What can you do with a crib that your baby has outgrown?

Design a storage solution for crafting materials.

As your child gets older, the volume of their art projects will increase. You might think about creating an art and craft area for your child. Or perhaps you’d prefer a cozy craft spot just for yourself?

In any case, it would be beneficial to have all the art and craft supplies neatly organized in a single location, keeping them off the floor, right? Consider crafting this wall storage from a crib side for that purpose. Just hang the side up vertically. Paint or varnish it if you like. Then, add hooks and containers to suit your needs for holding the supplies.

Create a Pin-up Bulletin Board

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 and match prints and materials to give the frame its own character. Lean it against a wall or door. You can easily mount it with regular nails and a hammer.

Use it to display small notes for family members or to show off your child’s latest art projects. Pin up to-do lists or keepsakes. All you’ll need are some small clothespins or photo clips.

Transform the Crib into a Study Desk

Take off the drop-side of the crib, and then set the base of the crib at its highest level. You will need sturdy ply or MDF cut to the size of the base to serve as the tabletop. Ensure it is layered for strength. Use superglue to attach the boards, and then paint them to achieve your desired finish. In the photo, the tabletop is painted with blackboard paint for a chalkboard effect. Attach bins and containers to the rails to hold your child’s stationery. Pair the table with a comfortable chair.

Transform Your Crib into a Creative Play Space

Flip the crib upside down to make a charming play-and-reading space for your child. You could transform it into a princess’s castle as shown in the picture above, or let your budding scientist have a cheerful lab. Alternatively, your child might enjoy a tent fit for a jungle adventure.

Place foam mats on the floor and decorate the underside of the crib base to match your theme. Paint and embellish the area according to your design. The top of the inverted crib can serve as a storage shelf for your little one’s toys, books, or other small items.

Transform the Crib into a Cozy Indoor Sofa

Remove the drop-side from the crib and set the base to the lowest position. Simply use a charming cover for the crib mattress. Enhance the appearance by adding some throw pillows.

If the seat is too low for your liking, elevate it with an additional crib mattress. You might also want to strengthen the crib base by adding a layer or two of plywood or MDF. Apply varnish to the couch for a vintage appearance. This couch will definitely enliven any part of your home!

Transform Your Old Crib into a Porch Swing

A crib can be transformed into a stylish and affordable porch swing. First, remove the crib’s drop-side and set the base at its lowest position. Reinforce the base by attaching wood planks or multiple layers of plywood with strong adhesive. Paint and varnish the crib for a finished look. Securely attach spindles to the crib’s base with screws, and consider adding extra hooks to the crib legs for added stability. Use heavy-duty rope to suspend the crib from the ceiling beams to ensure safety.

Reupholster the crib mattress and add decorative throw pillows to complete the appearance of your new 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 dismantle the crib to make four wall storage units! Simply take any side of the crib and hang it vertically using a hammer and regular nails. You can then attach as many containers and hangers as you like to the crib bars. Secure your small storage additions using hooks or colorful yarn.

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

Transform an Old Crib into a Vintage Desk

Transforming a crib into a study table is a practical and economical concept. Cribs can be transformed into attractive desks for adults. Simply re-envision the crib components to meet your needs. Detach the crib’s drop-down side and secure the base at its lowest position. You can turn the crib upside-down or keep it upright. Add a wooden piece or glass to create a functional tabletop. The drop-down side can be repurposed as a shelf or even a footrest for your desk. You’ll appreciate the vintage appearance of the completed item!

Transform Your Old Crib Into Adorable Chairs

Your child has outgrown their crib, but you still want to incorporate it into their development? With a saw, hammer, and some nails, you can craft a charming pair of wooden chairs for your child. To ensure a sturdy seat base, add layers of MDF or thick plywood. Finish them with some vibrant paint for a polished look. You might opt to upholster the seats with cushions or leave them plain. Relax and enjoy seeing your child use these adorable little chairs for play or activities!

Raise Chickens in Your Former Crib

Do you want to create a new affordable home for your poultry? You’ll need some plywood or MDF to cover the walls and base of your old crib. Additionally, you’ll want to add a roof to ensure your little chicks are safe and secure. Keep one side of the crib open for proper ventilation and light, but you can add some netting if you prefer.

