A nest of low cost beds

This is a useful and practical idea for a nest of three beds. It will save space in a small room during the daytime because it only takes up the space needed for one bed. The beds are low in cost and easy to make from local materials. The measurements used are approximate and may vary according to the wood available.

All the beds are the same width but the length and height of each bed varies so that they fit under each other. The nest of beds can then be used as a sofa in the daytime.
Nail the legs to the ends of the shorter lengths of wood. Then nail on the longer lengths of boards to make the framework. The drawing shows three different materials that can be used for making the springs - wood (Bed 1), chicken wire (Bed 3), or strips of inner tube or rope passed through holes drilled in the frame and tied tightly (Bed 2).

Timber required

Large Bed (Bed 1)
2 boards 2.5cm x 7.5cm x 183cm
2 boards, 2.5cm x 7.5cm x 91.5cm
4 legs, 5cm x 5cm x 51cm

Middle-sized Bed (Bed 2)
2 boards, 2.5cm x 7.5cm x 168cm
2 boards, 2.5cm x 7.5cm x 91.5cm
4 legs, 5cm x 5cm x 38cm

Smallest Bed (Bed 3)
2 boards, 2.5cm x 7.5cm x 153cm
2 boards, 2.5cm x 7.5cm x 91.5cm
4 legs 5cm x 5cm x 25cm

Adapted from an article in the VITA Technology Handbook with kind permission. This very useful book (430 pages) from...

VITA, PO Box 12438, Arlington, VA 22209 USA.