Design an Organizer for Craft Supplies

As your child develops, the number of their art projects will likely increase. You might consider creating an art and craft corner for your child, or perhaps you’d like a cozy craft nook for yourself.

In either case, it would be beneficial to keep all art and craft supplies organized in one place and off the floor, wouldn’t it? Consider making wall storage using the side of a crib for this purpose. Simply hang the crib side vertically. Paint or varnish it if you wish. Add hooks and containers as needed to hold the supplies.

Create a Decorative Memo Board

You can transform the crib’s spring base into a chic memo board. Revamp the frame by wrapping it with fabric strips. Choose a monochrome look or mix prints and materials to give the frame its own character. Lean it against a wall or door, mounting it easily with regular nails and a hammer.

Use it to hang notes for family members or display your child’s latest artwork. Pin up to-do lists or keepsakes. All you need is a bag of small clothespins or photo clips.

Convert the Crib into a Study Desk

Detach the crib’s drop-side. Next, raise the crib’s base to its maximum height. Prepare strong plywood or MDF cut to match the base size, as this will serve as the tabletop. Ensure it’s layered for stability. Use superglue on the boards and apply paint for your desired finish. The example in the photo is painted with blackboard paint for a chalkboard effect. Attach bins and containers to the rails to store your child’s supplies. Pair the table with a comfortable chair.

Transform Your Crib into a Creative Play Space

Flip the crib over to transform it into a charming play-and-read corner for your child. You could turn it into a princess’s castle like the one shown in the picture above, or create a cheerful lab for your budding scientist. Alternatively, your child might enjoy a tent perfect for a jungle adventure.

Line the floor with foam mats and decorate the base of the crib “ceiling” to match your chosen theme. Paint and adorn the space accordingly. The top of the flipped crib can serve as a storage shelf for your little one’s toys, books, or other items.

Transform the Crib into a Cozy Indoor Sofa

Remove the drop-side entirely from the crib and set the base to the lowest position. After that, simply put a lovely cover on the crib mattress. Enhance the overall appearance by including a few throw pillows.

If the seat seems too low for your liking, elevate it by placing an additional crib mattress. You might also think about strengthening the crib base with one or two layers of plywood or MDF. Apply a coat of varnish to the couch for a vintage appearance. This couch will definitely enliven any corner of your home!

Transform Your Old Crib into a Porch Swing

A crib can be transformed into a stylish and affordable porch swing. Take off the drop-side of the crib and set the base at its lowest position. Reinforce the base using wood planks or layers of plywood secured with glue. Paint and varnish the crib. Attach spindles to the crib base using screws. For added stability, you can also secure additional hooks to the crib legs. Use strong rope to hang the crib from the ceiling joists to ensure safety.

Cover the crib mattress with fabric and add throw pillows to finish the appearance of your new porch swing.

Create Multi-Use Wall Organizers from Crib Rails

This is a simple but very practical method to repurpose an old crib. Just dismantle the crib to create four wall storage units! Hang any side of the crib vertically with regular nails and a hammer. You can attach as many containers and hangers as you like to the crib bars. Use hooks or colorful yarn to secure your small storage additions.

You can store almost anything on these versatile shelves, from umbrellas to crayons. This storage solution takes up no floor space and adds color to your walls!

Convert an old crib into a vintage-style desk.

Transforming a crib into a study table is an economical and practical idea. Cribs can be converted into attractive desks for adults. You just need to creatively repurpose the crib parts to fit your needs. Take off the crib’s drop-down side and set the crib base to its lowest position. You can flip the crib upside down or keep it upright. Place a wooden board or glass on top to create a functional tabletop. The crib’s drop-down side can be repurposed as a shelf or even a footrest on your desk. You’ll appreciate the vintage appearance of the final product!

Make Adorable Chairs From Your Old Crib

Your child has outgrown their crib, but you still want to incorporate it into their childhood? With a saw, hammer, and nails, you can transform it into a charming pair of wooden seats for your kid. Add some layers of MDF or thick plywood to create a sturdy seat base. Apply bright paint for a stylish look. You can either upholster the seats with cushions or leave them bare. Relax and enjoy seeing your child use these adorable chairs for play or tasks!

Use Your Old Crib to Raise Poultry

Looking to provide your poultry with a new budget-friendly home? Gather some plywood or MDF to cover the walls and bottom of your old crib. You’ll also need to add a roof to ensure your chicks are safe and protected. Leave one side of the crib open to allow for proper airflow and light, but you can add some netting if you wish.

Paint and varnish the poultry coop with pet-safe materials. Don’t forget to include food and water dispensers, along with a comfortable bed of hay, before introducing your birds to their new abode.

