Remember when we took Ed The Bed’s top rails off and mentioned needing some finials to finish things off? That’s where a finial fashion show comes in. Yup, I’m nerdy like that. I ran out to Home Depot and Lowe’s where I bought these four options and I gave them all a spin on Ed to see which ones we liked best. Here’s the spread:
The long wood “finials” on the top right were actually chair legs from Lowe’s, but I just wanted to see if something long and lean was the way to go. And you know we like to use “weird” things as other things. So legs as finials wasn’t that much of a stretch for us. Unfortunately once John suggested that they resembled “man parts” I just couldn’t get past it. What can I say, the idea of sleeping under four willies gave me the willies. So they were instantly eliminated before even partaking in the fashion show fun.
But here are the other three options in place atop one of Ed’s posts. The first option was a set of round finials from Home Depot that were actually meant for curtains rods, but the attached screws at the base of each one slipped right into the predrilled holes in the top of Ed’s posts.
They definitely could work (especially if we painted them white to match Ed), but I thought the basic round ball sort of looked like the top of a banister. You know, kinda “builder.” So although it mimicked the shape of our big dandelion-esque light and most definitely wouldn’t “not work,” we weren’t 100% over the moon about them either. Just because they felt like we got banister tops from the home improvement store and tried to play them off as four-poster finials.
These ornate curtain finials (also from HD) felt very heavy, formal, and almost pineapple-ish:
The reason we picked these up to begin with (since you might think they would never work with the modern lines of Ed the Bed) was because we plan to bring in a curvy antique-ish dresser to play off of the more modern chandelier. So we wanted to see if the clean lines of the bed would actually work with something a little formal on top. Of course the dark color threw us off, but painted white we actually thought they’d work. Especially because they sort of tied into the shape of our mirror above the sink in the background too.
These last curtain finials (also from HD) are kind of the compromise between the builder basic round ones and the super ornate formal ones:
And they were already white (although not a perfect match) so it helped us visualize how they’d work without much effort. We liked how they still had round orbs within them (which subtly mimicked the light fixture) but they also had a semi-old-ish vibe going on, so they would tie Ed into a curvy and ornate leggy dresser if we ever get a hold of one of those (we’ve been stalking Craigslist like crazy).
When we stepped back, we knew we had a winner. They just felt the best to us after studying them all in person for a while and weighing our options. Here they are from afar:
It’s like they were made for Ed. Psst- Remember we’re contemplating a bedside lamp & night stand upgrade, we’re just working with those for now since we have ’em. So we packed up the other finials and back to the store they went. Thankfully I was able to slip one finial out of the top of the packaging without cutting or unstapling anything, which means I could slide each one back in and return them in perfect condition. In fact I remembered to take the picture of them in their packaging after putting each finial back in, so you can see how “mint” they looked. Yes, I’m actually proud of ridiculously random things like that.
Oh but actually adhering the finials was another little challenge. They each had screws that slid right into the predrilled hole on the top of each of Ed’s posts, but the hole was a smidge too wide for the screw (so they teetered ever so slightly if the post was jostled). And getting the screw out of the finials and replacing it with something thicker that might have fit Ed’s holes seemed like it might take a while. So being the impatient girl that I am, I decided we should try using a ball of poster putty to squeeze the screw through and beef things up, thereby creating a sticky-gum-like effect to hopefully hold things more securaly.
And holy cow it worked. The finials didn’t waver back and forth anymore, they were stuck in place for good. Except not really for good, which is good. If we ever change our minds, since poster putty is easily un-stuck, it’ll just take a few firm pulls on each finial to remove them without any permanent damage to Ed or the finials themselves.
So there you have it. The easiest and most reversible Ikea Hack ever. Haha. Oh wait- and yes, we still have to paint the finials to match Ed because they’re not exactly the same tone of white, so I’ll just bring home a bunch of paint swatches to see which one looks most like the paint on the posts and then I’ll just get a test pot of it for a few bucks and paint the finials for a more seamless look.
Wait, did you think that was the end of the post? Well… (cue the confetti)… we still have some art to discuss. We gave the ram and two thrift store finds a spin above our bed (I know not everyone would want to wake up under a ceramic ram head but it’s totally my idea of a good time). But – sad face – we’re thinking they’re probably too dinky for that spot.
Maybe once we add all the missing furniture and other art into the room they’ll feel a bit less teensy, but for now we’re not sold. But I like waking up under a ram so they’re still hanging there. We’re thinking about some giant canvas art or something for that spot down the road. Who knows where we’ll end up though.
Oh and here’s one of my favorite corners of the room that we realize hasn’t been pictured in a while.
How sweet does that chair and those curtains look through those finial topped posts? I love gazing at it sleepily in the morning. When I’m not smiling up at my ram friend of course.
allie says
You could use the colors of Sue and create your own fabric design to hang, should you decide that’s the route to go. I’ve heard a few good reviews of this site on a few blogs: http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome
I do love the idea of hanging old weathered wood on the wall, like this one: http://www.housetweaking.com/2011/01/12/up/
whatever you do, it will be great!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re actually planning to use spoonflower for one of Clara’s weekly shots. Can’t wait to try it out. And we love Dana’s blog. So full of inspiration!
xo,
s
Aurelie says
Ha! Love the Burger video. My dog does the same thing when he manages to sneak into the bedroom (dogs are no longer allowed to sleep with us at night after one too many pee pee accidents). Must be a chihuahua thing.
