What Are Some Uses for a Crib Once Your Baby Outgrows It?

Make an Organizer for Craft Supplies

As your child grows, their art projects will likely increase in number. You might want to create an art and craft corner for your child, or perhaps you’d like a cozy craft space for yourself.

Either way, it’s helpful to keep all art and craft supplies organized in one spot and off the floor, right? Consider using a crib side to make wall storage for this purpose. Hang the crib side vertically, and if you like, paint or varnish it. Then, add hooks and containers as needed to hold the supplies.

Create a Bulletin Board

You can repurpose the crib’s spring base to make a chic memo board. Revamp the frame by wrapping it with fabric strips. Choose a monochrome look, or mix prints and materials for a personalized touch. Lean it against a wall or door and easily mount it 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. Just have a bag of small clothespins or photo clips ready.

Transform the crib into a study desk

Detach the crib’s drop-side. Next, set the crib’s base to the highest position. Obtain some sturdy plywood or MDF, cut to the size of the base. This will become the tabletop, so ensure to layer it for stability. Use superglue to secure the boards and then paint them to achieve your desired finish. The example in the photo is painted with chalkboard paint for a chalkboard effect. Attach bins and containers to the rails to store your child’s stationery. Pair the table with a comfortable chair.

Transform Your Nursery into a Creative Play Space

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

Line the floor with foam mats and decorate the “ceiling” base of the crib however you like. Paint and add decorations to fit your chosen theme. Use the top of the overturned crib as a storage shelf for your little one’s toys, books, or other small items.

Convert the Crib into a Cozy Indoor Sofa

Remove the drop-side entirely from the crib and set the base at its lowest position. Then, simply use a charming cover for the crib mattress. Enhance the appearance by adding a few throw pillows.

If the seat seems too low for comfort, elevate it by using a second crib mattress. You might also think about strengthening the crib base by adding a layer or two of plywood or MDF. Apply a coat of varnish to the couch for a vintage touch. This couch will surely enliven any corner of your home!

Transform Your Old Crib into a Porch Swing

A crib can be repurposed into a stylish and affordable porch swing. First, take off the drop-side of the crib and set the base to its lowest position. Strengthen the base with wooden planks or by gluing layers of plywood securely. Paint and varnish the crib. Attach spindles to the crib base using screws. To enhance security, consider adding additional hooks to the legs of the crib. Use sturdy rope to hang the crib from ceiling joists, ensuring it is safe.

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

Create Versatile Wall Organizers Using Crib Rails

This is a simple yet incredibly useful method to repurpose an old crib. By dismantling the crib, you can create four wall storage units! Simply take any side of the crib and hang it vertically with regular nails and a hammer. Then, 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 items.

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

Transform an Old Crib into a Vintage Work Desk

Transforming a crib into a study table is a practical and economical solution. Cribs can be transformed into elegant desks for adults. Simply re-imagine and repurpose the crib’s components to meet your needs. Detach the crib’s drop-down side and set the crib base to its lowest position. You can either flip the crib upside-down or keep it right-side-up. Then, add a wooden board or glass to create a functional tabletop. The drop-down side can be used to make a shelf or even a footrest for your desk. You’ll appreciate the vintage appearance of the final product!

Transform Your Old Crib into Adorable Chairs

Your little one has stopped sleeping in their crib, but you still want the crib to be part of their growing up? With a saw, hammer, and some nails, you can transform it into an adorable pair of wooden seats for your child to use. Add some layers of MDF or thick plywood to create a sturdy seat base. Use cheerful paint to give the final product a stylish finish. You can either upholster the seats with cushions or leave them as they are. Sit back and enjoy watching your child use these cute little loungers for play or work!

Raise Chickens in Your Old Crib

Looking to provide your poultry with a new, cost-effective shelter? You’ll need some plywood or MDF to cover the walls and floor of an old crib. Additionally, include a roof to ensure the safety and security of your chicks. Keep one side of the crib open for adequate ventilation and light, and you can add some netting if you wish.

You can paint and varnish the poultry coop with materials safe for pets. Don’t forget to include food and water dispensers, as well as a soft hay bed, before allowing your birds to move into their new home.

