What are some ways to repurpose a crib your baby has outgrown?

Design an Organizer for Craft Supplies

As your child grows, their art projects will increase in number. You might want to create an art and craft corner for your child. Or perhaps, you’d prefer a cozy craft nook for yourself?

In any case, it would be beneficial to keep all the art and craft supplies organized together, and off the floor, wouldn’t it? Consider making wall storage using a crib side for this purpose. Hang the side vertically. Paint or varnish it if you like. Then, add hooks and containers as needed to store the supplies.

Create a Pin-up Memo Board

You can transform the crib’s spring base into a chic memo board. Revamp the frame by covering it with fabric strips. Go for a monochrome look, or mix prints and materials to give it unique character. Lean it against a wall or a door, and mount 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 are some small clothespins or photo clips.

Convert the Crib into a Desk

First, take off the drop-side of the crib. Then, set the crib’s base to its highest position. Cut a sturdy piece of plywood or MDF to fit the size of the base. This will serve as the tabletop, so make sure to strengthen it with layers to ensure durability. Secure the boards with superglue and then paint the surface to achieve your desired finish. In the example shown, blackboard paint has been used to create a chalkboard surface. Attach bins and containers to the rails to store your child’s stationery. Complete the setup with a suitable chair for comfort.

Transform Your Crib into a Creative Play Space

Flip the crib upside-down to make a charming play-and-read space for your child. You might transform it into a princess’s castle as shown in the picture above. Alternatively, you could create a cheerful lab for your young scientist. Or perhaps your child would enjoy a tent perfect for a jungle safari?

Cover the floor with foam mats and decorate the inverted “ceiling” of the crib as you wish. Paint and embellish the setup to fit your selected theme. Use the top of the flipped crib as a storage shelf for your child’s toys, books, or other items.

Convert the Crib into a Cozy Indoor Sofa

Remove the drop-side entirely from the crib and set the base to the lowest position. Next, simply put a charming cover on the crib mattress. Enhance the overall appearance by tossing in some decorative pillows.

Should the seat feel too low for your liking, elevate it by layering a second crib mattress. You might also want to reinforce the crib base by adding one or two layers of plywood or MDF. Finish the couch with a varnish to give it a vintage flair. This couch will undoubtedly add a lively touch to any corner of your home!

Transform Your Old Crib into a Porch Swing

A crib can be converted into a stylish yet budget-friendly porch swing. Start by removing the drop side of the crib and setting the base to its lowest level. Reinforce the base using wooden planks or layers of plywood secured with strong adhesive. Paint and varnish the crib. Attach spindles to the crib base using screws. You can also add extra hooks to the crib legs for a more secure attachment. Use sturdy rope to hang the crib from the ceiling joists to ensure safety.

Reupholster the crib mattress and add throw pillows to finish the style of your newly transformed porch swing.

Create Versatile Wall Organizers Using Crib Rails

This is a simple yet practical method to repurpose an old crib. All you have to do is disassemble the crib to make not one, but four wall storage units! Simply take any side of the crib and hang it vertically with regular nails and a hammer. You can then attach as many containers and hooks as you wish to the crib bars. Fasten your small storage additions using hooks or colorful yarn.

From umbrellas to crayons, you can store almost anything on these multifunctional shelves. This storage solution occupies no floor space and adds a splash of color to your walls!

Transform an Old Crib into a Retro Work Desk

Transforming a crib into a study table is a smart and economical idea. Cribs can be converted into attractive adult desks. Simply re-envision the crib components to meet your needs. Detach the drop-down side of the crib and set the crib base at its lowest level. You can position the crib upside-down or keep it upright. Add a wooden board or glass to create a practical tabletop. Use the drop-down crib side as a shelf or a footrest for your desk. The completed piece will have a charming vintage appearance!

Transform Your Old Crib Into Adorable Chairs

Your child has outgrown their crib, but you still want to incorporate it into their growing years? By using a saw, hammer, and nails, you can transform it into a charming pair of wooden seats for your child. Add some layers of MDF or thick plywood to create a sturdy seat base. Apply some cheerful paint to give the final product a stylish finish. You can choose to upholster the seats with cushions or keep them plain. Sit back and enjoy watching your child use these adorable little loungers for play or work!

Use Your Old Crib to Raise Poultry

Looking to create a new affordable home for your poultry? You will need some plywood or MDF to cover the walls and the base of your old crib. Adding a roof will ensure your little chicks remain safe and secure. Keep one side of the crib open for adequate ventilation and light, although you can add some netting if you wish.

