Lift Top Storage Bed

Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Team Ideas24

Maximize the space in your bedroom with this DIY lift top storage bed!

Need more storage in your bedroom, but don’t have the floor space for cabinets? The extra space under your bed makes a great storage space. This bed in particular will give you heaps of organized storage.

The bed is completely DIY, and will cost you less money compared to store-bought beds with storage. It’s also perfect solution if you can’t find a bed that fits a small bedroom. By building it yourself you can customize the dimensions to suit the size of your bedroom.

Building a DIY Lift Storage Bed

Materials:

• 4 sheets 1200X2400X18 ply
• 30mm wood screws
• 15mm wood screws
• Varnish 2.5L
• Wool to brush
• 4 sheets 180sandpaper
• 4 sheets 240sandpaper
• 4 sheets 360sandpaper
• 2 pairs Pneumatic Stem

Tools:

• Masks
• Safety Glasses
• Ear plugs
• Carpentry electric circular
• Carpentry planing
• square feet
• Carpentry clip
• Pencil
• Sander
• Trimming machine
• Tape measure
• Electric Drill

Steps:

Determine and cut main frame and all other components to desired dimensions.

2-inch wide wood were attached to the short sides of what will be the cover of your storage.

They were also used to strengthen the edges of other parts.

Once all parts are cut, sand them down.

Screw together main frame and middle divider.

Make sure to measure twice before installing vertical dividers for equal storage areas.

Install lift top hardware by attaching them to the vertical dividers, and you’re done!

Creating extra storage in the bedroom doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to create clever storage solutions that are specifically designed for the unique space you have in your home.

Editor’s note:  It’s always a good idea to allow for some ventilation from the bed base through the mattress. Standard wall vents can be placed in the sides and the top can be pattern drilled.

Thanks to toni333 for this great tutorial.

 Benefits of a DIY Lift Storage Bed

Storage is one of the biggest challenges in any bedroom. Bulky furniture eats up valuable floor space and limits your room’s flow. A DIY lift storage bed solves that problem by making the most of an area you’re already using, under your bed. It offers practical advantages that go far beyond saving space.

Maximize Small Bedrooms Without Compromise

A DIY lift storage bed is ideal for compact bedrooms. If you don’t have room for extra drawers or a wardrobe, the space under your mattress becomes prime real estate. Traditional beds leave that area wasted or cluttered with mismatched containers. 

A lift storage system keeps everything hidden but easily accessible. With just a simple lift, you can access out-of-season clothing, extra linens, books, or even luggage. It helps you stay organized without sacrificing square footage or style.

Customize the Bed to Fit Your Exact Needs

The beauty of a DIY lift storage bed is that you’re in full control of the design. You don’t have to settle for a size or storage layout that doesn’t quite fit your lifestyle. You can choose the mattress height, adjust the number of compartments, and tailor the materials to match your existing furniture. 

For example, if you want to create a minimalist look, you can choose smooth plywood panels and a low-profile lift mechanism. If you prefer rustic, stained hardwood and metal hardware can add charm. No mass-produced bed offers that level of flexibility.

Save Money Compared to Store-Bought Alternatives

High-end storage beds can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially those with hydraulic lifts or built-in drawers. Building your own DIY lift storage bed cuts that price down significantly. 

Most of the materials, like plywood, screws, sandpaper, and a lift mechanism, are affordable and easy to find. If you already have some basic tools at home, you’re halfway there. The savings go beyond just money. You’ll also avoid the stress of delivery delays and assembly instructions written in five languages with missing bolts.

Gain Long-Term Organization with Minimal Effort

Once built, a DIY lift storage bed becomes a game-changer in your daily routine. You can store bulky items like winter blankets or seasonal clothing that only take up space once a year. 

The top lifts smoothly and closes securely, keeping your items dust-free and neatly tucked away. Unlike under-bed bins or drawers that gather dust or get jammed, the lift design gives you quick access without bending, pulling, or dragging anything. Over time, that convenience adds up.

Improve Room Aesthetics by Reducing Clutter

A cluttered room can feel stressful and chaotic. A DIY lift storage bed helps you clear the mess and create a cleaner, calmer space. There’s no need to stack boxes in corners or stuff things under your bed skirt. 

Everything disappears below the mattress, giving your room a tidy, streamlined appearance. You can even design the outer frame to match your aesthetic, whether that’s painted white for a Scandinavian vibe or rich walnut for a classic touch.

