I’m Not Handy, But I’m Copying This Cozy IKEA PAX Bed Nook DIY
In the past few years, the words “cozy” and “nook” have been seemingly synonymous with trending interior design. Some people have turned to Hygge experts for tips or advocated for nooks of all kinds — including throwback phone nooks. One space that can seriously capitalize on that snug feeling is the bedroom. Creating an alcove (aka a bed nook) is such a simple way to make your space feel tucked away and cozy.
Artist Maggie Beckett had to rethink the bedroom in her 320-square-foot apartment when her boyfriend, now husband, moved in. When she lived alone (Apartment Therapy toured the home before!), the bed was up against the wall, which made it easy for one person to get in and out, and there was space for a dresser. However, it wasn’t working with two people, and moving the bed meant sacrificing precious storage.
“I realized the only way to maximize the vertical storage space would be to build cabinets on either side of the bed, utilizing about 21 inches of space on each side,” Maggie explains. “I saw so many beautiful built-in bed nooks on Pinterest and, while we couldn’t build something custom and permanent in our rental apartment, the PAX system is so modular that building up and around the bed frame made sense to create a cozy, built-in feel.”
IKEA Finds – Plus Just a Few Other Items – Created the Coziest Bedroom Nook
To start, Maggie gathered all the items she needed to create the bed nook. The frame was built using two IKEA PAX wardrobes (with white doors and vintage-inspired hardware!) on either side of the bed, connected by a wood plank that extended over the top. Maggie painted the plank white to create a “unified” look.
Maggie admits the hardest part was installing the curtain rod properly over the wood plank. In the end, she had to attach industrial-type fabric tape to the café curtain so that it wouldn’t get stuck in the cabinet doors.
Using only six products, Maggie created a nook that adds depth and storage to the room. It opens the “tiny room’s” layout and looks so cute, too. If you’re interested in creating a renter-friendly bed nook for your room, simply grab the products above.
“I love how much storage it added without making the room feel cluttered,” Maggie says. “It really defines the sleeping area, allows both of us space on our sides of the bed to get up and walk, and visually it’s beautiful to see the bed as a focal point in the bedroom, with additional texture interest from the curtains.”
To see more of Maggie’s wonderful apartment, visit the full House Tour.