Bedroom Draperies Sneak Peek And My Search For A Unique Frame For Our Chapel Picture
Yesterday was an interesting day. I started out the day still feeling tired and drained from Matt’s hospital stay, and I had decided that I would just go ahead and take the day off. But towards the middle of the afternoon, I started feeling like the clouds of exhaustion were beginning to part, and I began feeling more like my normal self. And for some reason, I became hyperfocused on one thing — finding a new frame for our chapel picture.
I had originally planned on keeping the thin gold frame that’s has been on the picture for years now. But that frame is so thin that I kept wanting to put something else on that wall with it, and my mind naturally went to sconces since I really like wall sconces.
Several people suggested that I reframe the picture with a more substantial frame, and while I wasn’t originally open to it, I started to come around to that idea yesterday. So I decided to go to Michael’s and Hobby Lobby to see if I could find anything I like. I was even feeling so good, so energized, and so much more like my normal self that I got out in the pouring rain yesterday just to look for a new frame.
I didn’t find anything at either of those places. I even looked at the custom framing options, but nothing really caught my eye. I really had my heart set on finding something unique and different, but all I found (both ready-made and custom) were just standard, run-of-the-mill frames. None of that interested me at all.
But while I was at Hobby Lobby, I did pick up two lamps for the bedroom. I’ll admit that these were spur-of-the-moment purchases. I really like the shape of the lamp bases, and I like that the lampshades aren’t stark white. I bought them knowing that if I keep them, I’ll have to paint the bases in a color that coordinates with the room. But I wanted to get the whole vision, so I installed one of the curtain rods, and then hung one of the sheers (although I couldn’t find my drapery pins, so I had to use the clips on the drapery rings for now), and then I draped a piece of the dark teal velvet fabric over the curtain rod and pinned on the orange and cream trim.
Obviously, nothing is actual finished right now, but here’s a glimpse of where this is going…
Overall, I love it. Of course, you have to keep a few things in mind. First, I won’t be using those spring clips on the drapery rings. As soon as I remember where I stored the drapery hooks that came off of those sheers, I’ll hang them properly. Second, instead of attaching the orange and cream trim so that the whole 3-inch width showed, I tried wrapping it around the edge so that only half of it shows. I really like how that looks. I like that it adds just a touch of color without commanding too much attention like a 3-inch-wide trim would. And third, the finished drapery panels will obviously be pinch-pleated and hung on drapery rings so that the curtain rod shows all the way across. I don’t do gathered-on-the-rod curtains. But I just wanted to get the general idea of where this is heading.
But I’m not completely sold on the lamps. While I love the shape of the base and the shape and color of the lampshade, I think they’re a little bit too tall. I could remove this piece, which I think would make the height just right.
But I don’t think I realized just how rough the finish is on these bases until I got them home. They would require an awful lot of sanding to get them smooth enough to paint without that texture showing through. That rough texture is way too “farmhouse” for my personal taste. So I’ll probably take them back and look for something that has a similar base, similar shade, but that wouldn’t require so much prep work in order to paint them. Or, who knows? Maybe I’ll find some that are the perfect color and won’t require painting.
But then last night when I was on my computer, I saw an ad for a mirror from Wayfair that caught my attention — this Castellanos Mirror in a natural finish (affiliate link). Immediately, I thought, “That’s it! That’s the frame I want!” I don’t need a mirror, but I can always take the mirror out of the frame and just use the frame for my picture. Here’s what it looks like.
It was more money than I was wanting to spend on a frame, but after giving it some thought, I realized that it was around the price that I would have paid for a custom frame. So I went ahead and bought it. I’m very excited about it. Like I said, I had my heart set on something unique, and something that wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill picture frame, and I think this fits the bill. I did a little mockup of it so that I could see what it will look like.
The current gold frame is 24″ x 36″, and this new frame is 30″ x 40″. So with the new larger size and the eye-catching and unique design of the frame, I think the picture will be able to stand alone on that wall without me feeling the need to add something else to the wall. I’m really excited about this, and I sure hope it works out like I envision it. It’s supposed to arrive on Monday, so we’ll see!
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Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I like the shape of the lamps. They may be taller than standard bedside lamps but if your headboard is taller they may be the perfect height. I would continue to look for lamps that don’t require so much DIY work. I think the frame looks too heavy and busy for the painting. Also, with this frame being 6″ wider and 4″ higher than the current frame, the mat will be 3″ wider along the sides and 2″ wider on the top and bottom of the painting. I would want the mat to be the same width on all sides of the painting. I don’t care for the trim being folded over the edge of the drapes. I would prefer the trim placed about 1/2″ from the leading edge of the drapes using a wider overlap if necessary to really showcase the beautiful trim.
The picture is 20 x 30, and it’ll fit inside an opening that’s 25.25 x 35.5. It’ll be much more even than what’s on there now. Right now, the 20 x 30 picture is matted to fit inside a 24 x 36 frame. The mat that’s been on it for years is wider on the top and bottom than it is on the sides.
