DIY Double Loft Bed with Hidden Hideout | Ikea Dresser Hack

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to build a DIY double loft bed using an Ikea Nordli Dresser Hack with a cool hidden hideout beneath the bed to maximize fun and space. This dresser bed combo is perfect for small kids’ rooms. Learn how to free up precious floor space, making room for play, creativity, and cozy reading or gaming nooks. Check out the original reel on Instagram here:
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🛠️ Materials:
- Ikea Nordli Dresser
www.ikea.com/us/en/p/nordli-8...
- 2' x 4' x 8' wood studs (6)
- 3/4" x 48" x 96" plywood (2)
- 1/2" x 48" x 48" plywood (1)
- 1/4" x 48" x 96" plywood (1)
- 3/4" x 7" x 96" pine board (1)
- 3/4" x 3" x 96" pine board (1)
- Wood paneling (25 sq ft.)
- 1.5" x 1.5" x 96" wood (2)
- Inset cabinet hinges (2)
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- Rust-Oleum 1 gal Zinsser 270976 White Zinsser, B-I-N Advanced Shellac Primer
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- Interior latex paint
- Pre-stain wood conditioner
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- White wash stain
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- Early American wood stain
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- Water-based polyurethane
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- Interlocking Floor Tiles with Drain Holes
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- Construction screws
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🔨 Tools Used:
- DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver
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- 10 inch table saw
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- Bostitch Air Compressor Combo Kit
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- 48 inch level
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- Stud finder
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- Kreg KPHJ310 Pocket-Hole Jig
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- Trigger clamps
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Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our upcoming projects. We hope you enjoy this DIY loft bed, Ikea dresser hack!

[@jieunsung3443]

My toxic trait is that thinking I could do all this by myself by just watching a yt video with 0 zero experience in woodwork

[@njarkell9971]

Meeeee toooo!

[@njarkell9971]

Wow that is beautiful!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

You can! I’m no woodworker and I make lots of mistakes. I learned most things through KZbin

[@markhudson6620]

You could

[@taan-yzah9210]

But as soon as you start, your experience won’t be zero and will only increase as you continue.

[@deknees8969]

The little nook under is genius, that's perfect for cozy rain day activities!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! It is a fun little hangout!

[@MsRotorwings]

Love it. If that was my room I’d hangout in the hideout all the time. Every kid loves a fort.

[@MsRotorwings]

Love it. If that was my room I’d hangout in the hideout all the time. Every kid loves a fort.

[@sweetpie7919]

I really like this. I think a built in bunk bed is far superior to anything store bought. I was caught off guard with the comment about people thinking their mattresses will get moldy. I worry about dust, but never mold.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

I’ve never heard about or seen mattress mold before, but we took it as a precaution . Glad you like it!

[@xxkarlosxxxxxx7233]

Now this is the kind of father every kid dreams of having and that one day I hope to be 👏👏👏 growing up without one gives u a sense of appreciation of the things u never had... This is a great room and the kid is lucky to have... Nathan is one lucky kid

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@3dchick]

Sp nicely put, and so true! ❤

[@3dchick]

I would have KILLED for this setup as a kid. Want to do it now, but pretty sure hubby would think I was nuts. Love it!! ❤

[@happilybeforeandafter]

It’s a fun little project. Do it!

[@ninirossau2304]

you only get old when you stop playing.

[@Annabanana_298]

I’m 28 yo and I still dream of having hideout

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Haha, do it!

[@rainbowstarks]

I am 32 and planning on it 😂

[@timepi437]

Great video. I’ve seen many examples of this style of bed (see Never Too Small) but few that show how to build one. Another variation for adult bed, design the gap/ladder at the point where you’d naturally swing your legs around, rather than at end of bed, where you’d have to shimmy down. I love the cubby underneath- fun for sleepovers.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks for the comment! I still need to find a better ladder solution than a step stool. Maybe I’ll have to do another video for that

[@psycheinc-theSLC]

Can you adopt me so I can have this beautiful room 😂🤦🏽‍♀. Seriously, absolutely wonderful content for any DIY enthusiast to follow whether it be for a child's room or for someone living in a studio - great work. Thanks for posting and sharing your knowledge. Psyche aka Psyche Thompson UK 🌹

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Haha, thanks! Hopefully it helps others dealing with a smaller space.

