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Hanging Decorative Birdcages In A Kids Room

Put a birdcage on it. That’s right, why stop at putting a bird on something when you can put an entire birdcage on it?

Follow up question: why stop at one when you can go with three?

Birdcages Final Shot

Sidenote: we’ve gotten a few questions about the brown sheet on the daybed, so the deal with that is that we still haven’t picked up sheets for the bed, but they’ll most likely be navy and most definitely won’t be that crazy old tan sheet that has been on this daybed for around six years! Haha. So just try to ignore that for now if you can.

But back to the birdcages. I’ve been itching to hang these guys since we started this room, so it’s really exciting to finally unveil the “secret 3D items that we plan to hang to balance that off-center window” as we so cryptically referred to them a few times. Why birdcages? Well, it all started over a year ago when we came across the big white birdcage at a local thrift store during book shoots (we were there grabbing some other things and couldn’t leave without it, so we bought it for thirty beans and I hugged it the whole way home).

Then back in September when we got those $8 thrift store chairs in West Virginia on the drive home from redoing Granny’s bathroom, we also grabbed the red birdcage at the same thrift shop for $10 (it was white when we got it though).

Birdcages Full Side

So we had two birdcages sitting around forever, but I knew I’d prefer one more to make a nice grouping of three. And of course, per Murphy’s Law, the third one wasn’t as easy to come by. We tried a bunch of thrift stores and even stalked craigslist (where some folks wanted $90 for their birdcages, eeks!) along with online decorative birdcage vendors (yes they exist, but they also want lots of money for them). Then when I had almost given up all hope, I found that guy on the left at Hobby Lobby (which was $19 after I got 50% off thanks to their all-the-time sales).

That one came in the darker pewter color and I had originally planned to spray it white to go with the other two white ones I already had, but then I realized leaving it that color (it ties into the navy curtains) and spray painting the $10 one from the thrift store bright red would make for a fun little mix.

Birdcages Wide

We wanted this to be a surprise for Clara, so she didn’t see me paint that one or watch us hang them (they’re all very light, so we just used plant hooks that are guaranteed to hold much more weight than these birdcages along with anchors, just to be on the safe side). She was so excited when she woke up from her nap to see them all hung up. Wish we got it on video. There was lots of pointing and laying down on the floor & daybed and gazing up at them. And then she brought in all of her stuffed animals to see them too.

Speaking of careful, since the white and the red one are especially light (they’re made entirely of wicker) we opted to hang the dark one on the end, so it’s not over the daybed at all, which is clearer from this shot:

Birdcages Not Over Bed1

And even though the white and red wicker birdcages are extra light, we still didn’t want them hanging directly over the daybed, so as you can see from this angle they’re set back a lot and the daybed is pulled away from the wall. That way they’re not in a spot that a jumping-on-the-bed Clara could hit her head. So in the end, they’re just like hanging a mobile or a model airplane or anything else that you might find hanging on the ceiling of a kids room. We’re big fans of making things that Clara can gaze up at (like her flower mobiles) so these birdcages were an especially fun little addition to the room for us.

Birdcages Not Over Bed2

So that’s the story of the birdcages. We love that they add interest, pattern, color, and playfulness to the room – especially since there’s already a frame collage on one wall and we have those postcard ledges on another wall. It’s fun to keep thinking about ways to add dimension and interest beyond the ol’ picture frame, ya know?

Birdcages Vert

Bam. I just hit you with a birdcage detail shot.

Birdcages Detail Shot

And now for a few tiny updates that have also gone on. I found some thin red ribbon from my leftover-from-Christmas box, and ran it around the bottom of Sir Moose, just to balance the patterned shade a bit more. Diane actually mentioned the possibility of painting it here in a sweet comment back when we shared the new shade (thanks for the idea Diane!) but I opted for ribbon since it’s so easily changed.

Moose1

As for how I attached it, I just taped it around the back to hold it in place with regular old scotch tape about a week ago. Still holding strong!

Moose 1

The room’s really starting to look finished in certain areas. We definitely still have lots more on the to-do list, but it’s coming along slowly but surely…

Birdcages Other Side

Speaking of the list, here ya go:

  • paint the room (more on that here)
  • cut down our old den side table to make a play table (more on that here)
  • bring in a dresser (we’d love to find something secondhand) (more on that here)
  • make/hang some curtains (more on that here)
  • add a rug (more on that here)
  • paint the backs of the chairs along with her play table (more on that here)
  • hang our postcard ledges and fill them with favorite flashcards (more on that here)
  • install a new light fixture (more on that here)
  • hang a few 3D objects that we have in mind for wall decor (how’s that for cryptic?)
  • get a new set of sheets for the daybed (most likely in navy) along with a cushy mattress pad
  • refinish or paint Clara’s new dresser (which we got here)
  • turn the junked up closet into an actual clothes closet/reading nook
  • add crown molding (along with tackling the other un-crown-molding-ed bedrooms on this side of the house)
  • possibly paint the ceiling once the crown goes up and we choose a color…
  • add accessories like more pillows, storage bins for toys, etc

Oh and we did frame and hang one more thing…

New Art

Isn’t it cute? I love that you read it right as you walk in, and that it’s full of so many colors that you see when you step further into the room. It’s by Katie Daisy (I’m a crazy rabid fan of her amazing work) and I actually pinned it around a year ago, only to find our new friends Lauren and Steve at our book signing in Palo Alto holding it out to us (all rolled up and tied with a ribbon). Is that sweet or what? It really is amazing how thoughtful people are. When I said “I pinned this so long ago!” she said “I know!”

