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Thursday, July 18, 2013

This Headboard Will Be Gorgeous... but I Need Advice!

Vintage Caned Headboard in Need of a Makeover

I need ideas! What will bring out the best of this beauty?


This past week has been a bit of a blur. See, we're updating our kitchen. And for all this time that I dreamed of an updated kitchen, it never once occured to me (I know, I was totally ignorant) that for a period of time, I would be WITHOUT a working kitchen. Luckily my husband hooked up a utility sink, so at least we have some water in there, but we're still without countertops, there are tools everywhere, and our living room has become our pantry... needless to say I am in need of some DIY therapy.

But, I think someone was looking out for me during this time! I popped on the Free Craigslist section today, and I noticed a headboard that was listed two days ago. The ad clearly stated that they wouldn't hold it for anyone, so you had to get out there if you wanted it. And I wanted it! I emailed them just to be sure it was still there, and it was (in fact, I was the first to inquire-I can't even believe that)!


So I made the 45-minute drive this morning and picked it up. And now it's here. And I'm sure it will soon be beautiful, but I don't know what to do with it. What color? What kind of paint? How easy is it to paint the caning? Any special tricks?

I'm going to use it with the full bed in the guest room of the cottage. The walls are white beadboard, if that gives you a sense of the environment. I want it to be pretty and calming, all at the same time :)

Please, please, please, give me some ideas here! I fear I am out of my league with this one. I need some help!


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15 comments:

  1. Sara WhalenJuly 19, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Honestly, I would probable upholster and tuft the center portion, because that is what I like. You can do any color you want. A light blue, pale yellow, grey. It will be gorgeous either way since it is a very nice piece. Can't wait to see what you do.

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    1. UnknownJuly 19, 2013 at 11:34 AM

      Thanks, Sara! I didn't even consider upholstering it, but that would look awesome. I've never done anything like that. Know any good sites for tutorials?

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    2. Sara WhalenJuly 19, 2013 at 2:09 PM

      As a matter of fact, I saw one this morning! It is gorgeous! http://www.blueroofcabin.com/2013/07/diy-diamond-tufted-head-board.html

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    3. UnknownJuly 19, 2013 at 2:19 PM

      OMG that is stunning. I absolutely love it. I definitely need to build up some major confidence to approach that kind project! It looks so high-end!

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  2. Inspired by youJuly 19, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    I agree with Sara. I would paint it white or cream and distress it. Using egg cartoon foam for beds is less expensive as far as foam goes. It would look lovely with linen like fabric, perhaps drop cloth, with brads. Love to see it when you are finished.

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    1. UnknownJuly 19, 2013 at 11:57 AM

      Oooh, great idea, Julie! That would look so nice! I definitely did not think about covering the caning, but thinking about a lovely upholstered headboard covered in linen is starting to make me have a change of heart!

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  3. UnknownJuly 19, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    I took a similarly designed headboard and updated it. Given, my "before" wasn't nearly as pretty as this one, here's the link:

    http://thesepiapuppy.blogspot.com/2012/08/furniture-revamp-challenge-final-reveal.html

    Hope that helps! :-) Can't wait to see what you do with it!

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    1. UnknownJuly 19, 2013 at 1:34 PM

      Thanks for the link, Bethany. It's so cute! Love all the colors in that room, too! So funny, I have a lamp just like the one you transformed for your nightstand. Now I know what to do with it :)

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  4. AnonymousJuly 19, 2013 at 1:42 PM

    That piece is gorgeous! I would not cover it with fabric. I would layered it with ASCP...French Linen, (all over) Country Grey and Old white (dry brushed on top of the FL)I know I would repeat multiple layers of all three. Then add more Old White on the caned part, carved ornamentation and trim raised edge line. Then lightly distress on the trim edges to make it look worn and use clear wax followed by Miniwax's dark paste wax (it is a much lighter brown than ASCP dark wax. It seems like a lot but the final effect comes out gorgeous.

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    1. UnknownJuly 19, 2013 at 2:08 PM

      Wow! Thanks so much Elena. I was really leaning towards using ASCP anyway because at least I have experience with it. And I think those colors would look great. I haven't really done any of that kind of layering with it, though, but I've seen it done and love the way it looks, so maybe this is the piece to try it on! I totally get what you're saying about the caning. I'm not sure I have the heart to cover it up, as much as I love the idea of an upholstered headboard. Also, great tip about the Minwax paste. I have had such problems with the ASCP dark wax. I just can't seem to get the hang of it. Thanks so much for the awesome advice!

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  5. UnknownJuly 20, 2013 at 12:38 AM

    I wouldn't upholster it either - I'd go white - with distressed silver detailing!!!
    XOX

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    1. UnknownJuly 20, 2013 at 11:03 AM

      Thanks, Susan! Would you do the silver detailing just on the raised portions? What kind of paint would you use?

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  6. UnknownJuly 20, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    ooh, that's an interesting thought! thanks, amy!

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  7. UnknownJuly 23, 2013 at 10:25 AM

    I would paint either white, light gray, or white and silver leaf the detailing parts that are raised and then distress.

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    1. UnknownJuly 24, 2013 at 11:17 AM

      Thanks, Rachel! I've never done silver leafing. Is it difficult?

      Delete

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