This is such an old project, but it was so much fun to make. Once Elliot was done with the crib we decided to convert it into a desk for the boys to use.
DIY Crib Desk
With us likely done having kids after two, we no longer had a use for the baby crib. We decided to get a little crafty and repurpose the crib into a desk. The best part of the desk, is that it cost very little money to convert and was sized perfect for the little boys to sit at and use.
And isn’t it super cute!?! Naturally I was inspired by Pinterest projects like this one. How your desk turns out really depends on the style of the crib and what accessories you want to add to it.
Pros of Converting a Crib into a desk
- Peter didn’t have to take it apart it to get it out of the room no reassemble it.
- I didn’t have to coordinating the selling or donating of it.
- We made a very functional desk/play-space that fits two kiddos.
How to Convert a Crib Into A Desk
Peter started by removing the front railing. He took the measurement of the crib bottom and then had a 1/2″ piece of MDF cut at Home Depot. He primed then painted it with a black chalkboard paint. After letting it dry for a few hours, he screwed the MDF board on top of the crib bottom through to the crib supports. To finish off the look, he took the top of the front railing (that he removed) and screwed it to the front edge of the desk.
We opted to move the desk into the closet. This keeps more floor space available for playing. Peter carefully removed the lower shelf and closet bar, so we could easily re-install them in the future.
Depending upon the condition or style of the crib you are working with, you could sand and paint it to make it work with your decor. Our crib was still in great shape so we didn’t worry about sanding or painting anything. This helped keep our desk a quick 1-day project!
Crib Desk Accessories
We hung an industrial shop light from the top curtain rod for some fun direct light. We are still using the storage at the top of the closet, so I added an easy DIY curtain to hide it from view. Fun wall decals brighten up the walls. I found these ones at the 99 Cents Only store.
I found a few fun buckets and bins at the dollar store and in the dollar section of Target to keep the art supplies organized. We also attached a magnetic dry erase board so the boys can hang their artwork or doodle.
Crib Desk Project Cost
Their Legos are stored in bins under the desk, allowing easy access for playtime (and cleanup)! Don’t forget to add a LEGO baseplate.
- MDF ~$30
- Paint & Primer ~$30
- Memo Board $8
- Desk Accessories $6
How to make a crib desk
Don't throw out the old baby crib, convert it into a fun desk perfect for little kids.
Materials
- Old Crib
- MDF Board
- Screws
- Black Chalkboard Paint
Instructions
- Start by removing the front side/railing of the crib.
- Measure the bottom of the crib and cut a piece of MDF to fit it.
- Prime and paint the MDF with black chalk board paint and let dry.
- Screw MDF board on top of crib bottom through crib supports.
- Attach the top piece of the front railing to the front (open) edge of the desk to complete the look.
Notes
We removed the hanging rod and shelf from the closet and slid the desk inside. This preserved more space on the floor for playing.
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What do you think? Isn’t it Awesome?!?
Have you ever completed a DIY project after being inspired by Pinterest? I would love to hear about it! Oh and follow me on Pinterest while you’re at it!
More DIY projects:
This post was originally published February 14, 2013.
Heather says
Love this! It turned out awesome! One question — where do you store his clothes now (if not in the closet)? I’m guessing in a dresser.
kc says
Thanks!
Great question! We only had storage bins in there before, mostly of off season clothes and hand-me-downs from Quinn. So we moved a few bins to the very top of the closet and rest were moved into Q’s closet. And yeah his current clothes are in a dresser. 🙂
Lynn says
So awesome, such a nice workspace. I think Aunt Lynn needs to find some more Lego sets to bring over and play with sometime soon!
kc says
Ha! I think they have plenty of Legos to work with Aunt Lynn!
Michelle says
I love this!! Totally not reusing everything I can! We spent so much on our crib & to be able to continue to use it is genius!!
Chris of Yoda Archives says
That is a great reuse on a crib. It’s about time to move our son up to a toddler bed.
jenny says
would love to know if this was feasible to fit adults, would love to make a adult desk?
Karen says
A lot of cribs have adjustable heights, so it really depends on the crib. I think ours would fit an adult if we had moved it to the newborn setting. I hope this helps. If you make one, I’d love to see a picture of it!
Gracie G says
I love this! It IS awesome!! Very creative 🙂
Nicole Shively says
That’s such an awesome idea! We own this exact same crib and I think I’m going to do this!
Debbie Jackson says
This is super. Which I had seen it before the crib was given away.
Margot C says
I love this, it’s so great. I’m going to send it to my brother-in-law (they are at just that moment in time where they could do this!)
Autumn Brooke says
This is such a clever idea!
Karen says
Thanks!