 

New Art2

I don’t know if I’m just a sappy mom, but it gets me all misty-eyed. It’s so true. Clara is loved like crazy, and every time I see it I send some love to Lauren & Steve for their amazingly thoughtful surprise.

So that’s what’s up in Clara’s big girl room. What did you guys do this weekend? Anyone else hanging giant 3D objects or pretty little prints? What about “put a birdcage on it.” Thinks it’ll catch on? Come on guys, we can make this happen. The question is, do we want it to…?

Psst- Ahhhhhh! The secret video thing we hinted about on Instagram is finally out! It was actually for BBC and not only do I rock a side ponytail, there’s lots of talk about our big goal this year. Nothing like trying to stick to a resolution by chatting about it at length to BBC News. You can watch the video and read the article here. If nothing else, the Clara & Burger shots are priceless.

Comments

  5. Kelly M says

    love, love, love the birdcages. Birdcages are crazy hard to come across in our city (I’ve been looking for years with no luck), so you are lucky that you were able to find 3! I bet Clara loves them.

    Reply

  6. Debi says

    I love these bird cages. I am so into birds right now not sure why maybe it is the way I alwys think of Spring!!!! Clara is a lucky girl that big girl room Rocks!!!

    Reply

  7. Kara says

    Awhh, I love the birdcages! Good pick guys, you are doing fabulous with your progress!!! Such a fun room to just be in, it’s slowly turning into my favorite room of your house!

    Reply

    • Kara says

      Not at all – I would want that too! Hmm, since Clara’s not technically living in it yet. Maybe it needs to be “broken in” first to just make sure that it’s cool and all. You know, no monsters under the bed, the lighting is good at all times of the day and night, is it tea party-friendly, that kinda thing. Serious stuff. Yeah, it’s totally necessary = green light on move-in! Haha! :)

  8. Chelsea says

    I think I’ve seen you mention it in the comments, but can’t remember, and sorry to ask a question you’ve mentioned, but why is Clara’s bed not up against either wall? Is it because of the birdcages? Or will this change? It seems a little funky to me. I remember my bedroom growing up had really wide and thick molding on the bottom and so my bed (also a daybed!) wasn’t flush against the wall and EVERYTHING fell back there (magazines, my phone, etc.) and it drove me up the wall. I feel like wouldn’t that be the case here? (Not that Clara has a cell phone yet, ha.)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’d just centered on that room (directly across from the dresser on the opposite wall, which is also centered). The reason we pulled it away from the wall is mentioned in the post as well (didn’t want her to jump on the bed and bump her head on the birdcages, plus it’s nice to let it breath a little (thanks to the molding it can’t be right up against the wall anyway). Her crib has been the same distance from the wall in her nursery, and the occasional stuffed animal gets back there but since there’s that distance we can easily just bend over and grab it, so it actually helps :)

      xo
      s

  11. Maureen says

    I love birdcages!!! And those, in particular. Really nice upgrade to the room. And, as far as the sheet, I thought it matched the grayish brown color in the bedspread. Shows you how much I know!

    Reply

  12. Jennifer W says

    Okay, I have to comment again – Clara is too sweet in that video! I love her little glance at the camera before petting Burger.

    Reply

  14. Taya says

    Love the bird cages! However, on your to do list, you forgot t cross off hanging up the ledges and decorating them with flash cards. You did that already!

    Love the way it’s all coming along!

    Reply

  15. ade@fortheloveofpainting says

    By your title I am assuming you have watched Portlandia…check out Vancouvria on You Tube. My husband is from Portland and he equally loves how Vacouvria makes jokes about how Vancouver across the river is so much better than Portland! BTW, I love the bird cages…simple and cute and you coul do so many things with them!

    Reply

  16. Wendy @ New Moms Talk says

    the bird cages are beautiful! Imagine the possible stories that they will create (birds, songs, who knows what else)!

    I once made a frog-and-lily pad mobile for my college dorm room, Alexander Calder style. It didn’t turn out as well as his, but that’s okay.

    Reply

  17. Christa says

    Love the birdcages, and especially how the colors work so well in the room. Love how it’s all coming together and getting that layered over time feeling. What a special room for your special little girl.

    Reply

  19. Ainhoa@ALittleBite says

    I really like the birdcages!! I admit, I wanted one as decor but my husband thought I was crazy, haha. So no birdcage for me (at least for now).
    Anyway, what I really wanted to say is that I really enjoyed the BBC piece. Very insightful, and I hope you’re able to accomplish your goal this year.

