Mid-Century Inspired Platform Bed
Mid-Century Inspired Platform Bed – DIY Build Plan Channel sleek, retro elegance into your bedroom with this mid-century inspired platform bed design. Built around a clean, low-profile frame with tapered legs and minimalist detailing, this bed exudes style while maximizing function. Key Features: • Streamlined platform base with no headboard—ideal for modern minimalism. • Tapered legs add subtle mid-century flair without overpowering the room. • Built from affordable lumber (2×4s, 2×8s, 1×3s) for a DIY-friendly build. • Slatted mattress support (15 slats included in the plans) gives solid foundation and modern aesthetics. Why Build It: • Achieve designer bedroom style without designer furniture cost. • Flexibility to customize finishes, wood type and size to suit your space. • Builds key woodworking skills—frame construction, tapering, and slat support. Finish and Style Ideas: • Go rich and moody with walnut stain and matte finish. • Opt for crisp Scandinavian look with natural pine and clear finish. • Add a pop of color with a painted frame and natural wood legs for contrast. Use & Fit: • Designed for standard queen size mattress (60″×80″). • Low profile design works well in modern, loft-style or mid-century inspired bedrooms. • Platform removes need for box spring—slats do the work.
Specifications
| Project type | Beds and Bed Frames |
|---|---|
| Room | Bedroom |
| Style | Modern Style Furniture Plans |
| Difficulty | Beginner Projects |
| Estimated cost | $50 - $100 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 2 x 4 x 10' (x3)
- 2 x 8 x 8' (x2)
- 2 x 8 x 10' (x1)
- 1 x3 x 8' (x15)
Cut List
- 2 x 4 x 8's into 6'8" (x3) and 18" (x4)
- 2 x8 x 8' into 6'8" (x2) and 11" (x1)
- 2 x 8 x 10' into 4'8" (x2)
- 1 x 3 x 8's into 5' (x15)
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- kreg-jig
- drill
- table saw
- level
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
For tapered legs, use a tapered leg jig on your table saw (you can purchase a jig, or rig one up yourself like we did here: For our bed, we tapered each side by half an inch at each end, starting 7.5 inches from the top of the leg to accommodate the bed frame sides (which are made of 2"x8"s).
Step 2
After all four legs were tapered, we pre-finished the legs and frame sides (all the 2"x8"s) by carefully sanding/sanding/sealing with polurethane and letting the finishes dry per manufacturer's instructions. Then, we pre-drilled pocket holes in both ends of unfinished 2"x4"s and finished 2"x8"s, before attaching them together using construction adhesive and 2.5" wood screws spaced about 2" apart. The 2"x4"s will form the supports for bed slats, and are attached.5" from the bottom of each 2"x8". We did this for each side (left and right), making sure to arrange them so that the best-finished sides of our 2"x8"s were exposed on the outsides.
Step 3
We attached tapered legs to each end of the two (left and right) frame sides. We found it easiest to do this step upside down, so we could properly align the top of each leg with the top of the frame side while screwing 2.5" pocket screws into our pre-drilled holes.
Step 4
Next we attached the top and bottom 2"x8"s, again after pre-drilling pocket holes for each. We did this step upside down, also, because it became even tougher to keep our edges properly aligned.
Step 5
Step 6
Finally, we added fifteen unfinished 1"x3" slats as mattress support (you could use as few as thirteen of them, but we added a few for extra comfort). Each slat was evenly spaced and secured to the left, right, and center slat supports with wood screws.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/mid-century-inspired-platform-bed-diy-build-plan-queen-size