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In my barn, alongside a whole ton of stuff, I have a couple of French upholstered beds that I bought to renovate
…. you know how it goes ….
you see this great bed in a summer fair, give it the quick once over, check the joints, check for cracks in the wood, check the size … then you say to yourself, ” yeah, I can do that, easy… I’ve done it before, it will be a quick project”. Home comes the bed, into the barn, “I’ll do it in the winter when things are quieter”
But winter comes, and actually the barn is freezing cold, so the last thing you want to do is to renovate a bed out there. So then you make space in the guest bedroom, and suddenly the project becomes urgent …
And that my friends is where I am today, except that there are two beds, not one….. hmmm[blank]
[blank]My initial plan was to go for neutral colours, as I did for the bed that is in our guest cottage; you may remember that I showed how I reupholstered that one and took photos of it in the garden![blank]
[blank]But as I have been surfing Pinterest this week searching for inspiration, there are other subtle colours for the textile and even gold leaf on the wood that are looking increasingly appealing.[blank]
[blank]So what do I do when I can’t make my mind up? Ask you for help of course![blank]
What do you think of these ideas:
colourful and flowery, probably not what I would normally go for
but I have to admit that the overall effect is rather pretty …
gold on the frame, a more formal fabric for the upholstery,
with a contrasting curtain hanging down behind …
[blank]wow! the whole treatment … not sure I have the strength for this, and certainly
not the patience to pile up all those pillows each morning, but it’s an amusing idea to toy with …
[blank]pretty, calm, elegant and my sort of colours …
checks are very sweet against the frame outline[blank]
[blank]here is a more unstructured look, the padding has either been removed from this bed, or fabric has been attached over a caned frame – not totally convinced, but there is a definite charm, especially in this bright white, high-ceilinged setting[blank]
[blank]I have never slept with my head to a large window like this, I think I may feel back to front all night …. whatever …. the pale grey-blue treatment of the bed is quite calming[blank]
[blank]a spin off from this theme is tempting, especially as I know a dealer locally who has an old ‘ciel-de-lit’ frame just like this to hang over the bed…[blank]
[blank]So what do you think, jazz it up or keep it calm?
strip the wooden frame, or paint, or gold leaf?
one things for sure: the next time I see an upholstered bed in a fair, I’ll tell myself to
hold back and wait for the caned variety … just as pretty, but a lot less work![blank]
[blank][blank]thanks to pinterest for all pictures except for my one of the bed in the garden
83 comments
All these beds are beautiful in their own way depending on whether you want your boudoir to be opulent and luscious- reminiscent of Louis 14th – or decorated in a more neutral country style.
Whichever way you go it isnt only the bed itself that gives the bedroom its flavour but also the selection of cushions, lamps, chandeliers and the French decor in general. Visit http://www.maisonsaintlouis.com.au for ideas on how to accessorise your bedroom in the traditional Provincial style.
doll it up is my vote…i have seen that turquoise one around and i just adore it, but it's such a permanant kind of project, and i think a bold color like that, while really gorgeous, would be limiting if you wanted to change the room on a whim……i'm just loving the idea of a patterned fabric…that part seems like a special treat that would play up the bed and be fun….and i think a subtle pattern where you could pull out any one of the colors on a whim for the other things in the room (curtains/pillows/bedding,etc) to change it a bit at anytime…i love the gold trim and a flowered/garden feeling fabric….
mary mcdonald's personal bedroom they showed on the final episode of ''decorators'' last week, made me realize how gorgeous subtle patterns are in a bedroom…..she did her's in greens and it's so gorgeous and restful, but still cheerful, fresh and fun….which are nice charateristics of a ''guestroom''…
i'd do a special garden themed or flowered fabric, gray with brushed subtle silver or gold on the wood… and treat your guests to something they would not normally get to experience…
i love toile, but i think it's not as fun and fresh for guests as flowers…susie <3
I love the bed with the checks and the one underneath that with the turquoise. But I'm not sure about a gold frame. It's a bit too…. chichi? There is a lovely dove grey that is not white and is just so classy, or go for a white frame. So long as we get to see the end results!
Now this is the sort of thing I used to do. I say used to as my other half has put his foot down, why ? because I have so many things I've bought just like you, thinking yes I'll renovate that & never seem to get round to it. So I know your dilemma. From the pictures you've shown, my choice would be the checked material in a pale colour with the bed frame painted ( dare I say it?? in chalk paint) Paris grey. Then you could jazz it up with cushions, flowery prints look great with checks.If like us you have snow, bring it indoors & make a start. Bon chance.