Blaire says
My Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix is a bed weasel, too! I’m glad you coined that term – we have been calling her a “burrow-er” for the past two years.
Stacy says
ps. And if you can’t find/build a frame that you like, you could always paint one! Sleek & simple or a little ornate like the new finials. :) Good luck!
YoungHouseLove says
We do love a good DIY build…
xo,
s
j says
yuck. its going from ok to worse…
Ann says
Burger is SO Chihuahua !!! Our little girl does the same thing !! Don’t forget the turn around and around in the same spot before laying down. lol
Love the finials . I always look forward to your posts.
Christy B says
I think Burger might need to meet Pele, she too plays the disappearing act and basks in the light of the sun :)
Shannon C. says
I love the finials, and I was super duper excited to recognize Ed the Bed and Burger on ihasahotdog.com :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- Burger’s famous. And it definitely went to his head!
xo,
s
dulcie says
The ram and the sconces don’t really work because they are so obviously just random items put there to fill a space. This is antithetical to every design principle. In particular, a bedroom is an intimate space that should reflect a couple’s passions, interests, and notions of beauty. I can’t think of a more unsuitable item to hang over a bed than a factory produced, mass-marketed representation of a generally violent animal. And no sconces. Ever. Unless they are actual lighting hardwired into the wall.
YoungHouseLove says
Ramsy is actually really friendly, so no bedroom gorings have occurred yet. Haha. To each his own!
xo,
s
Holly says
Hi guys! Finally catching up on your posts this week and when I saw this about Ed the Bed it reminded me of this article I just saw in Country Living with a similar oldstyle Ed the Bed and similar layout of your room.
http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/artful-approach-to-decorating-0311#fbIndex6
(And if you look at all the pics in the slideshow, slide #2 also came to mind when I saw your picture frames going up!)
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh how gorgeous! Love the long art above each night table and the smaller piece above the bed!
xo,
s
Kimberly says
LOVE LOVE LOVE the way the whole bedroom is coming together. Do not LOVE the antler art above the bed, not a good look.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I know it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time but Ramsy is my jam. Love him. Although we’re not sure he’ll stay there since we think he’s a little too small as-is. Who know where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
Tara says
My five year old boy was peeking over my shoulder as I was checking this out, and asked, “Are we going there for vacation?” Ya did good :)
Love your stuff.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw that’s so sweet! Love it.
xo,
s
Amy Purehome says
I am totally diggin’ the animal head above the bed. Of course, I do have a thing for animal heads…but, it really does look great there!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! You’re invited for a sleepover any time. Waking up under a ram head is an exciting way to start any day. Haha.
xo,
s
orangesugar says
I didn’t read through all the comments so I don’t know if this has been asked. But does removing the top rails make Ed kind of wobbly? I would think that the posts are so long, the rails kind of secure them and without them they would shake all over the place.
And if you are looking for art above your bed I love this etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/listing/59699662/original-abstract-modern-contemporary
YoungHouseLove says
Thankfully they’re 100% decorative, so they’re not for stability at all (the posts are screwed in and connected to the base extremely tightly like other four poster beds without top rails. Hope it helps! And thanks for the etsy shop link- love it!
xo,
s
Rebecca says
While browsing my local Craigslist-ings I saw this and couldn’t help but think of you… It’s amazing! I can’t believe that this was ever made and then someone actually bought it… Hopefully this comes through as not spam and you can see it in all its glory.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/fuo/2280377813.html
YoungHouseLove says
Holy Ramsy, that is intense!!! Haha.
xo,
s
Susie says
I am so glad that I am not the only one with an aversion to accessories that look like “man parts” – and there are so many of them out there!!!!!
Clair says
Question. Did removing the top of the bed create any structural probs. I am thinking of buying the same bed but our light hangs right at the foot so the top part of the be wouldn’t work for us. I’d love to steal your idea and add finials.
YoungHouseLove says
As far as we can tell, those top slats are 100% decorative. The bed is still sturdy and fine without them (they just screwed on the top of the posts which were very securely attached to the base of the bed, so they don’t bend and sway or anything). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Alison says
Sherry, I have to ask where you got those pillows for your bed! On my computer they originally looked like a mustard-ish yellow but in the video with Burger, I can now see that they appear to be metallic. What color would you describe that as?? Bronzed gold??? :)
Thanks and have a nice day! :)
YoungHouseLove says
I’d describe them as sort of a shiny goldy-yellow color. The shine in the fabric almost makes them look metallic. They’re from Marshalls or TJ Maxx or HomeGoods (they all sell the same pillows). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Katie C. says
I am SO glad John said that about the two finials resembling man parts. Lol, when I looked at the picture, it was my first thought, but it was quickly followed up by, “You’ve probably just got a dirty mind, Katie. I’m sure to everyone else those don’t look like miniature man parts.” Thank goodness I’m not alone on this!