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.
Team John and Sherry says
Go Team John and Sherry!
I think you’ve purchased and created beautiful ART. You’ve got great style and it’s turned into a business that allows you to be with Clara all day! That’s definitely a luxury.
I’m glad you stand up for your art and design choices. It’s your house, not anyone else’s! If people don’t like it, they shouldn’t read YHL.
I <3 YHL :)
Sophie says
I really like the finials and the fact that you took the top off the bed, it goes well with the ceiling light. Bob (commenter above…) is a bit of a meanie but I vaguely get his point; it’d be nice to see some art for art’s sake that you guys really like rather than something put up purely to tie into an aesthetic scheme :-) I don’t even really mean the ram etc when I say that cos I know you lurve the ceramics; I reckon the wall above the sofa currently showcasing napkins would be the place. I think a home should showcase stuff that means something to you – I’m sure napkins don’t!
YoungHouseLove says
Those actually aren’t napkins, they’re colored pieces of paper and we love them. Ironically so does Bob! Haha. He commented to say that it was his favorite thing we did because of the color and composition! Check it all out here: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/03/five-dolla-art/
But we definitely agree that meaningful art is amazing, and it can really make a house a home! We have everything from a homemade shadowbox of wedding keepsakes to an oil painting that I got from Etsy and map prints and other amazing prints by local artists. Gotta love original art fo sho! We’re actually planning a huge hallway full of family pictures and meaningful items! Stay tuned…
xo,
s
candace @ thecandace.com says
Bob – chill!!!
John & Sherry – Cute job as always! I have to agree with John – that’s the first thing I thought when I saw those linear ones…MAN PARTS ACK! :) Your house is coming together nicely and I know there is still so much to come!
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
I love those finials!
Tip: I’ve heard that the closest shade of white to IKEA’s white furniture is Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. That might help narrow your choices down when you go paint hunting :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the tip! Awesome.
xo,
s
Sara @ House Bella says
I adore the Burger, the new finials, and you two!
Kate says
Love the progress. Have you guys thought about shortening the bedposts at the foot of your bed?
YoungHouseLove says
Never have. Hmm, something else to think about!
xo,
s
Liz says
I think the ram head would be perfect in your favorite corner on the small wall behind the chair. Room looks great and getting better.
Lisa says
I’ve been wanting new finials for my four-poster because they aren’t really my style, but I’ve never noticed how phallic they look before! Thanks a lot John! ;-)
I have to agree with the commenter above that said the height of the posts was throwing her off. That’s me too, something just seems out of proportion. The posts are tall and the finials look kind of dwarfed, even though it looks like they are actually bit wider than the top of the post?
I’m horrible with art/decor/whatever, so this might actually be a terrible idea, but what about painting a different color inside the Ramsey frame, or maybe some patterned fabric?
YoungHouseLove says
Could be fun!
xo,
s
Kim says
Seriously, Bob needs to chill out and stop trying to ‘lecture’ all of us on what constitutes Art, wall decor, etc. You take yourself way too seriously Bob! I read this blog for the ideas, tips, but mostly to chill out and take a break from my hectic life. I love that YHL has open comments and John and Sherry are very open to negative comments on what they do – as they always say – it’s for them, their house and everyone has their own opinion. Unfortunately Bob, you seem to want to debate semantics every time Sherry brings up what she considers Art. We all know what she is talking about. We know that nobody painted or created these things, but it doesn’t really matter to us. We’re not in a University Art class trying to agree on a definition of art – we’re just trying to enjoy the posts! And honestly, Bob, when you start debating and bringing up stuffy explanations and even bringing up gay rights (out of left field btw), you really bring the mood of the post way down. Sherry and John might not close your comments but I can tell you that many of us are tired of hearing your rants. And btw, yes, Sherry was having a dialog with you despite your rude comments to her awhile back. You however do not like it when people disagree with you. I doubt that you and Sherry would be friends and think you have way too much time on your hands. And YHL – classy and cool as always! Love your blog – AND YOUR ART!!!
Ashlee says
Kim, We could never relate to someone as artistically upper echelon as Bob. Clearly he is above all of us. We minions should consider ourselves fortunate that he takes time out of his busy schedule to help us grasp the concept of “art”.
Get real. This guy is prob 50 years old, living in his mom’s basement wearing a bathrobe all day. Chillax.
