A well-designed bedroom should be cozy, comfy, and well-designed for functionality. Aside from the essentials, such as a comfortable bed, ample storage, and a practical bedside table, a few pieces can elevate your space to new heights. This collection of DIY bedroom furniture projects offers something for every skill level and style preference, allowing you to create a personalized retreat that meets your unique needs.
1. Upholstered Headboard
An upholstered headboard adds a touch of luxury and comfort to any bedroom. You can tailor the fabric, pattern, and color to match your decor perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A piece of plywood cut to size
- 1-inch foam
- Batting
- Fabric of your choice
- Nailhead trim (optional)
The process involves covering the plywood with foam, batting, and fabric, then securing it with staples or nailhead trim. This project is pretty simple and can be completed in a weekend.
Read the full guide: How to Make an Upholstered Headboard
2. Storage Bed
A storage bed is an excellent solution for maximizing space in smaller bedrooms or for those needing extra storage. Inspired by furniture maker Christopher Beidel, this project combines style with practicality. The bed features built-in drawers or lift-up storage compartments, perfect for storing out-of-season clothing, extra bedding, or other items you want to keep out of sight. When building a storage bed, consider the following:
- Choose sturdy materials that can support weight
- Plan the storage layout based on your needs
- Incorporate smooth-gliding drawer mechanisms
- Add a comfortable mattress platform
Read the full guide: How To Build a Storage Bed
3. Wood Hamper
Unlike generic canvas bags or open-top baskets, a well-crafted handmade wooden hamper can complement your bedroom’s decor while keeping dirty clothes out of sight. Think about these factors when designing your hamper:
- Choose a wood type that matches your existing furniture
- Incorporate ventilation to prevent odors
- Add a removable liner for easy cleaning
- Include a lid for a neater appearance
- Add decorative handles for convenience
Read the full guide: How To Build a Wood Hamper
4. Shutter-Door Cabinet
Transform a basic bookcase into a charming shutter-door cabinet for added storage and style. This project, inspired by TOH general contractor Tom Silva, involves attaching off-the-shelf, fixed-louver shutters to a ready-to-assemble bookcase. The result is an inexpensive, homemade piece that can store clothing, linens, or personal items and serve as a focal design point. To upgrade the cabinet’s appearance, consider these finishing touches:
- Add decorative trim around the edges
- Install bun feet for an elevated look
- Paint or stain the piece to match your decor
- Replace standard knobs with unique hardware
5. Hairpin-Leg Coffee Table
A hairpin-leg coffee table offers a perfect blend of rustic and industrial styles for bedrooms with a sitting area. This project combines a wooden top with vintage-inspired metal legs, creating a high-end look without a high-end price. To create your own hairpin-leg coffee table:
- Source hairpin legs from online marketplaces or specialty stores
- Choose a wood slab or create a top from reclaimed wood
- Sand and finish the wood to your desired look
- Attach the legs securely to the tabletop
- Use paint or wood stains to customize your piece further
Read the full guide: How To Build a Hairpin-Leg Coffee Table
6. Storage Chest
A well-crafted wooden chest can become a statement piece in your bedroom while providing ample storage for blankets, off-season clothing, or other items. This project requires more advanced woodworking skills than average but produces a strong, attractive piece that can be passed down through generations. When building your storage chest:
- Use box-joint construction for added strength and visual interest
- Incorporate a lid with soft-close hinges for safety
- Add interior compartments or trays for organization
- Choose a finish that complements your bedroom’s style
- Personalize your storage chest with carved initials or decorative hardware
Read the full guide: How To Build a Storage Chest
7. Trimmed-Out Bedside Table
Elevate a plain bedside table with decorative trim for a chic, high-end look. This simple project can transform an inexpensive or outdated piece into a one-of-a-kind nightstand. To trim out your bedside table:
- Select decorative molding that complements your style
- Measure and cut the molding to fit your table’s dimensions
- Attach the trim using wood glue and finishing nails
- Paint or stain the entire piece for a cohesive look
- Use gold or silver leafing to add a touch of elegance.
Read the full guide: How To Trim Out a Plain Table
8. Bifold-Door Headboard and Footboard
Create a one-of-a-kind bed frame using paneled bifold doors and stock molding. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, offers a creative way to repurpose doors into a stylish headboard and footboard. “Using off-the-shelf products makes this project easy,” says Tom. “The basic woodworking is done for you.” The process involves:
- Selecting bifold doors that fit your bed size
- Attaching the doors to a sturdy frame
- Adding decorative molding for a finished look
- Painting or staining the assembly to match your decor
- Add built-in shelving or side tables for more usable space.