Enhance Your Jewelry Organization

Crib rails can be transformed into excellent jewelry organizers for the wall. Attach hooks and nails to the crib bars and paint the whole rail in your preferred color. You can also wrap fabric strips around the borders for a customized appearance. Use it to hang necklaces or attach small containers for storing earrings and other tiny accessories. This organizer is not only economical but also convenient and simple to use. Additionally, it serves as a display case for all your jewelry. What could be a more elegant and stylish way to repurpose your child’s old crib?

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Loveseat

Once your child has outgrown their crib, it can be transformed into a loveseat or a small sofa, which is the ideal size. Add a unique element to your living room with this vintage piece of furniture, or consider placing the DIY loveseat in your reading nook for a cozy reading spot. With plywood, fabric, and embellishments, you can create a seat that is as simple or as elaborate as your creativity and budget permit. This is a wonderful way to preserve and repurpose your child’s furniture even after they are no longer an infant.

Use an Old Crib Rail to Organize Your Kitchen

Do you frequently find yourself running out of storage space for utensils in your kitchen? Crib rails can be creatively repurposed to organize your pots and pans. Additionally, you can transform the rails into wall organizers for storing all your spices and cutlery. Utilize 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 practical makeover. You will be amazed at how much space you can create in your kitchen with just one crib rail.

Build a Beautiful Planter Using Crib Components

If you want to add some greenery to your porch walls or have an additional planter wall in your garden, use 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 material is strong enough to support several small to medium-sized pots. It can be used to grow potted climbers and trellis. Don’t forget to rust-proof the planter wall before using it. Go ahead and make a beautiful vertical garden instead of letting your child’s cherished old crib go unused.

Convert the Old Crib into a Toy Cart

Cut off the legs and attach a strong plywood base to your crib. Install some wheels and a handle so you can push and pull it. And there you have it! You’ve turned the crib your child no longer uses into a spacious toy cart. This cart is not only large enough to store toys, but your child will probably also ask you to give them a ride in it. While this upcycling project might take some of your time, you’ll likely be pleased with the outcome. Paint and varnish it for a more durable and cheerful look.

Repurpose an Old Crib into a Patio Bench

If you don’t want to keep your upcycled crib in the house, consider repurposing it as a patio bench. Take off the longer side rails and attach a plywood base to the bottom of the old crib. You might add another layer of MDF or plywood for extra sturdiness. Varnish and make the entire unit rust-proof since 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 Child an Art Table They’ll Adore

Creative individuals require their own artistic area. Transform your child’s old crib, which they no longer use for sleeping, into a personalized art station. Take off the drop-down side and raise the crib to its highest position. Use plywood and chalkboard paint to create an entertaining table surface. Secure it to the crib base with superglue or nails. Attach several containers to the rails for storing art supplies and paper. Paint this new piece of furniture in vibrant colors to bring a touch of joy to your child’s room. Inspire creativity by setting up a display corner for their latest creations.

Create a Custom Photo Board

What is a charming and space-efficient method to keep a cherished piece of your child’s baby furniture? By using it to display snapshots of memories! The spring-base of your baby’s old crib serves as an ideal metal frame for showcasing photos. You can lean it against a wall or hang it on a wall or door. Use photo clips to hang your pictures. Change the display anytime with minimal effort. You can add some fairy lights or attach pieces of fabric to enhance the frame if desired. The crib frame also makes a stylish photo wall on its own!

Introduce a new storage cart to your kitchen.

You can’t have too many storage units in your kitchen. Old cribs can be effectively used to keep kitchens organized, so consider converting yours into a storage cart. Simply remove the drop-down side and use it as an extra shelf. Add plywood to the crib’s base and the shelf made from the drop-down side to hold more utensils and kitchen items. If desired, you can add more plywood shelves underneath. Attach rolling wheels to the legs to enhance the cart’s versatility.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Magazine Rack

Do you often find yourself lacking space for storing your magazine collections? Consider dismantling an old crib you no longer use. By propping one of the crib’s side rails against a wall, you can effortlessly create a practical magazine rack. Drape your magazines over the crib rail’s bars. This magazine holder is cost-effective and takes up minimal floor space. With this DIY magazine display rack, you can keep your magazines, newspapers, and periodicals neat and centralized. Whenever you’re in the mood for a good read, you can easily pick one from the stand and enjoy a cozy reading experience!

