We took a modern silhouette and built it using 2x lumber… and this is how it turned out!
I love the combination of rustic materials in a modern shape.
This bed turned out so well, we had to share the plans in all mattress sizes for free! You’ll love this beginner friendly design that creates amazing results!
Sloped ceilings add so much charm and character to a home. But they can make a room awkward and challenging to use.
We recently took our attic room sloped ceilings that looked like this –
And built knee walls out of 2x4s and plywood
But since I wanted the space behind the knee wall to be accessible for storage, we created hidden doors in the knee wall.
The entire knee wall is actually hidden doors – so the area behind is completely accessible.
You could take this project a step further and add closet rods and shelving to create a built in closet. We’ll be using the knee wall storage for totes and off season things.
It’s been a few years since we tackled this project. Here’s what it looks like today:
Related: Storage daybed plans here
The all-doors system gives us options for furniture placement – you can place furniture anywhere and there’s always a door still available somewhere.
It still looks awesome and none of the doors or hinges have sagged at all.
We use the space for storing Christmas decorations, heirloom gifts that we can’t part with but don’t necessarily use daily, and of course, the kids use the space for hide and seek. You’d never know this is actually a wall of doors.
This was a fairly easy project – but time consuming since the walls are each sixteen feet long – that my husband and I tackled over the course of a few days, working a few hours each day on it. We are confident that the average homeowner could tackle this project. Here’s how we built our knee walls with hidden storage –
First, alot of planning and measuring.
We decided on making the wall 48″ tall, because this is where the ceiling height becomes useuable for furniture, and it also helps maximize materials use.
We also decided on making the doors 32″ wide, so you can get exactly three 48″ tall x 32″ wide doors out of a sheet of plywood.
The easier way to do this is to just build a pony wall 48″ tall x the length of your room, and install it plumb and level.
Then trim out the top and bottom to give space for the full overlay doors.
We finished this gap at the top off with a piece of trim.
For the doors, we purchased euro style overlay hinges for FRAMELESS cabinets – for a total of 5/8″ overlay on each side.
DOOR WIDTH: Inside opening + 1-1/4″
DOOR HEIGHT: Overall opening – 1/2″
We cut our doors on a table saw and installed the hinges and hung the doors in the framing.
RELATED: How to install concealed hinges
To disguise the door spacing and provide a handle, we nailed 1×3 boads to the opening edge of the plywood door.
This is what it looks like before paint –
And after paint – We used about a gallon on 32 feet of walls, four feet tall.
We love how this project turned out and know it will greatly improve the function and look of the room.
We also shared in video format this entire build
If you build, please share a photo – tag me on Instagram #anawhite, share to our Facebook page, or add a brag post. We greatly appreciate the support and thank you for using our free tutorials.
Ana
Want to share your love of DIY with your kiddos? Building a birdhouse is a great starter project.
Here’s how you can build a modern cedar birdhouse for just $1 using half of a cedar fence picket.
Here’s a free printable for building this birdhouse with instructions.
This plan is designed for a 5 1/2″ wide x 1/2″ thick fence picket, about $2 each.
Other materials like a 1×6 could be used, but because the wood is thicker, it may alter your outcome slightly. Adjust accordingly if you use different materials.
Use a miter saw or circular saw to cut the cedar fence picket as noted in the cut list below. Notice I trimmed the rough end off and there’s also enough leftover for a second birdhouse.
Then I just nailed the front to the sides. If you are having kiddos do the assembly, consider predrilling holes and having them attach with pound in nails or screws. Also recommended is wood glue designed for oily wood and exterior applications.
Next, it’s time to add the top and bottom – the back side is still open. Notice the back is a little bigger – this is just to add that “mod” feel to it and give you a place to hang on a tree.
Now we’ll put the back on ….
Just line up the bottom and outside edges with the floor and roof …
Drill a hole to hang the house on a tree
And then add a front door with a larger bit
The back can be used to hang on a tree.
Since this is cedar, no finish is needed. The birds will appreciate that!
Utility Workaround: Built around water heater and with roll out shoe bench.
Click for more photos and details
Around the Door: Shorter end to fit around garage door:
Click for more photos and details
Face Lift: This user added a barn door to the front
Click for more photos and details
Work Around: A built in workbench in the center, could also be used for a TV
Click for more photos and details
Concrete Basement Wall: Not required to be attached to the wall
Click for more photos and details
Finished: The shelving is solid wood, so you can paint or stain it easily
Click here for more details and photos
Here is a very quick video of building this garage shelving:
Pin For Later!
This bed was designed and built in partnership with my friend Whitney at Shanty2Chic. Please take a second to stop over and visit Whitney at Shanty2Chic for lots more details and photos on this bed.
Love this bed frame? Pin it to save to build for later!
The free plans for this wood bed frame follow. If you build, please add a brag post – this keeps me inspired and helps other users see different options and creative decisions. Thank you for using Ana White plans.