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You can turn an old mattress into a couch by using the mattress as a seat and an old box spring or bed frame as the base.
Turning the mattress into a couch keeps it out of the landfill and saves the trip to a recycling centre. You also get a seat for a spare room, den or teenager's room.
The steps below describe exactly how I turned my own old mattress into a couch, with the tools (a Dremel, a saw and a sewing machine) you need.
Clean the mattress before you cut it up. Cleaning is easier while the mattress is whole, with every seam still reachable.
Let the mattress dry completely before you sew the cushion covers, as mold can grow in damp mattress materials.
Even the best mattress cleaning methods do not remove bed bugs. Never build a couch from a mattress if it has bed bugs. The EPA advises destroying infested furniture so nobody else brings it into their home (EPA).
Clean the old box spring at the same time if you are using it as the base of the couch.
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 that 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.
use 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 bed frames 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 helps keep these costs under control.
Maintenance on a homemade couch means checking the parts you built yourself.
The box spring joint, the staples under the frame, and the seams in the cushion covers all take weight whenever someone sits down.
Keep the cover clean as you would any upholstered seat.
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 is better to protect the mattress from spills and stains by using a mattress cover or encasement.
You should also switch up your sitting positions regularly to avoid unnecessary pressure on the mattress.
Convert your bedframe into a platform by resting ¾-inch (1.9 cm) plywood across the rails where your box spring used to sit.
Pine slats 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick and 4 inches (10 cm) wide do the same job and let air reach the mattress, which solid plywood does not. Cut either one ⅛ inch (3 mm) under the frame's internal measurement so it drops in cleanly.
Our guide to turning a bed frame into a platform sets out both methods in full.
Yes, memory foam works as a sofa. Foam cuts far more easily than an innerspring, because there are no coils or wire to get through.
Memory foam also gives more under a seated person than springs do, so expect a softer seat.
Most sofa bed frames take a mattress 4 inches (10 cm) to 5 inches (13 cm) thick. Newer deluxe frames take up to 6 inches (15 cm).
Measure the gap in your own frame rather than going by the old mattress, then leave half an inch (1.3 cm) of clearance.
A mattress too thick for the frame stops the mechanism closing, which is one reason the cut-down mattress in this guide sits on a fixed frame.
Turning an old mattress into a couch is a good alternative to recycling it if you want extra seating and have the time, skills, and tools to take on the project.
A couch made from a mattress has a firm, low seat and no arms or legs. Mattress couch conversions are better suited to a spare room or a den rather than a living room.
It's better to recycle the mattress if you don't have room in your house for another seat, or if the mattress sags or is stained through.