Gretchen says
Years ago, while putting together a futon someone (who could possibly be me) drilled the holes to big – i.e. your Ed the bed problem. I was told to stuff the hole with torn up newsprint. It actually works really, really well, and has lasted for about 15 years to date. My only worry about the blue goo is that it might dry out.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh that stuff stays sticky, but I love the newsprint idea too!
xo,
s
cassy says
I love this room. I think you did an amazing job!
kelley@paperdollmn says
Someone might have posted this already, but the ram and sconces might look cute one the wall nar the plant and chair in your rarely-photographed corner of the room, yes?
YoungHouseLove says
Totally could work!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I guess I’m the odd one out but I like the smallness of your art! Everything else is so large scale in the room, but surrounding the ram in a cool frame would look awesome too. Doesn’t matter what you do, it will look awesome to me because I love your style!
Shirley says
Love how the room is developing – it’s so pretty! I wish Ed came in a King ; ( I think Ikea used to have a Hemnes 4 poster canopy in a king but they have discontinued it – wah!!!
Burger is sooo adorable, and yes, life is good if you’re burger!
Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says
Is it just me or did anyone else not know the word ‘finials’? I kept thinking you mistyped finals.. and thinking WTH??! I would have just called them baubles or something. Thanks for updating my vocab!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, baulbes are fun. We should top the bed with giant diamonds and pearls. Haha.
xo,
s
Amanda says
Robin, you were not alone dear. I was totally like “uhh ..” but I too thank you for updating my vocabulary! :)
Kate Anger-Seep says
You should check out the website http://www.makeyourphotosbig.com
They can take any picture you have and reprint it onto canvas in any size. I had my wedding pics done and they turned out amazing!
K (Barkingbabymama) says
I LOVE Kim’s suggestion and links about framing the ram!!! You could paint the frame the plum/eggplant color you’ve been wanting add!
Kara says
“What can I say, the idea of sleeping under four willies gave me the willies.”
I am dying laughing right now after that comment. I love your blog!
Lisa in Seattle says
Speaking as somebody who actually has a weasel, the title of your Burger video is perfect! That’s exactly how Hurricane Gabriel gets into his bedding – tunneling with his nose and bumping the blanket into little caves.
As Stephanie said above, I will like whatever you end up with because I love your aesthetic. I wouldn’t spend valuable time reading any blog if I didn’t like the blogger’s style – both decor and writing.
Kristin F says
Did someone forget to white balance again?? (say it sing-songy, sounds better that way)
Otherwise, great choice on the finial. Though I kinda liked Ed naked.
YoungHouseLove says
Boo me! Haha.
xo,
s
Paula/adhocmom says
Our bed has finials and we love them! Our daughter just figured out how to unscrew them though. . . so sometimes our bed is short a finial or two.
Lisa G. says
I know that you people do NOT need suggestions on what to do with your house, because it is stinkin’ beautiful! I was so excited when you guys said that you were moving because I was ready for MORE! Anyways, I thought of an idea to accent your little ceramic friend. Well, maybe someone’s already suggested it but…
http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=81213&index=11&searchQuery=Imperial%20Trellis%20Fabric&searchType=photos
or
http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=29141&index=5¤tPage=2&searchQuery=Imperial%20Trellis&searchType=photos
You could block off a section and then hang your little buddy in the middle.
Keep up the great work. PS. I think that you are doing a wonderful job handling less than friendly posts.
YoungHouseLove says
Love those ideas! Thanks for the links!
xo,
s
Shyla Thompson says
Firstly, I have to say how much I love your blog. Kuddos to you two for creating something awesome for everyone to digest and learn from.
I got quite the giggle out of the whole “Bob” comments/discussion. There is a definite distinction between per-textbook definitions and commonly accepted definitions. I would wager that the majority of your readers knew what you meant when you said “art”. It is art to you. And, if I am correct in assuming that most of your readers understood what you meant, then your sentence and use of words was correct. Blah, blah, I could continue to blather on…
What I was originally going to comment on before I read the other comments on this post was the fabulous chair that you have tucked in the corner of your bedroom. Where did you get it! It looks just like the type of chair I want to put in my bedroom.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Target a while back. It was an amazing deal. I think it was called the Manhattan Leather Lounge or something like that. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kristen Windle says
I like the new posts on the bed! I think it gives it a more finished look. Also, random, I was looking on etsy for something and happened to see this shop that had some similar colors to your napkin. haha! So I thought of you guys- http://www.etsy.com/listing/55684881/the-perfect-snow-a4-giclee-art-print Check it out. I know you have been looking for some good art pieces!
