Can I Make a Couch With Two Twin Mattresses?

Couch Basics

• In its most basic form, a couch is merely a soft, wide chair with a back. Some couches have armrests while others don't; some are fluffy, and others are relatively hard. Twin mattresses can provide a soft seat and back for your couch, but you'll have to construct your own legs and armrests if you want them. Aside from these essentials, you can make your couch however you see fit.

Planning Your Design

• Planning your design before you build prevents you from destroying your mattresses. With a pencil and paper, sketch ideas for how you want your couch to look. If you're especially skilled at building, design a couch that flattens out to become a guest bed. As you draw, imagine what tools and materials you need to make your design a reality; for instance, wood planks for the seat and back, screws, a screwdriver and stylish fabric.

  Make a list of the items you need, keeping in mind that you need a cover large enough to cover two 39 x 75-inch mattresses. Price the items before you begin shopping to ensure you can afford everything. Apartment Therapy estimates that as of June 2011 a couch of decent quality costs at least $500, so aim to spend less if your goal is to save by making your own.

Building the Couch

• Twin mattresses are small compared to full, queen and king size mattresses. Still, you may want to ask someone to help you while you build. Start by building the base, seat and back of the couch even if they're separate units in your design. Assemble the couch from the base up, recruiting help to hold the units in place if necessary. Put the mattresses in place, and sit on the couch to find out whether it's comfortable. If not, rework your design to achieve a more natural posture. When the basic design of the couch is finished, secure the mattresses in place with flat belts of fabric. Whether you secure the belts by tying them or by screwing them to the frame of the couch, ensure that the belts won't make bumps in your couch cover.

Finishing Touches

• Unless you have sewing skills or can find fabric to adequately cover your couch, enlist help to make a couch cover from the fabric you selected. Provide the person with the measurements of your couch, or allow her to take them herself. Add pillows for a finishing touch.