When our little guy outgrew his crib, we knew it was time for an upgrade. Enter the IKEA Vikare bed – a practical choice from their previous range. We scored a natural wood version second-hand, but it needed a makeover to transform it into something a little more special.
With a coat of crisp white paint and some matte black accents, this ordinary bed transformed into every car-loving kid’s dream: a Jeep! Now, instead of the usual morning rustling, we wake to the sound of imaginary engines revving. Our little driver spends his nights “off-roading” in dreamland, only parking his Jeep when it’s time for breakfast.
What We Needed for Our IKEA Jeep Bed Hack
- IKEA VIKARE bed (or any kid’s bed with a high footboard)
- Vinyl stickers / Black contact paper

I painted the IKEA VIKARE bed white, cut out some pieces from black vinyl, and stuck them on the front of the bed. Very simple! My son loves the bed.
If you can’t find a VIKARE bed, the SUNDVIK toddler bed is probably a good choice.

The finishing touch of our DIY Jeep bed was a personalized plate that truly made it our son’s own. We crafted a custom license plate bearing his name. This small detail brought an enormous smile to his face, and now, he can’t wait to get into his car … we mean, bed. A win for bedtime!
See more of the Vikare Jeep.
~ by Anna, Sweden