How to Make Bookcase Bed

Measure the length and width your mattress and find a bookcase of similar dimensions. The bookcase should be sturdy and the shelves should be attached - they should not be the kind that rest on pegs inserted into the frame. A twin or double mattress is the easiest to match but you may be able to find a bookcase wide enough to make a frame for a queen bed.

Lay the bookcase flat on the ground with the back side facing up. If your bookcase is covered on the back, use a screwdriver to remove it.

Cut a sheet of 1/4-inch plywood to the length and width dimensions you determined and lay it flat on top of the bookcase.

Make pencil markings where you will pre-drill starter holes for the screws. Make two marks in each corner, 1 inch from the corner, and at each joint where a shelf connects to the frame of the bookcase. Drill the starter holes with an electric hand drill.

Insert 1 1/2-inch wood screws into each of the pre-drilled starter holes. Drill the screws in until the heads are flush with the plywood.

Lay sheets of contact paper on top of the plywood, aligning the edges to cover the entire surface. Simply peel the backing off the paper and affix the adhesive side to the plywood. Covering the plywood with contact paper will prevent the wood from rubbing and staining the underside of your mattress.

Position the bookcase against a wall in your bedroom wherever you like and center your mattress on top of it.

Make your bed as you prefer with sheets and comforter. If the bookcase is a little bit wider than the mattress you can slide the mattress all the way to the edge of the bookcase, leaving space between the mattress and the wall. Fill the gap with large pillows to create a daybed effect.