You can paint and varnish the poultry coop using materials that are safe for pets. Don’t forget to provide food and water dispensers, as well as a cozy bed of hay, before introducing your birds to their new home.

Enhance Your Jewelry Organization

Crib rails can be transformed into excellent wall organizers for jewelry. Attach hooks and nails to the crib bars and paint the entire rail in a color of your choosing. You can also wrap fabric strips around the edges for a personal touch. Use it to hang necklaces or add small containers to store earrings and other small items neatly. This organizer is not only affordable 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 way to repurpose your child’s old crib?

Convert Your Old Crib Into a Loveseat

Once an infant has outgrown a crib, it can be transformed into a loveseat or mini-sofa, ideal for adding a personalized vintage touch to your living room or creating a cozy reading spot in your book nook. By using plywood, fabric, and trimmings, you can customize your seat to be as straightforward or as elaborate as your creativity and budget permit. This approach offers a great way to preserve and repurpose your baby’s furniture well beyond their early years.

Utilize an Old Crib Rail to Organize Your Kitchen

Do you constantly find yourself running out of storage space for your kitchen utensils? Crib rails can be a great solution for organizing your pots and pans. They can also be transformed into wall organizers for your spices and cutlery. Use small hooks and plastic holders to arrange your kitchen items on the wall. You can also add nails to hang your aprons and oven mitts. Get creative to give your kitchen a practical upgrade. You’ll be amazed at the amount of space you can create using just one crib rail.

Craft a Stylish Planter Unit Using Crib Components

If you want to add some greenery to your porch walls or want an additional planter wall in your garden, use the spring box from your child’s old crib. Simply lean it on its side or hang it up using garden hooks. The material is strong enough to hold several small to medium-sized pots. You can use it to grow potted climbers and trellises. Be sure to rust-proof the planter wall before use. Go ahead and create a beautiful vertical garden instead of letting your child’s cherished old crib sit unused.

Convert the Old Crib Into a Toy Cart

Cut off the legs and attach a solid plywood base to the crib. Add some wheels and a handle for pushing and pulling. And there you have it! You’ve transformed your child’s unused crib into a spacious toy cart. This cart is not only large enough to serve as a toy storage, but your child will probably ask you to give them rides in it. Although this upcycling project might take some of your time, you will likely be pleased with the outcome. Paint and varnish it for a more durable and cheerful finish.

Turn an Old Crib into a Patio Bench

If the house isn’t the place where you want to keep your upcycled crib, consider transforming it into a patio bench. Take off the longer side rails and add a plywood base to the bottom of your child’s old crib. You can add another layer of MDF or plywood for extra strength. Varnish and rust-proof the entire unit since it will be exposed to 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

Curious creators need a space dedicated to their artistic pursuits. Transform your child’s old crib that they no longer use into a personal art station. Take off the drop-down side and set the crib to its tallest height. Make an engaging tabletop by using plywood coated with chalkboard paint. Secure it to the crib base using superglue or nails. Add some containers to the rails to store art materials and paper. Paint the revamped furniture in cheerful colors to bring some joy to your child’s room. Inspire creativity by setting up a display area for their latest creations.

Create a Personalized Photo Collage

What’s an attractive and space-efficient way to keep a cherished piece of your child’s baby furniture? By transforming it into a display for memorable photos! The spring base of your baby’s old crib serves as an excellent metal frame for showcasing pictures. You can lean it against a wall or mount it on a wall or door. Use photo clips to hang your pictures, and you can easily update the display whenever you like. To add some extra charm, you can include fairy lights or tie fabric pieces to the frame. The crib frame also makes an elegant photo wall on its own!

Introduce a new storage cart to your kitchen.

You can never have too much storage in your kitchen. Old cribs are great for organizing kitchens, so why not transform yours into a storage cart? Simply remove the drop-down side and use it as an extra shelf. You can attach plywood to the top of the crib base and to the shelf made from the drop-down side. This will allow the shelves to support more utensils and kitchen gadgets. If you like, you can add more plywood shelves beneath. Attach some caster wheels to the legs to make the storage cart more versatile.

Turn Your Old Crib Into A New Magazine Rack

Do you often find yourself lacking space for your magazine collections? Simply dismantle your unused old crib. Then, prop a side rail against a wall to make an effortless and functional magazine rack. Drape your magazines over the crib-rail bars. This magazine holder is budget-friendly and occupies minimal floor space. Keep your magazines, newspapers, and periodicals neatly organized and centralized with this DIY magazine display rack. The next time you wish to enjoy a good read, just pick your choice from the stand and relish your armchair adventure!

