Build your own American Girl doll bed to match our Farmhouse Beds, suitable for 18" dolls. This bed is slightly wider than traditional doll beds, to look more like our Farmhouse Beds. Free step by step plans from Ana-White.com
Photo by CPEEPLES
American Girl doll beds can be so expensive! Have you thought about building your own? For about $10 you can DIY your own doll bed, and paint or stain it any color you like!
Here's a few DIY photos from our amazing readers:
Photo by LBROWN
This project has been a reader favorite for over a decade! It's such a fun and easy project with big results!
Our free plans make it simple!
American Girl Doll Bed Tutorial
Preparation
- 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″ self tapping wood screws (SPAX brand or similar) OR brad nails (if you have a brad nailer)
- 2″ self tapping wood screws (SPAX brand or similar) OR brad nails (if you have a brad nailer)
- Wood Glue
- 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)
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
Attach top with the shorter screws or nails and glue.
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.
Comments
Melanie (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 03:36
The universe is playing a
The universe is playing a cruel joke on me! I love this site, but knew you had no doll beds. So, I have been searching the Internet for easy plans for a doll bed for my niece. I got frustrated & ended up purchasing a kit on E-bay. Yesterday. I'm soooo bummed!!
Lisa RoomByRoom (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 03:46
Gorgeous! We're adopting a
Gorgeous! We're adopting a baby girl soon, I think this will be on her Christmas list next year!
Bekah
Tue, 06/14/2011 - 19:37
Congratulations! :D
Congratulations! :D
Kristal (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 03:48
This is so cute! What did you
This is so cute! What did you use for the mattress? A piece of foam or something? Did you just lay a piece of fabric over the mattress? We want directions for the bedding too! lol
April McCoid (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 03:58
My 2-year-old has a hand me
My 2-year-old has a hand me down doll bed, which has worked just fine for the past few months, but after seeing this I don't think I can pass up such a beautiful project! Thank you SO MUCH for these plans!
Sophie (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 04:20
Ana, you have a spy in my
Ana, you have a spy in my house! I cannot believe how perfect your timing is, I have been searching for something to do with my scrap wood. And this comes hot on the heels of the easel, posted the very day my kids begged me for one. Actually, they said "make one Mommy, you're good at building". Thanks to you :-)
Jamie M. (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 04:21
My daughter would LOVE THIS!!
My daughter would LOVE THIS!! Thank you I think I have just found her Christmas present.
Jennifer E. (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 04:54
I LOVE THIS!!!! My daughter
I LOVE THIS!!!! My daughter is only 2 years old and I want to make it for her... I don't think I can wait a few years until she's old enough to help me! =)
Amanda J (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 04:54
I don't even have kids and I
I don't even have kids and I want to build this!! This would be such a wonderful gift to give. It is sooo cute! I'd love a tutorial on the mattress and quilt too. Thanks Ana!
Jody (not verified)
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 05:17
Hmm...do I have time to make
Hmm...do I have time to make the easel, finish the quilt for the neighbors and build this bed?? If not, this will be my niece's b-day present next year.