YoungHouseLove says
Sweet! Love it.
xo,
s
Rachel says
Hey, We have those “man parts” as legs on our kitchen buffet! LOL.
Kristin says
Hey, y’all – You may already know this, but just in case, I wanted to let you know that Sue is on clearance at Crate and Barrel right now. At least, I think it’s her. They’re calling her “Mateo Napkin,” so it might just be a sister. :) Just wnated to be sure you know, in case you want a full set of 8 for …[Drat! I can’t remember what you named the table. Stella?].
YoungHouseLove says
That’s totally her! I want to buy 300! Somebody stop me. Haha.
xo,
s
Julie says
Cracking up at the Bob comments. You guys have such positive attitudes, it’s really an inspiration. I don’t always love love love the things you do, but it’s not my house so I just read the post and move on with my life. Keep up the good work :-)
aluck says
Haha! Burger reminds me of my pup! Is he that predictable that you know when you’ll be able to catch him in the act?
Katie C says
I actually thought that the two wood “thingies” (technical term) on either side of Ramsy were painted the deep eggplant color you’ve been dreaming of for so long! Maybe that’s an idea? Or if you go with the ornate frame idea around the ram, what about painting that a deep purple shade?
YoungHouseLove says
Totally a possibility!
xo,
s
Lindsey says
LOVE the Burger video – what a cute little weirdo! (I mean that in a totally loving way) Oh, and the “final finials” look great too. You done good.
Kymberly says
thankyouthankyouthankyou! for the idea. We have the LLEIRVIK bed http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99849961 but I removed the big head board so this will work great for covering the holes. :D
Ashley says
I really like the last set of finials but not so much the wall decor above the bed. I agree that a big piece of art would look nice, or even a photo gallery like the one in your den. I’m struggling with what to hang over my bed too and am toying with the idea of a photo gallery – it’s a tough decision!
That Burger is surely a mess!
sarah says
Have you checked out http://www.list-alert.com to keep you posted of all the new postings to craigslist. I am in search of a perfect corner office desk(preferably something like Pottery Barn’s bedford desk), so I have alerts for “corner desk”, “pottery barn furniture” and “bedford desk” all for my area. Then it searches craigslist and sends me emails to let me know of new listings. It takes the extra work out of it for me.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! Isn’t that an amazing little “service.” Still no luck but maybe soon!
xo,
s
Lorrie says
Thank you for the Burger video….I have missed seeing the little guy! He is so darn CUTE!
rachel says
Oh good! I was glad the bars came down (they were just in the way of your daffodil lamp) but then they looked unfinished. This is a great idea! I love your creative genius
JR says
My vote goes to getting animal finials, painted white of course. Like knights from a game a chess… but bigger!
Who wouldn’t want four white knights guarding them every night?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, don’t tempt me. I’ll totally do it! Haha.
xo,
s
penny says
The finials are a great solution! Good thing you used that putty to keep em in place. When I was little I had a bed like that and always pulled them off to use them as microphones whenever I felt the need to break out into song or dance…Young House Love the musical would be awesome though. haha
YoungHouseLove says
Seriously, we should have Glee week and write all of our posts as songs. Haha. Burger can dress up in a track suit and play Sue.
xo,
s
Jessica says
Not gonna lie…I really went back to the top of the post and you are SO right, John. Those chair leg things really do look like anatomical male parts. I laughed out loud. :)Looks great!
Pamela says
Hi John & Sherry,
I love both of your writing styles (it’s a gift!), and your home adventures satisfy my decorating & home improvement obsession. :) Anyhoo…’ya know – I really adored your bed with the railings, but I understand why you took them down so as to accommodate your cool light fixture. However! I received this gorgeous photo advertisement today in my e-mail, and thought of y’all…could your bedroom setup work like this photo possibly? (incorporate your light fixture inside the railings?):
http://sherwin.optiemmail.com/2011/02/?email=March16RomancetheRoom_e&WT.mc_id=SWMarch16Landing_RomancetheRoom
P.S. – also today, while browsing Target online looking for stuff for my home, I saw a bunch of beautiful & unique finials (not sure if they’ll fit your bed, but thought I’d pass the link along; my humble vote, however, is to bring back your beautiful railings as the bed was intended & incorporate your awesome light fixture…) Worth a shot?? :-)
http://www.target.com/s?keywords=finials&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&ref=sr_bx_1_1
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly our fixture box is at the foot of the bed, so without swagging the cord (which would probably look crazy) or paying to move the fixture box it’ll have to stay where it is for now. But who knows where we’ll end up down the road! We definitely have kept Ed’s top rails and expect that the room will change and evolve a lot as we go!
xo,
s
Kristen in Hawaii says
I’m lovin’ the finials! And while I love the idea of painting the top few inches in lieu of the finials, I feel like it would make this particular room look too IKEA/Apartment Therapy…a little *too* modern and stark. The round finials switch the style up a little and keep things interesting, at least for me. There’s something about them that gives the room a Southern touch, somehow…super appropriate for your Richmond casa! The shot of the “chair corner” really brings it home for me.
