I lofted my bed last year, which I definitely think is one of the best ways to get the most out of your room. I ended up getting a bunk buddy, which is basically a little nightstand that attaches to your bed. It was probably one of my favorite dorm items I bought. Also, I bought a hanging organizer that I put on the ladder of my bed that I didn't use. It turned out to be a really good place for me to put assorted items, binders, or whatever I didn't have a designated spot for. This really helped as it kept a lot of random junk from accumulating on my desk (links below to give you an idea, not exactly what I had but same concept). Another thing I bought was a medium sized whiteboard that I put on the inside of the loft on the ladder that I didn't use. It was a really good way to keep track of assignments, to-do lists, etc.

​

The best tip I can give you is keep your space clean. A clean room makes it feel a whole lot bigger than it actually is. Obviously there will be test weeks and whatnot where you won't be able to clean as much, but generally try and tidy up whenever you have a couple of free minutes. Not sure about how others fell, but when I kept a clear room, especially a clean workspace, I really found that I was a lot more efficient and felt a lot less crowded. Also (depending on how much/little your roomate cares), I always noticed that when I kept my personal side of the room clean, my roomate did as well. I feel like it kind of encouraged him to keep his area clean and overall made the room feel a lot more spacious.

​

Also cut a pool noodle and put it over the bottom of your bed frame. Probably banged my head 20 times getting up from my chair in the first few days before I got one.

​

​

https://www.amazon.com/EZOWare-Organizer-Hanging-Storage-Bathroom/dp/B07CH2KXSL/ref=sr_1_22?crid=J3XMR935XL30&keywords=dorm+bed+organizer+hanging+pocket+bag&qid=1550633712&s=gateway&sprefix=dorm+bed+hang%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-22

https://www.amazon.com/Vencer-Shelf-Bonus-Phone-Room/dp/B07CV4T4BF/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=bunk+buddy&qid=1550633741&s=gateway&sr=8-15

We got this bed frame and it's been great. It fits pretty good size plastic bins underneath so we have tons of storage.

We have a memory foam mattress we bought off Amazon for $150 that's also awesome. I can't tell the difference compared to my mom's 900 dollar mattress. Don't spend too much on a bed!

We got this rug and it's just okay. It's not soft and I can kinda tell it was cheap. It works and the color is nice. But we have an Ikea vindum rug in our living room that is a million times more cozy. If you're going to buy Ikea stuff, sign up for their account. It's free and gives you great coupons and discounts. The 8x10 vindum is like $160 right now (before a coupon) and it's definitely worth the extra money.

Another note, if you want bookshelves to actually hold books, the Ikea ones are generally the best value I've seen, even if you have to pay shipping. If you're planning to pay shipping at Ikea I think it caps out, so you might as well buy a lot.


Edited to add that this lamp has served us well. The gray is a really nice color when using a warm lightbulb. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075Z643G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uQ40Db620CX0C

I'd love to help you out. Almost all mattresses (and probably everything you are going to consider, from the description) can be used with or without box springs. They official term they use is "appropriate support." That is generally defined as the frame having atleast 5 (more often 6 on a King/CK) legs touching the floor, and either a matching box spring, or a platform style set-up with no more than 2 inches between the slats. Therefore, you can do either, as long as the planks are no more than 6" apart.

In order to get the best motion-isolation, which means you don't feel each other move, I would reccommend you either get a box spring, or find a way to secure the planks into the frame. My suggestion would be, if you want to save some money, to buy something like this unless it doesn't fit the specific "look" you are going for.

On another note, the "squishy memory foam stuff" is the in thing right now. You do get what you pay for to an extent. If you like a firm bed, you can get away with a less expensive, two layer foam bed. If you want a softer and more conforming feel, at least 3 layers will do that better. Those beds do have a reputation for retaining heat, but many manufacturers have taken different strategies to address this. Make sure you look into that as well. I personally don't like the "bed-in-a-box" concept (even though the company I work for does carry them) because they tend to feel cheaper, and be chinese-made. (almost all mattresses that don't come rolled up are made in the USA.) Tempurpedic is by far the best at memory foam, due to their proprietary material, but they are more costly, and you can get a decent mattress from many companies.