Enhance Your Jewelry Storage

Crib rails can be transformed into excellent jewelry organizing wall units. Attach hooks and nails to the bars and paint the whole rail to give it a finish you like. You can also wrap fabric strips around the edges for a personal touch. Use it to hang necklaces or add smaller containers to store earrings and other small items neatly. This organizer is not only budget-friendly but also convenient and easy to use. Additionally, it serves as a display case for all your accessories. What could be a more elegant and stylish use of your child’s old crib?

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Loveseat

A baby’s crib can easily be transformed into a loveseat or a small sofa once the child has outgrown it. This offers a personalized addition to your living room with a touch of vintage seating, or it can be used in a reading nook for a cozy reading spot. With plywood, fabric, and trims, you can design your seat to be as simple or elaborate as your creativity and budget permit. It’s an excellent way to extend the use of your baby’s furniture even after your child has grown.

Use an old crib rail to organize your kitchen.

Do you constantly find yourself lacking storage space for your kitchen utensils? Crib rails can be cleverly reused to organize your pots and pans. You can also convert your rails into wall organizers to hold all your spices and cutlery. Use small hooks and plastic holders to arrange your kitchen items on the wall. You could even add nails for hanging aprons and oven mitts. Let your creativity guide you to give your kitchen a functional makeover. You’ll be amazed at how much space you can create in your kitchen with just one crib rail.

Make a Beautiful Planter Unit Using Crib Parts

If you’re aiming to add some greenery to your porch walls or desire an additional planter wall in your garden, consider using the spring box from your child’s old crib. Just lean it on its side or hang it at a height with garden hooks. The structure is robust enough to support several small to medium-sized pots. It’s perfect for growing potted climbers and using as a trellis. Be sure to rust-proof the planter wall first. Instead of letting your child’s cherished old crib go unused, go ahead and create an attractive vertical garden.

Transform the Old Crib into a Toy Cart

Cut off the legs and attach a strong plywood base to the crib. Add wheels and a handle for pushing and pulling. There you have it! You’ve transformed your child’s old crib into a roomy toy cart. This cart is not only large enough to serve as toy storage, but your child will probably also want you to give them a ride in it. While this upcycling project might take some time, you’ll surely be pleased with the outcome. Paint and varnish it for a longer-lasting and more cheerful finish.

Repurpose an Old Crib into a Patio Bench

If the house isn’t where you want to store your upcycled crib, consider transforming it into a patio bench. Take off the longer side rails and attach a plywood base to the bottom of the old crib. You can add an additional layer of MDF or plywood for more durable seating. Apply varnish and rust-proof the whole bench since it will likely face various weather conditions on the patio. Add slipcovers and throw pillows to the mattress. Your new patio bench is ready for use by children, adults, and pets.

Give Your Child an Art Table They’ll Adore

Inquisitive creators require a personal artistic space. Transform the old crib your child no longer sleeps in into their own art station. Take off the drop-down side and raise the crib to its highest position. Make a playful tabletop with plywood and chalkboard paint. Secure it to the crib base with superglue or nails. Attach several containers to the rails for storing art supplies and paper. Paint the revamped furniture in vibrant colors to brighten your child’s room. Inspire creativity by creating a display area for their newest creations.

Create a Personal Photo Collage

What is an attractive and efficient way to keep a cherished piece of your child’s baby furniture? By turning it into a display for capturing memories! The spring-base of your baby’s old crib provides an ideal metal frame for showcasing photos. You can lean it against a wall, or mount it on a wall or door. Attach your photos with clips and easily update the display whenever desired. For added charm, you can include fairy lights or fabric strips to enhance the frame. Even without additions, the crib-frame serves as an elegant photo wall on its own!

Introduce a new storage cart to your kitchen.

You can never have too many storage solutions in your kitchen. Old cribs are excellent for organizing kitchens, so why not convert yours into a storage cart? Simply remove the drop-down side and use it as an extra shelf. Add plywood to the top of the crib base and the shelf made from the drop-down side to allow the shelves to support more kitchen utensils and equipment. If desired, you can install additional plywood shelves underneath. Attach rolling wheels to the legs to make the storage cart more adaptable.

Convert Your Old Crib Into A New Magazine Rack

Do you often find yourself with not enough room for your magazine collections? You can repurpose an old crib by disassembling it. Position a side rail against a wall to make a simple and effective magazine rack. Hang your magazines over the bars of the crib rail. This magazine holder is budget-friendly and takes up minimal floor space. Keep your magazines, newspapers, and periodicals tidy and all in one spot with this DIY magazine rack. The next time you’re ready for a great read, just pick up what you need from the stand and enjoy your reading adventure!