Transform Your Crib Into a Chalkboard Easel

If you’re looking for a creative way to repurpose your old crib, consider transforming two of its side rails into a chalkboard easel. You’ll need some nails, plywood, and chalkboard paint for this project. Start by sanding and priming the wood to create a smooth surface, then apply the paint. Apply two to three coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Once the paint is fully dry, rub chalk dust over the surface. You can use it as a signboard or give it to your child for endless fun and learning.

Enhance Your Home’s Entrance by Adding a Seating Area

Every home should have a welcoming and attractive entrance area. Make yours both stylish and functional by incorporating a bench for putting on and taking off shoes. You can use parts of an old crib to make this bench. Utilize the side rails to also act as a coat and hat rack. Reinforce the seating area with plywood for added strength. Consider adding a shoe storage cubby beneath the bench seat to enhance its practicality. Apply paint and varnish for a sleek look, or a distressed finish if that suits your taste. Both guests and family members will value the convenience of this bench.

Repurpose Old Crib Rails Into Headboards

A comfortable bed is one with a cozy headboard. Headboards can be pricey, but there’s a budget-friendly way to enhance your child’s bed with a quality headboard. Even though your child no longer sleeps in their crib, you can repurpose it as part of their current bed. Utilize the side rails of the old crib to design a unique headboard for your child’s bed. You’ll need some plywood, foam, and fabric to craft a beautiful headboard of your choice. Infuse personality into your child’s room by creating a headboard that matches the room’s decor.

Convert Your Old Crib Into A Pet Gate

Do you have a furry family member who enjoys playing around and requires your continuous attention? Caring for a pet can be exhausting. Like toddlers, pets can be a challenge to keep an eye on. To ensure their safety and preserve your peace of mind, it’s often necessary to limit their access to certain areas of your home. In such situations, using a pet gate is very practical. However, buying a new pet gate can be costly. Consider dismantling your old crib and using its rails to build a sturdy and affordable pet gate instead. This project is relatively simple and doesn’t require many extra materials.

Use Your Old Crib to Grow Herbs

This is a simple way to reuse an old crib. Just put it in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight. Use fruit crates or create a garden bed with plywood cut to fit the crib’s base. Fill it with potting soil. While some people grow plants in old tires or shoe boxes, you can cultivate a small herb garden in your child’s old crib. The raised sides of the crib make it easy to cover the garden if the weather turns bad. You can let climbing plants grow on the side rails to give the herbs the support they need to climb.

Transform Your Crib Into Chairs With Storage

If your child is always running out of space to store their belongings, this upcycling project could be perfect for you. You can keep your child’s crib in their room with new functions. Consider cutting it in half to make two children’s chairs. Use plywood to create the seat and add a storage box underneath for extra utility. Paint the chairs and add some cushions to finish the look. Use the storage to store bedding, toys, books, or almost anything. You will love having these adorable storage chairs in the house, and so will your little one!

Create a Table with Storage Compartments

Children need a lot of clear space on their table for learning and playing. A crib turned into a table provides plenty of side storage by utilizing the side rails, but this might not be sufficient. Adding some shelves under the tabletop can maximize the table’s potential to serve as a storage unit. Use plywood to create and add drawers to the table, offering your child more space to organize and store their materials. With enough storage, they will have a clutter-free workspace for drawing, writing, and building.

Use the Crib to Make Hanging Ceiling Holders

Disassemble your old crib and creatively repurpose its components to enhance the look of your plain ceiling. Install the crib’s spring frame overhead or suspend it from ceiling hooks to form a metal canopy. You might place it above your kitchen island to hang chandeliers or to dry herbs. Additionally, it can be used to add hanging decorations in your hallways or to create an indoor archway by allowing potted plants to drape over it. Use it to hang lanterns on your patio or simply to illuminate a table. The possibilities for using the frame on your ceiling are limitless.

Transform your old crib into a bookshelf.

Books are an important aspect of childhood development. If your home contains a range of reading resources, have you thought about repurposing your old crib into a bookcase? You can use a pair of side rails to construct a lovely bookshelf for you or your child. Secure the two sides together with small plywood pieces to maintain a parallel gap of a few inches. Cover the crib bars with fabric to form strong and vibrant shelves. Your child will enjoy choosing their nighttime reads from this lively display rack, and you’ll appreciate giving your old crib a new purpose.

