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 your 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.
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
Get max fun out of a a cirb, 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
Consider turning your un used 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, you will love these posts:
I have an adorable old crib. I mean, maybe from early 1900’s. I would like to donate it to someone who would use it to make something with. I think you would have to pick it up. I live in Massachusetts. I will send a photo. It has 2 adorable pictures that might be hand painted.
I’m interested. I live in western Massachusetts.
Love them all but don’t have ababy
I was desperate for a large piece of art, so I used the wire frame from my son’s old crib to make something for over our front door. I think it turned out pretty great, and when I replace it with something else, I’ll have the trippiest frame to train my beans, evah!
http://www.lovenestdesign.com/fixing-up-the-foyer/
I really like some of these ideas….
Oh wow! What a fun, FREE idea! Thanks for sharing, Amber!
These are great ideas. I have some crib left over after making 2 projects already. First a display for my son’s track ribbons- http://athomewithsweett.blogspot.com/2012/10/sports-ribbon-display-option-2.html?m=1
2nd a display for my daughter’s swim ribbons- http://athomewithsweett.blogspot.com/2012/09/display-for-sports-ribbons-repurpose.html?m=1
I turned my retired crib drawer into a toy storage bin on wheels. I covered it with fabric first and it now fits perfectly under a twin bed.
http://www.no29design.com/2012/02/my-recycled-crib-drawer.html
So many great ideas. We turned our son’s crib into a magazine rack for our bathroom: http://www.dejongdreamhouse.com/2012/05/repurposing-crib-as-magazine-rack.html
Looks awesome! Thank you for sharing, Jen!
How would u turn a baby bed into a makeup vanity
Hallo! nice ideas for upcycling a crib! For the moment I just have a new crib for my baby who is due to come “yestarday”… But it’s good to have already some tips for reuse it! TnX
Wow, talk about clever…I especially love the kids’ desk & outdoor loveseat.
What fun ideas… Maybe I should take the dropside crib that has been in my father-in-laws attic for 30 years. 🙂
My plan for the weekend is to hang the railing from my son’s crib to the ceiling in the laundry room and have it as a hanging rack that is not in the way.
That’s a great idea! I’d love to see a pic!
Love to see after pictures