[@AltruisticWarrior]

Great work! One thing I would've done different though, instead of just brackets for the horizontal supports, I would used a 6" wide support against the wall then notched out where the supports go, with a bracket as well. All it takes is a crazy kid jumping, like mine. 😂

[@bob8mybobbob]

Awesome work! I love how you used the drawer handle/cutout shape for the door!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gsivakumar2013]

This was brilliant! And very well explained. Made for easy watching. Thanks!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@elisekuby2009]

Absolutely brilliant! I love everything that you did, but especially the use of decking tile under the mattress. Your boy is very lucky to have you two as parents.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the video and the decking tiles!

[@katm8118]

The work you guys did is really amazing. I would say though, as a tip, to take all the nordli drawers out and coat the sides and back with an anti-mildew moldproof primer like zissner or something. Ive had a nordli bed for 3 years and it is fantastic for storage but I have noticed black coatings developing on the drawers, after a year, i thought it was dust and i was wiping it down often but it is mold. I reorganized my drawers and noticed it coating even some places on the inside of drawers. I searched the internet and lots of people are having this problem with the nordli drawers. I will need to take mine out and spray them with an anti-mold primer. I am highly allergic to mold (i think most peiple are) and have been congested while going to bed and waking up. I realized today its because my bed is growing mold in the drawers.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks for the kind words and tips! I wonder if some kind of silica gel or moisture absorbing pack in the drawer could work too.

[@anaitatzoera7051]

I love how simple yet elegant looking this loft bed is 😍😍😍 Great work!!! 🤗🤗

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks so much. Glad you liked it!

[@cyphermage6112]

I absolutely love the cubby underneath! I dream of one day owning a home so I can build things like this. I am a bit concerned about ventilation for the cubby, though - there doesn't seem to be any, except for the cut-out in the door handle? If a kid was hanging out in the cubby with the door shut, I imagine it'd get pretty stuffy before too long?

[@vanessamartins6387]

Não acredito que acompanho tanto tempo no insta e não tinha ideia que estava detalhado aqui ❤

[@rougerogue7497]

If i ever get a home i want this bed style

[@happilybeforeandafter]

It’s definitely fun space saver. Thanks for commenting!

[@nadiapersaud4871]

I'm looking to make this for my son Nathan, and I saw it seems to be a Nathan's room too! 😆😄

[@happilybeforeandafter]

haha, it's definitely a great bed for a Nathan!

[@alexisgreig]

Wow, great job!! Love this!!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Glad you like it!

[@nyashamoyo5095]

Beautiful!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks!

[@bob8mybobbob]

I’ve seen people warning about mold, but the only anecdote I’ve read where someone actually got mold was when they had their mattress directly on the floor. My whole family has had mattresses on plywood or even inside a solid waterbed frame for decades and nothing ever molded.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Yeah, I agree that people probably worry too much about it and I’ve never seen it first hand.

[@Procrastimaker]

It depends on your climate. Im my climate we definately get mould if we put a mtress on solid ply, but we just use a hole saw to cut a few holes and it gets enough airflow to not get mould

[@Procrastimaker]

Oh i just saw the decking tile for airflow, what a brilliant solution!!

[@CozyHomebyMarnieandKida]

That is a super talented project! Great idea for a small space 🙌🏽Well done

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Glad you like it!

[@kidimbuishola-zx8ht]

Wow it’s beautiful! Thank you 🥰

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@19EvansVideos]

So beautiful and a fun to watch video as well.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@toniwright8472]

Great job!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks!

[@YH_1917]

Love the idea

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! Glad you like it!

[@letstry4993]

I bet your son loves this. Fantastic!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! He really does. And the extra storage is nice!

[@alphonsinelepitre1992]

I so love it, I'm gonna make it for my own. 🎉

[@happilybeforeandafter]

That’s awesome! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

[@alphonsinelepitre1992]

@@happilybeforeandafter thank you so much !

[@spearmint123]

This dude is a pro!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Haha, thanks! I just watch a lot of YT videos.

[@1Hope4All]

2:04 It would've been great if you made each lower shelf deeper than the one over each one so that it looks like stairs instead of just a book case. I think your son would have felt safer climbing stairs then a bookcase where each one is the same depth. But to still keep things inside each shelf as if the same depth so that his feet wouldn't step on his things.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Not a bad idea! He uses a step stool, but I’ll probably build a small ladder at some point.

[@sylvial.7272]

Not only beautifull and explained very well, its a amazing good solution and fit in sooo good. ❤ 👌 perfect

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it!

[@StorytellingSunny]

Amazing ❤

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks 😄

[@cynvision]

Sweet build. Any thought to how to make a freestanding storage bed for an adult renter? I was stumped by the drain tiles in the list until you talked about foam mattress moisture.

