A pallet bed is one of my favorite ways to turn rough, overlooked wood into something you’ll actually look forward to crawling into at night. With a little sanding and a few smart design choices, you can go from basic and rustic to seriously styled without spending a fortune.
Cozy Boho Pallet Bed With String Lights
I’ve stapled soft string lights behind a pallet headboard and it instantly turned the pallet bed into the coziest corner of the room. It’s especially pretty when you style it with layered throws and textured pillows.
Give these a look:
- Warm White Globe String Lights: Create a dreamy ambiance by draping these warm lights across your headboard for an instant cozy glow.
- Chunky Knit Throw Blanket: Add texture and softness to your bed setup with a chunky knit blanket perfect for layering comfortably.
- Boho Textured Throw Pillows: Enhance the bohemian aesthetic by mixing these textured pillow covers with your existing bedding for extra style.
Classic Low Pallet Platform
The easiest pallet bed platform I’ve built was just two pallets side by side, lightly sanded, and topped with a mattress for that clean, low look. I love how it instantly reads relaxed and modern, especially with crisp bedding.
Consider these options:
- Orbital Sander: Smoothen rough pallet wood quickly to prevent splinters and snagged bedding with a reliable power sander.
- Jute Area Rug: Frame your low bed and add natural texture to the room with a large, durable jute rug.
- Boho Throw Blanket: Soften the look of your platform bed by layering a textured throw blanket over crisp white linens.
Double-Stacked for Standard Height
When I wanted my pallet bed frame to feel more like a “real” bed, I stacked pallets two high and screwed them together so nothing shifts. In my experience, the extra height also makes getting in and out way more comfortable.
Try these:
- Electric Sander: Prep your pallets properly by sanding away rough edges to ensure a smooth, splinter-free sleeping surface.
- Heavy Duty Wood Screws: Securely fasten your stacked pallets together to prevent shifting and create a stable, durable bed foundation.
- Clear Wood Varnish/Sealer: Protect the reclaimed wood and enhance its natural grain while sealing the surface for a cleaner finish.
Matching Pallet Headboard Wall
A simple upright pallet headboard is the quickest way I’ve found to make a pallet bed feel finished and intentional. I usually leave it raw and seal it so you still see all that reclaimed wood character.
A few helpful options:
- Matte Wood Sealant: Protect your reclaimed wood and prevent splinters while keeping the natural look with a clear, matte finish sealant.
- Orbital Sander & Sandpaper: Smooth out rough pallet surfaces efficiently to ensure your new headboard is safe and comfortable to lean against.
- Heavy-Duty Wall Anchors: Secure your tall pallet headboard firmly to the wall for safety and stability using reliable mounting hardware.
Whitewashed Scandi-Style Pallet Bed
For a brighter bedroom, I’ve had great results whitewashing a pallet bed frame so the grain shows through but the vibe stays airy. It’s my go-to trick when the rest of the room is light, minimal, and uncluttered.
Some ideas to consider:
- Matte White Chalk Paint: Achieve that airy, whitewashed aesthetic on wooden pallets easily with this ultra-matte, quick-drying paint.
- Medium-Grit Sanding Block: Prepare rough pallets for painting and sleep comfort by smoothing edges with a durable sanding block.
- Round Jute Rug: Complete the Scandi look and add texture to your floors with a natural, round jute area rug.
Dark Stained Industrial Look
When I’m after moody and cozy, I stain the pallet bed in a deep walnut tone and keep the hardware simple. I’ve learned darker finishes also hide scuffs better, which is honestly nice for real life.
You might like:
- Walnut Wood Stain: Transform raw pallet wood with a rich walnut stain for that cozy, moody industrial aesthetic.
- Industrial Corner Braces: Add rugged charm and structural support to your pallet frame using heavy-duty black corner brackets.
- Heavy Duty Caster Wheels: Install locking caster wheels on your bed frame to create a versatile, movable furniture piece.
Corner Pallet Bed Platform
I built a corner pallet bed once for a tight room, and it was such a space-saver while still feeling like a big lounge zone. The best part is that the extra platform edge becomes an easy spot for books and a morning coffee.
A few choices to try:
- Wooden Pallets for DIY Furniture: Build your own sturdy base easily; stack these versatile crates to create the perfect custom platform height.
- Chunky Knit Throw Blanket: Add texture and warmth to your corner lounge with a cozy throw that softens the rustic wood look.
- Clear Glass Vase for Greenery: Bring life to your bedside platform ledge by displaying fresh branches or flowers in a simple glass vessel.
Pallet Daybed With Backrest
Turn your pallet bed into a daybed by adding a vertical pallet along the back as a casual “sofa” support. I’ve used this setup in multipurpose spaces, and it’s perfect for piling on pillows without them sliding off.
Useful items to consider:
- Set of Decorative Throw Pillows: Add comfort and style to your backrest by layering different sized pillows for a cozy, inviting look.
- Twin or Full Size Mattress: Choose a comfortable, standard-sized mattress that fits perfectly on your pallet base for lounging or sleeping.
- Textured Knitted Throw Blanket: Drape a soft, textured throw over the end of your daybed to add warmth and a finished aesthetic.
Built-In Storage Cubbies Underneath
I love using the natural gaps in pallets as built-in storage for baskets, books, or shoes. On my own builds, that little bit of hidden organization makes the whole room feel calmer.
Check these products out:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize your pallet bed cubbies stylishly with these natural baskets, perfect for hiding away clutter and small items.