Boost Your DIY Confidence

Building a DIY lift storage bed isn’t just about saving money or space. It’s also a satisfying project. You’re building something you’ll use every day, and it feels good to say, “I made this.” 

As you assemble the frame, measure each cut, and install the lift hardware, you gain woodworking skills and a deeper appreciation for functional furniture. You’ll also understand how your bed is constructed, which means if anything needs maintenance or adjustment down the line, you’ll know exactly how to handle it.

A DIY lift storage bed is more than a clever furniture piece—it’s a smart solution for modern living. It brings organization, flexibility, and style together in one practical design. Whether you’re outfitting a small apartment, guest room, or teen’s bedroom, it delivers long-term benefits that go beyond the build.

DIY Lift Storage Bed Gallery

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Choosing the Right Lift Mechanism for Your Storage Bed

Building a DIY lift storage bed involves more than cutting wood and assembling a frame. The lift mechanism is the heart of the project. It’s what makes your storage space easily accessible and safe to use. Choosing the right type of hardware will affect how smoothly the bed opens, how easy it is to lift, and how well it supports the weight of the mattress and its frame.

Gas Strut Mechanisms

Gas struts are one of the most popular options for a DIY lift storage bed. These mechanisms use compressed gas to create a controlled lifting motion. They’re strong, smooth, and require minimal effort to lift the mattress. This makes them ideal if the bed will be used regularly or by someone who may not have a lot of upper-body strength. 

Gas struts also prevent the lid from slamming shut, which is important for safety, especially in a home with kids. You’ll need to match the strut pressure rating to the combined weight of your mattress and bed platform. Too strong, and it becomes difficult to close. Too weak, and it won’t lift properly.

Spring-Loaded Hinges

Spring-loaded hinges are a more affordable alternative. They don’t offer the smooth, gas-assisted motion of struts, but they still help reduce the lifting weight. Springs are coiled metal parts that resist pressure, giving a boost when you open the bed and a little resistance when you close it. 

These are often easier to install and require fewer adjustments. They’re best suited for smaller DIY lift storage bed builds or lighter mattresses. One downside is they tend to wear out faster than gas struts and may need occasional replacement over time.

Manual Hinges Without Assist

For those working on a tight budget or building a bed that doesn’t need frequent access, basic manual hinges are an option. These don’t provide any lifting help, which means you’ll need to physically raise and lower the mattress without assistance. 

You can still design your DIY lift storage bed with handles or a looped fabric strap to make lifting easier. This setup requires the fewest parts and is less likely to fail. However, it’s not ideal if you plan to open the storage area often or if the mattress is particularly heavy.

Side Lift vs. End Lift Orientation

The direction your bed lifts also influences the type of mechanism you need. An end lift opens from the foot of the bed, while a side lift opens from the left or right. End lifts are more common and work well in most rooms, especially narrow spaces. 

Side lifts may be better in wider rooms or for single beds. Be sure to plan this before cutting your panels or installing hardware. Your room layout, bed placement, and ease of access all play a role in making the right choice.

Weight Capacity and Load Distribution

No matter which lifting system you choose, always calculate the total weight the mechanism must support. This includes the mattress, wood panels, and any bedding. You want your DIY lift storage bed to open smoothly and stay open without effort. 

Overloading the mechanism will wear it down faster and can pose a safety risk. Many lift kits include a chart to help you choose the right specs, but if you’re unsure, go with a higher-rated model for peace of mind.

Installation Tips for a Smooth Lift

Take time to read the installation instructions for your specific lift hardware. Incorrect placement of brackets or hinges can result in uneven lifting or parts that bind. Always install lift supports on sturdy vertical panels, like a central divider or side wall of the bed frame. 

Use reinforced screws or bolts rather than relying on simple wood screws. After setup, test the lift multiple times with and without the mattress to ensure consistent movement.

Choosing the right lift mechanism will determine how user-friendly and durable your DIY lift storage bed turns out to be. Whether you go with gas struts, springs, or simple hinges, make sure the system fits your mattress weight, room layout, and access needs. A good mechanism transforms your storage bed into a seamless, daily-use solution, not just another project.

Conclusion

Building a DIY lift storage bed is a smart way to maximize space without compromising style or comfort. It gives you hidden storage, customizable design, and long-term savings. With the right materials and lift mechanism, you can create a durable piece that fits your exact needs. It’s a practical project that brings both function and satisfaction into your bedroom.