[@cynvision]

Honestly I was looking for alternative to West Marine deck tiles which were always out of stock

[@happilybeforeandafter]

I’m no furniture builder, but I would probably consider 4x4 posts and joists depending on how high off the ground you want it. I put a link to the tiles I used on Amazon in the description if that helps.

[@MattVitt-im2jh]

This is awesome! Did you have to disassemble and reassemble the dresser? The dresser in the link has the drawers arranged in a different fashion than in the video.

[@happilybeforeandafter]

We reassembled them differently I think

[@chelseakorfel9947]

Can you please share a link for the decking tiles that you used? Also, how did you attach the vertical piece of the bed rail?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

There should be a link to the decking tiles in the description. I attached it using decking or construction screws from the front and from the bottom. Hope that helps!

[@undersound33]

Wonderful job and thanks for making a video and sharing everything! Question about the painting....did you sand it before applying the primer as well? Did you paint brush it or with a brush or paint roller?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! I hope it was helpful. I lightly sanded with a sanding block just to scuff up the surface a little before priming. I used a paint roller unless it was a tough to reach section. Good luck on your project!

[@undersound33]

@@happilybeforeandafter thanks for clarifying!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

You're welcome!@@undersound33

[@tinanavarro2243]

You did a beautiful job on this build. Approximately how much was all the materials used to make it?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Maybe around $300-400 not including dresser

[@tinanavarro2243]

Thank you.

[@aaronangeloni6220]

This may seem odd but do you think this would be appropriate for an adult. I live in a prewar house with ceilings that are 13ft tall. Wondered if i could pull this project off but so that i can walk underneath the whole bed with a full sized door, as an office space for when i work from home? Do you think this would be doable or impractical due to the height of the bed?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Maybe not as an IKEA hack because I don't think they make dressers that tall. I think it's possible to do what you're saying, but probably not practical for most adults. I would make sure to support it better using 4x4 posts.

[@emmapearl49]

Great work!! Where did you find the wall mural?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Thanks! It’s from rebel walls

[@1phildefer323]

3:39.....voici un homme heureux......Happy man 🤪

[@catscattying943]

The sure fire way to stop mattress moulding is to use a water proof mattress COVER!

[@happilybeforeandafter]

For sure!

[@susanpierce1820]

Super helpful as I debate hiring someone or attempting it myself! Thank you! I do wonder- is making the bed a giant pain? It won't change my mind on doing the project, just wondering what I'm getting myself into 🙃

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Not a giant pain, but it can take some time. Making the shelves was probably the most time consuming part for me. Good luck!

[@timepi437]

You could design the side rails removable and slide the mattress vertically to the ground to change fitted sheet.

[@6364diary]

is it durable though? i mean im gonna be scare if i put my heavy mattress + me on it, it will break the wood...😂

[@happilybeforeandafter]

It seems a lot more durable than some of the store bought bunk beds that I’ve seen.

[@samn9384]

How high is the ceiling of the room?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

8 feet

[@quinnm.3127]

can you do this for an adult?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Sure! You might get tired of going up a ladder each time though

[@user-fz7cf1if3t]

how would i be able to do this and make it taller ??

[@happilybeforeandafter]

See if Ikea sells a taller dresser or you can try stacking two dressers on top and attach them with metal brackets. You’d need to adjust the side support height and bookshelf height depending on the dresser height.

[@JT-152]

💯🙌🏽

[@heavenlybagel]

Just curious what the height of your room is

[@happilybeforeandafter]

These are 8’ ceilings.

[@nishtadhanda75257]

How do you make bed ? Isn’t it difficult to put on bed sheet ?

[@happilybeforeandafter]

We have a step stool. It’s not too hard to make the bed. Just have to make sure you leave enough room along the edges to accommodate mattress size and sheets/blanket tucked in

[@nishtadhanda75257]

@@happilybeforeandafter great 👍🏻

[@timepi437]

Or a light foam mattress easy to take down, change sheet and put back up.

[@MarieNoelle8888]

🙏👍❤️

[@danielortizdecaracas]

el espacio sobrante detras del mueble ideal para esconder las matas de mariguana y cannabis

[@happilybeforeandafter]

Por supuesto amigo! 😂

[@johannakastner5766]

Im comong from a woodworker family in germany and must Tell ohne big mistake he done. Under Matratze must be live gitter Thatcher Matratze can breeze Otter IT Start gsmling . He make clone Woodstock plate

[@baobei9231]

Whilst this is genius I am actually worried about how much weight this can withstand on long term

[@happilybeforeandafter]

As long as you’re connected to the studs you should be good.

[@chaz4471]

I rent so I can’t ruin the walls