Convert Your Old Crib Into A Pair Of Bar Stools

If you’re looking to add some unique stools to your bar or kitchen island, consider reusing your crib in this way. The sides of a crib are sturdy and made from durable materials. With some carpentry skills, you can easily transform them into artistic bar stools that you’ll be proud to add to your furniture collection. Give your kitchen or bar its own character with a few DIY stools. After all, bar stools can be expensive, so why not take the opportunity to create beautiful ones for yourself at a much lower cost?

Utilize The Crib For Storing and Organizing Blankets

After your child has outgrown their crib, you can repurpose it to store winter bedding, quilts, and blankets. If the crib feels too large and takes up too much space, you can dismantle it and transform the side rails into a blanket rack. You’ll need a few nails and a hammer to construct a standalone rack. This project doesn’t require much skill, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how elegant the rack looks once assembled. Additionally, it can enhance the decor of any bedroom while maintaining its usefulness.

Convert Your Old Crib into a Toddler Bed

Even if your child’s old wooden crib isn’t one of the modern models that can easily convert into a daybed, don’t worry. You can actually convert any crib into a toddler bed. You’ll need additional spring frames and plywood to transform the existing crib into a sturdy and safe piece of new furniture. All the required materials can be found at your local hardware store. While the project might seem a bit tedious, once it’s finished, your little one will enjoy sleeping and jumping on their brand-new bed!

Design Creative Garden Gates

Gardens are a delightful extension of your living space. Not everyone has the fortune of having their own backyard or lawn. If you do have one, consider repurposing your old crib to enhance your garden’s appeal. Personalize the entrance to your lawn or vegetable garden by installing a gate or archway. Disassemble your old crib and use the side rails for this. Apply rustproof paint and several layers of varnish to the rails for a weather-resistant finish. Plant some vines and climbing plants around the gates for a charming look.

Repurpose an old crib into an outdoor bench.

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

You can also use the other side rails if you want the rails on three sides of the bench. Enjoy sitting and sipping some lemonade on the bench on a hot summer day. Entertain guests outdoors on cool evenings. A comfortable outdoor bench is an essential piece of furniture. Repurposing your old crib into one is a great idea.

Construct an Adventure Tent for Your Child

Outgrowing a crib doesn’t automatically mean a child has stopped using it for play. If your child enjoys using their crib as a play area and you’re concerned they might be too big to be safe in it, think about dismantling the crib and using the parts to make a play space. A great option is to create a play tent. You can brighten up a corner of your child’s room or set up the tent on your patio for an outdoor playtime. Use old curtains and bedding to add details to the tent. Your child will love playing in the adventure space tailored just for them!

Repurpose Old Cribs into Compost Bins

If you’re passionate about gardening, you likely already have an area set aside for making compost from biodegradable household waste. Consider repurposing parts of your old crib to craft compost bins that will give your garden some character. Creating compost bins is simple and only requires basic carpentry skills. Besides the bin, you can use crib parts to make covers for your current compost pits. These covers are necessary for when you need to keep the pits closed. After all, while making your own compost is advantageous, you wouldn’t want your pets or your child to accidentally fall into the pit!

Provide Climbing Support for Your Plants

Wooden crib rails are particularly ideal for creating elegant and sturdy freestanding yard trellises. You can repurpose the sides of your old crib to build various styles of trellises for your vines and creepers. You’ll appreciate how your plants utilize the support. The crib bars make these rails perfect for supporting fruit-bearing vines. Vegetables such as eggplants, cucumbers, and gourds will thrive in your garden with these structures. If your garden features more flowers, allow your roses to climb over them, forming enchanting arches where you can enjoy your leisure time.

Convert Your Crib Into A Clothes Drying Rack

One simple and highly efficient method to repurpose parts of an old crib is to make a clothes-drying rack. In homes with children, laundry tends to increase significantly. Even if you own an electric clothes dryer, it’s beneficial to occasionally let freshly washed clothes dry naturally in the sun. The bars on a crib’s side rail provide an organized way to hang many wet clothes in a compact area.

You can design a foldable rack and even attach it to the wall to conserve floor space.

Build Your Own DIY Bicycle Stand

Kids love their rides and often have more than enough of them. A home with growing children is likely to be scattered with two-wheelers and three-wheelers belonging to the young riders. If your home is in a similar predicament, consider setting up a bicycle rack using parts from an old crib to systematically store bikes, trikes, and scooters. Use the space between the crib bars to organize skateboards. You can also install hooks to hang helmets and safety gear near the rack. Furthermore, you can even park your adult bicycles on the same rack if there’s enough room!

