Ep. 12: Daybed with Storage
Tools:
- Circular saw
- Jig saw
- Drill/power screwdriver
- Level
- Stud finder
Materials:
- Some pre-finished storage cabinets or shelving units
- Plywood made from sustainably managed sources. Have enough to make the platform for the upholstered daybed mattress.
- Wood 2x2 that is the length of the wall at the window
- Wood screws
- Wall anchors
Planning your work:
A bay window space or small wall with windows can be a great place to build a day bed with storage. Start by measuring the dimensions of the day bed. A comfortable seat height is about 17” to 18” high. The upholstered foam bed top should be about three to four inches thick, and the storage unit should be built so that its top is about 12” from the floor. For a custom fit, the day bed should fit wall to wall in the space below the window, and this may be the simplest way to decide on its size. Keep in mind that a typical single bed is about 75” long and 39” wide which is fine for sleeping and lounging, but too wide to sit up comfortably. However, less than 24” wide will be very uncomfortable to sleep on, and any less than 17” will be difficult to sit on for long. Once you have determined suitable dimensions of the daybed, check out your local furniture stores for a shelving unit or cabinetry that may be a close fit for your storage compartments. Instead of building from scratch, you can often save yourself time and money modifying or repurposing something ready-made.
Construction:
If you chose to buy finished storage units, they will likely be a bit too long or a bit too short to fit perfectly within the space. This can easily be modified to fit.
Too short?
- Set the store bought units on the floor with equal spacing at either end to the walls.
- Cut two pieces of the plywood to fit between the wall and the end of the units. The units may also have matching shelves which could be used for this purpose. The shelves’ matching finish will make for an authentic built-in look.
- Scribe the baseboard profile onto these pieces and cut out with a jig saw for a good custom fit.
- Secure these filler pieces to each end of the units and to the walls using ”L” brackets and screws.
Too long?
- Decide which end of the units you would like to cut down to fit to the wall.
- Set the other end of the units in its place on the floor and secure it to the wall with screws.
- Measure the remaining space, and cut the left or right end of the remaining unit to length.
- Dismantle the off-cut piece and re-attach the vertical piece to the side of the unit. By using the original material, you will keep its original finish for an authentic built-in look.
Finishing installation:
- Secure all units to one another and to the floor using screws. Now, the front storage element should be sturdy and will fit the space.
- Measure from the front of the units to the wall under the window(s) and from left to right. Cut the ¾” plywood to this dimension to make the daybed platform.
- Use the level to mark a line on the wall at the same height as the storage units (approx 12” from floor). Along this line, locate and mark where the wall studs are.
- Secure the 2x2 to the wall just under the level line with wood screws into the wall studs. This will support the edge of the daybed platform along the wall, so be sure it’s firmly attached. Use wall anchors if necessary.
- Lay the plywood platform in place and secure it to the 2x2 and to the storage units with wood screws.
- Finish the top (and storage units) with low VOC paint and set your custom fit cushion in place.
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comments:
nancie bailey
hi! i live in san francisco and your wonderful show is no longer on the air here!! i attempted to view the shows on-line but they do not work - any help would be appreciated. also, do you have a design book yet? thanks so much!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 7:42 PMKennedy Charuk
how do I apply for my bedroom on the show?
Thursday, July 01, 2010 10:57 AMCarolyn
I live in the Boston area & loved your show, but it is no longer on. Why did they stop it? I LOVED your makeovers and want to see more!
Thursday, July 01, 2010 11:42 AMMelanie
Love the show.
Any suggestions on how to make a bay window daybed cushion?
Thanks!
Thursday, July 22, 2010 11:12 AM