9. Side Table
With basic woodworking skills and less than $100 in materials, you can create a unique side table that is both a practical and decorative element in your bedroom. When designing your side table, consider:
- Making the height in relation to your bed or seating
- Measuring the surface area needed for lamps, books, or decor
- Incorporating storage drawers or shelves
- Choosing a style that complements your existing furniture
- Adding wheels to make it easier to move the table around
Read the full guide: How To Build a Side Table
10. Dog Murphy Bed
For pet owners who want to keep their furry friends close without sacrificing style, a dog Murphy bed is an innovative solution. This project involves creating a cabinet that houses a fold-down bed for your dog. You can customize the size based on how large your canine companion is and how much space you have in your bedroom. The design shown here even has a dedicated space for toys or other accessories your pet might need for bedtime.
Read the full guide: How To Build a Murphy Bed for Your Dog
11. Ladder Bookshelf
A ladder bookshelf offers a modern, space-saving storage solution for your bedroom. Delicate as it may appear, the notched hardwood frame is plenty sturdy, and with its balanced design, it won’t topple. This project can be completed in an afternoon and offers a stylish way to showcase books, plants, and decorative items. Think about choosing a finish that complements your decor and adding LED lights to highlight your displayed items.
Read the full guide: How To Build a Ladder Bookshelf
12. Small Bookcase
A small bookcase can be the perfect addition to your bedroom, providing storage for books and display space for treasured items with just a few basic DIY skills. This project allows you to create a piece that fits your specific needs and style preferences. When designing your bookcase, consider:
- Adding decorative elements such as crown molding or backing
- Incorporating adjustable shelves for versatility
- Painting or staining the shelf for further personalization
Read the full guide: How To Build a Small Bookcase
13. Interior-Door Headboard
Transform an old interior door into a unique, vintage-inspired headboard. Doors in homes built before 1950 are typically made of solid wood, whether oak, maple, chestnut, or mahogany. You’ll find row upon row of these paneled doors at most salvage yards, allowing you to get great materials at deep discounts. For a door “upcycling” project, TOH features editor Amy Hughes combines salvaged materials with modern utility. To build your own interior door headboard:
- Choose a solid wood door with interesting panels or details
- Clean and refinish the door as needed
- Add built-in sconces for reading lights
- Securely mount the door to your wall
- Add knobs or hooks for decoration and function
Read the full guide: How To Turn an Interior Door into a Headboard
14. New Mirror with Old Trim
Create a statement mirror by combining a new mirror with salvaged door trim. This DIY project allows you to add vintage flair to your bedroom while providing a functional, full-length mirror. In the one shown here, the entablature of an old door casing was used for the top, and preprimed pilasters from a lumberyard were used for the sides and bottom. White paint unifies the old wood with the new. To make your own:
- Source old door trim from salvage yards or flea markets
- Clean and refinish the trim as needed
- Cut and assemble the trim to frame a new mirror
- Add any additional decorative or useful elements, such as small hooks
Read the full guide: How To Make a New Mirror with Old Door Trim
15. Mirror-Topped Accent Table
A mirror-topped accent table adds a touch of glamour to your bedroom while providing a convenient surface for bedside essentials. This project combines woodworking skills with a bit of mirror cutting. When creating your mirror-topped table, think about the shape of the mirror you’d like to use and add a base that complements your decor.
16. Bifold Doors
Replace your old sliding closet doors with sturdy, attractive bifold doors. This upgrade improves access to your closet and enhances the overall appearance of your bedroom. Heavy bifold doors with a sturdy track move effortlessly away from the center of the closet to give you a full picture of the contents inside. Replacing those sliders with a pair of weighty solid folders isn’t a huge deal; the whole assembly and installation will take you a mere Saturday afternoon. When installing bifold doors:
- Measure your closet opening accurately
- Choose doors that complement your bedroom’s style
- Install a high-quality track system for smooth operation
- Add decorative hardware for a finished look or mirrors for more functionality
Read the full guide: How To Install Bifold Doors
17. Wall Cubbies
Wall cubbies offer a creative, flexible storage solution that can grow and adapt to your needs over time. You can use only one cube or stack several on top of one another. The cubbies shown here are 12-inch cubes, but you can make them any size you like. Even if you make them wider or taller, the construction is the same. The fabric-covered panels inside are removable, so you can change the look as often as you want. When building wall cubbies, you can make as many or as few as you like.
Read the full guide: How To Build Wall Cubbies
18. Magazine Rack
Keep your bedside reading material organized with a magazine rack. This project from TOH general contractor Tom Silva combines utility with decorative scrollwork. In this simple project, he attached brackets typically used for porch trim to a simple wood frame to create a freestanding file with decorative dividers. Here are some things to think about when designing your rack:
- The size based on your typical reading material
- Paint or finish that complements your bedroom furniture
- Dividers for better organization
Read the full guide: How To Build a Magazine Rack
19. Cedar-Lined Closet
A cedar-lined closet protects your clothing and adds a luxurious touch to your bedroom storage. Upgrade your bedroom closet with cedar lining for natural pest and mildew repellent that leaves a fresh scent. This project involves installing tongue-and-groove cedar boards to line your closet walls. When creating a cedar-lined closet, consider incorporating cedar accessories such as hangers or sachets, or adding cedar shelves for a cohesive look.
