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Doll Farmhouse Bed

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Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 11/16/2010 - 23:27
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Starter Projects
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A doll bed modeled after our Farmhouse Beds, suitable for 18" dolls. This bed is slightly wider than traditional doll beds, to look more like our Farmhouse Beds.

Collections
Farmhouse Beds

The Ram called from work yesterday and the conversation went something like this:

"I can barely hear you." (Ram)

"Oh, I'm out in the garage." (Me)

"Are you building something?" (Ram)

"uh, yeah . . . me and Grace just built a Farmhouse Bed." (Me)

slight pause . . . "who is the bed for?" (Ram)

How we got to the point where building a bed is no longer a big deal, I'm not quite sure.  But the Ram was quite relieved when he came home and found out who the bed was for.

Grace's doll . . . that she might get for Christmas.

And then the Ram looked over my shoulder and chuckled . . . Hey!  That looks just like our bed!

But best of all, Grace (it's not a surprise when she helps build it) absolutely loves the bed.  Grace has never had much interest in toys, so we were quite surprised to see her making the bed, putting her dolls to bed, even trying to sleep in the bed herself.  She also helped me make all the bedding from the adorable vintage fabric that I found at a local fabric store. We just bought a little bundle of precut squares and sewed it all together - not perfect, but it was something that Grace and I could do together and appreciate.

I'm really enjoying my daughter being old enough to help and have an interest in crafts.  I hope you make this bed for your daughters for the Holidays.  But most of all, I hope you make the bed together - the memories and knowing what and how something is made is more valueable than the end result.  She'll outgrow the bed, but she will not forget the experience.

The main motivation for building this bed was from the frequent request from moms everywhere.  We all want the best for our children.  But also, the pile of scrap boards sitting on my saw stand just kept nagging at me . . . make me into a doll bed!

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

2×2 (3 feet total)
2 – 1x3s (10 feet total)
1 – 1×2 (8 feet total)
scrap 1/4″ plywood (you could even use sturdy cardboard here)
1 1/4″ Screws
2″ Screws
Wood Glue

Cut List

5 – 1×3 @ 6″ (Headboard Panel)
5 – 1×3 @ 3″ (Footboard Panel)
2 – 2×2 @ 4 1/4″ (Footboard Legs)
2 – 2×2 @ 11″ (Headboard Legs)
2 – 1×2 @ 12 1/2″ (Bottom of Panels)
2 – 1×2 @ 15 1/2″ (Top of Panels)
2 – 1×3 @ 16 1/2″ (Top of Headboard and Footboard)
2 – 1×3 @ 19″ (Siderails)
2 – 1×2 @ 14″ (Bed Frame)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Panel

Line out your panel boards as shown above. Notice how I rested the panel boards on a piece of 3/8″ plywood?

Step 2

That’s so you can easily line up the panel bottom board on center. Mark and predrill holes with a countersink bit into the bottom panel boards.

Step 3

And screw the bottom panel boards to the panel, as shown above. Use glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Step 4

Legs

Now attach the legs to the panel with 2″ screws and glue. Be careful to screw into the panel boards and the bottom.

Step 5

Step 6

Top of Headboard

Finally, screw the top of the headboard to the headboard, centering on the headboard. You only need 2 screws and glue here.

Step 7

See the size compared to the glue? It’s so cute!

Step 8

Footboard

Now build the footboard just like the headboard.

Step 9

Here is both my footboard and headboard. I used scraps, and that’s why you see some pink paint on the legs. I’m not a big fan of waste.

Step 10

Frame

Now screw the siderails to the frame as shown above. If you have a daughter anything like mine, a third support should be placed in the center. Place more supports if you are using flimsy material (ie cardboard) for the top.

Step 11

Assembly

Now simply predrill holes and screw the frame to the headboard and footboard.

Step 12

Platform

And just lay plywood on top.

Finishing Instructions
Finish Used
I filled all my holes with wood filler and let dry. Then I sanded with 120 grit sandpaper. Then I brushed on primer and two coats of Antique White by Valspar in Satin.
Help Improve This Plan

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Project Type
Doll Furniture
Beds and Bed Frames
Toys
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Robin (not verified)

Wed, 11/17/2010 - 07:00

This is amazing, I was just trying to figure out how to make my own but this is SO SO much nicer. I think I'm going to make the legs a little taller so I can put a trundle underneath for her to have her doll friends sleep over. If I can do this maybe I'll try the Queen Farmhouse bed for me!!

Anna (not verified)

Wed, 11/17/2010 - 07:00

So adorable! After ordering $150 of American Girl doll clothing, I wasn't looking forward to shopping for beds for the little people! I will be making three of these for under our tree this year.

Thank you!

Vanessa (not verified)

Wed, 11/17/2010 - 07:49

My daughter will be getting her first American Girl doll for her birthday (from Grandma) and this will be the perfect thing to go with it! Thanks!

rachael (not verified)

Wed, 11/17/2010 - 07:58

Ana- This is SO cute! I love this, I also loved the readers comment about having my son help make it for his sisters, GREAT idea! I have a few questions, what did you use for the mattress? It looks like you made a sheet, did you make it like a pillow where you sewed three sides, added in the padding and sewed it closed, or did you sew it like an actual sheet that doesn't have a bottom? Would you mind adding measurements of the finished quilt and pad? I may have to start the quilt before I have the bed done to get it finished in time! Thanks for your site--it is AWESOME!!!

Ana White (not verified)

Wed, 11/17/2010 - 09:24

Kristal (and Marie) I actually used a leftover chair cushion pad cut down to size. It worked perfect, and the chair pads are 17 1/2" x 15", so I just cut the one side down an inch or two. The cheapest place to buy chair pads is walmart - about $5 each. Of course, you could simply sew a box cushion and stuff with foam as well.