Have an old crib gathering dust in your attic or garage? Don’t toss it out just yet! Upcycling offers a sustainable, budget-friendly, and creative way to breathe new life into an unused crib.

By repurposing its parts, you can craft unique, functional pieces for your home while reducing waste. Plus, turning something old into something new feels incredibly rewarding—and gives you bragging rights as a DIY hero.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting weekend project or hoping to add personality to your space, this guide will show you how to upcycle a crib into something spectacular.

From prepping the crib to inspiring ideas and finishing touches, we’ve got you covered.

Safety First: Preparing the Crib for Upcycling

Before you jump into creating something new, it’s crucial to prepare your crib properly. This ensures your project is safe and ready for transformation.

1. Inspect for Safety

Start by giving the crib a thorough inspection. Check for loose or damaged parts, sharp edges, and cracked wood. If it’s covered in old paint, especially if the crib is vintage, ensure it’s not lead-based (you can purchase inexpensive lead test kits at most hardware stores).

• Tighten or replace any loose bolts and screws.
• Remove any small parts that could pose choking hazards if young kids will be using the upcycled item.

2. Disassemble Carefully

Use the right tools to take the crib apart without damaging the wood or frames. Keep all screws, bolts, and hardware in a labeled container in case they come in handy later in the project.

3. Clean and Sand the Crib

Thoroughly clean the crib using a non-toxic cleaner. A good scrub will remove dirt, dust, and residue. Once the crib is clean and dry, sand it down to remove any old varnish, paint, or irregularities. This also preps the surface for painting or staining.

Creative Upcycling Ideas for Cribs

Now for the fun part—choosing the perfect project for your crib! Here are five inspiring ideas to get you started.

1. Crib to a Kid’s Play Table

Turn your crib into a whimsical play table that your little ones will love.

How to Do It:

• Remove one side of the crib and cut the frame to a suitable height for a table.
• Attach stable wooden legs or use the remaining crib sides for support.
• Use the crib base as the table surface or replace it with a smooth plywood sheet.

Finishing Touches:

Decorate the table with colorful paint or stencil designs. Add a chalkboard top or dry-erase surface for endless kid-friendly creativity.

2. Crib to a Daybed or Couch

Transform your crib into a cozy and functional daybed, perfect for a reading nook or guest room.

How to Do It:

• Leave one crib side intact as the backrest and remove the opposite side for open access.
• Add extra supports underneath as needed to ensure stability.
• Fit a small mattress or custom cushions on the base.

Finishing Touches:

Add throw pillows, blankets, or bolsters in neutral or bold patterns to create a warm and inviting vibe.

3. Crib to a Bookshelf

Bring some organization to your space by turning your crib into a bookshelf.

How to Do It:

• Use the sides of the crib as the frame and attach horizontal shelves made from wood planks.
• Reinforce the shelves with brackets or additional back supports.

Finishing Touches:

Customize the bookshelf with paint or stain to match your decor. You can even add labels to each shelf for a playful and organized look.

4. Crib to a Craft Station

Crafters, this one’s for you! A crib repurposed into a craft station is as functional as it is unique.

How to Do It:

• Attach a sturdy flatboard over the crib base to serve as a work surface.
• Use the side rails to hang storage containers or hooks for supplies like scissors, brushes, or ribbons.

Finishing Touches:

Paint the crib in bright, cheerful colors and add pegboards or baskets to keep everything tidy.

5. Crib to a Garden Feature

Take your creativity outdoors by turning the crib into an enchanting piece for your garden.

How to Do It:

• Use the crib sides as a trellis for climbing plants like ivy, roses, or beans.
• Alternatively, convert the crib base into a raised planter for herbs or flowers.

Finishing Touches:

Apply weatherproof paint or sealant to protect the wood from moisture. Fill the crib-turned-planter with vibrant blooms or lush greenery for a charming touch.

Creative Finishing Touches

Whether you’re making a table or a garden trellis, adding the right finishing touches can elevate your project.

Painting and Decorating

• Use eco-friendly, non-toxic paints and finishes to ensure your upcycled project is safe and sustainable.
• Experiment with stencils, ombré effects, or even decoupage for a truly unique look.

Adding Functional Elements

• Attach hooks, baskets, or rails for additional functionality.
• Swap the hardware for something more decorative, like vintage-style handles or modern, sleek fixtures.

Inspiring Success Stories

Need a little extra inspiration? Here are some incredible examples of upcycled cribs turned into stunning pieces:

The Farmhouse Bench – One creative DIYer transformed their crib into a rustic entryway bench, complete with storage baskets hidden underneath.

The Storytime Haven – Another maker crafted a lovely bookshelf and reading nook combination, painted in pastel tones and decorated with fairy lights.

The Chic Couch – A sleek, white couch made from a crib frame became the centerpiece of a modern living room, complete with minimalist cushions.

Why Upcycling Cribs is Worth the Effort

Upcycling a crib is more than just a DIY project—it’s an opportunity to create something meaningful, save money, and help the planet.

With a little creativity and effort, you can turn an otherwise unused item into a beautiful, functional piece for your home.

What will your crib become? Share your ideas or past projects with us in the comments below or join our community of upcyclers to swap tips and inspiration!