Read the full guide: How To Line a Cedar Closet
20. Doorknob Coatrack
Create a unique coatrack using vintage doorknobs and salvaged wood. This project, demonstrated by TOH features editor Amy Hughes, offers a charming way to hang clothes and accessories. Here is a quick overview for creating your coatrack:
- Source vintage doorknobs with interesting designs
- Choose a piece of wood that complements your decor
- Space the knobs evenly for a balanced look
- Add a finish that protects the wood and enhances its appearance
- Paint the wood in a color that matches your room’s design.
Read the full guide: How To Make a Doorknob Coatrack
21. Window-Sash Picture Frame
Transform an old window sash into a unique picture frame for displaying family photos or artwork. This project repurposes a discarded window into a charming focal point for your bedroom. Create your frame in a few simple steps:
- Clean and refinish the window sash as needed
- Choose photos or artwork that fit the individual panes
- Use UV-resistant glass or acrylic to protect your images
- Add hanging hardware for secure wall mounting
- Install decorative accents such as vintage hinges or locks to the sash.
Read the full guide: How To Make a Window-Sash Picture Frame
22. Barn Pulley Wall-Mounted Light
Create an adjustable bedside light using a vintage barn pulley. This industrial-chic project combines form and function, allowing you to customize your lighting. You can find all the materials you need from flea markets, salvage yards, auctions, or other secondhand sources. To make your barn pulley light:
- Source a sturdy, vintage pulley
- Choose a compatible light fixture and cord
- Install a dimmer switch for adjustable lighting
- Ensure proper electrical connections for safety
- Install a vintage-style Edison lightbulb or shade to enhance the rustic aesthetic further.
Read the full guide: How To Use a Barn Pulley to Make a Wall-Mount Light Fixture
23. Vintage-Door Dressing Vanity
Transform an old cottage door into a charming dressing vanity. This project, demonstrated by TOH features editor Amy Hughes, combines vintage charm with modern functionality. Follow these tips to create your vanity:
- Choose a door with interesting details or glass panels
- Add a mirror to the upper portion of the door
- Create a shelf or table surface at the bottom
- Incorporate hooks or knobs for hanging items
- Add a cushion or upholstered stool for an elegant touch.
Read the full guide: How To Make a Dressing Vanity from a Vintage Door
24. Folding Screen
A folding screen offers versatility in your bedroom, serving as a room divider, privacy screen, or decorative accent. This project from TOH features editor Amy Hughes uses vintage shutters and hinges. When making your folding screen, consider the following:
- Sourcing matching shutters or doors for a cohesive look
- Choosing sturdy hinges that allow for smooth folding
- Refinishing the pieces to complement your decor
- Adding decorative elements such as fabric panels or paint
- Adding pockets to hold magazines or remote controls.
Read the full guide: How to Make a Folding Screen Using Old Hinges and Shutters
25. Interior Shutters
Install custom interior shutters for improved light control and privacy in your bedroom. They’re a classic, elegant window treatment option that adds value to your home, helping to keep out winter’s chilly winds or summer’s oppressive heat. This project involves measuring, cutting, and hanging shutters to fit your windows. When creating interior shutters:
- Measure your windows accurately for a perfect fit
- Choose a style that complements your bedroom decor
- Select appropriate hardware for smooth operation
- Add a finish that protects the wood and enhances its appearance
- Use magnetic closures for an easy and sleek method of securing shutters.
Read the full guide: How To Hang Interior Shutters
26. Faux Paneled Accent Wall
A faux-paneled accent wall can add depth and character to your plain bedroom walls. This Craftsman-style faux paneling project, created by a couple of This Old House readers, is a budget-friendly, easy way to liven up boring drywall, as an accent wall or to cover the entire room. You’ll need stock trim, adhesive, and a weekend to DIY. Here are some things to consider when designing your accent wall:
- Plan the panel layout based on your wall dimensions
- Choose trim styles that complement your decor
- Use a level and measuring tape for precise placement
- Paint the entire wall for a cohesive, built-in look
- Use contrasting paint colors for a bold statement.
Read the full guide: How To Create a Faux Paneled Accent Wall
27. Open Shelving Unit
Make an open shelving unit to display collectibles and add storage to your bedroom. For this project,This Old House general contractor Tom Silva amped up the style of this piece by making it from shelving planks sold in 8-foot lengths and turned spindles cut to size. Trimmed with crown molding, this piece will prove the perfect spot to show off your treasures. The spindles and molding you choose offer a way to reflect your personal style.