View Full Version : Headboard too big
cufin47
Jan 21, 2009, 09:53 AM
Hi this is my first time on this site.
Need some ideas on how to disguise a King size headboard to match a queen bed. There are a few inches sticking out at both left and right side of bed.
It is an antique headboard that is the exact match for an antique bed room set I have had for years but was missing the headboard. This headboard was a lucky find at a salvage yard and I just could not pass it up since it was an exact match.
My chances of finding the matching headboard in the correct size would be zero.
Cutting it to size is out of the question due to it's value as an antique. I tried extra pillows but it looks weird. Getting a king mattress is not feasible right now.
Because it has a design in the center I can not move it left or right and only disguise one side. It has to be centered with the queen bed.
Once I figure how to cover the extra inches I will attach it to the wall or just rest it up against the wall.
Any suggestions on covering up the extra inches on the sides?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Terry
linnealand
Feb 13, 2009, 08:45 PM
Hello cufin! It appears that you've gone a long time without any response. Have you already come up with a solution to your problem, or are you still searching? If you're still not there, I'd be happy to see if I can lend a hand.
Could you please post a picture of the headboard? It would certainly be to your benefit. For future reference, you probably would have been much more apt to get responses by including a photograph.
Is it just the headboard, or are there legs as well?
If it is the former, you might be able to do a false frame under the extra inches that will frame your bed. I'm thinking of something similar to a false fireplace. This is potentially an elegant yet inexpensive and fairly easy to build solution to your problem. However, without seeing the headboard, it's rather difficult to guess what would look best.
If you do mount this headboard to the wall, how will you be doing it so that it doesn't damage the piece? How old is the headboard, and what is its origin?
cufin47
Feb 14, 2009, 10:26 AM
Thank you Linnealand. I did solve the problem. I decided to switch bedrooms sets and now placed the one that matches the headboard in my guest room which has a twin bed. I put the headboard up againt the wall and the twin bed againt it as a day bed. The size works perfectly this way. I was able to use two bolsters I already had and with a couple of pillows with shams and cushions in a co-ordinating bed ensemble and it is now a beautiful day bed.
I kept the night stands next to the day bed and moved the dresser into the guest room.
Since the guest room doesn't get much use it works out great.
As far as the origin I am not sure. All I know is my parents purchased the set for me when I was a little girl at least 45 years ago. After both of them had passed away and I sold their house I took the set and put it in my master bedroom since it was a much better set than what was there. It never had the headboard since as a girl I had my room set up as a day bed also. To find the exact matching headboard was pure luck.
I solved the no headboard problem in my master by putting sheer drapes from top to bottom on the whole wall behind the bed then hanging curtain valances that co-ordinated with the comfortor along the whole top of the wall. Then I just put a nail in the center of the wall in the opening where two sheer panels met and hung a large painting in front of the drapes. I had a make shift head board.
When I bought the old furniture to my home I placed my original master bedroom set into the guest bedroom. I have now placed it back into the master bedroom until I am ready to buy a king size matress and bring my "liitle girl " furniture back into the master with the new but old king headboard.
I have to still do research on the furniture. I am sure it is worth something. It is a brand name. It is in the French or Roccoco style not sure which. Has a lot of carving. It really does not look little girl at all. One day I'll get aroung to that and place a photo on line.
Till then thanks for your suggestion. Your idea would definitely work and I have printed it to keep it in mind.
Thanks again, Terry
linnealand
Feb 16, 2009, 01:13 PM
Hey cufin! I'm glad you came back with your update! I love the way you worked your "problem" into a creative and undoubtedly beautiful solution. I just love a well carved wooden headboard, and yours sounds delightful. I also love a good day bed; they can be elegant, pretty and a good way to save space, particularly if a room is on the small side. I also love how you put together the idea of valances and drapery above the bed. It's clear you're passionate about design! I know the feeling, lol. I own and design for a furniture, lighting and décor design studio in Italy, and we've restored antiques, including headboards, into usable pieces by incorporating wrought iron in various ways with the wood (without doing damage, of course; this is Italy, lol). It's not easy, but the results are amazing. Mirrors and tables can work the same way. If you have something you think could benefit from that kind of work, you can always look for a local artisan to look it over for you. The piece has to be right for it, and the artisan has to know what he's doing!
I don't know if this applies, but I'm sharing it anyway. I have a picture of my own bed on this site, which was handmade by my boyfriend. If you're curious, you can follow the link: Ask Me Help Desk - linnealand's Album: The LinneaLand Collection - Picture (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/members/linnealand-albums-+linnealand+collection-picture44-holidays-home-bed-christmas-tree-candelabra-examples-some-handmade-wrought-iron-work-we-do-our-studio.html)
Anyway, it was really fun hearing what you've been doing with your space. The right kind of creativity and a good taste level can be magical! If you decide to post the pics, I'd be happy to see them. This has been fun!