Create Feeding Containers For Your Farm Animals

If you reside on a farm or tend to farm animals, here’s another useful way to repurpose your old crib. Transform it into feeding bins for the animals. With some skill, you can create two or more feeding bins using different sections of the crib. Additional plywood will be necessary to complete the bins. However, the costs are budget-friendly, and the end result is bound to keep your animals nourished and content. If you’re uncertain about how to proceed, there are numerous guides available online on crafting feeding bins for farm animals.

Create a Magnet Board

Transform the side rail of an old crib into an attractive magnetic board. To achieve this, you’ll need materials like plywood, chalkboard paint, tin sheets, and magnets. Adding paint or fabric can help you decorate the board’s frame. Customize your magnetic board to function as a memo board, or to display mementos and photos. By using magnetic letters, you can convert it into a message board. Whether used as a standalone piece or mounted on a wall, it can add vibrancy to any dull area of the house. Your children might also discover entertaining ways to use the board!

Make a Shoe Organizer for Your Closet

Are you fond of shoes? Storing shoes, particularly those with heels, can take up a lot of closet space. Shoe enthusiasts know how challenging it is to designate space just for storing footwear in a typical-sized home. Not everyone has the luxury of dedicating entire closets to their shoes. However, you can invest in an affordable shoe rack. The spring frame of an old crib can be repurposed for this task. All you need is a wall to mount the frame. Then, you can simply hang your shoes by the heels!

Convert Old Cribs into Useful Bedside Tables

If you are skilled in carpentry, consider making some charming and durable peg tables for use around the home. Utilize old crib rails to construct the frames of your tables. Use sturdy plywood for the tabletop and additional features. You may choose to add shelves and drawers to your tables. A well-sized table can serve various purposes. How you decide to use yours is entirely your choice. These tables can be used as bedside furniture or as a decorative piece in your living room. They can also be used in your kitchen, patio, or garden shed.

Convert Your Old Crib Into A Toy Storage Box

As a child grows, the house inevitably becomes a giant play area. If you’re tired of constantly stepping over scattered toys, think about transforming your child’s unused crib into a toy storage space. By adding sturdy plywood panels to the sides, the crib can be turned 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 tidy up after their playtime is done for the day!

Convert an old crib into a patio bench.

Patio furniture should be made from durable materials to endure various weather conditions. Repurposing old furniture for your patio is generally a safe bet. This includes baby furniture. You can repurpose your old crib with minimal modifications. Just remove the drop-down side and reinforce the base with plywood. Secure the base at its lowest setting. Cover the mattress with outdoor-appropriate, colorful fabric. Add some pillows to finish the transformation. The crib can now be used as a sofa on your patio.

Transform an old crib into a mobile bar.

Do you enjoy unwinding with a drink in your bedroom? Or maybe you’d like 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 will take some time and skill on your part. However, with a bit of craftsmanship, you can create a stunning mobile bar using materials that are easily found at the local hardware store. If you’re unsure how to proceed, the internet has many designs for upcycled bar carts. Take a look at the featured photograph for some inspiration.

Make a Retro Ceramic Rack

Transform your crib into a crockery display case. Ceramic displays can be costly, and if you love showcasing your dinnerware, repurposing your old crib into a ceramic display unit might be perfect for you. You can easily mount a pair of side rails on the wall to create an attractive plate rack. Consider dedicating a wall in your dining room to hang this display rack. Give the rack a coat of paint, and perhaps go for a weathered finish for a vintage appearance. Wall-mounted plate racks provide a stylish and secure way to display your cherished ceramics.

Create a Sleeping Crate for Your Puppy

Since your child no longer uses their crib, think about giving it to their dog. By attaching plywood to the top and sides of the old crib, you can transform it into an ideal dog bed. Make it inviting with some soft bedding. Take off the drop-down rail to make it easy for your dog to enter and exit the bed. If you want to convert the removable rail into a reliable lockable door, the bed can also serve as a comfortable travel crate for your pet.

Repurpose an Old Crib as Your Gardening Table

If you have a knack for gardening, you’ll enjoy the concept of converting your child’s old crib into a potting table. The generous workspace provided by transforming a crib into a table helps minimize clutter as you engage in your hobby. Go ahead and dedicate a table for your potting and related activities. Take off the drop-down side and attach shelves to the crib by cutting plywood to fit. You can organize the shelves with fruit crates or drawers for storing your gardening tools, fertilizers, and other related items.