how to make a full size bed into a daybed or couch type bed

[FINFAN]

DS woudl like to have a couch in his room instead of a bed, (he's 16) but that's not going to happen for several reasons. He currently has a full size bed but due to the size of his room, we agree it makes sense to have it go along the wall day-bed style. We looked into getting a platform/storage bed frame where the drawers are under neath to obtain more room, but the ones we can afford do not go horizontal or day bed style. So, looking to find a way ourselves to make it more couchlike. His current bedframe is the normal cheapie metal kind with the wheels on the bottom. I know a bedskirt *could* hide thim but when turning the bed sideways a traditional skirt does not work and DS is not crazy about that look anyway.
So, any ideas? I am bummed about the storage/drawer frame. We did find one called an "Andy style" but hte drawers are not set inot the frame, they simply roll under and we prefer inside on tracks for easier rolling since they would be DS main clothing storage. He also prefers black which is making this even tougher.
His room is more horizontal, 10x13, but doors and windows kind of limit the shorter wall usuage, all his space along the longer 13 ft walls

 

[golfgal]

What about getting a futon?

For the underbed storage, what about the Rubbermaid totes on wheels? They could slide back under the double bed and not be seen so you wouldn't need to worry about a skirt. You could make "fake" drawers-using some plywood and just making it so it looks like under bed drawers. Get some bed risers to elevate the bed some too.

As far as making his bed into a couch, you could get a LOT of throw pillows.

What about getting a hide a bed couch for the room?

 

[luvmy3]

I would have dh make a platform and flank it on each side with bookshelves or cubbie units, and slide the mattress in between (on the platform). If I didn't have a dh that could do that, I'd buy a futon.

Sorry, I'm not much help

 

[robinb]

Are you guys handy? Here is a website the gives you plans to make your own furniture:
http://ana-white.com/

(It used to be called "Knock Off Wood" but the name recently changed)

I have been toying with the idea of making one of the beds on her website for my 11-year old DD. She currently has a captain's bed but now wants a loft bed.

Here is a storage day bed:
http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plan-stratton-daybed-as-request-by-you.html

It does not have drawers, but as you can see you can put baskets or containers under the bed instead.

 

[FINFAN]

Thank you all for the ideas/help/links
We like this item:
http://www.bedroomfurniturenmore.com/Prepac-Sonoma-Black-Double-Platform-Storage-Bed.htm

but can't tell if we were to turn it sideways if the headboard side is finished...or just open pressboard.
I tried getting DH AND DS to build one, but the *list* is too long right now...in DH defense, his car was totalled ( by ins standards) last month and we are struggling trying ot find a replacement while he is currently doing what he can to pound it out. DS needs DH involvement, and honestly, I can't give this project more than a month. We thought about a futon but the ones we can afford do not seem anywhere near comfortable enough to use every night. The reason DS suggested a couch is because he ends up down in the family room 1/2 the time as he says the couch is way more confortable than his bed..however, I require sheets so a couch is out.
I do like the plans for the DIY item tho, will show it to them and see if I get anywhere. Otherwise, we may go with the item listed above and turn it, and maybe doctor up the side if it is unfinished...