Transform Your Crib Into a Chalkboard Easel

If you’re looking for a creative way to 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. Start by sanding and priming the wood for a smooth surface before applying the paint. Apply two to three coats of paint, ensuring each coat dries completely before adding the next. After the paint has dried, rub chalk dust over the surface. You can use it as a signboard or gift it to your child to enjoy endless hours of play and learning.

Enhance Your Home’s Entrance With a Seating Area

Every home benefits from a welcoming and attractive entrance. Make yours both chic and functional by incorporating a bench for putting on and removing shoes. Transform sections of an old crib to craft this bench. Utilize the side rails as a coat and hat rack. Reinforce the seating area with plywood for stability. Add a shoe storage cubby beneath the bench seat to enhance its practicality. Finish the piece with paint and varnish for a sleek look, or go for a rustic finish if that suits your taste. Both guests and family members will value the bench’s usefulness.

Repurpose Old Crib Rails Into Headboards

A comfortable bed includes having a cozy headboard. While headboards can be a costly purchase, there is an affordable way to adorn your child’s bed with a quality one. Though your child no longer sleeps in their crib, you can incorporate it into their current bed setup. Utilize the side rails from the old crib to design a distinctive headboard for your child’s bed. You’ll need plywood, foam, and fabric to create an attractive headboard that suits your preferences. Give your child’s bedroom character by designing a headboard that matches the room’s decor.

Convert Your Old Crib Into A Pet Barrier

Do you have a furry family member who loves to run around and requires your constant watch? Being a pet owner can be exhausting. Pets, much like toddlers, can be a lot to manage. For their safety and your peace of mind, it’s often necessary to keep them out of certain areas of your home. Using a pet gate is a practical solution in these situations. However, buying a pet gate can be costly. Instead, you can take apart your old crib and use its rails to make a sturdy and economical pet gate. This project is relatively simple and doesn’t need too many extra materials.

Use Your Old Crib to Grow Herbs

This is a straightforward way to repurpose an old crib. Just place it in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight. Use fruit crates or create a garden bed with plywood cut to match the base of the crib. 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 crib’s raised sides make it easy to cover the garden in bad weather. You can let climbing plants grow on the side rails to give the herbs the support they need to climb.

Transform Your Crib Into Storage Chairs

If your child frequently runs out of space to organize their things, this upcycling project could be ideal. You can repurpose your child’s crib by giving it a new function in their room. Try cutting it in half to make two children’s chairs. Use plywood for the seat and add a storage box underneath for extra utility. Paint the chairs and add cushions for a finished look. Use the storage space to store bedding, toys, books, or anything else. You’ll enjoy having these adorable storage chairs in the house, and your child will too!

Create a table with storage compartments.

Children need a lot of clear space on their table for learning and playing. Although a crib converted into a table provides plenty of storage on its sides by utilizing the side rails effectively, this might still not be sufficient. Installing some shelves underneath the tabletop can maximize the table’s potential as a storage unit. Construct and attach drawers to the table using plywood. This will provide your child with more room to sort and store their materials. With sufficient storage space, they will be able to draw, write, and build in a fairly organized workspace.

Create Hanging Ceiling Holders Using The Crib

Disassemble your old crib and creatively repurpose its components to enhance your plain ceiling. Secure the crib’s spring frame overhead or suspend it from ceiling hooks to form a metal canopy. You can place it over your kitchen island to hang chandeliers or to dry herbs. Utilize it to add hanging décor in your hallways or to create an indoor bower by allowing potted plants to trail over it. Use it to hang lanterns on your patio or simply to provide additional lighting over a table. The potential uses of the frame on your ceiling are limitless.

Create a Bookshelf from Your Old Crib

Books play a crucial role in development. If your home contains a collection of books, have you thought about transforming your old crib into a bookcase? Utilize a pair of side rails to craft a lovely bookshelf for yourself or your child. Attach the two sides together using small plywood pieces to keep them parallel and a few inches apart. Cover the crib rods with fabric to form sturdy and colorful shelves. Your child will enjoy choosing their bedtime stories from this vibrant display rack. You’ll appreciate repurposing your old crib effectively.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Pair Of Bar Stools

If you’re seeking to incorporate unique stools into your bar or kitchen island, consider repurposing your crib. The sides of cribs are strong and made from durable material, and with some woodworking skills, they can be creatively turned into stylish bar stools that you’d be proud to add to your home. Enhance the character of your kitchen or bar with a few DIY stools. Bar stools often come at a high cost, so why not take the opportunity to craft your own impressive versions at a significantly lower price?