Memorial Day is the best time of year to buy a mattress, due to the massive sales. It is followed by Labor Day and 4th of July. Any of those three sales will result in some great savings. Many of the bigger companies also offer 0% financing, if that is something you might consider to get the bed sooner. Realistically expect to pay at least $1000 in a CK size for a reasonable quality mattress, and closer to $2500 for one with "advanced" features. They can go as high as $4000 or more, depending on the bed.

If you would like to PM me your location, I can reach out to my network and see if there are any good people I know around you, who would be willing to show you some options in a low-pressure context.

TL;DR You should be able to do either, as long as the gap between the planks is less than 2"

Hello,

We receive this question a lot and there are many ways to adjust your Ikea bed frame to work with Spindle's heavy latex. below is the information and here is the link to the article on Spindle's website, Supporting a Spindle with an IKEA bed frame.

Your on the right track with wanting to by new slats as well. Here is our recommendation on the specs for the slats, as well as the link. Proper support for a Spindle Mattress

• Slats of solid wood, no less than 3/4” thick 1x3 lumber works great -- Oak, Fir, Birch, Tulip, Poplar, etc...doesn't matter -- just NOT ply- or fabricated wood
  
• Slats spaced no more than 3” apart. Skimping can damage your Spindle
  
• Center support[s] under slats with legs to the floor
  
• Plywood is not recommended. It may flex; also can lead to mold/mildew
  
  Most IKEA frames will not offer enough support for a Spindle. Fortunately, the critical mass of IKEA customers has provided a robust hacker community and their DIY solutions can be found by exploring Google Images, YouTube or Pinterest.
  
  This YouTube video highlights one of the shortfalls and demonstrates one way to fix it.
  
  There are many other postings online with pointers on how to add support to your IKEA bed.
  
  DIY Bed Frame for $10 shows a basic solution.Reinforcing an Ikea Bed gets a bit more sophisticatedIkea makes Sultan, a leg for their center beam. You may be able to modify it to work with your bed.Bedclaw makes an adjustable height leg specifically for this type of application
  
  To reinforce your IKEA frame, the minimum modifications we’d recommend are:
  
  
• Use solid slats [just get 1×3 from lumber yard or Home Depot, et al], or buy a slat kit like this one.
  
• Add support legs to underside of center beam [we recommend using at least 2]
  
• Add support beams with legs: Universal Bed Slats Center Support System Adjustable Tubular Steel with 4 Legs
  
  Additional support may be needed, depending on the way the bed is engineered. Thanks for coming to the Reddit community with your inquiry. We hope this helps and please contact Spindle if you need additional information.

I live in a 230sqft studio and I have my bed on a FOLDABLE metal platform (https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Foldable-Platform-Under-Bed-Storage/dp/B073WRF565) , I also have it on risers so that I can put my storage bins underneath (ie extra blankets, winter gear, camping gear, etc) As for a mattress, I have a Nectar mattress. I also used to sleep on the floor lol I didn’t have any issues with it but it took up a lot of space that I didn’t have at my studio.

I have a couch that is also a futon for guests and it also came in a box so if I need to move again, I I could easily break it down to fit it in my hatchback. (https://www.amazon.com/Novogratz-Brittany-Sofa-Futon-Linen/dp/B01LY1WBQN) it looks expensive, a little on the firm side but still comfortable with the right pillows. I got it on prime day for $200 😅

I don’t have a closet but I have an ikea wardrobe. It’s small and has allowed me to downsize on my clothing.

I also have this coffee table that looks pretty good and the legs can fold down and I can put it away if I need more space. (https://www.amazon.com/AZUMAYA-Folding-Coffee-Center-TAC-229/dp/B0077HY08M)

Further details:

• Budget: Ideally, $400 or less, excluding the mattress, but I can stretch up to $500 or less
  
• I need a desk. I was thinking this one, but I'm open to any larger desk that fits with the theme
  
• I like a sense of minimalism, but I'm open to some visually interesting components. I'm somewhat distracted, so I hope to design a room that doesn't aggravate that.
  
• I currently trying to decide between a queen bed and a full bed. I'd prefer the queen, but I'm open to the full, if the queen would tamper significantly with the space. I was considering this bed, but I'm looking
  
• There's a window on the left side of the main room, and it has a pretty view. It's the only window.
  
• There's a large closet on the left side of the entry-way. That should be sufficient for the majority of my storage.
  