Turn Your Crib Into a Chalkboard Easel

To creatively repurpose your old crib, consider using two of its side rails to create a chalkboard easel. For this project, you’ll need nails, plywood, and chalkboard paint. Sand and prime the wood to ensure a smooth surface before applying the paint. Apply two to three coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next. Once all layers of paint are dry, apply chalk dust to the surface. You can use it as a signboard or give it to your child for hours of play and learning.

Enhance Your Home’s Entrance with a Seating Area

Every home benefits from having a welcoming and impressive entrance. Enhance yours by making it both stylish and functional with the addition of a bench for putting on and taking off shoes. Repurpose pieces from an old crib to craft this bench. Utilize the side rails as a coat and hat rack. Use plywood to ensure the seating area is sturdy. You can include a shoe storage compartment under the bench seat to increase its usefulness. Paint and varnish the unit for a glossy look or give it a weathered finish if that is your style. Both visitors and family members will value the functionality of this bench.

Repurpose Old Crib Rails into Headboards

A comfortable bed is one that features a comfortable headboard. While headboards can be an expensive investment, there is a budget-friendly way to enhance your child’s bed with a high-quality headboard. Though your little one no longer sleeps in their crib, you can still incorporate the crib into their current bed setup. Transform the side rails of the old crib into a unique headboard for your child’s bed. To craft a beautiful headboard of your preference, you will need plywood, foam, and fabric. Create a headboard that complements the room’s decor and adds character to your child’s bedroom.

Convert Your Old Crib Into A Pet Gate

Do you have a furry companion who loves to play and requires your constant watch? Being a pet owner can be exhausting. Pets, like toddlers, can be quite demanding to supervise. For their safety and your peace of mind, it’s often necessary to keep them out of certain areas. Installing a pet gate is a practical solution in such situations. Buying a new pet gate can be costly, so consider dismantling your old crib and using its rails to make a sturdy and budget-friendly pet gate. This project is relatively simple and doesn’t require many extra materials.

Use Your Old Crib to Grow Herbs

Here’s a simple way to repurpose an old crib. Position it in a spot that receives enough sunlight. Use fruit crates or build a garden bed with plywood cut to fit the crib’s base. Fill it with potting soil. While some grow plants in old tires and shoe boxes, you can cultivate a small herb garden in your child’s old crib. The crib’s elevated sides make it easy to cover the garden plot during bad weather. You can also let climbing plants grow along the side rails to provide support for the herbs.

Transform Your Crib Into Chairs With Storage

If your child is always running out of storage space, this might be the perfect upcycling project for you. You can repurpose your child’s crib by transforming it for new uses. Try cutting it in half to make two children’s chairs. Use plywood to create seats and add a storage box underneath each seat for extra usefulness. Paint the chairs and add cushions for a complete look. Use the storage space to keep bedding, toys, books, or anything else you need. You and your child will love having these adorable storage chairs in the house!

Create a Table with Storage Compartment

Children need plenty of clear space on their table for learning and playing. Although converting a crib into a table provides a lot of storage on the sides by utilizing the side rails, it still may not be sufficient. Adding some shelves beneath the tabletop can maximize the table’s storage capabilities. Use plywood to create and add drawers to the table. This will provide your child with more space to organize and store their materials. With enough storage space, they will be able to draw, write, and build in a relatively clutter-free workspace.

Use The Crib to Make Hanging Ceiling Holders

Disassemble your old crib and creatively use its components to enhance your plain ceiling. Attach the crib’s spring frame overhead or suspend it from ceiling hooks to form a metal canopy. You can place it above your kitchen island for hanging light fixtures or to dry herbs. Use it to incorporate hanging decorations in your hallways or create an indoor canopy by letting potted plants drape over it. Hang lanterns from it on your patio or use it to increase the lighting over a table. The possibilities for using the frame on your ceiling are limitless.

Create a Bookshelf From Your Old Crib

Books play a crucial role in childhood development. If your home is stocked with various reading materials, why not repurpose your old crib into a bookshelf? By using a pair of side rails, you can craft a lovely shelf for yourself or your child. Attach the two sides together with small plywood pieces to keep them a few inches apart, parallel to each other. Cover the crib rails with fabric to make sturdy and vibrant shelves. Your child will enjoy selecting their bedtime stories from this delightful rack, and you’ll appreciate giving the old crib a new purpose.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Pair Of Bar Stools

Among the various methods to repurpose your crib, this idea might interest you if you’re aiming to incorporate some distinctive stools into your bar or kitchen island. Crib sides are robust and crafted from durable materials. With some woodworking, they can be effortlessly converted into artistic bar stools that you’d be eager to include in your furnishings. Bestow your kitchen or bar with its own unique character by creating a few DIY stools. After all, bar stools can be costly, so why not take the opportunity to design exquisite ones for yourself at a fraction of the cost?