Definitely would go with chalky whitey/grey!!!!! so easy to dress up with accessories and change as the mood takes.
The checks and a gold frame, it would warm things up, but not a bling gold more dull and mutet if at all possible.
These beds are gorgeous…my favorite .. the neutral of course! with beautiful linen as you show, or one can spruce it up with warm dark bedding for the winter and fun cotton or linen sheets and covers for summer
.. hard to pick as the actual bed frame clouds this issue … I think the white with printed pillows, that has the green check curtain behind … but again, the bed catches me thoroughly … good luck
I agree!
Depends if it's for you or to sell? I love upholstered beds and always go for a pattern for mine, and then sort of ignore it and do whatever else I want to in the room. I love the sort of accidental look of the pattern against pattern. I actually like my whole home this way, and not my clothing at all, which is very sleek, minimal and no pattern in my whole closet.
Gorgeous, sumptuous beds!
I love the checks.
Dear Sharon, I love the blue and white checks and gold leaf trim.
My vote is neutrals, every time! 🙂 You can always add/change color through bedding and decor to refresh a tired look or pay homage to a particular season. Neutrals are also calming and cozy, and a respite after the busy-ness of the world outside. Can't wait to see what you decide!
I vote for chalkey white/grey – maybe with a little gold in areas for that worn look – and definitely neutrals on the fabric – then embellish with more jazzy fabric on the pillows. Anything you do will be beautiful!! Maureen
Loving the Marie Antoinette-y gilt with tapestry upholstery but I know that whatever you choose it will be stunning!
xo
Andie
Maybe it's the time of year, but I vote for white-on-white. White distressed wood edging, maybe with a bit of gesso and worn-off gilding, with a white, textured fabric, something like a white-on-white toile. Then lace-edged linens…perhaps in cream and white mixed. Then suspend some snowflakes drifting down from the ceiling; add a pale pink geranium pillow in April….mmmm.
Thanks for asking. 🙂
Fiordelisa
Hi. I am not a fan of the gold frames – here they look a bit spray painted. I do like the checks, though.
What about a white frame with a navy blue fabric?
The colorful, flowery one is actually my absolute favorite! Reminds me of something Amy Chalmers did with the bright colors and gold leaf…https://maisondecor8.blogspot.com/2013/01/turquoise-and-gold-inspiration.html
Her shop is inspiring!
Your bed in the garden looks just lovely. All of the beds above are beautiful options , (with perhaps the exception of the extravagant canopy one). Sometimes making the decision is the hardest part… I'm sure you will decide and it will turn out beautifully …
I would prefer the classical thonet open cane webbing and natural colour on wood.Then you could play with the bedding and the colours of all textiles and varying from time to time.
Love from the snowy Plain in Hungary, Dorka http://www.dorottyaudvar.co.hu
I love the gold painted frames! and the subtle linens or formal damask. What a big project in winter! Hope you're faring well and enjoying your fires and soups!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
I would use the gold leaf with either the smaller formal print or the check, depending on what else you are going to do in the room. This makes me wish I had another bedroom so I could do one of these.
Ah Sharon- You must show me those beds! I will be buying one for my guest room-we'll be renovating that room in the next few months. I love this type of bed with wood painted with several layers of neutral colors (I always use Annie Sloan paint)and linen or velvet for the upholstery. It goes with any decor.
I also think it would look great in tone on tone grays-very calming.
Trying to get my calender in order for a trip to you this fall-likely just be Tom and I. XXOO Sarah
I would use Gold Leaf; any fabric, color, or season will work with that. The Gold is a counterpoint only. The focus is in the "dressing' of the bed.
A padded and upholstered bed, yes, that is perfect. I would go for a watery blue-gray neutral velvet. Or brocade. Tufted if possible. And of course maybe some silver leaf versus the gold. Oh my, now I want to go lie down!!!
I think whitewashed wood frames makes it timeless / shabby chic with a natural linen upholstery goes with whatever duvet you might want to accesorize with.
