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How to Make a shelf out of a Infants bed

January 25th, 2009 in projects     
georgiamoon Georgia Terrell, contributor
17 users recommend
This is how it looks hanging on the wall at the shop. quite a difference Id say.
And from the side.
A little tweaked, but you gotta admit that it is darling.
Nothing a little glueing and clamping wont fix. Right?
I think you can see it in this picture used as a bed with linens and pillows in it.
Were using a special saw that my friend has to cut off the legs without damaging the structure of the piece.
This is right when I got the shelves cut and put in...I used half straps that usually hold cable so it would be adjustable.
It is still a little crooked ...my friend called it several other things...rickety, warped, and  other words I wont repeat here. But I still love it.
This is how it looks hanging on the wall at the shop. quite a difference Id say.

This is how it looks hanging on the wall at the shop. quite a difference I'd say.
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When I first found this it was in pieces and I put it together thinking it would be great for displaying textiles but I soon learned that it just took up too much floor space. Cute as can be but way too big. I loved the screening on the back and the patina of the wood was great. I cut the folding legs off of the back, cut 3 shelves and then spent 2 weeks trying to come up with a matching stain to make it look cohesive. Once that was done and the shelves in place I hung it on the wall and this is the finished project. I love the way it looks with all the white and cream accents.

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posted in: projects, vintage, wood, cottage, country, family room, living room, furniture, porch, bedroom, dining room, entry, study, great room, brown, shelf, historical, mudroom
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Comments (18)

artteachergirl writes: I can't believe this is on here...I have one that I did almost the identical thing with... Just time I saw a little bed like this in a little thrift store I knew I had to have it. I brought it home and added shelves to it and used it for years in my bedroom...great junkin' minds :-) Posted: 10:59 pm on November 9th
OldBarnRescue writes: Just found this entry - love it! Very clever. Posted: 10:41 am on April 29th
luvstojunk writes: What a great idea! Now you have me wanting to go out and find one! You are so creative. Would love to see your shop as well. Your home must be amazing!!!! Posted: 12:24 pm on February 22nd
TGTG writes: Geo - this is just great and even better in person. One of your best projects my pal.

XO, JennyK Posted: 10:55 pm on February 4th
banjo_31 writes: Love this! I have a similar crib and always wondered what to do with it. It has been sitting in my shed until I could think of something. Mine doesn't have folding legs though, the two end rails include the legs. I will definitely be doing something with it now! Posted: 4:17 pm on February 1st
KimberlyMelamed writes: Geo, You really have a talent for creating spectacular redo's. Love this shelf! So sweet and fun. :) Posted: 3:39 pm on January 28th
shabbychick writes: Geo - No snoozing for you, huh?? You just put another great project to bed!!! Awesome job, I love it as a hanging shelf - and it's a great way to display the white pottery.

We have an old crib for sale right now (not the same type as yours) - bought it from a lady who had already made it into a "conservatory" sort of thing (and I know you love those!). She put glass across the bottom and top - so there's a wide open space for display. It's on wheels too - makes it easy to move around.

Thanks for sharing - and for the peek into your shop! Wish I could visit!! :)

Kathy Posted: 9:15 am on January 27th
Bec4 writes: i love this redo! I see cribs like this quite often, I will have to pick them up for now on! Posted: 9:01 pm on January 25th
JunkArchitect writes: Georgia, I don’t think you could have come up with a better idea for this frame. The ladder sides are perfect for adjustable shelves and the screening is a great built-in detail. I’ll bet you’ll hate to part with this one.

Your store looks really cool but it‘s kind of a drive from my house. I did a Map Quest and it’s only a 47-hour drive (if I never stop) and 3,028 miles. Posted: 8:11 pm on January 25th
LuAnn writes: This is awesome!!! You did a great transformation. You give us all great inspiration--keep up the good work.

Love ya friend
LuAnn Posted: 6:23 pm on January 25th
fellowjunker writes: This is soooooooo adorable Georgia. I just love it, and I love the shot of your store........oh........I can see so many treasures!!!
xojanis Posted: 6:16 pm on January 25th
georgiamoon writes: Thanks everybody. Isn't it great when you envision something and it comes out just like that? I really love it too, and will hate to part with it but I am here to sell not just look at my stuff, so it will be sold. Sweet Melissa, I have heard this called a "field bed" too. I have even seen them where they have a screen on the top too...like a cage, but they would wheel the babies around while they worked in the fields...pretty cool to think of it..my how things have changed!! Can't wait to see what you do with yours. Georgia Posted: 6:02 pm on January 25th
MimiToria writes: This is a very cool transformation Georgia. And I love how you've merchandised it with the white/ivory pottery which really pops against the wood.
Great job.
Gretchen Posted: 5:36 pm on January 25th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: What a pretty piece you got there, Georgia! I am thrilled you made it into a shelving unit to show off your white and cream wares. The screen on the back is fantastic too! Great project!!

Candy Posted: 5:24 pm on January 25th
JudyJunkster writes: Great idea, Georgia. I really love it filled with all the white ware -- so fresh! Posted: 5:05 pm on January 25th
junkermidge writes: That is incredible! I love, love, love it. Amazing job you did. Way to go!
Midge Posted: 5:04 pm on January 25th
SweetMelissa writes: OMG! I have one of these...hanging in my "junk" storage building just waiting for me. When I came across mine (hanging high up in a quonset where a sweet widowed lady was selling her husbands many finds as an auctioneer)I fell in love with it's shape, style, patina, you name it--I just loved it. I tried researching it and only came up with a late 1800's "plantation baby bed" for use in the cotton fields. I've been pondering for a few years now putting glass across the top and making a coffee table out of it...but you're right...a bit too large. I love your idea of hanging it with the shelving. I might even be able to get away with leaving the legs folded to keep it intact in case I decide to use it for something else later. Thanks for sharing your great idea! Posted: 4:00 pm on January 25th
DownHomeDIY writes: Georgia,
You ROCK the cradle! I 100% love this transformation. You continue to amaze me. Thanks for sharing.
~MB Posted: 3:56 pm on January 25th
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