Utilize The Crib For Storing and Organizing Blankets

After your child no longer needs their crib, you can use it to store winter bedding, quilts, and blankets. If the crib feels too large and cumbersome, you can dismantle it and turn the side rails into a blanket rack. You will need some nails and a hammer to assemble a stand-alone rack. However, this project doesn’t require much skill, and you will be pleasantly surprised by how elegant the rack looks once assembled. Additionally, it can enhance the interior of any bedroom without sacrificing its practicality.

Convert Your Old Crib into a Toddler Bed

Most wooden cribs available today are readily convertible into daybeds, but don’t worry if your child’s crib isn’t among them. You can transform any crib into a toddler bed. With additional spring frames and plywood, you can create a safe and sturdy new piece of furniture from the existing crib. All required materials can be bought at a local hardware store. Although the project might seem a bit time-consuming, once it’s finished, your little one will enjoy sleeping and jumping on their newly made bed!

Design Creative Garden Gates

Gardens are a wonderful addition to a home. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of their own backyard or lawn. If you have an old crib, consider using it to enhance your garden’s charm. You can personalize your lawn or vegetable garden entrance by adding a gate or arbor. Dismantle the old crib and repurpose the side rails. Apply rustproof paint and several layers of varnish for a weather-resistant finish. Plant some climbing plants around the gates for a picturesque look.

Repurpose an Old Crib into an Outdoor Bench

You can make a beautiful outdoor bench by using just the crib base and one side rail. Build a wooden seat frame and securely attach the crib base to it. Add plywood to the base to form a sturdy seat. Apply varnish to the entire bench for a shiny finish.

You can also use the other side rails if you want to keep rails on three sides of the bench. Sit and enjoy some lemonade on the bench on a hot summer day. Host guests outdoors on cool evenings. A comfortable outdoor bench is an essential piece of furniture. You can’t go wrong by repurposing your old crib into one.

Create an Adventure Tent for Your Child

Outgrowing a crib doesn’t necessarily mean a child has stopped using it for play. If your child enjoys their crib as a play area and you’re concerned they may be too big to be safe inside, consider dismantling the crib to create a play space. A great option is to build a play tent. You can add a fun element to a corner of your child’s room or set up the tent on your patio for outdoor play. Use old curtains and bedding to decorate the tent. Your child will love having an adventurous space designed just for them!

Turn Old Cribs into Compost Bins

If you’re a passionate gardener, you likely have an area set aside to make compost from biodegradable household waste. You might think about repurposing parts of your old crib to construct compost bins that would lend character to your garden. Compost bins are simple to build and only require basic carpentry skills. Besides the bin, you can use crib parts to fabricate covers for current compost pits. These are crucial when you need to keep the pits covered. After all, while making your own compost is beneficial, you wouldn’t want your pets or young child to accidentally fall into the pit!

Provide Your Plants with Some Climbing Support

Crib rails, particularly wooden ones, can be transformed into elegant and sturdy standalone yard trellises. Repurpose the sides of your old crib to craft various types of trellises for your vines and creepers. Your plants will wrap around the support beautifully. The crib bars make these rails ideal for supporting your fruit-bearing vines. Vegetables like eggplants, cucumbers, and gourds will flourish in your garden plot with the help of these stands. If flowers dominate your garden, let your roses climb over them to create enchanting bowers where you’d love to spend your leisure time.

Transform Your Crib Into a Clothes Drying Rack

A simple and very practical method to repurpose parts of an old crib is to make a clothes-drying rack. With children in a household, laundry tends to multiply. Even if you own an electric clothes dryer, it’s beneficial to air-dry your laundry in the sun occasionally. The bars on the side rail of a crib provide an organized way to hang many wet clothes in a small area.

You can design a folding rack and even install it on a wall to conserve floor space.

Build Your Own Bicycle Stand

Children adore their riding toys and often accumulate quite a few. In a household with growing kids, there’s likely to be an assortment of two-wheelers and three-wheelers scattered around. If this sounds like your home, consider creating a bike rack using pieces from an old crib to neatly store bikes, trikes, and scooters. Utilize the space between the crib bars to organize skateboards. You can also install hooks to hang helmets and safety gear near the rack. Additionally, if there’s enough space, you can even park your adult bicycles on the same rack!