You can paint and varnish the poultry coop with pet-safe materials. 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 bars and paint the entire rail in a color of your choice. You can also wrap fabric strips around the edges for a custom look. Use it to hang necklaces or add smaller containers to store earrings and other tiny ornaments neatly. This organizer is both cost-effective and convenient to use. Additionally, it serves as a display case for 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.

A baby’s crib can easily be transformed into a loveseat or a small sofa once it’s no longer needed for your child. You can enhance your living room with some vintage seating or place your DIY loveseat in a reading nook for relaxing reading sessions. By using plywood, fabric, and embellishments, you can design your seat to be as simple or elaborate as you like, depending on your creativity and budget. This is an ideal way to repurpose and extend the life of your child’s furniture well beyond infancy.

Use an Old Crib Rail to Organize Your Kitchen

Are you constantly running out of storage space for your kitchen utensils? Crib rails can be creatively repurposed to organize your pots and pans. You can also transform your rails into wall organizers to store all your spices and cutlery. Use small hooks and plastic holders to arrange your kitchen items on the wall. You could even add nails to hang your aprons and oven mitts. Use your creativity to give your kitchen a functional makeover. You’ll be surprised at how much space you can create in your kitchen with just one crib rail.

Construct an Attractive Planter Unit Using Crib Components

If you’re looking to add greenery to your porch walls or want an additional planter wall in your garden, you can use the spring box from your child’s old crib. Just lean it on its side or hang it at a certain height using garden hooks. The material is strong enough to support multiple small to medium-sized pots. You can use it to grow potted climbers and vines. Don’t forget to rust-proof the planter wall before using it. Instead of letting your child’s cherished old crib sit unused, go ahead and make a lovely 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. And there you have it! You’ve just transformed the unused crib into a roomy toy cart for your child. This cart is not only large enough to serve as toy storage, but your kid will probably plead for rides in it too. While this upcycling project might take some time, you’ll 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 the right place for your upcycled crib, you can consider turning it into a patio bench. Remove the longer side rails and attach a plywood base to the bottom of the crib. You might add another layer of MDF or plywood for extra durability. Apply varnish and rust-proofing, as it will likely be exposed to various weather conditions on the patio. Add slipcovers and throw pillows to the mattress. Your new patio bench is now ready for use by children, adults, and pets.

Give Your Little One an Art Table They’ll Adore

Inquisitive artists require a personal creative area. Transform the old crib your child no longer uses into a unique art station for them. Detach the drop-down side and raise the crib to its highest level. Use plywood and chalkboard paint to craft a playful tabletop, then secure it to the crib base with superglue or nails. Attach various containers to the rails for storing art supplies and paper. Brighten the furniture with cheerful colors to bring life to your child’s room. Motivate creativity by setting up a display area for their newest creations.

Create a Custom Photo Collage

What is a charming and space-saving method to keep a cherished piece of your child’s baby furniture? By turning it into a display for memorable snapshots! The spring base of your baby’s old crib serves as an ideal metal frame for exhibiting photographs. You can lean it against a wall or mount it on a wall or door. Use photo clips to hang your pictures and easily update the display anytime you want with minimal effort. You can also add fairy lights or attach fabric pieces to enhance the frame if you desire. The crib frame also makes an elegant photo wall as it is!

Introduce a new storage cart to your kitchen.

You can never have too many storage options 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 to use it as an extra shelf. You can add plywood to the top of the crib base as well as the shelf made from the drop-down side, allowing the shelves to support more utensils and kitchen gear. If desired, you can add more plywood shelves underneath. Attach some casters to the legs to make the storage cart more versatile.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A New Magazine Rack

Do you often find yourself lacking space for your magazine collections? Dismantle your unused old crib. Then, lean one side rail against a wall to make a simple and effective magazine rack. Drape your magazines over the crib-rail bars. This magazine hanger is budget-friendly and occupies minimal floor space. Organize your magazines, newspapers, and periodicals in one spot using this DIY magazine rack. Next time you’re ready for a good read, just pick up what you like from the stand and enjoy your armchair adventure!

