Do it Yourself Princess Bunk Beds

Basic Construction

• A princess bunk bed is simply a bed with panels that mimic a castle. It may have either one or two beds. If it has a single bed, that bed may be on top (a loft bed) with a playhouse underneath; or the bed can be on the bottom, with a playhouse on top. The bedroom ceiling will put a limit on the castle’s height, of course.

  You start with the basic framework for a bunk bed--four sturdy corner posts (at least 4 x 4 stock), with side and end rails (at least 2 x 6)--and cover the entire unit with the “castle walls,” typically made from 1/2-inch plywood. Twin-size mattresses are a common choice for princess beds, and most will be platform beds, because box springs take up extra space that could be used for headroom. Because the bed doubles as a playhouse, you will probably want to create a floor with 2 x 4 joists underneath the platform for extra strength. Make the platform an inch or two longer and wider than the mattress, so you have room to tuck in the bedding.

  Use stairs (straight or spiral staircases) instead of ladders to enter the bunk, and slides add a playful way to exit. Princess beds are often safer than comparable bunk beds, because the castle walls serve as guard rails to keep the princess from rolling (or falling) out of bed.

Adding Furnishings

• You can build some furnishings into the bed itself. For example, many builders now use the stairway as a chest of drawers by putting a drawer under each step. Turrets are useful as cabinets for shelving or for toy boxes. You can put a cabinet or shelves under the slide as well.

  If you only have one bed and a playhouse, rather than two beds, you might want to put a small dressing mirror inside the playhouse. You can also build in a small desk or dressing table, as well as a storage bench.

Details

• When painting your princess bunk bed, be sure to make it look like something from a fairy tale. You can use faux painting techniques so it appears as if it is built from stones or bricks, or paint it her favorite color.

  Any good castle will have doors and windows, as well as flower boxes and vines growing up the sides. Cut out the openings, and either paint on flowers and vines or buy artificial ones that can be attached to the plywood. Your little princess will probably have some decorating ideas of her own; be sure to let her help.