16 Fantastic DIY Toddler Bed Ideas
Parents know when it is time…
Time to make the big transition from the crib to a toddler bed. Either they start attempting to climb out of the crib or they just simply outgrow the space, every kiddo eventually needs a bigger bed.
Since you usually know that the transition is “coming”, it means that you have time to plan ahead and for us…that means we have time to build something ourselves!
There are so many different styles and situations for DIY toddler beds. If your kiddo is younger, you may want to consider looking at a style that is lower to the ground (or even on the floor).
If your child is bigger and ready to transition straight to a bigger twin-size bed, there are so many fun designs!
But there are no rules here! When we finally transitioned our littlest out of her crib, we moved straight to a queen-sized bed with this DIY cane headboard and we’ve had no problems with her falling out. And she loves that she has plenty of room for lots of stuffed animals to sleep next to her.
Whether you go big with bunk beds or smaller with floor-style beds, I’ve rounded up some of the best designs for DIY toddler and kid beds to inspire you!
Fantastic DIY Kids and Toddler Bed Ideas
If your child is like ours and sleeps with a million stuffed animals (he was getting just a little cramped in the toddler bed) it may be time to upgrade to a twin-size bed.
We gathered a lot of DIY kid's bed ideas and incorporated our favorite parts into this DIY kid's cabin bed.
From the cedar-planked roof to the board and batten trim this kid's bed has all the cabin vibes that go great with his mountain mural. I love that it is still easy to change the sheets with the open front.
Read more for the tutorial and free plans to build your own!
Here is a DIY kid's bed idea that is much simpler looking and I love the minimalist vibe of this one.
Pine boards and wood dowels are all you need to make these kids' beds. They have a vintage yet modern look and would be perfect for boys or girls.
And it goes so perfectly with the two tone walls, it reminds me a bit of our master bedroom walls!
Read more for the tutorial to make your own wood dowel twin bed.
This kid's bed idea has so many amazing features! Drawers that double as steps up to the sleeping area, a pull-out desk, and nice deep drawers for storage.
There's even a hidden compartment, but I won't spoil the surprise of where it is, just let me say your child will LOVE it!
Read more to see all the features (including the sweet hidden compartment) of this DIY captain's bed and learn how to make one for your child.
The simple detail of this fantastic DIY kid's bed idea makes it great for girls or boys, with drawers underneath for extra storage.
Paint the details in any color you choose for a boy or a girl.
Save money and build your own kid's bed. This bed has a headboard and footboard and is made using pocket hole joinery for sturdy construction that will last forever.
Stain the wood in the color of your choice, or paint it to match your child's room color scheme. With this simple design, the possibilities are endless.
DIY Toddler Beds
Transitioning from a crib to a big kid's bed can be scary. These fantastic DIY toddler bed ideas will take away the worry for you and your child.
Transitioning from a crib to a bed can be scary for mom and child. You don't want them rolling out of bed and falling on the floor.
Have peace of mind with this simple toddler floor bed. It has all the same benefits as a regular bed and crib combined.
A twin-size mattress to accommodate growth and built-in rails for safety make this a great bed to transition from a crib to a big kid's bed.
Give your child some independence without the worry by building them this fantastic DIY kids bed idea.
This Montessori style bed will help transition them from their crib to a big bed and they won't be afraid of falling out onto the floor.
It's easy to make using 2x2 lumber and takes a crib size mattress so you don't have to go out and buy a new mattress right away.
The house design is perfect for boys or girls (and reminds me a bit of our DIY dress up storage) and they will love gaining a bit of independence.
Platform beds are really popular right now for kids and adults alike. The price tag can be intimidating, but you can make your own!
All you need is some plywood and wooden legs to make your own toddler platform bed. I love the boho look of this room and the platform bed is a great choice for little ones as they transition from crib to big kid's bed.
Read more for the tutorial to build your own!
Here is a chunkier take on the traditional platform bed. Made from 2x4s, it's still low enough to the ground that there shouldn't be any injuries if your child falls out of bed.
The great thing about platform beds is they don't need a box spring and that helps keep the cost down. You can build this fantastic DIY toddler bed idea for around $50!
As a precaution, you could add a rail just to be on the safe side.
I added this under the toddler bed section because it's low to the ground and is enclosed almost all the way around.
It could easily be for any age child or adult for that matter. If I could get away with it, I would totally have one in my bedroom!
This fantastic DIY kid's bed idea can be made in any size and how great would it be to hang out there and read a book or have a sleepover?
Here's another fantastic DIY kid's bed idea! A teepee of their own in their bedroom, what child wouldn't love that?!
This bed is easy to make and you can customize the color to match your child's room.
It's low to the ground so no fear of injury if they roll out. Bedtime will be a breeze with this fun bed.
DIY Kid's Bunk Beds
It's no secret, kids LOVE bunk beds. What is it about that top bunk? These fantastic DIY kid's bed ideas will help you save space in shared bedrooms and you will be a hero for building your child their own!
I wish I had had these built-in bunk beds when I was a kid! They have everything a kid needs to be comfy and cozy.
Built with 2x4s and tongue and groove boards it's an easy project you can build in just a few weekends. It's really all in the details, isn't it?
From the wallpaper accent to the reading lights and built-in shelves your child is going to love this fantastic DIY kid's bed idea!
No matter what, kids will always want the top bunk. This twin over full bunk style bed is perfect when kids share a room or for having friends stay the night.
It's the perfect solution to save space in a shared kid's room. If you have boys, they will love these rustic bunk beds, but you could also paint them for a girl's room.
Now, this is a bunk bed! What little girl wouldn't want her own house in her bedroom?
It has every detail you can imagine that would be on a real house. Windows, a shingle roof, pergola awnings, and flower boxes.
The panels on each end open making it easy to change the bedding. Drawers on the bottom add extra storage and you access the top bunk from the ladder at the end. I may need one of these in an adult size!
This loft bed is so cute and cozy! Sleeping above and room underneath to play is the perfect setup for your child's room.
While not technically a bunk bed, you could easily add another bed underneath or even a desk for homework.
I'm thinking that area underneath would make a really cool fort, what do you think?
This DIY loft bed is a great way to add extra floor space to a small bedroom. It's a simple build that doesn't require a lot of tools.
Made from 2x4s and 2x6s, this bed is anchored to wall studs in the wall and to ceiling joists using eyebolts and airline cable wire, so it's not going anywhere!
You could add legs to it to ease your mind if you're concerned about it falling down.
Read more for the full tutorial and plans to build this fantastic DIY kid's bed idea.
Which of these DIY kids and Toddler bed ideas was your favorite?
Let us know in the comments below!
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