- Decorative Throw Pillows: Add comfort and a pop of color to your rustic bed setup with soft, textured throw pillows.
- Rustic Plaid Throw Blanket: Layer your bedding with a cozy throw blanket to create texture and warmth for a complete, inviting look.
Under-Bed Lighting Glow Effect
Adding under-bed lighting is the quickest “wow” upgrade I’ve tried on a pallet bed frame, because it makes the whole thing look like it’s floating. I usually tuck the lights behind the bottom slats so you see the glow, not the source.
A few relevant products:
- LED Strip Light Kit with Adhesive Backing: Easily attach these flexible strips beneath your pallet frame for an instant, customizable warm ambient glow.
- Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Controller: Upgrade your setup to control brightness and scheduling directly from your phone for effortless mood lighting.
- Cable Management Clips and Ties: Keep your new lighting wires neatly tucked away and organized to maintain that clean, floating appearance.
Extra-Wide Platform Shelf Border
If you size the pallets a bit larger than the mattress, you get a handy platform bed border that works like a built-in shelf. I’ve done this for small rooms and used the edge for a candle, a book stack, and my phone at night.
May just do the trick:
- Flameless LED Pillar Candles: Create a cozy ambiance safely near fabrics by placing these flameless candles directly on the pallet edge.
- Minimalist Ceramic Coffee Mug: Enjoy your morning routine in style with a sturdy, minimalist mug perfect for resting on the low platform.
- Classic Hardcover Notebook: Keep a sleek notebook handy on your pallet ledge for late-night journaling or sketching new creative ideas.
Integrated Pallet Nightstands
One of my favorite layouts is a pallet bed with “wings” on each side so the frame becomes the nightstand. I’ve built it this way for friends, and it keeps matching furniture from becoming a whole extra project.
A few suggestions:
- Sanding Sponge Blocks: Smooth out rough pallet edges efficiently to prevent splinters and create a safe surface for your nightstand area.
- Natural Wood Stain: Protect your pallet wood and enhance its natural grain while keeping that rustic, raw aesthetic for your bedroom.
- Bedside Clip-On Lamp: Save surface space on your new pallet wings by attaching a flexible reading light directly to the headboard.
Cut-to-Fit Loft or Attic Pallet Bed
In rooms with weird angles, I’ve trimmed pallets down to create a custom pallet bed platform that hugs the walls or fits under a slope. It’s a surprisingly satisfying build because it looks like it was always meant to be there.
Possibly handy products:
- Jigsaw Power Tool: Easily trim and customize your pallets to fit perfectly into awkward nooks or sloped ceilings.
- Orbital Random Sander: Smooth out rough pallet edges to prevent splinters and prepare the wood for staining or painting.
- Bohemian Area Rug: Add warmth and texture under your pallet bed while protecting your attic floors from scratches.
Fabric-Padded Pallet Headboard
If you like the pallet base but want a softer feel, I’ve made a simple pallet bed with a padded fabric panel attached to the headboard. It’s my favorite compromise when you want rustic wood down low and something comfy to lean on up top.
Might be a good match:
- Upholstery Foam Sheet: Create a plush, comfortable backrest by cutting this high-density foam to fit your custom pallet frame perfectly.
- Linen Upholstery Fabric: Cover your padding with durable linen fabric to achieve that sophisticated, textured look shown in the design.
- Button Tufting Kit: Add the classic tufted finish easily with a kit containing covered buttons, long needles, and strong twine.
Rolling Pallet Bed on Locking Casters
For flexible spaces, I’ve built a pallet bed frame on sturdy locking casters so it can shift for cleaning or rearranging. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how handy it was in a small room that gets used for everything.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Heavy Duty Locking Caster Wheels: Upgrade your pallet bed with these sturdy wheels, allowing for effortless movement and secure locking capabilities.
- Corner Braces and L-Brackets: Reinforce your DIY pallet frame joints securely with steel brackets to ensure long-lasting stability and safety.
- Sanding Sponge and Paper Set: Prepare rough pallet wood surfaces properly to prevent splinters and create a smooth finish for your mattress.
Modular Pallet Bed You Can Reconfigure
I’ve made a modular pallet bed using multiple smaller pallet sections that bolt together, so you can change the layout later. It’s a fun approach if you like moving furniture around and don’t want to rebuild from scratch.
These products might be useful:
- Heavy Duty Connector Plates: Secure your modular sections firmly together using these sturdy plates, allowing for easy reconfiguration whenever you want.
- Electric Drill Driver Kit: Assemble your custom bed frame quickly and efficiently with a reliable drill that handles tough pallet wood easily.
- Wood Sanding Block Set: Prep your reclaimed wood for sleeping by smoothing out rough edges and splinters with these essential sanding blocks.
Pallet Bed With a Pull-Out Trundle
For a real conversation-starter, I once built a pallet bed with a slim pull-out trundle platform made from pallet boards for sleepovers and guests. It looks totally normal day-to-day, which makes the hidden extra bed feel like a magic trick.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Heavy Duty Caster Wheels: Ensure your trundle glides out smoothly by installing reliable swivel casters that can support ample weight.
- Slim Trundle Mattress: Find a low-profile mattress that fits perfectly into your custom trundle frame without catching on the slats.
- Drawer Slides or Glides: Keep your pull-out bed aligned and stable during movement using sturdy drawer slides or furniture glides.