Transform Your Crib into a Chalkboard Easel

If you’re looking for a creative way to reuse an old crib, consider turning two of its side rails into a chalkboard easel. You’ll need nails, plywood, and chalkboard paint for this project. Start by sanding and priming the wood to ensure a smooth surface for the paint. Apply two to three coats of chalkboard paint, making sure each coat dries fully before adding the next one. Once the paint is dry, cover the surface with chalk dust. This can be used as a signboard or given to a child for hours of entertainment and education.

Enhance Your Home’s Entryway With a Seating Area

Every home benefits from a welcoming and attractive entrance area. Enhance the style and functionality of yours by including a bench for putting on and taking off shoes. You can transform sections of an old crib to construct this bench. The side rails can serve as a coat and hat rack. Use plywood to reinforce the seat. To boost functionality, you might add a shoe storage cubby beneath the bench seat. Finish by painting and varnishing for a polished look, or opt for a weathered finish if that suits your taste. Both visitors and household members will value the practical utility of this bench.

Repurpose Old Crib Rails into Headboards

A comfy bed often features a comfortable headboard, which can be pricey, but there’s an affordable way to upgrade your child’s bed with a quality headboard. If your child no longer uses their crib, you can repurpose it as part of their current bed. Transform the side rails of the old crib into a unique headboard for the child’s bed by using plywood, foam, and fabric to design a lovely headboard that suits your style. This will add character to your child’s room and coordinate with the decor.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Pet Barrier

Do you have a furry family member who loves to play and requires your constant attention? Being a pet parent can be an exhausting task. Pets, like toddlers, can be a handful to supervise. For their safety and your peace of mind, they often need to be kept out of certain areas of the home. Using a gate to separate areas for your pet is a practical necessity in these cases. Pet gates can be a costly purchase if bought new. You can disassemble your old crib and use its rails to create a durable and cost-effective pet gate instead. This project is fairly simple and doesn’t require too many additional materials.

Cultivate Herbs in Your Used Crib

This is a simple way to repurpose an old crib. Just place it in an area with plenty of sunlight. Use fruit crates or make 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 raised sides make it easy to cover the garden in case of bad weather. You can allow vines to grow along the side rails to provide climbing support for the herbs.

Transform Your Crib Into Storage Chairs

If your child frequently runs out of space to keep their belongings organized, this could be the perfect upcycling project for you. You can repurpose your child’s crib in their room with new functionalities. Try cutting it in half to create two children’s chairs. Use plywood to make the seat and add a storage box beneath the seat for extra utility. Paint the chairs and add some cushions for a finished look. Use the storage area to put away bedding, toys, books, or just about anything. You’ll love having these adorable storage chairs in the home and so will your little one!

Create a Table with Built-in Storage

Children need plenty of clear space at their table for both learning and playing. Although converting a crib into a table provides a lot of storage on the sides by efficiently using the side rails, this alone might not suffice. By incorporating some shelves beneath the tabletop, you can maximize the table’s potential to also serve as a storage unit. Construct drawers from plywood and attach them to the table. This will offer your child additional space to organize and store their materials. With sufficient storage, they can draw, write, and build on a workspace that is relatively free of clutter.

Use The Crib To Make Hanging Ceiling Holders

Disassemble your old crib and creatively repurpose its components to enhance your simple ceiling. Attach the crib’s spring frame overhead or suspend it from ceiling hooks to fashion a metal canopy. You can place it above your kitchen island to hang chandeliers or dry herbs. Utilize it to hang decorations in your hallways or create an indoor pergola by allowing potted plants to drape over it. Use it to hang lanterns on your patio or simply to provide more lighting over a table. The potential uses for the ceiling-mounted frame are limitless.

Transform Your Old Crib Into a Bookshelf

Books play a crucial role in childhood development. If your home is stocked with a range of reading materials, have you thought about repurposing your old crib into a bookcase? You can transform a pair of side rails into an attractive bookshelf for yourself or your child. Attach the two sides together using small pieces of wood to maintain a few inches of space between them, parallel to one another. Cover the crib bars with fabric to make sturdy and vibrant shelves. Your child will enjoy selecting their bedtime stories from this lively display stand, and you’ll appreciate finding a new use for your old crib.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Pair Of Bar Stools

Among the various methods of repurposing your crib, this idea might intrigue you if you’re aiming to incorporate some distinctive stools into your bar or kitchen island. The sides of cribs are robust and crafted from durable materials. With a bit of carpentry, they can be effortlessly converted into artistic bar stools that would make a delightful addition to your furniture. Infuse some character into your kitchen or bar with a handful of DIY stools. After all, bar stools can be pricey, so why miss the opportunity to craft unique ones for yourself at a fraction of the cost?