Create Feeding Troughs for Your Farm Animals

If you reside on a farm or have farm animals, here’s another useful way to repurpose your old crib. Convert it into feeding troughs for the animals. With some skill, you can create two or more feeding bins using various sections of the crib. You will need some extra plywood to finish the feeding containers. The investment is budget-friendly, and the end result will ensure your animals are well-fed and content. If you’re unsure how to proceed, there are numerous guides available online on how to build feeding bins for farm animals.

Create a Magnetic Board

Transform the side rail of an old crib into an attractive magnetic board. You’ll need plywood, chalkboard paint, tin sheets, and magnets. Additionally, you can enhance the frame with paint or fabric. Customize your magnetic board to function as a memo board or to display keepsakes and photos. Add magnetic letters to create a message board. It can be used independently or hung up to enliven any boring wall in the house. Your kids might also enjoy using the board in creative ways!

Build a Closet Shoe Organizer

Do you have a fascination with shoes? Storing shoes, particularly those with heels, takes up a lot of closet space. Anyone who loves shoes knows how challenging it is to have a designated area just for footwear in a typical home. Not everyone can afford to devote entire closets to their shoes. However, you can opt for an affordable shoe rack. The spring frame of an old crib can be quite useful for this. Simply hang the frame on a wall, and for your shoes, hang them by the heels!

Transform Old Cribs into Convenient Nightstands

If you are skilled in carpentry, you might consider making some charming and durable peg tables to use around the house. Repurpose old crib rails to build the table frames. Employ robust plywood for the tabletop and other elements. You can also include shelves and drawers if desired. A well-sized table can serve multiple functions. How you use it is entirely your choice. Use these tables as bedside furniture or as part of your living room decor. They can also be used in your kitchen, patio, or garden shed.

Transform Your Old Crib Into a Toy Storage Box

Having a child at home often means that the whole house becomes a huge play area. If you’re tired of constantly stepping over toys scattered everywhere, think about transforming your child’s unused crib into a toy storage unit. By adding solid plywood sides to the rails, you can turn the crib into a large toy chest. Your child will enjoy storing their toys in this roomy chest, and you’ll be pleased to see them happily tidying up after playtime ends!

Repurpose An Old Crib Into A Patio Bench

Outdoor seating should be made from durable materials to endure various weather conditions. Repurposing old furniture for your patio is a great idea, and baby furniture can be included. You can reuse a crib with some simple modifications. Remove the drop side and reinforce the crib’s base with plywood. Set the base to its lowest position. Cover the mattress with vibrant, weather-appropriate fabric. Add some cushions to finish the project. This way, you can transform the crib into a sofa for your patio.

Transform an old crib into a mobile bar.

Do you enjoy relaxing with a drink in your bedroom? Or maybe you want to offer your guests some fine wine during dinner on the lawn? If a fixed bar area doesn’t suit your lifestyle, you can transform your old crib into a convenient bar cart. This project will require some time and skill. However, with a bit of DIY effort, you can create a beautiful mobile bar using materials easily found at your local hardware store. If you’re not sure where to start, the internet is full of designs for upcycled bar carts. Take a look at the featured photo for some inspiration.

Design a Retro Ceramic Shelf

Transform your crib into a crockery display case. Ceramic displays can be costly, and if you love showcasing your dinnerware, converting your old crib into a ceramic display unit might be perfect for you. You can simply mount a pair of side rails on the wall to form a stunning plate rack. Consider dedicating a wall in your dining room to hang this display rack. Give the rack a coat of paint, perhaps aiming for a weathered look for a vintage finish. Wall-mounted plate racks provide an elegant and secure way to store your treasured ceramics.

Create a Sleeping Crate for Your Dog

Once your child has outgrown the crib, think about giving it to their canine sibling. You can convert an old crib into a cozy sleeping space for your dog by adding some plywood to the top and sides. Make sure to add some soft bedding for comfort. Remove the drop-down rail so your dog can easily get in and out of the bed. If desired, you can convert the removable rail into a strong, lockable door, making it a convenient travel crate for your pet.

Transform an old crib into your potting table.

If you love gardening, you’ll enjoy the concept of transforming your child’s old crib into a potting table. The large workspace provided by converting a crib into a table ensures less mess while you indulge in your hobby. So, give your plants a dedicated table for potting and related activities. Remove the drop-down side and add shelves to the crib by cutting plywood to fit. You can cover the shelves with fruit crates or drawers to store your gardening tools, fertilizers, and other materials.