This project was built and designed by Alex from Bevelish Creations. It’s a stunning mid-century modern crib created for his baby boy, blending timeless style with smart functionality and heirloom-level craftsmanship.
The build includes a two-part structure: a walnut storage cabinet base and a removable crib frame. With thoughtful design, precise joinery, and a few clever solutions along the way, this piece stands out as both practical nursery furniture and a lasting keepsake.
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Inspired by Style, Designed for Life
Alex drew inspiration for the crib’s design from a mid-century modern dresser by Chris Salamone. His version adds vibrant color and warm walnut tones, giving it a playful but refined look perfect for a nursery.
More than just a place to sleep, this crib was designed to grow with the child and serve as a family heirloom. The elegant lines, subtle angles, and functional details reflect a commitment to craftsmanship throughout the build.
Constructing the Cabinet Base
The cabinet acts as the foundation for the crib, offering storage drawers while supporting the upper frame. Alex used walnut plywood for the panels and added solid walnut edging, which was planed flush to hide plywood layers and create a clean finish.
Beveled 45-degree miters were used at the corners for a seamless wraparound appearance. Inside the cabinet, rabbets and dado joints formed a layered support system beneath the top panel, allowing bolts to pass through securely while keeping the top frame strong and elegant.
A slight slant was built into the mattress support panel for ergonomic comfort—one of many small design choices that add up to a more thoughtful crib.
Joinery and Build Strategy
To align the panels during glue-up, Alex used domino joinery and clamps. The dominoes made it easier to keep the miters perfectly aligned and minimized shifting during assembly.
Finishing and hardware installation were completed before the final cabinet glue-up. This forward planning made it easier to access all surfaces and maintain finish quality inside and out.
Building the Crib Frame
The upper crib frame was constructed from solid walnut and designed for both strength and ease of disassembly. Each side of the crib connects with bolts and dominoes, making it easy to move or store without damaging the joints.
The headboard and footboard are framed like picture frames around plywood panels. The solid walnut rails were beveled, planed, and sanded to flow smoothly into each joint, keeping the style cohesive with the cabinet base.
Creative Side Rail Construction
The side rails were a particular challenge. Alex shaped them to sit flush with the cabinet while including a gentle bevel on the front to avoid a bulky look.
Each of the 28 vertical crib rails was connected with domino joinery for a secure, precise fit. Rounded edges on the slats improve safety and give the crib a softer silhouette.
To solve a clearance issue with the drawer fronts, Alex added cleats to the side rails. These small blocks house the bolts that secure the rails to the base—keeping the hardware functional without sacrificing the cabinet’s clean exterior.
Practical Assembly and Precision Work
Bolt holes were drilled and tapped carefully for a snug, accurate fit. Inside the cabinet, small access holes in the bottom panel allow hands to reach the internal bolts during final assembly—an important detail for both convenience and weight reduction.
While some elements of the crib may seem overbuilt, like the full plywood bottom or extra bolts, these decisions added strength and stability. In a project like this, a bit of overengineering is a worthwhile tradeoff for long-term durability.
Drawer Boxes and Finishing Touches
The storage drawers are made from birch plywood with painted MDF fronts. Finger pulls routed into the top edges eliminate the need for hardware, keeping the minimalist style intact.
Painting and finishing were done before drawer installation to maintain crisp lines and simplify the process. This also allowed Alex to focus on precise spacing and alignment during final assembly.
Mattress Support Details
The mattress support slats were made from leftover walnut and maple. They rest inside long rabbeted rails that span the width of the crib and bolt directly to the side rails.
Multiple mattress height positions were included in the design, giving parents flexibility as the baby grows. Rounded corners on the slats and rails improve safety and comfort.
Bringing It All Together
The full assembly process was completed inside the home after test-fitting. With everything bolted and aligned, the crib feels solid and looks professionally built.
Alex reflects that while the crib took extra time and effort to build, the final result is more than worth it. The combination of design, safety, and custom details make it a project to be proud of for years to come.
Learn more about this project here: https://www.bevelishcreations.com/plans/mid-century-modern-baby-crib-sketchup-file/.