Use The Crib To Organize and Store Blankets

After your child has outgrown their crib, you can use it to store winter bedding, quilts, and blankets. If the crib seems large and takes up too much space, you can dismantle it and repurpose the side rails into a blanket rack. You’ll need a few nails and a hammer to build a freestanding rack. The task doesn’t require much skill, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how elegant the rack looks once assembled. Additionally, it can enhance any bedroom’s interior without sacrificing functionality.

Convert Your Old Crib into a Toddler Bed

Most wooden cribs available today can be easily converted into daybeds, but don’t worry if your child’s old crib isn’t one of those. You can actually transform any crib into a toddler bed. You’ll need extra spring frames and plywood to make a sturdy new piece of furniture from the existing crib. All the materials you need can be bought at a local hardware store. The project might seem a bit tiresome, but once completed, your child will enjoy sleeping in and jumping on their new bed!

Design Unique Garden Gates

Gardens are an enchanting addition to any home. Not everyone has the privilege of having their own backyard or lawn. If you do have one, consider using your old crib to enhance your garden’s charm. Add a personal touch to the entrance of your lawn or vegetable patch by incorporating a gate or archway. Disassemble your old crib and use the side rails for this purpose. Apply rustproof paint and several layers of varnish to the rails for a weather-resistant finish. Surround the gates with creeping and climbing plants for a picturesque look.

Repurpose an old crib into an outdoor bench

You can craft a lovely outdoor bench using just the crib base and one side rail. Construct a wooden seat frame and securely attach the crib base to it. Add plywood to the base for a solid seating surface. Finish off by varnishing the entire bench for a shiny look.

If you prefer, you can also use the other side rails to have rails on three sides of the bench. Relax and enjoy some lemonade on the bench on a hot summer day or entertain guests outside on cool evenings. A comfortable outdoor bench is an essential piece of furniture, and repurposing your old crib into one is a great idea.

Create an Adventure Tent for Your Child

Outgrowing a crib doesn’t necessarily mean a child has stopped playing in it. If your child likes to use their crib as a play area and you’re concerned they might be getting too big to be safe, consider taking the crib apart and using its components to create a play area. A great option is to build a play tent. You can brighten up a corner of your child’s room or set the tent on your patio for outdoor play. Use old curtains and bedding to add details to the tent. Your child will love playing in the personalized adventurous space just for them!

Transform Old Cribs into Compost Bins

If you are an enthusiastic gardener, you likely already have a spot set aside for turning biodegradable household waste into compost. You might think about repurposing parts of your old crib to make compost bins, which would add a touch of 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 make covers for existing compost pits. These covers are important for times when the pits need to stay closed. After all, while making your own compost is beneficial, you wouldn’t want your pets or little one accidentally falling into the pit!

Provide Climbing Support for Your Plants

Wooden crib rails, in particular, make elegant and sturdy independent yard trellises. Utilize the sides of your old crib to fashion various types of trellises for your vines and climbing plants. You’ll appreciate how your plants cling to the support. The crib bars make the rails ideal for your fruit-bearing vines. Vegetables such as eggplants, cucumbers, and gourds are sure to thrive in your garden with these supports. If flowers are more prevalent in your green space, allow your roses to climb over them and form enchanting pergolas where you would enjoy spending your leisure time.

Convert 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. In households with children, the amount of laundry tends to multiply significantly. Even if you own an electric clothes dryer, it’s beneficial to let your freshly washed clothes air-dry in the sun occasionally. The bars on a crib’s side rail provide an organized way to hang numerous wet clothes in a small area.

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

Build Your Own Bicycle Stand

Children have a fondness for their rides and often accumulate several of them. A home with kids is likely to be scattered with two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles that the young riders own. If this sounds like your house, consider creating a bicycle rack using parts from an old crib to systematically 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 room, you can park your adult bicycles on the same rack!

