Kids – they grow up so fast, don’t they? Soon they’re taking their first steps, uttering their first words, and before you know it, they’ve outgrown their clothes, certain habits and…furniture. The beloved cot that’s humbly served as your baby’s sleeping spot is now just a memory of how your child is no longer a baby – so does that mean your baby’s former resting place is no longer of good use as a cot? Not necessarily.
Before you contemplate with the idea of putting your cot up for auction on eBay, consider a more creative option – upcycling this piece of children’s furniture into an alternative children’s furniture. With a bit of crafting, you could convert your cot into a decorative desk – or how about making the transformation into a stylish study space? But if you’re stuck for ideas for inventive kids’ furnishings, we’ve also got some suggestions for grown-up designs too!
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DIY desk. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective, and with this project requiring only three main materials, it certainly makes a huge impact! If you’ve got a cot with a removable drop side, adjust the base to meet your child’s sitting height (as the base will be used as a desk for them to be sat at). Then, take two sheets of thick MDF to fit within the mattress base – this will be your table top. Paint with blackboard paint for your child to write/draw on with chalk, then accessorise with suction hooks on the cot sides to create extra storage.
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Cot chalkboards. Whether you’re the owner of a modern cot or perhaps acquired a vintage version, you’re guaranteed to get stylish signage – thanks to a lick of blackboard paint. The headboards and footboards of your cot make for a great impromptu chalkboard, and best of all, requires minimum effort for maximum results. Leave the border untouched but paint the inner section with chalkboard paint, hang on the wall at your child’s eye level. Not only does it give your children a creative outlet, it also holds sentimental value.
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Kitchen organiser. Take the side rail of a cot, paint your chosen shade then nail to the wall – ensuring you leave enough room for the cot to jut out (a couple of centimetres should suffice). Next, take some hooks and sling over the rows – then hang your kitchen utensils of choice! Save time, money as well as space by hanging your pots and pans on this organiser – you could even fix some magnetic strips along the side for your kitchen knives.
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Magazine rack. Fashionable as well as functional, a cot’s side rail also makes for a brilliant magazine rack. Turn on its side, and store your magazines or newspapers close by – perfect for positioning near a bed or your favourite chair.
If you’ve got a cot that could do with a bit of a makeover, then why not try our repurposing recommendations? Post your repurposed results in the comments box – who knew making over children’s furniture would be such “child’s play”?