I built a modern playhouse frame for the playroom and repurposed a crib mattress to transform it into a reading nook.
I'll be updating this post with downloadable plans next so you can build your very own — Check out the step-by-step tutorial below and don't forget to pin this post for later.
diy playhouse frame.
watch the 30 second diy below
@neverskipbrunchdiy modern playhouse build (link in comments) ##diy ##diyproject ##playroom ##giftideas ##CancelTheNoise♬ Fantasy - Alina Baraz / Galimatias
diy playhouse styling.
couch & pillows
To create a reading nook, I repurposed a crib / toddler mattress to make a little floor couch with boho vibes. I used a body pillow with a creamy sherpa pillow cover for the back — I just rested this against the wall but you could add additional boards to the frame to support this if your playhouse is going to be freestanding.
I tossed on some cozy velvet pillows — one with an embroidered pattern and a round blush one.
drapery
I love the sleek and modern look of the playhouse frame all by itself, but decided to add some drapery to give it princess castle / tent vibes. Since I have such high ceilings, I'm probably going to rework the drapery soon and sew a canopy that reaches the floor.
But until then I used a combo of a white canopy hoop and an inexpensive (but gorgeous) velvet tablecloth as drapery. This is actually the same table cloth I used to upholster the ceiling in my closet / podcast studio — buying tablecloths from wedding supply stores is my hack to getting a ton of gorgeous fabric on the cheap.
I hung the canopy from the ceiling towards the back of the playhouse frame, then draped the tablecloth across the front to complete the tented roof. Ella can move and spread out the table cloth if she wants to close things in a bit more and make a tent.
light fixture
This light fixture totally makes the space magical. It's a plug-in sputnik light that has a nice long cord which made it perfect for this play space. It has a whimsical dandelion puff vibe with little crystals which my daughter immediately dubbed "elsa ice" so overall its a perfect fit.
It has a on/off switch right on the cord near the plug for easy access. It doesn't come with bulbs, so you'll have to grab eight led G9 bulbs to light it up.
installation:
I used one of the included screw hooks and screwed it into the middle beam of the playhouse right in the center. I used one of the included wire hangers to weave the wire though then hang the fixture on the hook.
I then wrapped the cord around the center beam twice near where it was hanging to hold it in place. I used some clear command strips made for wires to run the wire along the top beam to the back of the playhouse and down to the outlet.
links
01. white canopy
02. light fixture — plug-in sputnik chandelier
03. light bulbs — g9 led bulbs
04. body pillow — pillow insert
05. body pillow cover — sherpa cover
06. pillow — embroidered velvet lumbar pillow
07. pillow — blush round velvet throw pillow
08. crib / toddler mattress — any size
09. crib sheet — white / beige diamonds
10. velvet drapery — cream velvet tablecloth
The first phase is building the two end frames that are shaped like a house. You can totally customize the dimensions to your space, but if you want the exact dimensions I used, you can snag the PLANS HERE I cut the wood down to size — all of the angled cuts are 45° which you can cut with a miter saw — or a miter box if you’re committed and don’t want to use power tools. I pre-drilled pocket holes in the ends of all the middle boards aka all the boards that don’t have an angle. I’m attaching these with wood glue and pocket holes in the bottom corners and then wood screws for the angles that aren’t 90° I recommend using screws that don’t require you to pre-drill pilot holes like power pro screws. They also countersink automatically, leaving a nice clean hole where the screw head is that you can fill with wood filler for a smooth finish. Once the end frames are done, you need to attach them together with middle pieces. Cut the 5 middle support boards to size and drill pocket holes in each end. I laid one frame flat on the ground and lined up each support board flush. Secure a board to each corner of one of the end frames with wood glue and pocket hole screws. Lay the frame flat on the ground with the middle pieces pointing upwards, place the other end frame on the top. Line up and secure each middle piece to the second frame with wood glue and pocket hole screws. I used one of the included screw hooks and screwed it into the middle beam of the playhouse right in the center. I used one of the included wire hangers to weave the wire though then hang the fixture on the hook. I then wrapped the cord around the center beam twice near where it was hanging to hold it in place. I used some clear command strips made for wires to run the wire along the top beam to the back of the playhouse and down to the outlet. **Exact dimensions and more detailed instructions are made available in the build plans for this playhouse p.s. This post may contain affiliate linking for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links don’t cost extra for you to use + I always share my honest opinion.
DIY Playhouse Frame
Materials
playhouse frame
playhouse decor / styling items
Tools
DIY Playhouse Frame
Instructions
01. cut & assemble end frames
02. attach the end frames with middle pieces
03. add a plug-in chandelier (optional)
Notes
Recommended Products
cara newhart
I'm Cara, the designer & diy queen behind Never Skip Brunch. I'm a color & prints obsessed DIY queen who's here to help you create a beautifully lived-in life through home design advice and chic DIY tutorials