• I don't need the most super ergonomic chair. Something to sit on for an hour at a time would suffice, but I'm not a gamer

Buy a memory foam mattress on amazon and the bed frame too. Assembling furniture is a good idea too. You can take it up in pieces. The mattress before its unpacked is very manageable. Make lots of trips, the first 3 floors are easy, it's 4 and five that will break you.

These guys are great for a temp solutionbed frame

These guys are great it's an all in one kit and you can carry it up the stairs yourself. bed frame

Also wicker furniture is both light and comfortable.

Just a few suggestions. 1 your tv needs to go up a bit. I like this stand. I hate the tiny feet. It’s easy to attach. Universal Swivel TV Stand/Base Table Top TV Stand 27 to 55 inch TVs 80 Degree Swivel, 4 Level Height Adjustable, Heavy Duty Tempered Glass Base, Holds up to 99lbs Screens, HT04B-001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9PLP48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_q-J2Db2JB3PCE For the bed. Bed skirts don’t tend to work out. Use a fitted sheet instead. It’ll give a better look at a cheap price. If you decide to get a bed frame you could put your tv on the dresser. A shelving unit might help. I use boxes with lids to keep things uncluttered. FURINNO Turn-N-Tube 5-Tier Multipurpose Shelf Display Rack, Single, Light Cherry/Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FK57S2P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_QcK2DbB9YZPJ8 If you want a entertainment stand this would be reasonable. Furinno No Tools Tube Entertainment Center, Light Cherry/Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083IYNSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_8dK2DbQJ2ZV0S the Furrino is lightweight so I recommend furniture anti tip straps. While these are listed for dvds they are good for organizing. Snap-N-Store DVD Storage Box, 6" x 8.25" x 16.5", Holds up to 26 DVDs in Cases, Black (SNS01524) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EFJY3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ChK2DbYPZ7H31 There are also these. Household Essentials 84-1 Foldable Fabric Storage Bins | Set of 6 Cubby Cubes with Handles | Teafog, 6 lbs, Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756P72MW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6iK2Db1TD89GG A cube storage system if you need more space. SONGMICS Cube Storage Organizer, 9-Cube DIY Plastic Closet Cabinet, Modular Bookcase, Storage Shelving with Doors for Bedroom, Living Room, Office, 36.6 L x 12.2 W x 36.6 H Inches Black ULPC33HV1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLVVPF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ZjK2DbZ933MEM .If you want a bed frame something like this might be an option. Zinus Dawn 14 Inch Easy To Assemble SmartBase Mattress Foundation / Platform Bed Frame / Box Spring Replacement, Full https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R6OXIFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_LmK2DbP1RHTQR if you add a frame be sure to measure. They can get tall fast. Something like this is nice but make sure you don’t tend to hit toes on the posts. If so many buy black pipe insulation from a hardware store that looks like pool noodles. Just some organizing suggestions to get started.

If you go the metal frame route I would suggest the Zinus Twin XL big and tall version. It's a few bucks more at $80 but all of the supports are the square tubing vs square and thick gauge wire. We actually have this model in twin regular (child), queen (guest) and king (main). It holds like a rock and makes zero noise. This model vs some the legs are inset a little more so less likely to stub toes. Plus plenty of room for storing totes under the bed. For the twin xl you literally just slide it out of the box, unfold the main body then tighten like six wingnuts. The queen and king (while not relevant to you) are two separate beds to join in the middle. Protip if you needed two twin xl just buy king since it is just two twin xl along with the joining hardware.

I do not suggest the "easy assemble" model (I had one of those too) as unlike the earlier posted version or the one I recommend where you just unfold the main body and turn the legs down, the easy assemble you have to individually seat each slat which is just annoying comparatively - though it does ship and store smaller.


Non smile link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BWC1VUS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1518062960&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=zinus+twin+xl+frame&dpPl=1&dpID=41jMOCc6ImL&ref=plSrch

-1. Here's an amazing bed!

-1A. Here's another bed, which corresponds to my bonus answer

-2. The best bedtime snack for camping!!

-3. Can you picture yourself in these flannel pajamas??

-4. Multi-purpose for when you just want to cuddle!

-5. Whispering waves to help your baby sleep! (And match your adult nightlight!

BONUS: What's black and white and red all over?^^a^sunburnt^^panda!


She used to say she could taste sleep and that it was as delicious as a BLT on fresh French bread.

