This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It’s a striking platform bed made from black walnut that blends elegant design with serious functionality, offering a stylish upgrade to any bedroom.
Built with multiple storage drawers and a clean, modern look, this bed serves as both a beautiful centerpiece and a smart solution for space-conscious living. From plywood cabinet construction to refined walnut finishing, Mark’s project delivers quality at every step.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Mark’s channel:
From Dorm Room to Grown-Up Bedroom
The inspiration for this project came from a desire to replace a basic dorm-style setup with something more polished and functional. Drawing on elements from a previous nightstand build, Mark designed the platform bed to visually complement the rest of the room.
The layout includes four drawers at the foot of the bed and two on each side. This makes excellent use of otherwise wasted space, offering practical storage without cluttering the bedroom. The use of black walnut elevates the entire look, giving the project warmth and long-term durability.
Building the Internal Cabinet Base
Mark starts with the internal cabinet structure that forms the foundation of the bed. This core is built from plywood panels cut down using a straight edge guide and later refined on the table saw.
Only the ends of the cabinets will be visible in the finished piece, so Mark attaches walnut edge banding using CA glue for a seamless, high-end appearance. Even small details like this help tie the design together and ensure a professional result.
Simple butt joints are used to construct the cabinets, making for quick and accurate assembly. The panels are glued, clamped, and squared carefully—saving time while still producing a solid, stable frame.
Milling and Shaping the Walnut
Once the base cabinets are done, attention shifts to the showpiece material: black walnut. Each board is milled from rough lumber—flattened, squared, and trimmed to length.
Mark uses the walnut to build the bed’s outer frame, including the legs, side rails, and headboard. Each component is carefully selected for grain and character. Locking rail hardware is integrated into the frame design, allowing for strong joints with no visible fasteners.
Assembling the Bed Frame
With the walnut milled and cut, Mark assembles the main frame. Legs are connected to the side rails, and hardware slots are routed with precision to accept the locking bed rail hooks.
This part of the project requires close attention to squareness. Mark regularly checks the frame during assembly to ensure clean alignment—critical for a bed frame that needs to support both weight and movement.
Drawer Construction for Storage
Next, Mark turns to building the drawers. These are designed with straightforward butt joints, allowing for fast assembly and smooth functionality.
Lighter-duty drawer slides are chosen for this application, since the drawers will hold soft goods like linens or clothing. Each slide is mounted with care, and drawer alignment is double-checked before final installation.
The drawer faces are made from the same walnut stock, giving a seamless and cohesive look when the drawers are closed. There are no visible pulls or hardware, keeping the design minimalist and modern.
Finishing and Final Details
Before final assembly, the walnut components are sanded smooth and given a protective finish. Mark uses a spray system to apply an even coat that enhances the wood’s natural depth and grain.
The finishing process brings out the rich chocolate tones of the black walnut, making the bed both visually striking and pleasant to the touch. It’s the last step in a long build, but one that truly transforms raw lumber into finished furniture.
Final Assembly and Test Fit
All the pieces come together for the final setup. The internal cabinets are placed, the frame is locked in, and the drawers slide smoothly into their openings.
A fun “earthquake test” is performed to check the frame’s strength—no movement or creaks to be found. It’s a clever way to demonstrate just how stable the final product is, especially for a large piece of furniture with multiple segments.
The finished bed provides not only a stylish sleeping area, but also substantial under-bed storage. Seasonal clothing, bedding, or miscellaneous items can be tucked away out of sight, keeping the room clean and organized.
A Functional Centerpiece
This project is more than just a bed—it’s a thoughtful solution for both form and function. Mark’s use of high-end materials, practical joinery, and attention to detail turns a simple idea into a true centerpiece.
Whether you’re outfitting a master bedroom or upgrading a small apartment, this project shows how smart woodworking can combine beauty with everyday usefulness.
You can see all of Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/project-plans.