Utilize The Crib As A Storage And Organization Solution For Blankets

After your child no longer needs their crib, you can repurpose it to store winter bedding, quilts, and blankets. If the crib seems too large and takes up too much space, you can dismantle it and use the side rails to make a blanket rack. With a few nails and a hammer, you can easily set up a standalone rack. This project doesn’t require significant skills, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how elegant the rack looks once it’s finished. Additionally, it can enhance the decor of any bedroom while remaining functional.

Convert Your Old Crib into a Toddler Bed

Many wooden cribs available on the market today can be easily transformed into daybeds. However, if your child’s crib isn’t one of these, don’t be discouraged. You can still convert any crib into a toddler bed. You’ll need some extra spring frames and plywood to fashion a safe and sturdy new piece of furniture from the existing crib. All the materials required can be found at a local hardware store. While the project might seem a bit labor-intensive, once it’s completed, your child will enjoy sleeping and jumping on their newly revamped bed!

Design Unique Garden Gates

Gardens are a wonderful complement to one’s home. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have their own backyard or lawn. If you do, consider using your old crib to add some charm. Personalize the entrance to your garden or vegetable patch by installing a gate or trellis. Disassemble your old crib and use the side rails. Coat the rails with rust-resistant paint and several layers of varnish to make them weather-proof. Plant some climbing plants around the gates for a picturesque finish.

Convert an old crib into an outdoor bench.

You can make a beautiful outdoor bench by 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 to create a strong seat. Apply varnish to the entire bench for a glossy finish.

If you want the rails on three sides of the bench, you can use the other side rails as well. Enjoy some lemonade while sitting on the bench on a hot summer day, or entertain guests outdoors 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 a Play Tent for Your Child’s Adventures

Just because a child has outgrown their crib doesn’t mean they’ve stopped playing in it. If your child enjoys their crib as a play area and you’re concerned they’re becoming too big to safely use it, consider disassembling the crib and repurposing the parts to make a play area. A great idea is to create a play tent. This could brighten up a corner of your child’s room or be set up on the patio for an outdoor play adventure. Use old curtains and bedding to add personal touches to the tent. Your child will love playing in this special play space designed just for them!

Repurpose Old Cribs into Compost Bins

If you are enthusiastic about gardening, you likely have a designated area for making compost from biodegradable household waste. You might consider repurposing parts of your old crib to create compost bins that would bring a unique touch to your garden. Making compost bins is simple and only involves basic woodworking skills. Besides the bins, you can use crib parts to make covers for existing compost pits, which are essential when you need to keep the pits covered. After all, although making your own compost is beneficial, you wouldn’t want your pets or child accidentally falling into the pit!

Provide Some Climbing Support for Your Plants

Wooden crib rails can serve as elegant and durable standalone yard trellises. You can use the sides of an old crib to make different types of trellises for your climbing plants and creepers. You’ll appreciate how your plants make use of the support. The crib bars are ideal for supporting your fruit-bearing vines. Vegetables like eggplants, cucumbers, and gourds will thrive luxuriously in your garden with the help of these structures. If flowers are more prevalent in your garden, let your roses grow over them to create enchanting bowers that you’d enjoy spending your leisure time under.

Transform Your Crib Into A Clothes Drying Rack

A simple and highly useful method to repurpose sections of an old crib is to build a clothes-drying rack. Every home with children experiences a significant increase in laundry. 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 the crib’s side rail can neatly accommodate many wet clothes in a compact area.

You can construct a folding rack and even mount it on the wall to conserve floor space.

Make Your Own Bicycle Stand

Kids love their vehicles and often have quite a few of them. A home with kids is likely to have two-wheelers and three-wheelers scattered around that belong to the young riders. If this sounds like your home, consider setting up a bicycle rack using parts of an old crib to systematically store bikes, trikes, and scooters. You can use the spaces between the crib bars to organize skateboards. Add hooks to hold helmets and safety gear near the rack. Plus, you can park your own adult bicycles on the same rack if there’s enough space!

Create Feeding Bins for Your Farm Animals

If you reside on a farm or care for livestock, here’s another great way to repurpose your old crib. Convert it into feeding troughs for the animals. With some skill, you can make two or more feeding bins using various parts of the crib. You will need extra plywood to finish constructing the food bins. However, the costs are budget-friendly, and the end products will surely keep your animals well-fed and content. If you’re not sure how to proceed, there are several online guides on making feeding bins for farm animals.

