After more than a year and a half of living with Ed, our beloved bed, and its dramatic, tall posts, a significant realization finally dawned on us. Our home simply doesn’t boast the soaring lofted ceilings or an expansive floor plan that truly complements such a majestic design. Those grand, vertical elements, while beautiful in their own right, began to feel overwhelming and disproportionate within our cozy bedroom. We grappled with the idea for a long time, feeling almost guilty about altering Ed’s original design. However, we ultimately concluded that giving Ed a “haircut” by trimming his posts wasn’t a cruel punishment, but rather a thoughtful adaptation to make him truly shine in our space. It was time for a transformation, a bespoke adjustment to perfectly align Ed with our aesthetic vision and the practical realities of our home. So, without further ado, let’s look at Ed before this pivotal decision.
The Transformation Unfolds: A Visual Journey
Witnessing a furniture transformation is always exciting, and Ed’s journey was no exception. Here’s a glimpse of the process:
…during the meticulous trimming process…
…and the stunning reveal after the transformation was complete.
This entire bed-trimming project was not only incredibly satisfying but also completely free, utilizing tools and paint we already had on hand. It took us approximately an hour of focused work, and the results speak for themselves – we absolutely adore the more open and airy look. The previous tall posts created a sense of visual clutter, especially with the bed positioned right next to the window, framed by those elegant, floor-length curtains. The vertical lines were simply too dominant. Now, Ed feels more integrated into the space, creating a harmonious balance. This subtle yet impactful DIY bed update has paved the way for future enhancements. We envision a large, luxurious fabric headboard that will truly complete Ed’s new look, allowing us to raise the mirror above the bed by another foot or two, as illustrated in this quickly photoshopped rendering.
Beyond the headboard, our long-term aspirations include staining the floors a richer, darker hue and potentially refinishing the dresser to match. These are ambitious projects, but we’re taking it one step at a time, steadily progressing towards our ideal bedroom sanctuary.
Visualizing the Dream: Exploring Headboard Options
One of the most exciting aspects of any bedroom makeover is dreaming up the perfect details. I couldn’t resist playing around with more headboard options in Photoshop to explore various styles and how they might complement Ed’s refreshed look. It’s a fantastic way to visualize different aesthetics before committing to a design. Here are a few more concepts I had fun creating, showcasing the versatility a new headboard can bring to a room’s decor and how it can further enhance the perception of space and elegance:
Why We Chose to Keep Ed: A Reversible DIY Bed Frame Update
But let’s return to the present and the practicalities of our DIY bed transformation. You know how much we champion working with what you have, and our affection for Ed runs deep. We love this bed for so many reasons: its perfect height, the unmatched comfort it provides, and even its slender, airy legs that allow for a surprising amount of under-bed storage – or, as we playfully put it, a clandestine hangout spot for the kids (or even us, on occasion!).
So, instead of the drastic measure of completely scrapping Ed – perhaps by listing him on Craigslist and investing in an entirely new bed – we meticulously devised a plan to give his posts a strategic trim. What’s more, this entire alteration is theoretically reversible! How, you ask? While the posts aren’t designed to simply screw off, they are crafted from solid wood. This crucial detail means that if we ever find ourselves in a home with those coveted lofted ceilings and wish to restore Ed to his original towering glory, we could reattach the trimmed sections. The method would involve adding a long, sturdy metal screw to the center of each post, allowing us to securely screw them back into the bed frame. This ingenious approach is similar to how many Ikea furniture items are constructed, like the Lack tables where legs can be easily attached and detached. While we honestly don’t foresee any compelling reason to reattach those majestic posts, the thought of future possibilities brings a smile to our faces. Who knows what architectural delights our future homes might hold? And now, theoretically, Ed is ready for anything. Haha!
The Nitty-Gritty: How We Trimmed Ed’s Bedposts
Once our Ed-tweaking plan was fully concocted, it was time to put it into action. For a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough, complete with our hilariously candid (and sometimes unintentionally suggestive!) commentary, check out our video:
For those who might not be able to watch the video – perhaps you’re catching up during a quick break at work, though it tells a pretty clear story even on mute – we also captured some helpful photos. The core of the operation involved our trusty Dremel Multimax, fitted with a wood-cutting attachment. We carefully aligned the Dremel with the desired base of the post, ensuring a level cut, and then slowly and steadily sawed around it. Precision was key to achieving a clean, professional finish.
An essential safety and protection tip: notice how we ingeniously slipped a piece of cardboard between the mattress and the post? This simple precaution was crucial to prevent any accidental nicks or damage to our mattress during the cutting process. Moving our heavy organic mattress is a Herculean task – it feels like it would require the combined strength of ten vampires! So, safeguarding it in place was a much more practical solution.
Thankfully, we encountered no mattress casualties! Each post came down smoothly and safely, requiring approximately five minutes of careful, controlled cutting. It was a testament to patience and a steady hand.
We actually found that our cutting technique improved significantly with each post. We started with the two bottom posts of the bed, which are typically hidden or less visible beneath the comforter. This allowed us to refine our method and achieve increasingly cleaner cuts as we worked our way up to the top two posts, which are much more prominent in the room’s visual field.
John even let me take a turn with the Dremel! I had to wrestle the power tool from his enthusiastic, tool-loving hands, but it was absolutely worth the effort. It’s empowering to get hands-on with a power tool, and let’s be honest, safety glasses are undeniably stylish when you’re in DIY mode!
