DIY Project - Modifying the FJELLSE twin bed from IKEA - goal platform daybed
Platform beds seem to be crazy expensive these days and made form "engineered wood" (great ok yes i get it, just no longevity). So i began my search for a solid wood twin bed frame. I already new the bed had to be purple. I looked at all of my "goto" places and craigslist, which failed me. So I gave in and did the unthinkable. Yup, you guessed it IKEA. Don't get me wrong IKEA is great for certain things but when it comes to me and furniture I would rather re-use an existing piece and give it a new life. But you win some and loose some. This project and budget IKEA got me. The FJELLSE is an unfinished, solid wood, twin bed frame that I couldn't pass up, come on 29.99 (oh and slates which were about the same price as the bed; i will never understand that). To perfect right, I'll just have to modify it a bit, no worries.
So i thought, I actually haven't ever modified an unassembled - build it yourself, bed before (oohh man..). Usually they are already built and i saw a little hear and there, aahhh - the intimidation is setting in. Ok, just have a plan, I go through the directions and simplify the process - Not bad only 2 cuts. I have to cut the two longer leg/headboard pieces down to the same size as the footboard legs are. Simple as pie.
You'll see.....
cut and sand down the rough edges
the one on the left is the small already cut leg the right is the one i cut and sanded
time to paint
low voc-purple (Behr - color: wild grapes) waterbase semi gloss paint
finish it off with a waterbase laquer to protect it
I think this is the first project that I actually didn't have to run to homedepot more than once...sweet. So my planed out modified FJELLSE bed worked great! Planning it out and having the right tools really do save you time. I'm sure you've heard of "work smarter not harder" well this totally aplies to just about everything; thanks dad ;)
Gallery Wall
before
after
Plain walls? Here is a great way to make a statement in your small space.
It's also functional! (function should always be first) If you have lots of art and/or a small space this is a great way to use all the pieces you just had to have. This is a complete mix of canvases and frames. There really aren't any rules to what you hang, it's more how you hang them - in this case IT'S ALL ABOUT SCALE.
My trick is to hang the largest ones first (you can see they were the large earring holder on left and vogue frame, top right) and then just work in the others. Grouping some smaller frames help to balance out the larger ones (as seen in the 2 small frames below the vogue poster).
Picture Templetes - wall savers
Here's a cheater method that I started out with: make simple picture templets by tracing your frames on paper (you may have to tape several together for larger items), then just hang them up to see where and how you want them places, this will save you time and your walls.
Proper Hanging
You really dont want a frame whacking anyone in the head. So just get the right wall mounts, and dry wall screws. Especially for the heavier frames. I could tell you what works for me, but there are so many different scenarios that it's best just to ask your local hardware store.
Extra Storage
Painters tape is also great to help decide where you want your shelving
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF WALL SPACE is key in small spaces. Since there is never enough closet space, and minimal amount of floor space, walls are where it's at. I created a little arts and crafts station with just 2 floating shelves - functional and stylish.
