DIY: Under-bed storage tray

Create a permanent and easy-access home for your child’s favourite puzzle, car set, or toy collection with this under-bed storage tray.  

Art direction + Styling: Vanessa Nouwens

Photography: Melanie Jenkins 

YOU WILL NEED:

 1 piece of 12 mm MDF, 60 cm wide and 1.2 metres long
 2 pieces of 18 mm pine, 1.2 metres long and 6.5 cm wide (side rails)
 2 pieces of 18 mm pine, 56.4 cm long and 6.5 cm wide (short ends)
 4 castor wheels and screws
 20 mm timber screws for tray base
 Resene paint brush (or roller set)
 Resene testpots (we used Resene Tea and Resene Triple Tea)
 Jigsaw to cut wood
 Tape measure
 Pencil 
 Drill

Step 1. Paint base board for the tray table with a paint brush or small roller. We used Resene Space Cote low sheen in Resene Tea. Do two coats for best coverage.

Step 2. Measure and cut your end pieces of wood with a jigsaw so they are 56.4 cm long and 6.5 cm wide.

Step 3. Paint your side and end pieces of pine, we used Resene Triple Tea.

Step 4. On a table or flat surface lay out your pieces of wood and lay your base board (front side down) on top of the wood pieces. Adjust the pieces of pine underneath so everything lines up. Then drill holes for your screws.

Step 5. Screw the timber screws in place around the frame securing from the back of the tray base board.

Step 6. Place the castor wheels onto the bottom of the tray base and screw in.

Step 7. Flip tray over and slip under bed ready for play time.

Above: Wall and floor in Resene Carrara; tray base in Resene Tea; tray sides in Resene Triple Tea; round bedside table in Resene Parchment; lamp in Resene Silver Chalice; Belinda Boucle Teddy King Single Bed, $439.95, mocka.co.nz; grey linen single duvet cover set, $69.99, and grey muslin style blanket, $89.99, hm.com; Taika Cushion, $54.95, freedomfurniture.co.nz; Miffy Sitting Teddy in cream, $59, fluxboutique.co.nz; Q Toys Wooden Vehicle Play Set, $109, and Micki Felt Road Set, $59.90, littlewhimsy.co.nz.