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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

  1. Aimée says

    Wowee – look at YOU on BBC News!! is it weird that I feel proud?!
    You guys are so inspiring, both in what you do and how you do it. Every weekend, I try to accomplish at least 1 little thing towards making our(rented)house our (temporary)home – from hanging up a picture to moving the furniture around but those little things really do make a difference.
    Thank you for making it all seem so do-able!

    Reply

  2. Tasha says

    So cute! That is something I would love to have in my own grown-up room. I bet she would enjoy rotating some toys or objects in the cages. I can easily imagine those being used for many years, maybe with a change of color on occasion.

    Reply

  3. Jeanna says

    I think the birdcages add a bit of whimsy to her room………. love the white one especially! Very special. Now that Claras room is coming together, I was wondering which way you were leaning on the dresser. Painting or staining?

    Reply

  4. Karen f says

    I love how the vertical lines of the birdcages mimic the pattern of the curtains! I can’t believe how quickly this room is coming together.

    The BBC video is great – Clara is especially aborable, and Sherry, you look gorgeous (John, you look very nice, too) I hope you guys find a better balance this year, so you can keep doing this for a long, long time :)

    Reply

  5. Sayward says

    This room is adorable, and congrats on the BBC interview! I’m always so proud of you guys when things like this happen. I’m all like, my “friends” had a baby! My “friends” wrote a book! My “friends” were on the BBC! I’m sending you major virtual chest bumps right now where we both end up pathetically knocking each other to the ground.

    P.S. You were on the BBC. Downton Abbey is on BBC. You achieved ONE DEGREE OF SEPARATION from Bates. So, so jealous.

    Reply

  7. Koliti says

    Hanging the birdcages from the ceiling is such a fun idea!

    For little kids like Clara, I have a safety concern…
    Do you think she will try to stand on her daybed and grab the bottom of a birdcage to swing from it? And if you do put something (stuffed animal) inside the birdcage, would she try to climb up to get it out?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Great question! We’ve told her they’re only for looking and not for touching (and haven’t put anything tempting in them for now, just to establish that). We figure since she didn’t pull the Christmas tree down on herself (or try to climb it) after we told her it’s only for looking and not for touching, she’ll be awesome about following that direction with the birdcages too, but of course we’ll keep an eye on her like we always do around the house just in case ;)

      xo
      s

    • Emily says

      When I was little I used to climb the shelves in my closet to get stuff off the top shelves – Like twelve feet, maybe? My parents never knew. Flash forward to my early twenties, trying to get something from the top shelf and finally being betrayed by the shelves. Whole middle unit came crashing down. I didn’t get too hurt, but my dad called to me from downstairs, wanting to know what happened. It was slightly embarrassing.

      I thought I had a point to this, but maybe I don’t. Or maybe I was thinking that things happen. You can’t safeguard everything. And Clara appears to be a bit house-smarter than me at three (three?) than I was mid-twenties.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, it’s so true! You really can’t safeguard everything, we just try to keep an eye on her and breathe easier knowing that she’s totally the kid to delicately pet a worm outside (not jump on it or squish it- she seems very deliberate, slow, and gentle). Who knows how long it’ll last but we’re soaking it up while we can! Haha!

      xo
      s

  8. Randa says

    Loved watching the BBC video and reading their article… so cute that they spelled words British-style in your quotes (“we realised,” for example).

    Clara’s room is really looking fantastic, and you’re not even done!

    Reply

  10. Jill says

    This is one of the many differences between boys and girls. My two boys would definitely perch themselves on the edge of the daybed to try and swing from those birdcages. Beautiful room!

    Reply

  12. Kristin says

    I love the bird cages! I also just purchased some prints from The Wheatfield yesterday on Etsy. I am even more excited to get them now! :)

    Reply

  15. Erica M says

    Thought of Clara’s room last night – saw a bunch of cute red and pink picture frames in Target’s 70% off V-day aisle! :)

    Reply

  17. Amy says

    So cute! The reds and links are very lively. I love it!

    Total aside, but I had a dream last night that you, Sherry, are pregnant again, but waiting to reveal until May. You actually drew a picture of you, John and Clara, and then you drew a smiley face in your belly. It was bizarre…but then again, I’m pregnant myself and my dreams have been beyond weird lately. :)

    Reply

  18. Laurena says

    Love the room! Looks great with the variety of colours and the decor items. The empty bird cages are creepily cool. haha.

    Love the BBC video, you two are so honest and great at explaining how to have a work-life balance. And the side pony-tail looks cute!

    Reply

  20. Bethie says

    Yayay! So pumped that you made it on the BBC!! I’m an American living in London and I was shocked when bloggy/decorating friends didn’t know who y’all were!
    PS: Oh, and the room is super cute. Really coming along! ;)

    Reply

  22. Shelley S. says

    Love how the room is shaping up! On a side note, I live in Va. Beach and enjoyed reading the article about you all in the local paper – after all, we’re practically neighbors!!

    Reply

  24. Kara says

    The room is looking so great! I love the birdcages, definitely unexpected and awesome! :)

    I have a quick curtain question, as I just bought fabric to make my own. I know you use heat n bond ultra, but what width do you usually go with for the hem tape?