Create a Magnetic Board

You can repurpose the side rail of an old crib into an attractive magnetic board. To do this, you’ll need plywood, chalkboard paint, tin sheets, and magnets. You may also want to use some paint or fabric to decorate the frame of your board. Customize your magnetic board to function as a memo board or to display souvenirs and photos. Add magnetic letters to transform it into a message board. The board can be used on its own or mounted on a wall to liven up any uninspiring space in your home. Your children might also discover exciting ways to use the board!

Design a Shoe Storage Solution for Your Closet

Do you have a strong interest in shoes? Storing shoes, particularly high heels, takes up a lot of space in the closet. Anyone who loves shoes understands how challenging it is to designate a specific area for shoe storage in an average-sized home. Not everyone can afford to dedicate entire closets to their footwear. However, you can indulge in an affordable shoe rack. The spring frame of an old crib can be repurposed for this need. All you need is a wall to hang the frame on. As for your shoes, you simply hang them by the heels!

Transform Old Cribs into Convenient Bedside Tables

If you are skilled with carpentry, you might consider making some charming and durable peg tables for household use. Repurpose old crib rails to construct the table frame and use sturdy plywood for the tabletop and additional details. You can include shelves and drawers in your tables if desired. A well-sized table can serve various purposes, and how you use yours is entirely your choice. These tables can serve as bedside furniture or as part of your living room decor. You can also use them in your kitchen, patio, or garden shed.

Transform Your Old Crib Into A Toy Box

When a child is growing up in the house, it often means the whole place becomes a large play area. If you’re fed up with tripping over toys scattered everywhere, think about transforming your child’s unused crib into a storage space for toys. You can attach sturdy plywood panels to the sides to make it look like a large toy box. Your child will enjoy tidying up their toys in this roomy box, and you’ll be pleased to see them happily cleaning up after playtime ends!

Transform 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 can hardly go wrong. Even baby furniture can be reused. With little modification, an old crib can be transformed. Just remove the drop side and reinforce the base with plywood. Set the base at its lowest position. Cover the mattress with outdoor-friendly, colorful fabric. Add some cushions to finish the look. Now, the crib can serve as a standard couch on your patio.

Turn an Old Crib into a Mobile Bar

Do you enjoy unwinding with a drink in your bedroom, or perhaps you’d like to offer your guests some exquisite wine during a dinner on the lawn? If a permanent bar area doesn’t fit your lifestyle, you can transform your old crib into a convenient bar cart. This will require some time and skill from you, but with a bit of handiwork, you can create a lovely mobile bar using materials easily found at your local hardware store. If you’re unsure how to proceed, the internet is full of designs for upcycled bar carts. Take a look at the featured photograph for some inspiration.

Make a Retro Ceramic Shelf

Transform your crib into a display case for crockery. Ceramic displays can be costly, and if you enjoy showcasing your dinnerware, repurposing your old crib into a ceramic display unit might be perfect for you. You can easily attach a pair of side rails to the wall to create an attractive plate rack. Consider dedicating a wall in your dining hall to hang this display rack. Apply a coat of paint to the rack, and perhaps aim for a weathered look to give it a vintage finish. Wall-mounted plate racks provide an elegant and secure way to store your valuable ceramics.

Create a Sleeping Crate for Your Dog

Once your child has transitioned out of the crib, think about converting it into a snug spot for your dog. You can attach some plywood to the top and sides of the old crib to make a perfect bed for your pet. Be sure to add some soft bedding to make it comfortable. Take off the drop-down rail so your dog can easily enter and exit the sleeping area. If you’d like the end product to also function as a secure travel crate, you could repurpose the removable rail into a durable, lockable door for the bed.

Repurpose an Old Crib into Your Planting Table

If you have a talent for gardening, you’ll appreciate the idea of transforming your child’s old crib into a potting table. The generous workspace provided by converting a crib into a table helps minimize mess while you pursue your hobby. So, set up a dedicated table for your potting and related tasks. Take off the drop-down side and create shelves by cutting plywood to the appropriate size. You can cover the shelves with fruit crates or drawers to store your gardening tools, fertilizers, and other necessary items.