal at a nice restaurant!

Spend less than $150 dollars by making your own bed frame! It’s easy!

Thankfully, the internet is packed full of fantastic DIY bed frame ideas and projects that include blueprints and step by step pictures.

Because you, my dear reader, are awesome, I’ve thoroughly combed the web in search of the best DIY bed frames so that you won’t have to. You won’t find a better list – this one features the easiest and the most affordable bed frame DIYs the internet has to offer! I’ve gathered them all up in this article just for you.

If you came here looking to BUY bed frames (and not DIY them), then check this post out! I’ve gathered a big list of all my favorite boho beds and bedframes! I’m still working on collecting lists of other decor styles 🙂

And remember, these are DIY bed frames, so you can stain them or paint them in any color or shade you like to have it fit perfectly with your decor! So find a shape you like and then go shopping for the finish elsewhere, unless you really like what you see of course 🙂

PRO TIP → DON’T USE PLYWOOD AS A BASE.
While it might seem convenient to just add a plywood layer as a base for your mattress to rest upon, this is a bad idea. A mattress needs to breathe; by cutting off air circulation with plywood, you are creating a perfect environment for mold to build up. Ain’t nobody want a moldy mattress!! Use slats instead! (They are super cheap on Amazon!!) Some of the tutorials listed here use plywood as a base – I would ignore that and just use slats instead!

All the DIYs featured will list approximate cost and difficulty!

Green = EASY

Blue = MEDIUM

Red = ADVANCED

21 Gorgeous DIY Bed Frames – Pick The One You Love Best!

1. Rustic Modern Platform Bed

Cost: Around $125Difficulty: Medium

I love this bed frame project from Ana White; it’s a rustic modern style low bed frame, but it also makes me think of Japanese design. It has a cozy and luxurious feel to it!

If you’re looking at building a bed frame out of 2×4 and 2×6 wood pieces, you’ll love this tutorial.

This guide comes with a full shopping list and blueprints to help you finish this DIY every step of the way!

2. Simple Wooden DIY Bed Frame

Cost: Around $100Difficulty: Easy

If you are feeling a bit apprehensive about building your own bed, I highly recommend this tutorial from Ananda at A Piece Of Rainbow, assuming that you like the style of course.

This guide is highly detailed with clear step-by-step instructions with pictures, blueprints, and measurements for different sized frames. Highly recommended!

3. Upholstered Bed Frame

Cost: $75 – $125Difficulty: Medium

If you want to undertake more of a project, this guide from The Handy Homemaker will take you through each step in creating this upholstered bed frame from scratch! Don’t expect to finish this one in an afternoon though.

You will require some basic carpenter tools and a sewing machine to pull this bed frame off. A power saw will be handy for this project though, as you’ll have to do a lot of woodcutting.

4. Floating Bed Frame

Cost: $50 – $100Difficulty: Medium

If you are looking for a more modern style, consider making a “floating” DIY bed frame. To further enhance the illusion of the bed frame floating above the ground, make sure to place some light strips underneath it!

I personally have some Philips Hue Light Strips set up underneath my bed. They are hooked up to a motion sensor, so anytime I get up in the middle of the night, the lights go on for 30 seconds. Very useful, looks great and would work well with this DIY!

5. Modern Japanese Hairpin Frame

Cost: Around $150Difficulty: Medium

A great, in-depth guide by Mike at Modern Builds detailing every step of making this fabulous Japanese / mid-century style bed frame. This guide is very extensive, with step by step pictures and a YouTube video of the full process. If you decide to go with this you will be in good hands!

If it wasn’t for the super clear instructions I would rate this build hard, but since the guide is so in-depth I will leave this at a medium.

You may need to rent some tools though, as Mike uses some fancy techniques in some of the steps.

6. Hotel Style DIY Bed Frame

Cost: Around $50Difficulty: Easy

Check out this simple yet elegant, classical bed frame DIY guide from Inkwell Press. It will fit pretty much any style bedroom and you can easily pick out a good color/stain that will match the rest of your decor.

This is a very easy DIY project that requires minimal skill and tools. The materials will cost you around $50 depending on what type of wood and stain/paint you use.

7. Basic Bed Frame – Home Depot

Cost: Around $50Difficulty: Easy

If you want to learn the basics of building a wooden bed frame, this complete tutorial from Home Depot will teach you everything you need to know. It includes a step-by-step guide along with a video to make things as clear as possible!

8. Minimalist DIY Bed Frame

Cost: Around $75Difficulty: Easy

This beautiful bedframe from No Glitter No Glory is super neat and would fit well in a minimalist / Scandinavian inspired bedroom.

This DIY is one of the easiest to make on this list. If you are looking for a quick, budget option and you like this style, you have nothing to lose!

9. Pallet Platform Bed

Cost: Free – $50Difficulty: Easy

This is the perfect DIY bed frame if you are on a really tight budget and can find some pallets!

Using pallets to build all kinds of things has been in style for quite a few years now. Beds are no different, one of my favorite ways to use pallets is to paint them white as seen in this example from Honey And Fizz.

If you are looking for a truly affordable DIY bed frame, you can’t go wrong with pallets! Building a bed frame out of pallets is going to be one of the cheapest solutions you can find!

A lot of very boho-chic bedrooms use pallets as platforms for their beds!

10. Modern Mid-Century Bed Frame

Cost: $50 – $75Difficulty: Easy

This mid-century bed frame certainly has a designer vibe to it! In fact it was inspired by a CB2 bed frame called “Drommen”.

