DIY Upholstered Toddler Daybed

Reading spot by day, comfortable padded bed by night. Repurpose a standard crib mattress and bedding to create your own upholstered toddler daybed with simple tools and no sewing.
DIY Pink and White Upholstered Kid's Bed

Precious Pink Toddler Daybed

Reading spot by day, comfortable padded bed by night. This precious daybed trimmed in pink tones and accented with soft patterned blankets can be created with simple tools and no sewing.

By: Ana White

Materials Needed:

  • (5) 2X2 pine or white wood boards, 8' long
  • (1) 2X6 pine or white wood board, 8' or stud length
  • (1) 1X6 pine or white wood board, 10' long
  • (1) 1X3 pine or white wood board, 48" long
  • (1) sheet 1/4" plywood or hardboard
  • (50) 3" screws
  • (20) 2" screws
  • (30) 1-1/4" screws
  • wood glue
  • pilot hole bit
  • 1 can spray adhesive
  • 3 yards 1/2"-thick, 48"-wide upholstery batting
  • 3 yards home decor fabric
  • 1/2" staples
  • staple gun
  • 7 - 2X2 boards cut 25" long
  • 2 - 2X2 boards cut 52" long
  • 2 - 2X2 boards cut 9" long
  • 2 - 1X6 boards cut 28" long
  • 2 - 1X6 boards cut 53 1/2" long
  • 2 - 2X2 boards cut at 29" long
  • 1 - 2X2 board cut at 49" long
  • 1 - 2X6 board cut at 49" long
  • 2 - 1/4" plywood cut at 52" x 23 1/2"
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood cut at 52" x 28" (optional for flimsy crib mattresses)
  • 2 - 1x3 boards cut at 23 1/2" long

Build Bed Frame

Mark placement of bed-frame studs, taking into account that 2x2s are 1-1/2 inches wide. Predrill holes in frame sides, then attach studs to frame sides with 3-inch screws and glue.

Diagram of How to Build Wood Kid's Daybed Frame

Construct the Frame for DIY Toddler Daybed

Mark placement of bed-frame studs, taking into account that 2x2s are 1-1/2 inches wide. Predrill holes in frame sides, then attach studs to frame sides with 3-inch screws and glue.

Attach Front Legs

Pre-drill pilot holes in the tops of the bed frame and glue and screw the legs to the frame with 3-inch screws.

Diagram of How to Screw on the Front Legs to Bed Frame

Attach the Front Legs to Toddler Daybed Frame

Pre-drill pilot holes in the tops of the bed frame and glue and screw the legs to the frame with 3-inch screws.

Upholster Side Rails

Glue upholstery batting to side and front rails with spray adhesive. Cover side rails with fabric and staple in place. Screw through inside of frame into back side of upholstered rails to attach the side rails and front to bed frame.

Complete Front Rail

Complete the front rail in the same manner as the side rails.

Diagram of Upholstered Rails for Daybed

Upholster the Front Bed Rails

Complete the front rail in the same manner as the side rails.

Construct Headboard Frame

Mark headboard legs and pre-drill pilot holes. Screw 2x2 and 2x6 boards to headboard legs with 3-inch screws and glue.

Diagram of How to Build a Headboard Frame

Construct Headboard Frame for Toddler Daybed

Mark headboard legs and pre-drill pilot holes. Screw 2x2 and 2x6 boards to headboard legs with 3-inch screws and glue.

Add Plywood

Cover the front and back of the headboard with 1/4-inch plywood. Attach with 1-1/4 inch screws and glue.

Diagram of Adding Plywood to Headboard

Attach the Plywood to Headboard Frame of Toddler Daybed

Cover the front and back of the headboard with 1/4-inch plywood. Attach with 1-1/4 inch screws and glue.

Attach Headboard Sides

Pre-drill pilot holes and attach sides to headboard as shown in the diagram. Use 2-inch screws and glue.

Diagram of How to Attach Headboard Sides

Attach and Place Headboard Sides for Toddler Daybed

Pre-drill pilot holes and attach sides to headboard as shown in the diagram. Use 2-inch screws and glue.

Attach Headboard Batting

Cover headboard in batting, using spray adhesive and staples to secure in place.

Batting on Headboard With Staples

Attach Headboard Batting for Toddler Daybed

Cover headboard in batting, using spray adhesive and staples to secure in place.

Cover in Fabric

Cover headboard in fabric, stapling in place on the bottom edge.

Assembly

Attach bed frame to headboard with 3-inch screws. Tip: Add strength to the mattress by using scrap plywood to cover frame joists.

Pink and White Striped Kid's Bed

Assemble Upholstered Toddler Daybed

Attach bed frame to headboard with 3-inch screws. Tip: Add strength to the mattress by using scrap plywood to cover frame joists.

Add Mattress and Bedding

Bed is designed so a standard crib-sized mattress will fit. Use crib sheeting and toddler blankets to complete.

Pink and White Kid's Daybed

Add Mattress and Bedding for Upholstered Toddler Daybed

Bed is designed so a standard crib-sized mattress will fit. Use crib sheeting and toddler blankets to complete.

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