Unexpected Delights: The Post-Cut Reveal
We were genuinely surprised and delighted by how refined the top posts looked once they were cut. Each cut revealed an interesting circular detail at the top (a feature not present on the bottom posts), which beautifully transformed into an almost decorative design element. It gave the posts an intentional, polished appearance, as if they were always meant to be this way. A truly happy accident that elevated the aesthetic beyond our expectations!
The next crucial step was sanding to achieve a perfectly smooth finish on all the newly cut surfaces. This ensures not only a pleasing tactile experience but also prepares the wood for a seamless coat of paint.
For painting, I reached for our trusty leftover Ikea-white paint. I’d previously done a bit of detective work to find the perfect white shade that precisely matches Ikea’s signature white tone (you can find my guide here). This allowed us to seamlessly blend the newly cut sections with the existing bed frame, making the alteration virtually invisible.
Behold the top right post after the complete process of cutting, meticulous sanding, and a fresh coat of paint – it looks utterly transformed and perfectly integrated.
…and here’s the top left post, having undergone the same careful rigmarole, now blending flawlessly with the bed’s design.
By the time the paint had fully dried and we had meticulously made the bed, it genuinely looked as if Ed was born this way. The transformation was so complete and seamless, it almost called for a Lady Gaga-inspired dance-a-thon! We were thrilled with the results of our bed post trim, achieving a custom look that felt both natural and refreshing.
Here’s John, clearly celebrating the success of the project. Just kidding! He merely ran through the shot, kicking his leg up in some sort of spontaneous victory cry, and somehow the camera captured this amusing, ghosted karate move. A hilarious moment perfectly encapsulating the joy of a successful DIY project.
A Fresh Perspective: Redefining Our Bedroom Aesthetics
Let’s take a moment to admire things from a different angle, offering a broader view of the bedroom’s evolving aesthetic. While we love the current botanical prints, our next step is to introduce a large, impactful piece of art where those botanicals currently float on the right wall. The botanicals will find a new home over a cozy chair in another corner of the room. We’re getting there, steadily refining each element of our bedroom design. The upcoming upholstered headboard for Ed, combined with moving the mirror a bit higher, will not only add visual interest but also tie into the elegant chandelier, creating a more cohesive and sophisticated ambiance. This bedroom makeover is truly bringing our vision to life, piece by piece.
I can’t express how much we appreciate this charming hand-me-down dresser from John’s parents, perfectly nestled in its nook. Its dimensions and character make it an ideal fit for the space, adding both functionality and a touch of inherited warmth to the room.
We’ve already shared a glimpse of how the bedroom looks from the hallway in a previous post, but here’s that refreshing shot again, just to jog your memory and highlight the inviting view as you approach.
While it certainly doesn’t match the wood dresser on the opposite side of the room, there’s an undeniable charm to the small white nightstand positioned by the window. The subtle repetition of having the same bedside lamps on each nightstand, despite their different styles and finishes, cleverly connects these two distinct pieces, fostering a sense of balance and thoughtful design.
Here’s a straight-on view of the bed in its current state, a testament to the success of our DIY bed frame update. I’m definitely eager to dive into that headboard project soon, as it will allow us to elevate the mirror slightly higher. This adjustment will break up the current linear alignment of the art on the right and the mirror, creating more visual dynamism. I believe the bed will feel even more special and custom-designed with a grand fabric headboard and a higher focal point above it. As for the color palette of the dresser and the white nightstand, we’re open to exploring options like painting or staining, but we’re in no rush, allowing inspiration to guide our next steps in this ongoing bedroom makeover journey.
One thing is unequivocally clear: the room now exudes a far more inviting, cozy, and “full” atmosphere than it did when the bed was positioned against the wall near the door. This simple rearrangement and the subsequent bed transformation have made a world of difference in the overall feel and functionality of our bedroom space, truly transforming it into a haven.
And it’s infinitely more pleasant to walk into this view now, rather than taking three steps into the room and immediately encountering the bed. The new layout has dramatically improved the flow and spaciousness, making the bedroom feel much larger and more welcoming.
So, that’s the latest in our continuous bedroom tweaking saga. But, knowing us, we’re probably still a good dozen adjustments away from declaring this space “done”! Haha, that’s just how we operate – inching along, enjoying every step of the DIY journey. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated as we tackle our next projects, which include addressing the bare wall opposite the bed, finally constructing that giant fabric headboard, and thoughtfully repositioning the mirror. These ongoing projects are what make a house a home, and we’re excited for the transformations to come!
A Touch of Whimsy: The Morning Sun’s Artistic Display
Oh, and here’s a delightful, unexpected detail we couldn’t resist sharing! Every morning, around 10 AM, the sun casts a magnificent glow through the window above the sink. This particular photo was taken before Ed’s grand relocation and subsequent haircut, capturing the essence of the natural light in our bedroom.
…and what happens next is simply magical: this distinct shape is perfectly reflected onto our rug, creating a captivating dance of light and shadow.
Indeed, the elongated shadow mirrors almost precisely the shape already woven into the rug itself. The most peculiar thing is that when we first fell in love with this rug and snatched it up at a local outlet, we made absolutely no connection to its similar shape to the mirror above the sink. It’s another one of those wonderful, happy accidents that make home decor so much fun and infuse our living spaces with unique character.
What exciting projects are you tackling in your bedroom (decor-wise, of course – let’s keep it wholesome!)? Has anyone else embarked on a journey to alter their bed to better suit their room’s dimensions or aesthetic? Or perhaps you’ve gone a step further and built a custom bed frame from scratch? Is anyone else currently planning to craft a headboard in the coming weeks? I, for one, absolutely cannot wait to go fabric shopping and bring our dream headboard to life!