On a separate note, I’m sending the adorable Burger vid to MY John who, so far, has been on the fence about a small dog. We already have a name (Barkley)…now we just need the dog!
YoungHouseLove says
I know what you mean about a room with an Ikea bed (and chandelier) looking too stark if you’re not careful! I think we’ll just wait to figure out the dresser and the night stands and some of the art while living with the existing finials (which we really do like a lot) and then down the line we can make that decision about whether we want to try removing them in favor of those colored tips that Bryn linked to (which we really like as well). We love that the finials are removable so things are still open to evolve as we go!
And as for your campaign for a small dog- Burger is the best little man ever! Hope you find your Barkley soon!
xo,
s
Leeann says
I really love how your bedroom (and your whole house) is coming together. I just started reading your blog a few months ago, so it’s awesome to feel like I’m reading things from the beginning of the journey since you’ve moved into your new house. It’s very inspiring the way you do a little here and a little there. It makes me feel like I have no reason to rush in my own decorating. Feeling like I have to do everything at once is the main reason I haven’t done much at all!
D says
I’m glad you chose not to sleep under the weiners. I seriously thought that the second I saw them. Maybe if they were painted and not flesh colored, I’d feel differently.
Sunny says
I haven’t tried it myself, but I read somewhere that Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White matched IKEA’s white. Good luck matching Ed!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! We’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Josh says
I run a community arts centre in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. And my favourite definition of art is “anything that was intended to be art”. There are so many different types of art that mean so many different things to so many different people.
Lorrie says
I bought a black ornate frame from IKEA last summer that would totally fit the bill for what you are looking for:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00091967
I was thinking of putting a sillouette of my daughter in it and hanging it above her twin four poster bed, but now I am totally thinking about taking her moose head out of the bathroom and putting it in the frame!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! That’s the one I’d love to stick Ramsy through! Oh Ikea, why are you 2 hours away?!
xo,
s
Lorrie says
Just two hours….we have to drive 5 to Dallas! But it is sooooo worth it!
YoungHouseLove says
This is true…
xo,
s
Sandy says
I really like your choice of the finials. But I’m really curious about something. What exactly was it about that bed that you and John really liked in order for you to purchase it? Reason why I ask is because you guys are changing the look of the bed. Both of you obviously loved the bed when you first saw it displayed at Ikea. I for sure thought you were going to soften the poles with some kind of very light, airy fabric … you know, kinda like how Ikea displayed the bed (well, the Ikea here in Jersey anyway). Just wondering.
Oh yeah, btw, gotta give it to you, the Jersey girl in you came out and put “Bob” in his place. From one Jersey girl to another …. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
We just liked that our large 16 x 16″ bedroom wasn’t as cramped as our old one, so we wanted to take a chance and get an unusual bed since the room seemed like it could handle something with a little more volume and “flair.” We love that even without those skinny top rails it still has presence thanks to those tall four posters, which are definitely still “special” and exciting to us! Especially after spending the last 4+ years on a low Malm bed that looked pretty nondescript! Haha.
xo,
s
Jennie says
You guys are so lovely. That’s all I have to say :)
Bec says
I like ’em! And you taught me a new word: finials. Who ever knew?
erika m says
I like the finials, and the art…I’m on the fence. I think you are right about it being kinda small for the space….but what do I know? I come here for the ideas! Anyways, have you guys checked out http://www.cb2.com for bench ideas? They have a moss grellow coffee table/bench http://www.cb2.com/furniture/sale/moss-grellow-coffee-table-bench/f5955
that screamed your room colors and I think it would look light and merge in your room lovely. Check it out-maybe you could DIY or do an ikea hack–or just buy it!
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh I love that! Thanks for the link. Very inspiring!
xo,
s
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
I have to admit, the Burger video was my favorite part of this post – he gets me every time. My dog Hamlet does the whole rooting underneath the covers thing too. Even though I’ve seen him do it hundreds of times, I still think it’s funny.