One Bed Four Ways

We gave a plain-Jane headboard four fresh looks using paint, stain, fabric, and decorative moldings. Then we dressed each bed with linens and accessories that complement the style of the headboard, from clean-lined to dressed to the nines. The result: a quartet of dreamy retreats you'll love snuggling into.

Sweet Swedish
From the acanthus leaf motif along the top to the delicate scrollwork in the panels, decorative resin moldings transform this headboard from Shaker to Swedish. Arrange the moldings on the unfinished headboard, steam to release the glue inside them, and press them in place. Attach purchased finials by drilling holes into the top of the headboard, inserting a wood dowel, then setting the finials on top of the dowels with wood glue. Once all the embellishments are in place, paint everything pale blue, then use a combination of staining, glazing, ragging, and sanding to achieve the charming aged finish that highlights the delicate carved look of this headboard makeover.

To give the room a graceful vintage look, choose antique or reproduction linens and a tablecloth and curtains edged with lace or tatting. Pile on a striped duvet and cherry red quilt to keep the scene from looking too old-fashioned. And don’t shy away from red on the walls. Romantic and right at home in a bedroom, cool reds pair well with light blues.