Parents are transforming ordinary kids’ beds into magical cubby houses, here’s how to do it on the cheap
SAVVY parents who’ve been quoted eye-watering amounts for custom-made kids’ beds are popping on the tool belt and doing it themselves for a fraction of the price. And contrary to what you might think, you don’t necessarily need carpentry skills either, just some creativity and patience. From beautiful princess-inspired canopy beds to epic jungle-themed treehouse […]
SAVVY parents who’ve been quoted eye-watering amounts for custom-made kids’ beds are popping on the tool belt and doing it themselves for a fraction of the price.
And contrary to what you might think, you don’t necessarily need carpentry skills either, just some creativity and patience.
From beautiful princess-inspired canopy beds to epic jungle-themed treehouse styles, these DIY beds are surprisingly cheap and easy to do – and they look incredible.
Many designs allow for extra storage space, play areas and hiding spots too, so they’re perfect for smaller rooms.
So if you’re looking for affordable ways to transform your kids’ rooms, check out these magical children’s bed designs, and tips on how to get it done on a budget.
Go cheap on the wood, try MDF
Many parents have revelaed they’ve used scrap wood they had laying around and picked up some additional MDF or plywood to create the rest.
MDF is pretty affordable and easy to cut and use, making it a perfect choice – especially for beginners.
One mum created an amazing wendy house and bed in one, with a bed on top and play kitchen below with a TV and play area, and revealed she used timber from her daughter’s old cot to get the job done.
Another couple from Irvine, Scotland, were inspired by Pinterest to make a beautiful bed for their daughter Isabella and managed to make it for just £100 using her existing bed and some additional MDF.
Be creative with your furniture
Kallax shelving units from Ikea have proven to be an extremely popular when it comes to designing the new bed.
Not only are they cheap, but they can easily form part of a structure when secured and used properly – and they are a great storage solution.
A doting grandfather used the popular set of shelves to create towers for his granddaughter’s epic castle bed – and they work so well for extra storage.
Others have the shelving units to form the base of a bed my simply popping a mattress on top.
Another popular option is to invest in the Kura bed for just £129 from Ikea, which many parents are using as a starting point for their incredible designs.
Shop for bargains
You don’t have to spend a fortune to spruce up your design.
Many parents admitted to using carpet-off cuts, paint tin samples, and cheap bits they’d picked up from bargain stores like Home Bargains and B&M to accessorise the space.
To keep the cost as low as possible, one mum even used YouTube to learn how to paint a wood effect for her son’s amazing pirate ship bed – so she didn’t have to buy a mural or pay for an expert.
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