The problem with buying things for babies is that they outgrow absolutely everything, and pretty quickly at that. While some people may choose to donate or sell their old cribs, if you fancy the idea of creating something totally new and useful from something rather unconventional, perhaps you should hold on to that little crib.
Many of us also like to ascribe memories and feelings to inanimate objects (it's totally normal, don't worry; it's what makes me such a hoarder) so if you just can't bear to part with your first baby's crib because that's where you heard his first giggle, or that's where you used to stare at her lovingly while she slept, have a look at these projects that will allow you to keep that memory-inducing item by giving it a whole new function.
Craft Organizer
If the part where the mattress rests on looks something like this, it will make the perfect unit to organize all you crafts or sewing bits and bobs. Each beam offers a neat little space from which to have spools of ribbon, paper trays, pens, paintbrushes… you name it.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – CraftyNest and MadeByMarzipan
Book/Magazine Rack
A magazine rack is pretty straightforward: you just need to hoist the right panel up against the wall. This book rack, however, is pretty damn creative and inventive! Hopefully it inspires you little ones to become bookworms.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DIYHomeSweetHome
Storage Bench
A solid headboard become the perfect medium from which to build a beautifully decorative bench seat. What really sets this project apart, though, (as if it isn't incredible enough as is) is the storage box underneath. Pure genius!
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MyRepurposedLife
Play Wagon
An old crib turned into a wagon for the kids? I don't even know how people come up with these genius ideas! What a great idea for a picnic trip or just some playtime around the lawn or a park. A latched swinging door ensures that no little tots fall out during the fun, so your stress levels won't be going through the roof.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Tidbits
Memo Board
A wire spring can easily be turned into a cute memo board for yourself of your growing kid's room. The framework provides an ideal space from which to hang photos, notes or invitations; all you need it pretty it up with a nice frame and you're good to go!
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – BlueCricketDesign and TheHandMadeHome
Headboard
This is rather genius: take the crib apart and position the two end pieces at the head of you master bed so that you get a super simple headboard. Since the crib is no longer being used for its intended purpose, you can paint or decorate those pieces however you like so that they suit the style of your room.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Fake-It-Frugal
Drying Rack
Thanks to an old crib rail and the creativity of one repurpose-loving lady, you, too, can make your very own drying rack for your laundry room. It's clever, it's pretty and it's relatively easy and affordable to make. What's not to love about it?
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MyRepurposedLife
Crafting/Play Station
This is the perfect project if your crib has a removable drop side. All you need to do is remove that piece and you have a table! Add a bit of chalkboard paint, some hooks and some shelves, and you have a fantastic little area for your little one to get crafty, just like you!
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ALittleLearningForTwo
Doggie Crate
Need a nice place for your pup to sleep and be kept safe? Ditch the horrible, impersonal metal crate, bring out your old crib from your basement and get to work! This crate is so beautiful; your dog is sure to love the comfort and you'll be happy to have it in the house since it isn't an eyesore like regular crates. I'm sure the kids will love playing in there too!
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MyRepurposedLife
Black Board Easel
What a clever idea this is! Use the two ends of the easel to make a blackboard easel like you sometimes see outside quaint little cafes. This could be a perfect learning board for your growing tot, or, what I'd like to do is put it in the kitchen to use as a grocery list, or perhaps to display my fantastic dinner menus.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TheRedKitchen
Day Bed
This one is super easy to make since all you really need to do is remove one side of the crib to turn it into a nice little day bed – a nice cozy little spot for reading or relaxing. You can even give it a paint job so that it better suits your child's new room.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – NeedleworkInspiration
Jewelry Organizer
I have a ton of jewelry and keeping it all organized so that I can see everything out on display and untangled is a real challenge. No jewelry box is big enough! With the help of a few 'S' hooks and baskets you can hang all your adornments from the spring.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Fake-It-Frugal
Two-Kid Bench
This adorable little bench is just too perfect for the kiddies. You can set in anywhere – in the playroom, bedroom, porch or even in the garden for when they want to play outside. I'd recommend adding a few cushions for added comfort.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MyRepurposedLife
Plate Rack
The front and back panels with the decorative spindles make for a stunning plate rack if you just build a box around it – it's really not as hard as it sounds. You can use it to display your best plates (you know, those ones you hardly ever actually use for their intended purpose…) or any other pretty items that you may have in mind.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – SomedayCrafts
Table
Need a new table or even a kitchen island? Tear that crib apart and use the crib legs to make this lovely little table. Since you're only using such a small part of the crib you'll have a lot of leftover material to make some other cool stuff on this list.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MyRepurposedLife
Entrance Bench
I don't really know what to call this one. The original creator uses it in her mudroom, but since I have no need for a mudroom, I'd put this right by the entrance of my front door for much the same purpose: shoes or boots in the bottom and lovely hooks from which to hang hats, coats or bags. I just love how elaborate it all is.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – UpcycleAddict
Photo Display
After taking your crib apart, use the side piece as a backdrop from which to hang and display your treasured family photos. You can even give it a good old paint job so that it becomes even more of a striking wall feature.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – InspiredByFamilia
Bike Rack
If your family is the outdoorsy type then it may be safe to assume that you have bicycles, tricycles and scooters. Instead of simply leaning them against the wall outside or in the basement, use the old crib rail to make this handy bike rack! Thankfully, this is a nice quick and easy job!
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – HereComesTheSun
Pet Gate
Need to keep your pooch away from a specific area in the house? Or maybe you need to separate your pups when dinnertime comes around so that they don't steal each other's' food. Well if your dogs aren't too big, you can create this cute little gate just from the rails of an old crib. It's a quick project that will certainly end up cheaper than a purchased one.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MyRepurposedLife
Herb Garden
If you love the idea of simply walking outside to pick your very own fresh-as-can-be herbs while cooking, then you could make your very own mini herb garden from an old crib. Sure, it's a little unorthodox, but I think it's so very charming!
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – CynthiaWeber
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