I think you'd enjoy the pink toile upholstered bed on the cover of the new Mileiu magazine, previewed on Cote de Texas blog today: https://cotedetexas.blogspot.com
Hard choices because they're all beautiful…and I'm sure whatever you do…it'll obviously be very gorgeous just like your blog! Cab't wait to see the results. Oh and thanks for the reminder of the projects in my cold "garage':)
Rita
I love upholstered beds! I sleep in one. They are the most luxurious beds, and the prettiest, in my opinion.
Boy,
This would be a hard decision to make as all the beds are so pretty. I like the effects of how the gold leaf looks up against an upholstered headboard. I really don't have a favorite because I like them all! I'm sure you will pick-out just the right design style and fabric for it. I can't wait to see it!
Oooooh, love them! My fav's; gold one, floral and checks. So peaceful looking 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Difficult decision and something which you have to 'live with' too and not get bored with – for a while at least. I would either go out there and go wild – extreme colours/gold/ornate etc. OR I would do something simple and keep it classic, e.g. browns/whites/cream/pale blues/pale pink. I'm personally not a fan of gold in furniture, jewellery or clothes, but I do like copper – so a more reddish/brownish/dark (well you know!)… tricky and what a wonderful dilemma to have. Perhaps you want winter to inspire you with it's crisp/white/frosty look?
difficult decision, I liked picture n. 8, I want! XOX
If only we had a barn to store things in …. but then again, it would soon be full and I'd have far too much work to do. I have been admiring a pale blue velvet upholstered bed I saw in a magazine. It had very lightly bronzed wood rather than the bright gold which can look a bit too brash in some light. Good luck! Minerva x
I travel around france buying french beds to sell in the uk. Quite often i paint and reupholster the beds.
I love all your pictures and they all look dreamy, i have upholstered so many beds for everyone over years, everyone loves the linen and the pretty floral. But for long lasting and looks, go for velvet it's a fabric you can clean so easy. Quite often customer choose a fabric perhaps for one of their holiday homes, then 2 months down the line i'm changing the fabric for them because it's so easily marked.
best wishes shelly
Love all the beds, but drawn to quiet neutrals these days..understated elegance! I admire that you are taking on this big task. I would love it if you would photograph your progress in several stages as you work on this.:))
How marvelous that you have two!
One calm.
One jazzy.
xo
i have a bed very similar, the gold is beautiful…and different yet u have to be careful not to be too matchie with the night stands….
Ooh I love the check one the best and the gold leaf too!
I just bought a bed exactly like the one you upholstered – same colour and fabric. I like that it is neutral and will work with other wood in the room, then I'll highlight it with the linen. The good thing is that if I get tired of the linen it's an easy change…….. the colourful upholstery not as easy to change.
I love the bed……. so excited to get it.
I loved almost every one of those!
My vote is for the bleu/grey & white check with subtle gold or light natural wood. Pillows, chairs, accessories can then be toile, stripes, solids, floral, smaller checks, etc… So many options for the rest of the room that goes with large checks.
I love the bed in front of the window–neutral, classic, and elegant. But in the end, it has to please you, and fit in with the rest of your house. I'm sure if you just follow your gut you'll make the right choice.
By the way, I did try putting my bed in front of the windows for about two months, and I didn't like it at all! It was cold (wintertime) and noisy (I live in an urban area). I didn't sleep well until the bed was moved back against the wall. What a relief!
I'd go for the blue check or pale blue-grey, only with a silver leaf treatment on the wood. On another note, if you ever come across a daybed as shown in the next to last photo (only caned, lol) I'd be interested! Oooo, and that lovely bed in your guest cottage is delightful sleeping! 😀
I'm a sucker for gold leaf – far as I'm concerned gold leaf goes with everything! Love all the pretty pictures.
Sincerely,
Miranda
SF Bay Area
I like the blue/grey one in the large window that you said would make you feel back to front. Timeless and elegant. Just like the one you did for your guest cottage! I think if you want to jazz things up you can do it with the bed cover and sheets. Looking forward to seeing your results.
Rose
Wow lots of eye candy here. I'd use two fabrics crushed velvet in a blue/gray and a blue plad so elegant and unusual. Wonderful!
Ah so hard to choose, i love them all…such loveliness…suek
blue and white checks with gold trim – simple elegance in a French Farmhouse.
Hi Sharon,
I love the last one that you did! You could use the same fabrics and paint but alternate the textures, make one glossy and the other matte, or make the bedhead of this one have the buttons and the tucks as the other one is plain 🙂 I love your last combination so much, it is absolutely timeless! I would love to have a bed like that at my house then I could dress it up with florals or make it more neutral whenever I wished to xx Michelle xx
The first photo wins my vote – so romantic!
