This crib repurposed project is a great way to save your child's crib and use it for a new purpose!
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Repurpose Family Crib
As I mentioned in my Recent Finds {sick of winter edition} I picked up this crib when I delivered the Lego Table.
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See this cute little guy?
His Grandma (Denise) asked me to make a toy box bench out of his dad’s crib. 
When comparing the headboard and the foot board of the crib, it’s clear which piece should be the back of the crib (left)
Cut Repurposed Crib with Saw
The first step was to trim the bottom off the headboard, then cut the top of the headboard in half to make the arms of the bench.
Add Armrests to Crib Bench
After which, I cut the bottom of the headboard apart so that it could now become the front legs of the bench.
Here is the bottom of the headboard (front legs) and one side of the headboard (the arm rest)
Use Drill Guide For Dowels
To put them together, I used a dowel. To drill the proper size hole, I used this guide.
Add Dowels for Strength
I drew an X and drilled the hole for the dowel on both pieces and attached using Gorilla Wood Glue.
I clamped it all together to allow the wood glue to set up.
Construct Box for Repurposed Crib Toy Box
Here, you can see that I used Kreg Jig pocket holes to put the storage box together. Can you see the pocket holes on the left aren’t for holding the box together? Those holes are to attach the box to the back of the crib for extra strength and support, that’s why I used 1 ½ inch screws instead of the regular 1 ¼” screws.
The sides of the arm rests are thin plywood. The storage box is actually resting atop the frame of the foot board (back) and the bottom of the headboard (front) note the gap to the left and right of the lid?
You can see in this picture I have added additional support boards on the right to strengthen the flimsy thin plywood and fill in the gap. I added boards to the top and bottom and left and right sides.
After I got the box installed, I added some additional pocket holes with my Kreg Mini
to reinforce the front legs.
Add Spindles to Toy Box Front
Because the box was large and plain, I added some ½ spindles I had in my stash. I was trying to figure out placement in this picture.
These spindles have been cut in half. I used Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun to attach them to the front of the box.
Patch and Sand Repurposed Crib
The bench has been patched and sanded, and is ready for the paint booth.
Paint Crib Toy Box with Paint Sprayer
I used my Porter Paint (from the ReStore) as a primer on the bench—applying it with the Finish Max
in my portable paint booth.
This is Edge of Night (gray) mixed with a little bit of Naval, to get a custom light blue gray, as requested by Denise.
The color is a very light blue gray. You can see the difference looking at the white (underneath side) of the seat compared to the bench.
Add Hardware
These closures help the lid stay raised and close slowly.
I love how this bench turned out. I have so many more beds/cribs, what to make next?
gail
See more bench projects and crib projects.
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Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
sierra dallas
Wow! what a brilliant idea. I like this creative, space saving, clever and amazing thought. I have to apply it for my kids’ huge toys. I am really tense because of my kid’s huge toys which are scattered here and there. I have to follow your ideas. Thanks for sharing an intelligent toy storages ideas.
Lisa Pechacek
I love this idea! I didn't want to discard my kid's old crib because of many sentimental memories but i would be delighted to repurpose it by doing this. Thank you for sharing it!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
I'm so happy you found this project inspiring to make your own repurposed crib toy box.
gail
Regina Long
I picked #12 because I have a twin headboard to make my 1st attempt. Picked #3 because I just loved the whole concept. Picked #4 because I thought it was a cool rustic charm to add to a kitchen & practical.
Holly
Love it! It turned out great. And what a great way to pass an heirloom down in the family.
Nancy
Perfection! Every time you make a bench it comes out better than the last. Each is unique and adorable, and somehow you find a way to improve upon each of them in some way. Your imagination is remarkable! I wish I had even a little piece of it. 🙂
Catherine
You're the master! L O V E, love, love!
Catherine
Mindi
So cute! It is perfect, and the storage is awesome!! I really love the cut spindles in the front for the decorative look! It is amazing how your mind works, great job Gail!
Di B
This turned out as cute as all the rest. Waiting for warm weather to be able to get out in my garage to start working on my benches. Hurry up spring. it was 60 yesterday and today we have snow showers and the morning temp felt like 8 above. HELP!
Kristina W
Nice project, it turned out great! What type of paint did you use? PPG Porter Paints?
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
That has got to be one of my favourite of all your benches. Now tell me, how did you cut those spindles in half???
girlfromwva
Love it! Such a good repurpose!
cassie
this one is super cute! so sweet!
Katy
Love, love, love it!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
This just might be my favorite headboard to bench project ever! So cute, functional and safe too!
Terri
You knocked this one out of the park!! Every time I think you can't outdo yourself...you do it anyway! This is the most adorable thing, ever. What child wouldn't love this in their room?! Way to go, my friend!!
Lucy
Sweeeet!