Have you recently treated yourself to a new eco-friendly mattress and are now looking for a responsible way to dispose of your old one?
You have two options - recycle it, or upcycle it.
One excellent option would be to follow the advice in Arabella's mattress recycling article.
But if you want to reuse it instead, how about learning how to turn a mattress into a couch?
Upcycling is all about taking something that might otherwise be considered trash (or with no further use) and transforming it into something else.
With just a few basic tools and a sprinkle of creativity, you can make a couch from an old mattress in no time. Today I'll show you how...
Contents
Before you start the transformation, you should ensure the mattress is as clean as a whistle. Even if it looks spotless, unseen allergens, dust mites, and bed bugs might be lurking.
Mix a cup of baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender or eucalyptus oils are my go-to choices for their antibacterial properties).
Sprinkle the mixture onto the mattress and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming it up.
For more mattress cleaning tips, check out the following articles:
And for more ways to save money, this is the guide you need:
But now on with the tutorial.
If you're also replacing your old box spring, you can use it to form the supportive base of your new mattress couch.
Before you cut up your old box spring, decide how big you would like your mattress couch to be.
I like to use a ruler and graph paper to draw scale plans.
Once you know the size and shape of your mattress couch, you can start cutting the box spring.
To begin, take a pair of scissors and carefully cut through the center of the covering. This will give you a clear view inside, allowing you to assess the materials you are dealing with.
Now you've had a good look inside the box spring, you should have a good idea of where you need to cut it to get the size you need.
The best method I found was to cut out a middle piece you don't need so that when the other two pieces are pushed together, they form the size you need.
I recommend using a cutting wheel Dremel tool, strong wire cutters, and pliers for cutting spring mattresses and box springs.
I recommend using a hand or circular saw to cut the wood.
Once you have cut the box spring to size, stretch the fabric tight over the new frame and secure it underneath using a staple gun or a hammer and nails.
Now, onto the mattress.
The aim is to cut the mattress in half (from head to foot) so one half can be used as the base cushion for your new couch and the other half as the back cushion.
You'll need a sharp blade and either an electric or manual saw to do this.
Once you have cut the mattress in two, sew up the exposed ends as best you can.
To prevent tangling and knotting, use shorter thread pieces while sewing. This little trick can help you avoid frustrating thread breakages or unraveling of your beautiful seams.
Now it's time to cover your base and back cushions. This is my favorite part, as it's when you can tailor the overall look to reflect your personality and fit with your decor.
Remember to opt for sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or hemp if you can.
Measure and cut your fabric to fit your new couch size, then sew it into a box corner cover.
Don't worry if you're not a sewing expert, there are plenty of excellent YouTube videos to help. This one from Eric Grant at Sailrite is a good place to start.
The hard work is done.
It's now time to move your frame into position and place one of your newly covered cushions flat on the frame and the other upright as a back support.
Finally, finish your project with cushions and throws to give it that cozy feeling.
The abovementioned method transforms an old box spring and innerspring mattress into a standard rectangular-shaped sofa.
If that's not what you're looking for, here are a few methods that might better suit your needs.
Material and Tools
Method
If you have a corner of a room needing a new seating solution, an L-shaped sofa created with two old bed frames and mattresses can be a great option.
Follow the instructions above and push both bedframes and covered mattresses together against each wall (at a 90° angle) to form an L-shaped sofa.
There are a few things to remember when turning a mattress into a sofa/couch.
Before you settle on the placement of your couch, take a moment to consider the space in your room.
Take accurate measurements and plan the layout accordingly.
Ensuring enough room for the couch to fit comfortably without making the space feel cramped is essential.
When picking a mattress to use as a couch, it's important to find the right firmness level that suits you.
Firm mattresses typically provide excellent support for sitting, while softer ones may not offer the same comfort and stability.
As well as firmness, you should also consider the mattress's size.
If you plan to make a full-sized couch out of it, ensure the mattress is big enough to fit two or three people comfortably.
Starting with an appropriately sized mattress means that you'll need to make minimal adjustments, or even no adjustments at all (it's easier to use two beds of the right size than cut the bed into two halves).
Measure carefully and use my mattress size guide.
Remember to prioritize support and comfort when crafting your mattress couch.
It's crucial to have a strong and long-lasting base that offers ample support for the mattress.
Before kicking off your project, setting a budget and choosing materials and design options that fit within it is crucial.
While repurposing an unwanted mattress might seem like a wallet-friendly solution to obtaining a new couch, bear in mind that costs can escalate based on factors such as the base, upholstery, and accessories you opt for.
Planning your budget in advance will help keep these costs under control.
To ensure your mattress couch stays in great shape for years, it's crucial to have a regular maintenance and care plan in place.
This includes keeping the upholstery clean, rotating the mattress, and occasionally checking the base for stability and signs of wear.
By taking these steps, you'll be able to extend the lifespan of your beloved DIY project for years to come.
When selecting upholstery fabric or fitted sheets to enhance your room's decor and style, it's important to consider a few key factors.
You want something durable, easy to clean, visually appealing, and sustainable.
Yes, a twin mattress can work as a comfortable couch. However, it's important to ensure the mattress is supportive and high-quality to avoid back pain or discomfort while sitting on it.
Yes, it's possible to use a mattress as a couch without causing any damage. However, it would be best if you always protected the mattress from spills and stains by using a mattress cover or encasement.
You should also should switch up your sitting positions regularly to avoid unnecessary pressure on the mattress.
Follow the step-by-step instructions in this article to convert your old bedframe into a platform frame for your new mattress couch.
Absolutely! Memory foam would work great for your sofa project. Just keep in mind that memory foam tends to have a softer feel compared to innerspring, so it may not be suitable if you want a firmer feel to your DIY sofa.
Sofa bed mattresses are usually thinner than standard mattresses, which makes them easy to fold and store when transitioning from bed to sofa mode. This design allows for a seamless transformation while providing the utmost comfort in both configurations.
I hope this guide has inspired you to see the potential in mattresses that others might discard.
By turning your no longer needed mattress into a sofa, you're not just creating a unique piece of furniture. You're also taking a small but meaningful step towards a more sustainable world.
So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and start making a difference...one DIY project at a time!
Are you a wizz with a saw and a sewing machine? Do you have experience turning an old innerspring mattress into a couch? Do you have any other mattress DIY ideas you'd like to share? Drop me a line and let me know.