    Reply

  20. Ana from Portugal says

    Congrats, guys!
    The video is awesome (and Sherry, our side ponytail looks great!)
    I work from home too – as a literary translator – and I struggle with the same work/life boundary issues so, I hear you!

    ;)

    Clara’s room looks ADORABLE!

    Love from Portugal!

    Reply

  21. Diane says

    You could aways paint birds in the corner of the room or put a few framed bird up. Depending upon placement the birds could look like they are free of the cage from one stop in the room or in the cage from another spot in the room.

    Reply

  24. Katie P says

    Loving the bird cages!

    Also loved the BBC article – it’s cool seeing you guys featured on our news sites! :)
    And when Clara smiled at the camera while stroking Burger – crazy adorable!

    Reply

  30. Pallavi says

    OMG!! BBC!! I mean, this side of the world, getting featured in BBC is the only way to get famous. Now you are truly truly F.A.M.O.U.S! Congratulations J and S. :)

    Reply

  31. sarah says

    BBC! Glad you are getting more international attention! You guys are just so darn cute. I just realized watching the BBC video that as a U.S. citizen who has lived abroad for the past 3+ years with my husband (first Europe, now South America), I think one of the reasons I visit your blog every day is because you have come to represent a slice of “home”; people I can relate to regardless of how many new and different people we’re meeting and experiences we’re having in the country we’re living in. Your stability, honesty and humor are a fantastic dose of what I think of as “comfortingly normal and loveable”. Keep up the fantastic work and thanks for being part of my U.S. “roots”. xo!

    Reply

  32. Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says

    I’m loving most of Clara’s room, but I’m not a huge fan of the birdcages (sorry!). In and of themselves they’re beautiful, but I don’t get them in the context of the room.

    I’m sure you’ll make it all tie in together in the end and I’ll be smacking the side of my head going “Oh, now I get it!”

    Reply

  33. Stacey says

    WOW!! Amazing!!

    You’ve probably thought of this 2 million times over already, but your 2nd book should be “Decorating for Kids!”

    I’ve scrolled through the photos 4 times, it looks spectacular!

    Reply

  35. Diane @ Vintage Zest says

    $90 for a birdcage! It must have been a mansion or something!

    I’ve always had a thing for birdcages, but never thought to spray paint them. I would think it would be hard to get in all the nooks and crannies, but so worth the final product!

    Reply

  37. Ashley S says

    Love the bird cages! They are amazing, and give a lot of interest into the room! And the bbc article and video are great to! In the (near) future maybe you guys could give us an update on how you are doing with your new year goals (Like writing fewer posts). :-)

    Reply

  38. Kate @ Magic City Thistle says

    I love the addition of the bird cages, what a whimsical touch. And congrats on the Beeb interview, I’m originally from the UK so it’s nice to see you getting recognition on the little island too. I spent this weekend making giant mustaches out of old wire hangers. No joke!

    Reply

  39. Marguerite says

    Your family is just adorable! I feel so motherly towards all of you, I am so proud of you. Weird, right! I hope you are able to make your resolutions work for you, you deserve it!!

    Reply

  41. Elizabeth says

    This might sound weird but I’ve noticed y’all do a lot of interviewing and video’s with the kitchen as a backdrop, Any reason for that?

    Reply

  42. Heather P. says

    Love the progress on Clara’s big girl room! The birdcages are great – they remind me of my obsession with paper lanterns as a kid. I loved the idea of hanging things from the ceiling…still do…but in an apartment, that’s not easy to pull off!

    Hope Clara is enjoying her new space!

    Reply

  43. Amanda says

    Clara’s room looks awesome! What if you decoupaged the bottoms of the bird cages with funny photos to look at when laying on the bed?

    Reply

  44. Annelies says

    I love the bird cages ! Last year on holiday in Indonesia you could see bird cages all over and I wished already then I could have brought some home to hang up. Now even more so ! Love the colours as well !
    I had already read the article on BBC newsite this morning. You guys are so wonderful !

    Reply

  46. Christine says

    Wow, adorable! The shapes go so well together that I can’t believe you found them in all different places. They would make swell little night-lights that would make pretty shapes on the walls. Could you sneak in a little battery-operated LED light/lightstring? Glad Clara loves them! She is so cute– give her a hug from me!

    Reply

  47. Kimber Smith says

    Memories. When my girl was a little older than Clara, she discover her dollhouse people were just the right size for our hanging 3 tier rattan birdcage (no birds). Everyone would do a double take when they saw people swinging from the bird swing!

    Reply

  48. Analise says

    Oh my gosh, those bird cages! I’ve been hunting for a similar accessory to hang in my living room, and you’ve totally inspired me. Love the little additions of style & whimsy that you two work so seamlessly into your decor. Awesome!

    Side note: You were on BBC! So cool! Great vid. Also: Clara’s shirt?? Can I get it in a big-girl size? Adorable!

    Reply

  50. Erin@Managing the Manor says

    Her room looks like something you’d see in a studio apartment! Very chic and fabulous!

    We’re in process of re-doing our son’s “big boy” room now, and I’m having more fun decorating and designing it than anything else in the house! :)

    Reply

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