Mind you the checks are lovely, but a real bear to work with, and I love each one! And love a bit of gold.
Checks and the blue gray for me. And a gray or white frame. All are pretty special tho.
I am not going to be any help to you-well, I do have a favorite. I really like the tufted headboard with the neutral fabric and the gold edging. Maybe even the turquoise and gold headboard. If I had that many bedrooms, I would have those beds in them. Beautiful-absolutely beautiful!
love it calm with gold. Love the pink, love the checks, love the turquoise, love it all – is that any good to you?
I am safe!…I would stick to neutral fabric, a beautiful think linen, and add the colours in the bedding dress, it allows you to change the colour of your top cover and pillows with the seasons, with your moods, it remains a neutral palette to constantly play with.The frame can be ll shade of grey with a tinch of gold or silver or…
Well if you have two beds, do one of each – a more restrained, neutral Jane Austen one and a glamorous, opulent Marie Antoinette one.
And I want to see process pics of both!
Love all the buttoned ones and the sixth as well! The gold frames are fabulous too. But really they're all beautiful. Whatever you do I'm sure they'll be beautiful – hope you'll show both the beds when finished. Best wishes, Pamela
Stay with neutral ….. Then you can change accessories …. Bed pillows, covers, etc… As well as other pieces in the space you place the bed…look forward to your process…. I have an old chest in my workshop waiting for a transformation… Now for about a year… I'll get to it…thanks for sharing your treasures… Teresa
Gold with the checks, and what fair did these come from?!? How beautiful!
I hope that you give me a reply, first on the beds. My instinct is to stay with neutrals and add color in the pillows.
My question is I can't get to the link to see how to upholster the bed. Please, let me know how to reach that information.
Love you blog. You have inspired me to add several french pieces to my home to remember the time we spent in France (my latest is a french market basket).
I'm old fashioned, I guess–I like calm in a bedroom. The one with the bed in the window is my favorite.
I too like the bedroom to be calm.These are all lovely,keep the headboard, footboard neutral and give the dolor to sheets & accessories + those items are easy to change. That is what I tell clients! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
I've never been a big fan of the upholstered beds, but that first gold one is STUNNING!!! I would use that one in a heartbeat!!!
They are all lovely, but I vote for neutral, either a rough, natural linen, or for drama a deep, slate grey linen. And definitely "yes" to gold-ing the frame.
I love the blue-grey one, even though it is not tufted. Such a color, so "French", is a nice balance between formally elegant and simple enough that you can dress it up or down, depending on what linens and accessories you choose. I'm sure whatever you decide will be lovely and worth any effort.
I agree, love the checked bed, Love the pale green, the frame is so beautiful that I think it should not compete with loud colors or Patterns. It should be only accented with fabric as an accompanying focal point.but that's just my opinion, beautiful finds!!!!!
GOLD LEAF!!!!!
I love two beds – with neutral and blue-grey. Quite calming
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Gold leaf with checks, love that look!!
I love them all~there is no bad choice~!
The beds are all beautiful and anyone entering the room would think it beautiful. My personal favorite is the checks…something welcoming about the look.
I too love them all,xxxx
meraviglia…
doll it up is my vote…i have seen that turquoise one around and i just adore it, but it's such a permanant kind of project, and i think a bold color like that, while really gorgeous, would be limiting if you wanted to change the room on a whim……i'm just loving the idea of a patterned fabric…that part seems like a special treat that would play up the bed and be fun….and i think a subtle pattern where you could pull out any one of the colors on a whim for the other things in the room (curtains/pillows/bedding,etc) to change it a bit at anytime…i love the gold trim and a flowered/garden feeling fabric….
Ohmygoodness!!! How to choose…each one prettier than the one before. Something about the check that is very inviting. The florals are yummy.
Eenie meenie miney mo…
I spent many months researching different companies that sell a french style upholstered bed. I finally made the decision to go ahead and buy the Chelsea upholstered bed. Extremely pleased with my decision. Below is a link to the product page. Good-luck with your upholstered bed shopping.
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So many beautiful projects and great inspiration. Keep posting the pictures as everything is gorgeous.
Carole T
Dallas Suburbs
very very nice