Sunday, January 08, 2012

Sofa Bed

Update 10th Jan - I wasn't very happy with the colour of the photos that I originally uploaded onto this post, so have added some new ones this morning.
The little Victorian iron bed that stood in our spare single bedroom was fine, until the mattress was placed on top...The photo below shows it without, but the 8" thick mattress, when placed onto the base, made the overall height approx 26" from the floor.
Given that the bed will mostly be used by our little granddaughter when she's old enough, I was worried that this height would give her some problems getting in and out and also be dangerous were she to fall out during the night. As I mentioned in a previous post, I managed to buy a beautiful old French bed at my local flea market, which will replace the iron bed in the spare room when we've done the work on it.
It seemed a shame to get rid of the iron bed though, as its very comfortable and we originally had to have the base and mattress specially made for it, as its a non-standard 2'9" wide. And with having three daughters, we often have their friends staying-over at short notice, so an extra bed is always handy!
We decided to try to create a sofa out of the old bed and slot it in under the staircase in the hall. We removed the castors from the feet and just used the wooden base on the metal frame, hiding the mattress underneath, which will keep it to hand if ever we need an extra bunk!
I've padded the base with various quilts and a duvet, which I've disguised with my favourite antique patchwork.
Any spare cushions that I could find were slung casually on top and a rolled-up eiderdown makes a comfy back support along the wall.
I'm sure it will develop and change over time, as nothing stays still for long in our house ;-))
- A painted bench that was here in the hall previously, is now in our master bedroom - I'll show this on another post, along with other projects (like painting the French bed) which I'm still trying to find the time for.
Niki x

16 comments:

  1. Looks lovely - a very comfy corner.

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  2. Lovely, lovely little nook.

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  3. So beautiful!!!!Welcoming,,,

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  4. This top of the french bed looks like the ornament on our big mirror in the entrance hall. I really am impressed with your plan to paint it and will watch this place! The iron bed looks perfectly in its place - I had an iron bed not long ago from the flea market and it is now in its place in the new loft, with plenty of cushions which the cats have adopted :-). I can smell your hyacinths.
    P.S. Well done this top picture on the left to show the doll in your online shop!

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  5. It looks so sweet and a clever idea to use the space creating a cosy corner for all. Thanks for sharing. I will follow on my way out and hope you can find the time to come visit me and do the same. I look forward to engaging throughout twenty twelve with you. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

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  6. Inspiration again Niki!
    I bought a long Victorian footstool today, and have nearly recovered it in an old kilim, it will be a keeper!
    T x

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  7. How comfy and inviting your little nook beneath the stairs looks...
    Susan

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  8. That looks like a great use of the space. In fact, I'd like to take a nap there right now!

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  9. Fun little day bed. Love the pillows.

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  10. Oh my! I'd even love that as a little bedroom, right there under the stairs! ;)

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  11. Anonymous9:10 am

    Hi Niki,
    It looks lovely under the stairs what a cozy spot and your slip covered chair looks so inviting on the 3rd picture.
    It made me smile when you said 'nothing stays still for long in our house' and i was nodding in agreement but it is such fun to watch how you change things around and it always looks really beautiful x

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  12. That looks so inviting, beautiful.
    Carol xx

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  13. Oh! That is so pretty
    Julie xxxxxxx

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  14. It's beautiful! I like sofa beds for that very purpose especially rustic ones. Have a delightful day, Kellie xx

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  15. I love your style and the fabrics are to die for oohh how lovely. Please visit my blog I am having a Valentine's Day give away.

    DuckyNestDesigns.com

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx