Build Two Toddler Beds for $75
Well this is exciting. Design*Sponge is featuring one of my how-to posts today as part of DIY Wednesday. Woot!
When we moved in, we decided to put two toddler-size beds in Oscar's and Betty's small bedroom, but every bed option that I loved was really expensive. Especially when you multiplied by two. So I decided to build my own.
Two super-simple, upholstered platform-ish beds. They are adorable. Especially side-by-side. They are low to the floor, so if Betty rolls off in her sleep, she won't get hurt (this is Betty's first bed since leaving her crib). They use crib-size mattresses, so they don't have a big footprint. Bonus: they were a total bargain to build — $75 total for both. So I suppose that means you could build just one for about $37.
You can find full instructions with lots of photos at Design*Sponge. And a few additional notes here.
Before you start cutting wood, please read these Notes on Mattress Size:
I didn't include the price of the mattress in the project because most people in need of a toddler bed will already have a crib size mattress from their crib. If you do plan to use a standard crib mattress, you'll need to make adjustments to the size of the base. Standard crib mattresses are 52" x 26", which will be a bit too big for this base. But be sure to measure the mattress you own. They vary.
My crib mattress has been used by 5 kids and is failing. So we ordered two custom ones to fit the bases I'd designed. We ordered them from: The Foam Factory. 6 x 24.5 x 49.5 inches. $48 each. Free shipping if your order is over $75. So place your order with a buddy. : )
Notes on fabric:
For my beds, I used Crypton Fabric. It might be the most family-friendly fabric out there. Super easy to clean. And since the fabric is attached to the bed frame, (and Betty is still having "accidents"), I was very interested in fabric I could clean easily and well. Crypton is perfect. I loved working with it. In fact, I'm thinking of using Crypton on a settee I'm having recovered as well.
And that's it. Again, you can find full instructions at Design*Sponge with lots of helpful photos. Good luck! And let me know if you end up making toddler beds of your own. I'd love to see pics.
Labels: make something
posted by Gabrielle of Design Mom at Wednesday, July 29, 2009
48 Comments:
This is the most incredible thing I have seen. I love it! It might be time to retire the toddler bed we have now (one of the planks keeps falling out...) and make this beauty!
Thanks!
I simply love this project - and I just read the whole post over at design sponge. It seems doable! Thank you!
LOVE the idea of making the beds. You have great ideas!
Can you tell us where that amazing rainbow polka dot pillow is from? I love it!
ok, so I totally did something a little similar. I'm moving both my girls into the same room so I was trying to have to save money on headboards/frame. I covered the actual box spring and placed the mattress on top! the mattress doesn't fit inside the upholstered frame like yours. :( oh, well, my goal was to keep the beds low to the ground, too, and clutter from piling up underneath!
I've only done one so far. now thinking maybe I'll fence in the box spring with wood and upholster that. hmmmm. or not. we'll see.
thanks for the great ideas! :)
You have saved me!! This is EXACTLY what we will be doing when my little one has to transfer to her "big girl" room. I've been so worried about the transfer to a big bed, this will give us an extension on her time in the just-right sized mattress. Thanks so much.
I love this idea! I don't have kids, but I'll definitely pass this along. Can you tell us what that orange geometric fabric is?
So pretty!
these are fantastic gabby!!!
Simply lovely. When my 2nd get a bit bigger, I think we'll have to try this.
I indeed saw your post over at d*s today! Great idea!
Oh man, I can not show this to my hubby. And when do you have time to do this? I ma impressed!!
that's so great! we are expecting baby # 2, and our 2 yo will have to share her room with baby, so a super cool toddler bed is in order (since who can fit a twin and a crib in 1 room?!) thanks for the GREAT idea, i'll let you know if we do it!
Very cute!
great diy project...too bad my toddlers are kid size nowadays!
This is so great! I wonder if I could make a bed for me... (queen size)
I love this! Brilliant and crafty idea...and the fabric is great.
What fabric did you buy? I don't see online on their site. THanks.
This is perfect timing! Every modern toddler bed I found was over $500...which I hate to spend on a transitional piece of furniture anyway. Thanks!!
Lesley @ sillynothings.com and midmodredo.com
Hm, just wanted to let you know that BLoglines doesn't seem to be picking up your posts after 13 July.
I LOVE THIS!!! And it seems like something I could actually DO (I'm not that handy!)!
Where did you get the cute dot and orange pillow?
We are making a bed for Paige for Christmas and I love these. I'm so excited! Thanks Gabby!
Darling!! Love the idea of low beds for toddlers.
(Mattress idea: I bought a foam mattress at a furniture store, removed the fabric cover, and cut the foam for my project. For me, it was cheaper than buying the foam directly.)
I love it! Since I saw it, I've been thinking of trying this for my daughter's room!
Thank you for posting this! We've actually been looking for something exactly like this for our little toddler. Also, thanks for the mattress idea. You're pretty much wonderful. :)
Oh, and PS- the beds (and glimpses of the room) look fab!
This comment has been removed by the author.
I altered my question a bit (hence the delete). Question for you: do you use foam mattresses for your other kiddos (ie, TWIN mattresses) or innerspring? I know opinions vary, but I want yours. :) Let me know when you get a spare minute. Thanks so much.
Wow! I love the pillows and colors you chose. I was curious to where you bought the bedding? Cute Cute!!
Okay, this is exactly the bed my college student wants. She hates dust ruffles. I think I need to build in a queen size. Then when she changes apartments, it will be easier to move than what she has now. Love the diy!!!
LOVE THIS. But where did you get those great pillows so I can shamelessly copy exactly!
What a great idea. I've bookmarked it so I'll know where it is when the time comes to do this for my twin boys. It looks like something I could do myself with minimal help from hubby
Gabby, you rock. this is DARLING and so do-able!
xoxo
I love this too and want to try to make it in twin size for my 8 and 4 year old girls. I got to thinking that maybe the board that the bed actually sits on could have hinges on one size and a rope handle or something and it would be a great storage for off season clothes.
I love this idea!
Thank you.
Ashley, with CWDkids
Would you please share the source for the fantastic orange fabric on the pillow?
thank you, thank you, thank you for this!! i have been agonizing over what to do when my baby boy is old enough to move to a big boy bed (baby #2 is on the way) but nothing, even the cheap beds, have been in my price range! i am so excited about this DIY because it is stylish, comfortable, AND works with my budget!
quick question: since the mattress is not the same size as a crib mattress, what are you doing for a sheet? is it similar enough to use a standard crib sheet? or did you make your own?
I'm in love with it! Now if only I can convince my husband we need one for our son before we bring another one into the world...
Can you please reveal where that rainbow polka dot fabric is from and who makes it? Thanks!
I'm planning on making this for my 18 month old this weekend. I've adjusted the dimensions to fit my standard crib mattress (and hope I got it right!). I'm wondering if you can tell me about the sturdiness of this bed. We're going to use it as a reading nook until she's ready to be in a big girl bed - so we'll likely be sitting one or even two adults with her on there at times...do you think it'll hold us?
Thanks!
Excellent! This inspires me to finally cover my son's box spring and let it sit on the floor -- not quite the same effect but it will be a nice change!
where did those fabulous and bright square pillows come from?!
another one who would like to know about the polk a dot pillow. Having my husband make 3 of these this weekend.
Dena
This is fantastic! I might have to try it :0)
Do you think that this technique would work for a twin size mattress--a bigger child and all her associated bed jumping?
We built some twin beds using your idea here! Wanted to let you know. You can see more at my flickr site, too...
http://www.lsnjd.com/2009/08/12/new-beds/
Thanks for the great idea! I had been putting off buying Ollie a single sized bed, now I know why!
I'd love you to see it!
http://stellacake.blogspot.com/2009/08/ollies-new-bed.html
(so glad I came across your blog - it was via ohdeedoh to design*sponge, then to you!)
I am making 3!
http://jordantriplets.blogspot.com/2009/09/alexs-bed.html
Love this bed! Love this idea! We just finished our version for our little man today. I'm surprised he's sleeping for all the excitement. new bed! new bed! Thanks Gabby!
http://nestedinterests.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-bed.html
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