Is there any way you can just get another bed frame, or is it too late? The majority of people really hate this bed for the issues you are hoping to address. Depending on how this thing is structured it is very possible that the manufacturers put enough "meat" for fasteners to bite into only in the places for the original assembly fasteners. That means that you wont be able to really put much meaningful reinforcements on there. For the price of this thing (holy crap expensive!) you can probably get something way better. Just looking at the structure of this thing makes me cringe. The material looks to be extremely thin and the 2 bands along each side that attach to the foot and headboard look like the only thing keeping the bed together. The only support for the slats also look wafer thin. The way the drawers are in there, and the separators for the drawers are really going to get in the way of you trying to install more reinforcing materials. How bout something like this https://www.amazon.com/Zinus-Platform-Mattress-Foundation-Boxspring/dp/B01LXNQGHH/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1478129452&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=bed%2Bframe&th=1 It's rated as a sturdy bed, you could use whatever you want as a headboard and with a smart little bedskirt you can have storage under there, too.

I got this collapsible bed frame and this tri fold mattress both from amazon. You can fit 4 plastic 54 quart bins underneath on each side of the frame for convenient clothes storage.

The bed isn’t squeaky at all for sexy times and my back felt great all week. Slept like a rock. Made everyone jelly

Go to mattress firm and try out a Tulo Firm, it is pretty firm, comes in at 700 right now.

Target has a wide variety of sheets, you can get a king set for less than 55 typically (https://www.target.com/s/threshold+king+sheets)

If you are a Costco member or know someone I think they have some sheet sets that are less when on sale.

Mattress Protector: Luna: https://www.amazon.com/Luna-Hypoallergenic-Waterproof-Mattress-Protector/dp/B002AQPUW0/

Or Coop - home goods mattress protector: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UKHSNYI/

Both are good choices, $50, luna is a cotton jersey feel, coop is a more smooth and ever so slightly thicker feel.

Foundation: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MIVR06 , basic zinus metal frame, 67

Another zinus more traditional slatted option: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07199DPJM 95

Comes out to around 875-900 before tax. Leaves enough for a comforter or blanket. I am sure there are cheaper options for everything I've posted, but those are all products I've tested and at least are familiar with them.

If you want to be adventurous and try a DIY mattress (not very difficult) I can recommend some parts that might work out within your budget too.

My husband is a very light sleeper and there are times when I go to bed feeling restless and toss and turn a lot. His daughter has moved away from home so I cleaned up her room and converted into a guest room/home office. I sometimes sleep there and it is heavenly. I have the entire bed to myself, toss and turn to my heart's content and can play podcasts on my phone to help me fall asleep without having to wear headphones like when I'm in bed with him. Also, my husband isn't the neatest person and his side of the bedroom is often cluttered making out bedroom look like crap. I like to sleep in a room that is cute with no clutter so it is visually quiet. I'm thinking of replacing the old Queen bed in there with a Full size bed on metal platform frame (like this here) so I can have a bit more floor space while also using the under-bed area to store stuff behind a bed skirt.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU6RP12/ref=twister_B07RD872XN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If you do a trial prime account, shipping is free. cancel the card information before they charge you if you wish to.

I think with taxes and all it comes out to 210 with free shipping

I hope this helps you!

This is what they made the bunkbed desks for. It's a bunkbed but instead of the lower bed it's a workdesk for homework. My buddy's daughter has that in her small room and works great - Wish I had one as a kid.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/DHP-5440096-X-Loft-Bunk-Bed/dp/B004LQ1R06/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409247597&sr=8-3&keywords=bunkbed+desk

Thanks! I use this bed frame from Amazon ($45) which I like because it has square legs (instead of the legs with wheels on them), and it folds down really small, which was great when we were moving. The headboard comes with all of the hardware and just screws into existing panels on the frame. Some people on Amazon said they screwed it into the wall to avoid it moving, so that's an option to, if that's what you're into. Hope that helps!

I am a big fan of my Zinus storage bed frame. Very solid, no squeaks after almost 2 years, and the extra height/no box spring is great. I bought mine on the recommendation of a friend, she and her husband have had theirs for a year or two longer than I have and have not had issues either.

It looks like they make a platform model and low profile too.

Yeah, try a pre-assembled metal bed frame to make a second floor. Plywood sheeting from Home Depot can go on top of the bed frame to make a living surface (though you'll have to replace it periodically as they chew), or you can use sheet metal and put natural fiber rugs or fleece blankets over that (if you use blankets, binder-clip the edges so they don't shift around). You can color coordinate the blankets with some other items to make it look really nice.

