I never really showed off the finished hand-painted German-style bed for the guest room, so I thought it was high time.
To recap, this is the German-style hand-painted bed I used as inspiration. I found it in a magazine about ten years ago and always loved it.
I knew the chances of finding a bed like that were pretty slim, so I looked for one with a shape that could work and I planned to paint it myself. I found this bed at an antique store for $100. The high headboard and curved footboard were about as good as I was going to get, I think. It was beaten up and the finished was crackled, probably from being stored in an attic, barn or garage, but that worked to my advantage when it came to creating an authentically antique-looking finish.
I painted it in MMS Milk Paint French Enamel.
I then painted some borders in MMSMP Apron Strings and chalked out the designs.
…and hand-painted them.
The rest of the hand painting was done in Linen and Mustard Seed Yellow. It made me so happy that my milk paint colors were so perfect for this hand-painted German-style bed that I had pictured in my head for so long!
The painting looked a little too new, so I distressed it with a fine sanding sponge…
…and applied Antiquing Wax to bring out the texture and imperfections of the original finish. It also acts as the topcoat to protect the painted surface.
Everything is found or vintage except the sconces are from Pottery Barn and the sweet bolster pillow is the Madeline Gold Neckroll from Pine Cone Hill.
The fabric used on the bolster is based on a 1920’s silk fabric, so it worked well with the vintage and antique pieces in the room.
I am still planning to make a duvet cover out of this discontinued fabric I bought from a reader, but I haven’t gotten around to it, yet.
I’m also leaving the curtains as fabric lengths that are just clipped in place. It means I have to deal with frayed threads and I’m always tucking the raw edges under, but I don’t want to hem them, since we’re hoping to sell our home. I’ll hem the curtains in the next house.
I also never hung the vintage chandelier I bought for the room, again, keeping it for the next house. Just imagine with me, how amazing it will look above that bed once the crystals are on!
I grew up in Germany, so the style of this bed really speaks to me. It’s like a little piece of Bavaria in my guest room.
The bed turned out beautiful. What I really love those is the curtains…they really make your paint job pop because it brings out all of the colors in the bed and it gives that Bavarian flavor. So pretty!
It’s amazing how you recreated the exact shade of blue from the one in the magazine. I love the way it turned out. It’s also fun to see how you approached this project, step by step.
The bed is completely stunning! I LOVE it! The curtains are a fantastic choice also!
Beautiful….But, when do you ever find time to sleep? 🙂
This is absolutely beautiful! I look forward to your renovation photos! They give me hop that I really can do it too
I was wondering if you knew that “IHS” is a Christian symbol, often used in Catholic religious art? Originally it was a shortened form of Jesus Christ in Greek. Its also symbolizes “Jesus, Savoir of Men” in Latin. This explains, of course, the cross and the heart (the Sacred Heart of Jesus) in the original decorations you copied it from. It all makes sense since Bavaria is the Catholic part of Germany. It just startled me at first, seeing it on your headboard, since I was used to seeing it in our catechisms, prayer books and religious art. Christ’s blessings on those who sleep there.
I knew this was a Catholic image since I have seen it in our churches. Thanks, Kate, for the detailed explanation of what the image represents!
Beautiful…and Im not a “blue” person. I appreciated Kate’s explanation of the symbolism. I love it how that info sometimes comes…after the fact! Great job. Its got my wheels spinning as we just bought a home, and “inherited” the new store bought “blond” wood. I guess there will be a good bit of sanding ahead for me…:) Laura
Yes, I did know that and see it as sort of a blessing on the people who stay in our guest room. 🙂
This is the most beautiful piece you’ve done yet. Gorgeous.
This is just beautiful…a new/old heirloom…
I also think this is the most beautiful piece you’ve ever done and you’ve done some good ones. I love that you used the religious symbol on the bed; it is like a banner of love.
Ginene
The bed is simply beautiful. Your paint colors are soft and easy on the eye. I love working with them in my shop. I painted with Apron Strings the other day and now it is my favorite. A chest sold in less than a week. By adding a touch of Ironstone you have the most wonderful coral.
