Cabin Guest Bedroom Reveal with a Built-In Bed

I’m so excited to finally share another finished bedroom at the cabin! This guest bedroom makeover is one of those projects where the custom millwork really makes the room. We designed a built-in queen bed with additional storage, making the most of the space while giving it that cozy, custom aesthetic I love. Today, I’m sharing the before and after, a complete tour, sources, and all the finishing details that brought this room together.

A few weeks ago I shared how to add fabric behind glass cabinet doors and gave you a pretty good sneak peek of this bedroom! I can’t wait to really dive into the details… it’s been a long time coming, and is a space we’re proud of.

Before and After

This cabin guest bedroom has come a long way. The previous owners had a full size bed and two dressers jammed into the tiny space. Rather than filling the room with individual pieces of furniture, we wanted to create something that felt intentional and architectural, while maximizing every square foot. We were able to add a custom queen size bed with hidden storage drawers beneath.

More Before Images

The existing bedroom also had a makeshift closed shoved into the corner. We decided to remove the closet and add a built-in to open the space and accommodate the larger bed. I love a good before and after, but what I appreciate most about this transformation is how much more functional the room has become. In a small cabin, every inch matters… especially when you’re trying to accommodate a larger sleeping arrangement.

Built-In Bed

The built-in queen bed felt like the perfect solution to accommodate a larger, more comfortable sleeping space. I’ve always loved the charm of built-in beds, especially in cottages and older homes. There’s something about incorporating a bed into the architecture that makes a bedroom feel especially inviting. When designing this one, I wanted the millwork to feel substantial without overwhelming the room. Proportion is everything with custom cabinetry, and it’s something I spend a lot of time considering before we start building.

Typically, I like having bedside tables on both sides of the bed, but this tiny space simply couldn’t accommodate that. We built a wraparound ledge, framing the bed. This has hidden phone charging and is an easy place to rest items, since the bed is pushed into the corner. Additionally, we incorporated a small open area to tuck an ottoman. Extra seating is always nice, but it’s conveniently the same size as a carry-on suitcase… for out-of-town guests. Either works great!

To make the most of the a-frame architecture and angled walls, we also added large (hidden) sliding drawers beneath the bed. There are three of them, and you’ve never know! You simply push them to pop them open, and of course we added soft close hardware. Emmett did a fabulous job matching the board and batten on the drawer faces.

My biggest piece of advice when considering a built-in bed? Since they are a bit more difficult to get in and out of, invest in a good mattress with really nice bedding. Go big on comfort! I know they can be a pain, but for us… the sacrifice of a larger bed and better use of the space was well worth it. I’ve already made this bed a handful of times without much effort, thanks to wiggle room we intentionally added.

Custom Storage

One of our priorities for this guest bedroom makeover was incorporating practical storage without making the room feel crowded. After deciding to remove the existing closet, we knew we needed a built-in cabinet. In addition to the drawers beneath the bed, this cabinet offers double the closed storage. With all of the custom millwork, we actually have more storage than the previous closet… and the room no longer feels cramped.

I love furniture that works hard without looking overly utilitarian, and built-in storage is a great example. It allows you to maximize the available space while keeping the overall design cohesive and streamlined. When planning bedroom storage, these are a few things I always consider:

• Accessibility: Can guests easily reach the things they’ll need (like a phone or charger)?
• Proportion: Does the cabinetry feel balanced with the bed and the room?
• Function: Are we creating storage that’s actually useful, rather than simply filling empty space?
• Longevity: Will the design still feel classic years from now?

This is where I think custom cabinetry really earns its place. Instead of designing around furniture dimensions, you can tailor the storage to the room and how it’s used. That was key in making these wonky angled cabin walls work to our advantage!

Window Treatments

We kept the existing windows in the cabin, because they’re all in great shape. However, I did want to update all of the window treatments. In this room, I installed a budget light filtering wood shade (for warmth, texture, and aesthetics) with a remote blackout shade for ease and functionality. This layered look also makes the window look larger than it actually is.

Because it would be difficult to crawl over the bed to close the shade, a remote window treatment was essential. It operates on solar power! I’m planning to install these in the other bedrooms as well.

The Finishing Details

Once the millwork was complete, the fun part was pulling everything together. I wanted the room to feel like a natural extension of the cabin, with a mix of classic details, comfortable textiles, and pieces that add personality.

I’m always drawn to bedrooms that feel layered rather than overly decorated. Especially in a guest room— I wanted everything to feel welcoming and cozy without having too much going on.

For me, it’s the combination of materials, vintage finds that tell a story, and those smaller finishing touches that makes a space vignette complete. The millwork might be the focal point, but the softer elements are what make it feel like an inviting bedroom.

Cabin Guest Bedroom Sources

Click directly on each item within the collage to shop…

I’ve rounded up the sources for this room above, including the bedding, lighting, furniture, and accessories. I’ve also linked similar options for the vintage items I snagged for this space. Let me know if you’re hunting for something specific!

Questions?

More Cabin Posts…

Want to see more of our cabin? I’m going to link posts in chronological order below. Feel free to catch up here…

• Cabin Hunting in the Utah Mountains
• First Look at Our Utah Cabin (Before Images Before We Started Renovating)
• Plans for Our Main Cabin Bath Renovation
• Cabin Main Bath Reveal
• Cabin Front Door Makeover Before and After
• Cabin Deck Corner Seating Area Reveal
• Cabin Deck Fire Pit Lounge Reveal

I’m so happy with how this cabin guest bedroom came together. It’s a great reminder of why I love taking my time with renovations and thinking through the details before making decisions. The built-in bed and custom storage completely changed the room, and I love that we created something that feels both practical and timeless.

We still have lots of cabin spaces to share (we’re just getting started)— the loft bedroom is coming up next, so stay tuned! In the meantime, I hope this room reveal gives you a little inspiration for incorporating custom millwork or built-in storage into your own home. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! I love hearing from you.