A cute simple project that uses a standard crib mattress to create both a seating and sleeping surface in your child's room. This daybed is easy to build and inexpensive.
Preparation
3 Yards of Batting, 60″ wide (double up on the headrest)
2 Yards of fabric, 60″ wide and sewing notions
1 – Sheet of 1/2 Plywood (can be OSB, cheap stuff works just fine!)
5 – 2×2 Boards
1 – 1×3
1 – 10′ 1×6 Board
1 – 2×6 Board (Stud Length or 8′ Length)
2 1/2″ Screws
2″ Screws
Staples (1/2″)
Cut List for Bed Frame and Side Rails
2 – 2×2 @ 52″ (Frame Sides)
7 – 2×2 @ 25″ (Frame Slats)
2 – 2×2 @ 9″ (Front Legs)
2 – 1×6 @ 28″ (Siderails)
1 – 1×6 @ 54″ (Measure to fit, front rail)
Cut List for Headboard
2 – 2×2 @ 29″ (Headboard Legs)
1 – 2×2 @ 49″ (Headboard Top Frame)
1 – 2×6 @ 49″ (Headboard Bottom Frame)
2- 1/2″ Plywood @ 23 1/2″ x 52″ (Panel)
2 – 1×3 @ 23 1/2″ (Side Trim)
Instructions
Step 1
Bed Frame. Like all of our projects, this one is no different in that we start with a “box” and trim it out. Use 2 1/2″ screws to build the frame above. The space doesn’t have to be exact, and you could actually add more slats if you wanted to (for example you are concerned about your kids jumping on the bed).
Step 2
Legs. Use 2 1/2″ screws to screw the legs to the frame on the front two corners, as shown above.
Step 3
Siderails. First cover your siderails with batting, stapling in place. Then cover with fabric, stapling in place from the inside of the siderail to hide your staples. Fasten to the end slats, keeping ends flush but leaving 1/2″ gap on the top to keep your mattress from sliding off. Make sure your screws grip the wood of the siderails.
Step 4
Front Rails. Upholster the front rail as you did in the previous step and attach with 2″ screws to the front of the bed frame. Don’t forget to fasten to the legs, too.
Step 5
Step 6
Panel. Use 2″ screws or nails to the frame, as shown here. Square up your headboard first. Keep outside edges flush.
Step 7
Sides of Headboard. Finish the sides of the headboard by adding the 1x3s to the sides, as shown above. This also give you a clean spot to fold your fabric under and staple.
Step 8
Upholstering. Cover the headboard in batting, as shown above. Staple in place and trim if necessary. Then neatly cover with fabric, carefully hiding your staples on the bottom edge. You may wish to instead sew a slipcover.
Step 9
Assembly. Using a level, line the bed frame up with the headboard. Then use the 2 1/2″ screws to fasten through the back frame board directly into the headboard. Remember, we used a 2×6 for this very purpose.
Comments
Lacey from Wee… (not verified)
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 20:47
So cute! Do you have this
So cute! Do you have this plan for adult sized beds as well?
Zack Abd (not verified)
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 20:55
wow..this is so cool! and i
wow..this is so cool! and i love ANYTHING PINK! hee hee..
after showing my husband your blog, he even said he would love to make a media rack for the TV, taken from your plans..and he even said something about making a sofa?!
seeing this, I'm starting to get an idea of how we might just be able to pull that off!
great work on the upholstering too :D
Karla (not verified)
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 21:15
Great timing! I don't have a
Great timing! I don't have a toddler, but I'm going to use this as inspiration for the twin-sized daybeds for my guest room. :) Perfect! Grace's room is adorable! And I'm stealing your pancake recipe. Too bad I failed to pick enough blueberries last year, and I'm already out. :(
aklatina (not verified)
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 21:48
AWW! that is sooo cute!!!! Id
AWW! that is sooo cute!!!! Id love to make one of these! maybe a twin for the guest as someone else said. would be oh so cute!! what a neat idea to use the curtains!
Kay (not verified)
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 01:23
That is too cute! And I
That is too cute! And I happen to have a toddler in need of a bed.... thanks so much for all you share so freely :)
Joy (not verified)
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 01:25
I love that, unlike most
I love that, unlike most toddler beds, this one can still be used as a little sofa when your daughter needs to move to a bigger bed.
Amber (not verified)
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 01:56
What an adorable room! I
What an adorable room! I love the fabric/curtians you decided to use!
Hi I'm Amy, (not verified)
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 02:42
I Can't even begin to tell
I Can't even begin to tell you how much I am in love with this toddler bed! It is super sweet. I have a 2 year old that will eventually need a bed... (Try to keep her in the crib as long as I can it makes nap time easier)
But this is the bed that we will make her when she is ready for that next step.... I love that you re used The curtains. And also the crib mattress... It always seems a shame to me that they just sit unused .... Love it. Great Job.
Catherine Hans… (not verified)
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 03:19
I love this so much! Just
I love this so much! Just beautiful.
J. (not verified)
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 03:30
So cute!!!I wonder if people
So cute!!!
I wonder if people have any idea the amount of time and work it takes to produce a post like this.
You rock :)