Gorgeous! Truly gorgeous…I often see nice shaped but BORING wooden bed over here in France ~ You’ve got me thinking, now…ta very muchly, PP
OMG, this piece is just fabulous! It’s the perfect example of making lemonade out of lemons!
A work of art. Just beautiful.
Are you going to leave the chandelier the same or paint it? I have a similar one and am undecided to paint or not to paint.
Wow you did an awesome job. I love this!
It’s absolutely gorgeous! Great job!
Your MMS Milk Paint colors matched perfectly probably because those colors impressed you & kept your love for over 10yrs so when making your palette of colors, those were your fall backs.
I’ve found thru all my fav Pins on Pinterest that I LOVE the verdigris Turquoise hue the most as 98% of my pins have that exact same hue, lol
Love the hand painting & the bed shape itself. !!!!
The fabric for the duvet is so perfect. Great job.
I prefer your bed and chosen colors to the one in the magazine.
I am amazed. It looks so authentic it would be hard not to see this as an original piece. BTW I also love the cute little stool next to the bed with the ironstone platter as a top! Beautiful job on the entire room!
This the most beautiful bed I have EVER seen! Such a true artist! The room is fabulous!
This bed is a thing of beauty. How privileged your guests must feel to sleep in such a bed! Of all the wonderful pieces you have done, this one deserves to be passed down through generations as a treasured heirloom.
Stunning job Marian. I look forward to seeing the duvet finished and on your
lovely bed! But, no rush…you could probably use some down time after the
last few weeks.
Marian,
I too think this is the best piece you have ever done! The colors of the fabric you are making the duvet from will look smashing on this bed!
I love that the bed has the Christian symbols on it, that makes it even more special!
Blessings
You have got it girl.
Unbelievably, I have the very same clipping stashed in my “to do ” book! Great job!
If anyone was on the fence about being a fan of yours, this would push them over the top! Such a beautiful work of art! Thanks for sharing as always. I love you and look forward to all your posts.
Marian, not only is this the most gorgeous piece you’ve ever done, it is far more beautiful than the inspiration piece. It is gorgeous! Congratulations on a fantastic job!
Love the best. Love the curtains. Love everything about the room. I’ll be over about 8 p.m. in my jammies and test out that room for you.
The bed is absolutely gorgeous, Marian. I can’t wait to see the ‘new guest room’ when you move and hang the chandelier, finish the curtains, and make a duvet cover from that pretty fabric. It’s going to look like it came straight out of a fairy tale.
Stunning. The whole room. I am curious. I often see beds at estate sales and I’m tempted but am not sure how they will fit with modern mattresses and often there are no frames. Did you just mount the head and foot board to a modern metal bedframe?
What a beatiful room! You are an amazing artist
Congratulations on yet another success, Marian. I have always wished I had the confidence and courage to “just do it”. As my daughter always says ~ You can always buy another can of paint if you don’t like it!!!!
well done on recreating your dream bed. it’s so satisfying when a plan works out so well.
love that chandelier.
Fiona x
Funny, I thought the IHS was for “In His Service” but I remember now the original intent. A good reminder either way.
The bed is stunning and your guests may never leave! I love the mix of the buffalo checks and the new pillow with all the vintage – they really complement one another and keep things from looking stuffy. Same for the PB lamps and antique chandelier, when they are paired in your new home.
Very nice! I just did a coffee table, armoir & chairs with decorative painting in MMSMP. It is my new favorite thing!
I know your guests will appreciate all the hard work and time that you put into making this bed look so beautiful. I especially love the blue and white quilt. I have been looking for one with a similar pattern/colors and also light weight for summer.
Love the bed! Have a question for you, I have a similar bed which did not come with any side boards. I’m assuming they would be shorter than most beds as the mattress fits into the curved foot board. I know you are a busy person, but if you ever get the time would you measure the side rails for me? Hubby would be happy to make them for me but needs me to tell him the length.
Thanks so much for your inspiration!
Nancy
Your bed is lovely and I love the touches of yellow in the room and that chandelier!!! Can’t wait to see it all pulled together once you move! Good luck with everything:)
Boy, would I enjoy being a guest in that bedroom! It’s a beautifully restored bed and I love everything you’ve done in that room!
