21 of the Best Things to do with an Old Crib

Cribs are the perfect up-cycle project because what else are you going to do with an old crib when your kiddos out grow it? Typically, you can turn a crib into a toddler bed, but after that it’s not very useful. Before you toss the crib, consider using a little DIY magic and up cycle it into a bench, desk, craft organizer, or even a wagon! Below are 21 things you can do with an old crib including create new furniture and even organize with crib rails.

Turn old cribs into furniture

Just because the baby has outgrown the crib does not mean it’s time to give it away. Have you considered turning the crib into a desk, bench or a dog crate?

1. Child’s desk

Simply remove the side rail, and raise the bottom of the crib up to turn it into a desk. I also love that she added chalkboard paint to the desk top. Check out Little Learning for Two for more pictures and details.

2. Chair

This crib transformation takes a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it! For more details on how this crib was turned into a chair, check out Start at Home.

3. Bench

Christina converted her crib to a day bed and then sawed off the legs to make it the right height. For more details check out 2 Little Hooligans.

4. Dog crate

Gail added wheels and a solid wood top to create a beautiful extra large dog crate. For the complete tutorial, check out My Repurposed Life.

Cribs turned organizers

Who knew the rails of a crib could be used to organize everything from plates to books to craft supplies?

5. Plate rack

Turn the side of a crib vertical and use to hang plates. Genius! For the complete tutorial hop over to Remodelholic.

6. Magazine rack

This project is as simple as leaning the side of a crib vertically against the wall and slipping magazines over the rails. Oringially via on Blue Cricket.

7. Wall hanging

Brittany used the crib mattress springs as an adorable wall hanging and adorned it with sweet memories of her babies. For more details, check out The Painted Parsonage.

8. Cork  board alternative

Holly used an antique metal crib frame as cork board alternative. Adorable! Fore more pictures, check out Life as a Thrifter.

9. Jewelry organizer

Becky turned a dainty crib rail into a jewelry organizer. How clever is that? For more details, check out Farm girl Paints.

10. Fabric organizer

Amy anchored a crib rail to the wall to store her collection of vintage sheets. For the complete tutorial, check out Gabriel’s Good Tidings.

11. Craft organizer

The Crafty Nest turned a crib rail vertical and uses it organize her most used craft supplies.

12. Book shelf

All you need to do to make this simple bookshelf is turn a crib rail vertically and lean it against the wall. Voila! For more pictures, check out Makely.

Cribs turned toys

Make the crib fun again and turn it into a new toy. The crib turned playhouse below is so fun and creative!

13. Wagon

It’s basically a mini crib on wheels! It’s the cutest wagon you’ve ever seen complete with a swinging door. For all of the details, check out Tidbits.

14. Chalkboard

A crib head and foot board can easily be turned into an easel wit ha few hinges. You could also consider attaching one side to the wall or fence for a simple chalkboard for the kids. For more details, check out Prodigal Pieces.

15. Easel

Turn a crib headboard and footboard into an easel with a few hinges. Image oringially from The Red Kitchen.

16. Playhouse

Turn a crib upside down for an adorable playhouse! Image via the pink butterfly.

17. Upside down crib

Turn a crib into a fort toddler bed by flipping the crib upside down and putting the mattress on the ground. Wild! For more information, check out Clever Housewife.

18. Loft toddler bed

Adriel modified her crib to make a loft toddler bed complete with storage underneath for larger toys. This is the perfect solution for a small space. For the complete tutorial, check out Adriel Booken.

Crib garden projects

Don’t know what to do with your old crib? What about turning the crib into a planter, trellis or even a porch swing!

19. Herb garden

Cynthia built simple garden box to fit inside of the antique crib. Instead of a baby bed, it’s a garden bed. For more details, check out Cynthia Weber.

20. Trellis

Turn the crib rails vertical and secure them to a fence for a gorgeous new rose trellis. Image via Daves Garden.

21. Porch swing

Turn a crib headboard and foot board into a porch swing with a few power tools. For the complete tutorial, check out Lolly Jane.

What do you do with old cribs? Have you ever turned it into something new? I’d love to hear…

If you love up cycled furniture, don’t miss these posts:

• Garden planters
• Pallet projects
• Paint chip projects
• DIY light fixtures