Reclaimed Architectural Wall Decor Idea For Above The Bed
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This reclaimed architectural wall decor idea is a winner for sure. I shared the architectural piece a few weeks ago and promised a new project was coming. Guess I’ve been dragging my feet this week but I did finally get one post of the promised two written. The nightstand makeovers are coming next week for sure.
It looks good right. It’s always difficult to find the perfect piece for over the bed. I think I found the right one to hang above the new headboard.
This is how the piece looked before I painted it. I did start with another plan and even got as far as hanging the piece over the bed but it didn’t look right. I’ll tell you the story.
I bought the architectural piece at my favorite junk store several years ago. I used it on the mantel and you can see it here. After that it’s just been hanging out in the workshop. I couldn’t see selling it because it was just too special.
First step in the makeover was to give the piece a good cleaning. I used Simple Green and you can see how much dirt was in that one small area on the back where I started cleaning. Yuk. That black grime just built up over the years.
My first plan was to paint over the green details with blue because that is the color I’m using for small accent pieces in the brown master bedroom. I spent a good hour painting all those details blue.
For the hanger, I drilled two holes on the back.
Then placed screws in each hole. But didn’t drill them all the way in.
Next I wrapped wire around the screw just below the head……then I finished screwing the screw all the way in.
This is the easy way to hang stuff and I’m all about easy. It doesn’t work with everything but for this piece it’s perfect. I added foam wall protectors to the back also.
Now it was time to hang the architectural decor above the bed. And I did. And I looked at it several times during the day thinking I did good on the blue but something didn’t look right.
It needed to be painted so it would flow with the color of the headboard and also because the brown wood blended in with the brown of the wall. The paint I used is a special mix and I’ll share the details on that next week.
Now you guys know I have to distress all those lovely details. Since I wanted to save the pretty original wood stain I used Simple Green to distress the paint. You can see a tutorial I did before on using Simple Green as a distressing agent here.
It took a while to distress the whole thing but it was worth it.
I’m very happy with the results. Several areas on the long arm sides showed alligatoring of the old stain and it distressed nicely. You can see one of the areas on the left in the photo above.
I’m keeping an eye out for other special pieces to hang above the architectural piece. Maybe two or several small round items of some kind above each arm of the piece?
What do you think? Does it need more above the bed? I promise to have more photos and full bed and wall shots in the nightstands reveal post.
If you missed the headboard you can see where I put it together and set it up here. You guys have a great long holiday weekend and stay safe. Thanks for being here, Kathy
Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines.
The architectural piece is wonderful, Kathy. I like the way it looks with the white paint and distressing because I tend to like the look of white, shabby things. However, I have to agree with the others who question pairing it with the headboard. The styles are too different to be compatible to me. Also, placing it against the deep brown of the wall gives it a stark look to me. I can imagine it against a soft grey color where the contrast isn’t quite so jarring. I do think you did a great job with the painting and distressing. Anyway, thanks for being open to differing opinions. I love reading your posts!
It looks really great. Your creative touches look so much more welcoming and wholesome than store bought item that are available by the dozens. I love the originality . Have a blessed day.
I love the table base. It would look great with a marble top or quartz that looks like marble. Maybe a green quartz or granite? It’s beautiful no matter what you do.
Beautiful project and the paint does really make it stand out against the wall more. Can’t wait to see the second post. Thanks you for sharing with us and visiting this week at the #HomeMattersParty
Such a great architectural piece you came across! The paint technique looks amazing and it really pops on your darker wall.
Hey! I love that Princess castle idea. Thank you and I usually go my own way but I do listen to all opinions and sometimes I change my mind…… but not very often, lol.
Thank you Lori. Husband is doing better. Started physical therapy today but it’s going to be a while before he can really use that arm.
This is beautiful. If I happen upon something like this, I hope I can snap it up.
Also, hope your husband is doing well.
Love it and I think it totally goes with the headboard – like a princess castle setting. Your home is your domain to decorate as you wish, I do not go by other people’s opinions, I do what I like.
Thank you Bobby
Thank you!
Thank you!
True
Thank you!
You’re welcome and thank you
Yep, I’m looking for more pieces. Thank you
Happy Hunting!
Thank you!
Let me know what you think next week when I share the nightstands. Might be better or worse, lol. I can see adding another piece or two above this architectural piece but of course the shape and size will have to be just right.
I agree that it definitely isn’t the same style or even similar in design to the headboard. I guess I had the vision in my head and I’m not ready to let it go, lol. Maybe when I share the nightstands next week some of you will change your minds….or maybe not. Thank you for the kind comment. I always encourage everyone to share their opinion and critiques as long as they are thoughtful and not nasty.
That thing is GORGEOUS!! And you distressed it impeccably!!! WOW but I’m in agreement with the others who said I’m not sure it goes with the headboard? And I love how gracious you are when others give their unapproving opinion. YOU are unique and That’s why I keep coming back. Instead of unsubscribing after the 8th post I read! HAHA 😉 ?♀️
Keep it coming. ????
The architectural piece is great and the bed is nice…but, I am not sure they go together. I think the length of the piece competes with the width of bed. Not sure what it is, maybe the piece is just too long.
Hello to my favorite state~Tennessee.
That is a beautiful piece and I love that wall color too. Looks great.
Thank you for the comment. Everyone is welcome to their own opinion and I respect yours.
Whoops. I think this is not a good solution to this piece.
Would have been better restored. Credentials for critique : four art degrees, 3 houses on National Register. One Riad in Morocco – historical restoration. Forgive my opinion.
I love this idea and this piece!! I may find one of my own to do!
I love the piece loved how you painted it but I think it needs more. But that’s just what I think. Seems like most of your comments people thought no but I would keep looking for more pieces and then decide
Love, love, love architectural pieces! They are so beautiful. Your painting it and putting it up on the warm paint color, perfect? Total work of art? Thank you for the tip on wet distressing?
stunning! i absolutely love architectural pieces, and have many over my doors. as much as i’m reluctant to paint things, this was a good choice over that headboard and on that brown wall. not sure i’d add anything on the sides, but you’ll know if it works for you. thanks for sharing this beautiful piece!
Beautiful. Very strong on it’s own. Sometimes less is more….
I love that you were able to paint your wonderful architectural piece so wonderfully. I so enjoy your blog. thank for all the time you took to share this with us.
Love that architectural piece! It looks awesome above the bed!
The cool tones look really effective against that beautiful warm background colour.