How to Turn Old Mattress Into a Couch

When you buy an item using one of our links, we may earn a portion of the sale. Pillow Insider and some products featured on the site are owned by the same company. Learn more. Don’t want to get rid of your old mattress quite yet? Instead of out with the old, in with the new, you can choose to preserve your mattress and find a new use for it. Yes, you can absolutely turn an old mattress into a couch. Truth be told, it might even be more comfortable than your average futon or couch bed and we have the easy to follow guide how to turn old mattress into couch. You already know that the mattress is comfortable, since the chances are that you’ve slept on it for years prior to considering it as a couch. Now, let’s get into it. Best Types of Mattresses for Couches Size and type matter, to a degree. Of course, you don’t want a king mattress as a couch — that would take up nearly the entire living room. However, a twin bed could be perfect as it can fit in any living room and leave ample amount of space. If you’re a fan of sectional couches and have two twin mattresses to recycle, this would be a fantastic option. When it comes to type, it depends on your comfort level. But, since you’ve had the mattress, you know it works for you whether it’s foam, hybrid, innerspring, or latex. All of these mattresses will offer support and comfort that most couches lack. Steps to Turning Old Mattress Into Couch Here are the steps to turn an old mattress into a couch. If you follow these steps, it should be pretty simple. Step #1: Figure Out What You Need For starters, you’re going to need a frame. Frames for any type of mattress are relatively easy to find. There are many resources to help you find something affordable. You could even opt to build a frame if you don’t have one readily available for your new couch. If you do want to look for a frame, metal or wood are great options for support. In addition to the frame, you will also need plywood or pallets for the back of the couch and arm rests if you’re attempting to DIY. You also need measurements of the mattresses, as well as tools such as: Staple gun Wood glue Measuring tape Screws Hammer Drill You should also take note that near completion you will need upholstery, sheets, a cover and some decorative pillows. Of course, cleaning your mattress is a good idea before beginning to put it together. Step #2: Start Putting the Couch Together Bring the mattress into the living room and figure out where you want it to go. Keep in mind that moving it once it’s completed will be more difficult. Once you have the mattress on the frame, you can start to put together the supporting walls. These walls will consist of pallets or plywood on either side as well as behind you. This will increase the level of comfort and stabilize you while you are enjoying your couch. If you’re wanting back support, this is where plywood or pallets will come in handy. Use the measurements you took earlier and start drawing lines, cutting, and screwing together. If your mattress can rest against a wall, you won’t necessarily need to attach the plywood or pallets to the mattress or frame. Step #3: Add Any Personal Features The fantastic thing about this is that you get to personalize it and make it unique to you. You already know it’s going to be comfortable, now you just need to make it come together aesthetically. Make sure to measure your twin bed again before heading to the store for any upholstery or covers. For the mattress itself, use a thicker sheet. You want to have your mattress covered for hygiene reasons. Plus, it will look better. This is where you can let your creativity shine. You can add whatever you’d like. Pillows are great for comfort and you can find them in just about any store. You can place them onto the plywood backboard and cover them with upholstery or sheets. Since pillows are so versatile, you could even use them for arm rests. Step #4: Test It Out Now it’s time to flop onto your new couch and enjoy it. Binge some movies, invite some friends over and show off your new project. Benefits to Reusing Your Old Mattress There are definitely benefits to reusing your old mattress for a couch, some of which are: Watching movies or accidently falling asleep on your couch in comfort The uniqueness of the furniture piece Something you can create with your own hands Reduced body aches and pains Better temperature control Basically, you really can’t go wrong with a mattress couch. FAQs Are Couch Beds Comfortable? Yes, couch beds can be comfortable. But, remember that it all comes down to personal preference. How Do You Disinfect an Old Mattress? You can disinfect an old mattress by using a hand-held steamer or anti-bacterial spray. However, be careful not to soak it. Bottom Line If you are looking for a unique way to recycle your old mattress, this is a great option. If you happen to fall asleep on the couch, chances are you are going to wake up feeling a lot better than you would on any other couch.  In short, if you want to learn how to turn old mattress into couch, make sure you are prepared with the necessary materials and tools and have a plan.