Those slanted legs! 😍

The guide by Bigger Than The Three Of Us provides full step by step instructions with images, measurements and a shopping list making this an easy project to tackle!

No fancy tools are needed and it will cost you a fraction of the original version 😉 I would highly recommend you stain it in a dark wood though as can be seen in the original CB2 version, it will give you a more luxurious finish.

11. Upholstered Box Spring Mattress

Cost: $25 – $50Difficulty: Easy

This is definitely one of the most affordable options, especially if you can get the box spring for free! People give them away all the time on Craigslist.

It’s actually pretty genius.

All you’ll need in terms of tools is a staple gun and a screwdriver (electrical drill preferred, but you can do with a manual as well).

All you have to do is cover the box spring in a fabric you love and add some legs. You can get any legs you can think of; Amazon has a huge selection of well-priced furniture legs that you can check out.

Here’s a step by step tutorial provided by Apartment Therapy.

12. West Elm Inspired Wooden Bed

Cost: $150 – $200Difficulty: Medium/Advanced

Another great design from Jen Woodhouse! This bed frame is quite impressive looking and will give your bedroom an expensive look to it. In fact, the original bed from West Elm would cost you almost $1700!

Thankfully, with this DIY you can do it for under $200. 🙂 By looking at it, you would never guess how cheap this diy bed frame actually was to build.

You will need some basic carpenter tools for this DIY. I would recommend an electrical saw that will cut your pieces straight or that headboard is never going to look right.

13. Minimalist wooden bed frame

Cost: $100 – $150Difficulty: Easy

If you are looking for a clean, light look, this bed frame DIY from Kiwi And The Peach might just be what you are looking for.

If this is one of your first DIYs I would recommend something like this, it will be very easy for you to put together and will still look like something you spent quite a bit of money on!

14. Clean Modern Bed Frame

Cost: Around $75Difficulty: Easy

If you are going for a modern and airy vibe in your bedroom, this tutorial from Decor & The Dog is a great option.

This cool DIY bed frame tutorial comes with cut lists for King, Queen and Twin sized bed frames, which is amazing!

15. Farmhouse Platform Bed

Cost: $75 – $125Difficulty: Medium

This frame is actually built using regular planks, but the design makes it look like it was made with think timber pieces.

If you are looking for something bold with a strong presence, this farmhouse platform bed DIY is a great option and actually pretty easy in terms of construction!

16. King Farmhouse Bed Frame

Cost: $150 – $200Difficulty: Medium

Another great DIY tutorial from Shanty 2 Chic. As usual, this guide comes with free plans and step-by-step instructions from start to finish that are easy to follow.

If you are into the farmhouse style, then this style DIY bed frame might be for you.

As you can probably tell, making this bed frame will require quite a bit of work and a few extra tools you might not have lying around. But if you have the time and patience, this will be a straightforward project. If you expect to be done in one weekend, this bed frame might not be for you.

17. Simple Traditional Bed Frame

Cost: $75 – $100Difficulty: Medium

This lovely creation from Ana White does NOT come with pictures, only Google Sketchup blueprints. If that is a deal-breaker then I would suggest finding a similar bed on this list, there should be plenty 🙂

The headboard is a bit specific though and really sets the look of this bed, careful planning will be required here.

18. Metal / Walnut Bed Frame DIY

Cost: $150 – $200Difficulty: Advanced

This is probably the hardest bed to build in this round-up as you will need some basic welding and metal cutting skills.

If you don’t have experience with this I highly suggest looking at another bed frame to make. If you decide to go for it anyway, please find a friend or someone with experience who can show you the basics.

This round-up is mostly about easy DIY bed frames, but I felt I couldn’t leave this one out as it’s such a nice metal frame! If you have experience with metalworking, this frame will be a piece of cake for you!

19. Wooden Canopy Bed Frame

Cost: Around $125Difficulty: Medium

Another DIY bed frame from Ana White! This time in a minimalist/rustic style!

While you get access to detailed plans, there is no actual step-by-step guide with pictures. If you need help with how to attach each piece, then take a look at some of the other tutorials here for some tips. You will need a Kreg Jig to attach the pieces.

20. Reclaimed Wood Bed

Cost: Around $150Difficulty: Medium

If you have some leftover wood from a previous project, well, maybe you should build a bed frame out of the scraps?

It will save you a LOT of money and ensures nothing goes to waste. In all fairness, you could probably build any of the beds in this round-up using reclaimed wood, but this is a bed frame specifically built using reclaimed wood from Mr. Kate. The result is quite impressive!

21. Farmhouse Simple Bedframe

Cost: $100 – $150Difficulty: Medium

Another excellent DIY from Ana White and as usual comes with fully detailed google SketchUp rendered instructions! Blueprints available in both King and Queen sizes!

The top image displays quite a rustic looking version of this bed, but remember that you can paint it in a flat color as well for a more modern look. I think white would be very flattering on this bed frame!

Hopefully one of these DIY bed frames will look amazing in your home! If you feel intimidated, don’t worry, just take it slow and follow the instructions and you will be just fine!

Now what are you waiting for? 😀 Go out there and pick up your supplies and get building!

If you’re looking for a new bed frame or headboard for your bedroom but you’ve decided that building one yourself isn’t for you, I’VE GOT YA COVERED!

Favorite bohemian beds and headboards

Favorite mid century modern beds

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