Create Feeding Troughs for Your Livestock

If you live on a farm or have farm animals, here’s another great way to repurpose your old crib. Convert it into feeding bins for the animals. Depending on your skill level, you can create two or more feeding bins using different parts of the crib. You will need extra plywood to finish the food crates. However, the costs are budget-friendly and the final products will ensure your animals are well-fed and content. If you’re not sure how to proceed, there are many online guides available for making food bins for farm animals.

Create a Magnetic Board

You can transform the side rail of an old crib into an attractive magnetic board. You’ll need plywood, chalkboard paint, tin sheets, and magnets for this project. Consider using paint or fabric to embellish the frame of your board. Customize your magnetic board to function as a memo board or to display keepsakes and photographs. Magnetic letters can be added to convert it into a message board. You can use the board as a standalone piece or hang it up to add life to any drab wall in your home. Your children might also discover entertaining uses for the board!

Design a Shoe Organizer for Your Closet

Do you have a passion for shoes? Storing shoes, particularly those with heels, requires a significant amount of closet space. Anyone who loves shoes understands the challenge of finding a spot dedicated exclusively to storing footwear in a typical-sized home. Not everyone can afford to allocate entire closets for their shoes. However, you can get a budget-friendly shoe rack. An old crib’s spring frame can be quite useful for this purpose. All you need is a wall to hang the frame on. Then, you can simply hang your shoes by the heels!

Transform Old Cribs into Convenient Bedside Tables

If you’re skilled at carpentry, you might consider crafting some charming and durable peg tables for use throughout your home. Repurpose old crib rails to form the table’s frame and utilize sturdy plywood for the tabletop and extra features. You can add shelves and drawers if desired. A well-sized table can serve a variety of functions, depending entirely on how you choose to use it. Place these tables next to your bed, incorporate them into your living room decor, or utilize them in your kitchen, patio, or garden shed.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Toy Box

When there’s a growing child in the home, it usually means the whole place becomes one large play zone. If you’re weary of dodging toys scattered everywhere, think about transforming your child’s unused crib into a toy storage container. You can attach sturdy plywood to the sides to make it look like a massive toy box. Your child will enjoy storing their toys in this large chest, and you’ll be delighted to see them tidying up gleefully once playtime ends for the day!

Convert an old crib into a patio bench.

Patio seating should be made of durable materials to endure various weather conditions. Repurposing old furniture for your patio is often a good idea. This includes baby furniture. You can transform your old crib with minimal modifications. Just remove the drop-side and reinforce the crib’s base with some plywood. Set the base at its lowest position. Cover the mattress with vibrant outdoor-appropriate fabric. Add some cushions to finish the makeover. Now, you can use the crib as a standard 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 a dinner on the lawn? If a fixed bar area doesn’t suit your lifestyle, you can transform your old crib into a practical bar cart. This project will require some time and skill on your part. However, with a bit of handy work, you can create a lovely mobile bar using materials readily available from the local hardware store. If you’re unsure how to proceed, the internet has plenty of designs for upcycled bar carts. Take a look at the featured photograph for some inspiration.

Make a Vintage Ceramic Shelf

Transform your crib into a crockery display case. Ceramic displays can be costly, and if you enjoy showcasing your dinnerware, converting 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 a beautiful plate rack. Consider dedicating a wall in your dining room to hang this display rack. Paint the rack, perhaps opting for a weathered look for a vintage finish. Wall-mounted plate racks offer an elegant and secure way to store your valuable ceramics.

Create a Sleeping Crate for Your Puppy

Once your child no longer uses their crib, think about giving it to your dog. You can transform it into an ideal sleeping space for your dog by adding plywood to the top and sides. Make sure to make it cozy with some comfortable bedding. Take off the drop-down rail so your dog can easily enter and exit the sleeping area. You could convert the removable rail into a solid lockable door if you want the final creation to also serve as a cozy travel crate for your dog.

Repurpose An Old Crib Into Your Potting Table

If you enjoy gardening, you’ll appreciate the idea of transforming your child’s old crib into a potting table. The ample workspace provided by a crib converted into a table ensures less mess while you engage in your hobby. So, go ahead and create a dedicated table for potting and related tasks. Take off the drop-down side and add shelves to the crib by cutting plywood to fit. You can use fruit crates or drawers to line the shelves and hold your gardening tools, fertilizers, and other related items.