How to Convert a Captain's Bed Into a Couch

Cut foamcore boards, available in art supply stores, to fit the length of the frame and match the height of the headboard. Use a utility knife with the foamcore placed on a cutting mat.

Attach the foamcore in a single layer across the side of the bed frame that doesn’t have the drawer openings. Use seam sealer or heavy-duty vinyl or fabric glue, which is usually available in camping and hardware sections of department stores. If you want something removable, glue snap closures, like those you find on jackets, to one side of the frame and the foamcore. Keep both halves of the snap connected and glue one side to sections of the frame; add glue to the back of the snap half that’s visible and press the foamcore to the glue. When the glue has dried, try taking the foam core off to ensure the snaps come apart.

Move the captain’s bed against a wall with the foamcore against the wall. Note that the foamcore is not meant to provide a back you can put weight against, but rather to keep any cushions on the bed should the bed move away from the wall. Sometimes when people lean against a wall, they can unwittingly push whatever they’re sitting on away from the wall. This board backing stops cushions from falling between the bed and the wall.

Fold up a foam mattress pad or cut large foam pillow forms to fit in front of the foamcore.

Fold a piece of cloth that’s 2.5 times wider than the pillow forms or folded pad, and fold it around the pillow forms or pad with the wrong side facing out. Pin the cloth on one short side and the open long side so it fits the foam.

Sew around the pinned sides with the needle and thread. If you prefer, slip the foam out and put the cloth in an embroidery hoop to keep the section you’re sewing taut. You can also use a sewing machine if you prefer. Remove the pins when done.

Cut away the excess cloth from the two sides you sewed up. Turn the cloth right side out and slip it over the foam. Pin the remaining open side and cut off most of the excess cloth, leaving about an inch or so. Remove the pins, fold the edge of the cloth over and repin. Sew that end closed and remove the pins. Put the finished foam pad along the foamcore at the wall.

Replace the regular mattress with a thicker mattress, or place additional pillows on the mattress if the frame has a lip that sticks out or up. This can dig into the back of your legs when you sit on the couch, so you’ll want higher padding. You can try sanding the corner down, if you’re adventurous, have time and don’t mind the permanent change in the edge of the bed frame.

Cover the bed/couch with a large sheet or a large, loose slipcover.

Add large throw pillows or body pillows along the side of the bed where it meets the wall. Add throw pillows along the headboard and footboard, if there is one; if there’s no footboard, leave that side open, chaise-longue style.