DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

blue-loft-bed

Guys and Gals, I am here today to tell you that you can build a loft bed for your child! However, unlike most of the tutorials you find on my site, building this loft bed is not one of them. Instead, loads of gratitude goes to Ana White and her fabulous plans for building a loft bed. You can follow her plans for the build. I assure you, they are detailed and easy to follow.

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

The only modification I made to the plans was to move the ladder to the foot of the bed instead of the side. What I will show you is how to color stain the bed blue in two simple steps. I’m absolutely in love with the Minwax Express Color wiping stains. They go on super easily, and clean up is a snap with soap and water. Then you seal it as easily as you stained it. Coolest product EVER!

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials:

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

Preparation:

After building the bed, fill all screw and nail holes with stainable wood putty. Sand your bed down until you have a smooth surface. Wipe off any sanding dust with a damp rag.

Instructions:

Put on the rubber glove, then slip the old sock over your glove. Pour a small dollop of Express Color onto your sock.

Wipe it onto the wood. A little goes a long way. I ended up using two tubes of Express Color on my son’s loft bed.

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

After the Express color has dried, poor a dollop of protective finish onto the second clean sock. Spread it evenly over the bed.

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

Allow the finish to dry. It usually dries within 30 minutes to an hour. Repeat with another coating for added protection.

The color on the bed is really beautiful. Especially because it allows the wood grain to show through.

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

Remember my son’s bookcase that lights up? It fits perfectly under the loft bed. You can read how I turned an old Border’s bookcase into a work of art here.

I bought the Austin red bean bag convertible bed chair from Overstock.com. It was a bit of a splurge for me, but the quality is really good and it fits nicely under his loft. Plus, my son really loves to curl up and read on it. And he has a spot for a friend to sleepover now.

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

I bought the bedding from IKEA and the star quilt was a special gift from my son’s Grammy.

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

I also scored the mirrored locker in the scratch and dent section at IKEA. I’ll show you how I built a base and mounted it to the wall later.

DIY Loft Bed | Pretty Handy Girl

My son’s room is really coming along. I can’t wait to show you another tutorial next week. It’s perfect for a growing boy.

PHGFancySign

 

Disclosure: I was introduced to the Minwax Express Color at a conference last year. After trying some on a sample board, I knew I wanted to use it on a project. Minwax graciously offered to send me a few tubes for my son’s bed. I was not influenced by the few tubes of product. I was not told what to say. All opinions expressed are my own. In short…this stuff really rocks and I’m not just saying that because the product was shipped to my door.

 

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A Blue Loft Bed for My Son

6 replies
  1. Moniq
    Moniq says:

    Wow, looks a bit complicated for me, I’m not sure if I’m handy enough to create it but it’s beautiful though… I really love the wooden texture visible through the colour. I was searching for some bed inspiration for my Sam, he is only 2 years old so this one could be an idea for later, I guess. I’m going to try something like in this article now, by re-using an old table. It seems like not that difficult and in final it looks like a place he will hopefully love thanks to its shelter look 🙂

    Reply
  2. Colleen Taylor
    Colleen Taylor says:

    What a fabulous look Brittany! That stain is awesome! I’m happy to know how well this product works since I’ve seen it & wondered about it. Your son must be thrilled with this outcome!

    Reply
  3. Elaine - Visual Meringue
    Elaine - Visual Meringue says:

    This looks great! We are actually making one for my son as well (actually my husband’s friend who is a wood worker is). I can’t wait to receive it and start decorating his room. I love how you tucked the bookcase under the bed – great idea!

    Reply

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