That bed is one of most beautiful pieces I’ve ever seen. Thank you for sharing all the detail on how you created it.
Love! Especially with the red checked curtains
Beautiful job Marian. I see I’m not the only one who recognized the Catholic symbols. I grew up in the Catholic Church, and those symbols are on altar pieces. I love the colors you used on the bed; it suits the room very well.
Blessed are the guests who get to sleep in that beautiful bed! You have such a good eye to have seen the potential of that neglected head and footboard. Thank you for the tutorial, too!
The room has come together lovely, I do like the way you have dressed the bed. Your bed is almost identical to the other one, you achieved exactly what you wanted and I am sure your guests will love to stay in this room.
Lee 🙂
Love everything about the bed, lighting, fabrics…it’s heaven.
I am especially loving the big red checked curtains that pull the rred around the room.
Please can you tell me where you found those curtains or the fabric.
thanks and congrats on a beautiful room that anyone would live to stay in.
Beautiful job, I love the blue and white pinwheel quilt at the foot of the bed! wish it was min 😉
WOW! This really looks amazing. I love the bed and the curtains are a wonderful touch. I do love checks!
I heard that Tom Brady is supposed to come down to the Redskins training camp here in Richmond, Virginia. You could come down and watch the guys run their drills AND you could give a painting class or two while you’re here! What do ya think? huh?
Beautiful room!
The bed is truly a work of art, Marian. The paint, the fabrics, every detail in the room just says comfort and charm! I have a round-end bed very similar to this sitting in my basement waiting for some magic {and a similar chandelier, too). I hadn’t been able to decide if I wanted to paint over the dark wood, but I think you’ve convinced me. My bed has some missing/splintered veneer on the footboard, and I’m wondering if you have a recommendation for what to fill that with?
Your bed is spectacular, and the whole room just gorgeous!
Jeanette
really stunning!!
It’s absolutely stunning!!
… and if you ever get sick of it you can ship it to me 😉
You’re an artist and my inspiration……
Absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to see the duvet too. You should be very proud of yourself.
This is so impressive! I just LOVE it!!!
Actually, upon taking a second { and third and fourth 🙂 } look, I see your footboard has the same broken veneer. I guess it would be okay to smooth out the sharper areas and paint over that. I do love seeing the imperfections, just don’t want things getting snagged on it.
I’m headed over to watch your “Selling Wholesale” video in the business course. Thanks again for all the great material!
Jeanette
I just finished using your hemp oil on my front door…seems to apply okay although, as an oil, it’s a bit drippy but that is just technique.. the door really absorbed it and it was nice to know that it’s food grade, so no odor and no worries.. I recommend this product.
Absolutely amazing! What a great job you did on this bed! I kept saying “No way!” but it’s evident that you did it! Lucky is the guest who gets to stay in your house & use this beautiful bed; I’m sure their dreams will be sweeter for having slept there.
The guest room looks so inviting and fresh. Loving those red buffalo check curtains
Perfect in every-way…love your creative spirit.
Happy Day
Absolutely beautiful. You have such an eye for beauty, serenity and graciousness!!
The bed is absolutely amazing! Could you tell me more about the meaning or interpretation of the design on the headboard. thanks
You are sooo incredibly talented. That is a work of art. Any guest would be honored to sleep on that beauty!
That bed belongs in the little cabin we are building. It fits in my dream of how I want things to look.
Also, so jealous of those sconces. I wan the brass ones, but they are sold out. Dang!
I also grew up in Germany on an AF base (well, spent 6 years there) and just returned yesterday from a 2 week trip to Bavaria and now I want your bed! I hadn’t been back in 20 years and it’s still such a special, beautiful part of the world that I wish I could live there again.
I absolutely LOVE these curtains! Where could I find some just like these? I love all
of your ideas, so stunning!
This is amazing.
What beautiful colors! My mother gave me her hope chest and I gave it to my teenage daughter. I think French Enamel would make the hope chest spectacular!
Love the bed! thank you for the wonderful step by step instructions. Unfortunately I do not think I have your artistic talents.