Low https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVQXC66/

Taller https://www.amazon.com/Olee-Sleep-Heavy-Non-slip-Support/dp/B01M2D8ALO/

Extra tall https://www.amazon.com/Junior-Metal-Loft-Bed-Silver/dp/B01LZG46XP/

​

For decoration ideas, here's some carrot wall decals: https://www.etsy.com/listing/398663849/

​

You can put in some wall shelves to hold items like brushes, spare blankets, treat bags, etc. out of their reach

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30178704/

Or use metal cabinets, such as this:

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30396429/

​

Many people seem to like these cat litterbox tables/benches to enclose the litterbox and store supplies:

https://www.wayfair.com/pet/pdp/archie-oscar-alfonso-kitty-litter-box-aosc1035.html?piid=30960015

Your buns will be able to chew them, but if this is a concern you can hack one with an ikea metal locker like this:

https://www.ikeahackers.net/2009/07/ikea-ps-locker-into-litter-box.html

Items for Sale

Household Items

• Electric heater/furnace - $20
  
  • This might be the same model, I don't think it's actually worth much but this is the info for it at least.
    
    
• Black bookshelf - $15
  
• Metal bed frame - $15 - link is not the exact model, but extremely similar
  
  

  Brewing Supplies
  

  
  I don't have pictures to post but if requested they can be produced
  
  

• 2x 5 gallon plastic buckets w/lids
  
• 2x bottling buckets
  
• 1x 6gal better bottle
  
• 5 gal pot

You can have wood cut to length at HD. You will need to sand it. Stain can be a poly stain so you get the finish and stain in one shot, but it needs drying time and the proper temp to do it.

Alternatively get this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WRF565/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1

I'm sure you could find one cheaper via Walmart.

I was going to do something similar but we found these on Amazon and it was much cheaper than trying to build our own.

Amazon

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BWC1VUS/ref=twister_B01N0OXMF7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

is the one i have slept on, is rock solid. If you need a headboard though, you will need something else or would have to attach it to this

> We don't have a bed frame, there's no room in the bedroom for one. There's literally half a foot between the end of the bed and the wall.

Would something like this maybe work: https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Platform-Frame-Black-Full/dp/B073WRF565/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_pm?crid=368SMAF76NGKN&keywords=platform+bed+frame&pd_rd_i=B073WRF565&pd_rd_r=c6cc9bc8-8cf9-439e-a4fc-8ddd299b7a67&pd_rd_w=XI0TS&pd_rd_wg=AP9a2&pf_rd_p=be5d8dec-444e-4770-91df-1e16a8c46da8&pf_rd_r=YDCA2TQT1SFDJVJME2GF&qid=1563153296&s=gateway&sprefix=platform+bed+frame%2Caps%2C202

Also, if you can, vacuum bags for anything fabric/compressible.

Here is an example of what I was talking about in my original comment: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Foldable-Platform-Under-Bed-Storage/dp/B073WRLNS9/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1IF77JGYAWZ8K&keywords=queen+foldable+bed+frame&qid=1570220086&sprefix=queen+fol%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-5

I've had mine for 3 years, no issues and I'm not what you would call a lightweight.

Zinus Compack Adjustable Steel Bed Frame, for Box Spring & Mattress Set, Fits Full to King https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IGGJQ6O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OL2vzbGM8H1D7

If you don't have a box spring though, the platform frames are $75.

Bed

Bed frame

Here you go https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WRF565/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was around $300 Canadian. Here's the one that I got: https://www.amazon.ca/DHP-5440096-X-Loft-Bunk-Bed/dp/B004LQ1R06/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1539788287&sr=8-8&keywords=loft+bed

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IU6RP12/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1503858618&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mattress&dpPl=1&dpID=51ukRWG-WFL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

This is what I bought. It's basically a conventional with a few inches of memory foam on the top. Under $250 for a king with tax and shipping, and it shows up right at your door. There's just no reason to spend so much.

So. I've decided i'm going for that dresser. But for the bed frame I have this frame. Should i go to home depot and buy some MDF planks to run on top of it for my memory foam mattress or buy a new frame? Also the room was bigger than i thought the official size is 18ft X 20ft. As for the table. Would it be better to buy a new table? I like this one but if it's a eye sore I'd rather replace it.