    Thanks!
    Kara

    Reply

  25. Lauren {l'amour chez nous} says

    I love the unusual choices you add to Clara’s room, like bird cages. It’s adds such a unique and personal dimension to the room, and I never would have thought of it.

    I agree with a previous comment: decorating kids rooms should definitely be book 2!

    Reply

  28. Sara says

    Have you seen the tree bookshelves? (I know there are more than a few versions out there) I’m totally imagining a tree shelf stacked with kid books and some birds behind those birdcages. Love them! Clara is so lucky to have parents who love making a beautiful place for her to be!

    Reply

    • Suzanne says

      Ok yes, the tree bookcases in that corner sound awe-some, don’t they!!

      Such a pretty peaceful place for a little girl. She’ll make many memories here. Personally, I like the teal, and I like the navy, but not liking them together at the moment – throws the eye around too much IMO.

      Maybe the navy dresser will ground the navy enough (but you may need to photoshop what the bed would look like if it were navy too). Good Luck!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, I think once the dresser is updated and the navy sheets come in along with a little more art it’ll make a lot more sense! Can’t wait to see how it comes together!

      xo
      s

  30. Sara says

    I am so in love with her room… and the bird cages. I think Fred Armisted would be honored. Perhaps you can help me come up with a fun kid’s bathroom idea that still works as a guest bathroom. I love the coral, aqua, cream color combo and think it could be something “beachy”. Thoughts? How do you keep it fun for kids but not bombard house guests with rubber ducks and elmo?

    Reply

  31. KarenH says

    Oh, I love the whole room! I’m not the biggest fan of birdcage as decorations, but I like them in the room. I think Clara’s room is turning out very sweetly :)

    This weekend, I’ve just been trying to figure out how to put child-safe eyes on a baby quilt where the blocks are all floppy eared dogs in red and black. I think I’m stuck with embroidery, which I was really hoping to avoid.

    Reply

  32. Shannon says

    I love it! I actually have 3 birdcages hanging from ribbon in a cluster in my daughter’s room, only hers are much smaller. And I am also a huge fan of Katie Daisy and have a few prints including one in my daughter’s room. :)

    Reply

  33. Sara says

    Way to go on the BBC article! I love the birdcages. What a fabulous idea. My sister made a bird mobile for my daughter’s room when she was born- I may have to hunt down a complimentary cage for the birds now. I just have one question- Why did you choose the colored ribbons as opposed to clear fishing twine for hanging the birdcages? I like the colors, but for some reason, the ribbons seem a little distracting to me.

    Reply

  34. Kim says

    The BBC!!! THE BBC!!! You guys are so big time. What a fantastic article. I’m not going to lie. I got a little choked up watching.

    Reply

  35. Sara says

    The BBC article is great, and I loved the video! The birdcages are super cute too and add a lot to the room.

    This is such a little thing that I’m almost embarrassed to suggest it, but have you tried pulling the blanket all the way up on the bed so that the sheet doesn’t show at all? I think because it’s a daybed, it looks really odd to have the blanket folded down like that. A quick google image search confirmed my suspicions that blanket all the way up is the way to go. Just a thought. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s not long enough to cover the whole bed, but we have an idea that’ll hopefully make it all come together (involving the new sheet set and some pillows) so stay tuned…

      xo
      s

  37. Jenny @ We G Three says

    Looooooove Katie Daisy! In fact, I think I need to check my mailbox, I’m expecting something from her for my daughter’s room!

    Also? Baby Ruby watched that BBC video of you guys with me, and was diving for John’s mouth again. She must really love his teeth!

    And also? I had a dream last night that I was having a “business lunch” of falafels with you guys. Not sure what business we were doing, as I’m a teacher turned stay at home mom, but… the falafels were good!

    Reply

  39. Penni McNamara says

    Selfishly I hope you paint the dresser (with chalk paint!) so I can see how it looks. I have a similar object I want to paint but I’m terrified I will make it look worse…

    Reply

  44. Coran says

    The birdcages look great! I love the combo of white, pewter, and red. The current sheet on my screen looks so similar to the wall color that it just blends well… I’m sure whatever change ups you do in the future will look great as well. And if you haven’t heard enough – thank you for your blog!! It’s a nice break in my day to read along with my tea and news reads. It’s inspiring! Keep on rocking!

    Reply

  45. Kate says

    Love it! It really balances out the height of the bed. I have been worried about that, but keep reminding myself that we are dealing with “the middle.” And reminding myself that it’s not my room and, thus, not something I should worry about. ;) Great job as always.

    Reply

  46. LuLu says

    I almost always end up loving everything you guys do. Heck you wouldn’t have to do anything but put up hashtags for instagram photos without the photos and I’d still be one of your biggest fans but I’m not thrilled about all the gray and black in a little girl’s room. (The black being the light cover.) Just doesn’t seem happy enough. Although I’m sure you will do just ONE thing later on (like when you changed the rug in the living room) that will make me fall in love.

    LuLu

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Lulu! Maybe it’s your monitor, because that lamp shade is actually navy! It ties into the fun curtains and the navy frames in her frame collage. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  48. Jill in Colorado says

    I love the addition of the birdcages!! Especially love the three colors. I bought a white birdcage last summer for my sunroom; I think I hugged it all the way home too! I put the little white fairy lights in it at Christmas and think they’re going to live there now.
    Loved the BBC interview too. You guys are so big time!

    Reply

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