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
Collections
Dimensions

Dimensions are shown in diagram
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″ 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
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)
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Step 4
Step 6
Step 9
Step 10
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.
Project Type
Room
Comments
gcbcmama
Wed, 01/04/2012 - 07:55
I really want to make this!
I found your site today and first let me say I am amazed! You are very talented. My daughter wants a bed for her doll, so I'm going to give it a try. I must say, I am very nervous...I make a lot of crafts, but this would be taking it to the next level.
In reply to I really want to make this! by gcbcmama
spiceylg
Wed, 01/04/2012 - 09:36
No worries
Don't be nervous gcbcmama. Like most that follow Ana's blog, I was a total beginner and have made several of these to sell. Her directions are broken down so they are really easy to follow. Welcome and happy building!
smwilliams29102
Sun, 01/08/2012 - 06:49
Doll Bed
My daughter and nieces will love these. Simple yet elegant.
Carol Skippysmom (not verified)
Wed, 02/29/2012 - 09:59
Slight problem with the bed design
The bed turned out as cute as the picture. BUT the horizontal piece that hangs over the bed on the footboard needs to be moved back (away from the bed) so there is a little more room for the doll's feet. There are barely 18" for the doll so it's a tight fit.
Xena (not verified)
Mon, 10/22/2012 - 17:54
So cool!!!
This is sooooooo cool!!! I wanted to have a small dool bed for a very dear stuffed bear of mine since I could talk! Even though I'm a bit old for this I'm still going to try and make one, just incase I can let my future children have my dear stuffed bear. Thank you for posting this!!!
Jessie Murphy (not verified)
Mon, 12/03/2012 - 11:33
Dog Bed
I saw somewhere that you used this same plan (or the regular farmhouse bed) and made a bunk bed for the dogs. Do you have this plan posted? I've been looking all over and am dying to make it for my two pups!
grampa george (not verified)
Mon, 12/10/2012 - 13:08
suggestion for an additional step
do not cut the two 14" 1x2's until the head & foot boards are completed. Not sure if anyone else had this problem, but after building the frame (step #10) i found the frame was a bit too big (by 3/8")-the frame extended past the head & foot boards. I cut 3/8" off of the 14" pieces & then completed the bed. Either my 1x3's or 2x2's were a bit wider, in any case i would leave the cutting of the 14" 1x2's til the end.
I finished the bed for my grandaughter (a christmas present!) and it is really beautiful. I used a nail gun so it was a very easy project; your directions are great--thank you.
George
ps-do you know where i can find plans for a tressel desk (something approx 24" by 48"
Jenn Corazzo (not verified)
Thu, 01/03/2013 - 05:53
Thanks so much for the plans!
I made this bed for my little cousin for Christmas- She loves it! Thanks so much love your website
http://www.jennblogshere.com/2012/12/an-american-girl-christmas.html
aj Freego
Tue, 07/30/2013 - 22:36
New to site
I am working on this doll bed . It is my second one and I love it and it helps me relax.
Keep up the good work
Big Al
momofour09
Fri, 08/16/2013 - 07:00
Drill bit...
Sorry if this has been asked and answered. But, I was wondering what size countersink bit was used. I believe I have a 1/2" but I've never used it because it kind of scares me. Also, did you countersink all screws that would be visible? I made one last night but because I didn't have wood filler I just skipped the countersinking, but obviously it would be sturdier and more professional looking with it. I'm just curious b/c I have to make a few more within the next 2 weeks and would love to know before I begin.
Thanks in advance!
Plans are awesome and my girls loved it even with my mistakes :)