DIY Novelty Bed Plans

Determine and record the ideal length and shape of the novelty bed. If you are going to plan the bed based on standard mattress sizes, use the dimensions of the mattress as a guide. Bear in mind that if you want a bed that has a custom shape or size, you will need to order a custom-made mattress. If the novelty bed is for a child, take into consideration the amount of time that will pass before he will outgrow the bed.

Consider if you want the bed to have additional purposes. For example, a bed can provide storage, be a fort, accommodate guests or siblings, protect against insect bites or help save space in a room like a Murphy or loft bed. Write down the additional goals you have for the bed and draw your ideas in sketches you create for the bed plan.

Record the idea height of the bed. The height of the bed can help provide extra storage space or require a ladder or steps to crawl into. If the bed is for a child or teen who is tall, she may hit her head on the ceiling if she sleeps in a bunk or loft bed. On the other hand, a small child may not be able to navigate safely up a bed with a ladder. If the bed is for you, take into consideration the height of the bed and how that may affect you if need to get up in the middle of the night or receive an injury.

Design the bed frame. A bed frame can be deep so you can install a waterbed bladder, thick mattress or a box spring and mattress. You will need to decide if you want the sides of the mattress exposed or if you want the frame to be more like a platform. If the sides of the bed frame will be flush with the top of the mattress, you may want to install bumpers on the top edges so they do not feel hard or cause injury. Novelty beds with frames are in the shape of a vehicle or object generally rise above the mattress,but have an opening on the side that allows a child to enter and exit the bed.

Arrange different color schemes on the sketch of the novelty bed. Use the colors in the room and the decorations as inspiration.