Love the lamps ( and yes, too tall) but the frame?
Mmmm….not so much. I mean it screams farmhouse bedpost way more
than the lamp does.
I’m glad you rested Wednesday morning and felt energized enough to do some fun things for the bedroom. When I saw the lamps my first thought they are too tall, so glad you landed there also. I like the idea of wrapping the trim around the edge of the curtain, I’ve never been thrilled with the trim and I think by darkening it and essentially reducing it to 1.5 inches has changed my mind. That little pop of color will visually break up the teal without being overwhelming. I’m always amazed at you mind and how you can tweak things just a little and they work. I love your chapel picture and really like the narrow gold frame. It frames the picture but allows the eye to focus on the picture itself. I actually like the new frame but just not for that picture. My eyes focused on the frame and not the picture and well, in my opinion, that picture of you and Matt at the chapel door should be the focus.
Lamps Plus “Color Plus” line has an amazing selection of colors and shapes if you’re hoping to find a specific shade.
“Shade” as in color, but they do have a lot of options for lamp shades in the Color Plus group as well.
Don’t know if you’re open to suggestions, but my preference would be to wait on the lamps until everything finished so you know what height, etc. Also, while I love the frame for the mirror I don’t love it with your artwork. I find it too busy and detracting from the picture. I don’t feel it compliments it but screams for the attention.
Hi here to say that I think you should use the full width of the trim. And I’m not sure about the sheers-they look too white.
To be frank, neither choice seems appropriate. The lamps are not up to your standards. The shades look wonky. Rough texture is not worth fiddling with. The world is full of lamps. Search on?
I think that frame grabs more attention than the picture. Seems out of place in that dignified space.
Drapery trim? Maybe — but appears ‘off’ to me. Too bulky if it is wrapped.
Everything is coming together and it looks super. Can’t wait. We are getting to the pretty stuff now.
Cheers to you, Matt and Team Fur! Here’s hoping that Matt is on the mend and your energy will get back to that normal supersonic you cruise at.
I really like your mock up of the curtains with the teal and orange! The whole area that you showed in the post just “works”! As someone with a bit of red-green colorblindness (yeah, I know, kinda weird for a woman), I have appreciated your posts about the colors you use and how they work together. You’ve helped me learn more about color and that’s always a good thing. The color pair that I see well is blue-yellow and the oranges are right next to the yellow and the teal is kinda close to the blue on the color wheel. So this works well for me! Enjoy the Thanksgiving week – may you and Matt be blessed!
Love the frame! Can’t wait to see it on the picture.
Just my two cents: I agree with others—the moment I saw the frame, my mind went straight to “farmhouse style”. I agree it completely detracts from the beautiful picture. I think a wider, simple gold frame would look best. Also, I think you can do lots better on the lamp selection. Maybe try Home Goods. They have some gorgeous lamps. You just have to be patient till you find the right ones. You’ll make it happen. All your rooms are beautiful.
Couldn’t agree more about lamps and frame.
If you ever need a custom frame, try American Frame online. You can mock in your art and mat and try different frames before you buy one. They have every frame imaginable. Then you would receive just a frame that would fit your artwork. It will come with what you need to wire it for hanging.
Second this company! Have not been disappointed.
I love the new “potential” picture frame!!
I do really like that frame…… but my style is more country and antique, so it may not be your style. It does compete a bit with the picture. Maybe a wide, flat, simple gold frame? I like the narrower strip of trim on the edges of the drapes. I suspect you’ll want to use something to ensure that it fits tightly to the drapery material so it doesn’t look bulky. As for the lamps, I agree with someone else that they might work better with a tall headboard being that tall. But the rough texture would take soooo much work to smooth out for an un-textured look. Love seeing everything coming together and the thought process going into it!
I agree with some others here…..the frame screams farmhouse, and your house isn’t. But….what if you painted the frame same color as bench legs? That would take away the ” farmhousey” look, and in my mind, it would be beautiful.
I think the frame will work! Are you going to paint it white, to tie in with the wainscoting? I agree on the lamps being too tall, and the rough texture doesn’t bother me, especially if it’s painted. Take caution if you order lamps from Amazon. I ordered a set of two, and when they came, I discovered the shades were assembly required. Where the seam was for the shade edges, there was a strip of hook and loop (Velcro) on each edge! I had never seen anything like that! The shades were lightly folded, which caused minor dents. I should have sent them back, but decided I would keep them and search for new shades – then I broke my shoulder and couldn’t deal with anything then! So I still need to hunt for shades. Also, the ads on your page are really out of control! They cover every space not taken up by your sections of comments!
Strange, I’ve never gotten ads on her page. Weird…..
Adding to my comments (ads distracted me) I was one who mentioned folding the trim on the drapes, and I like that much better! And if you decide you don’t like the mirror frame, why not build your own frame? With all the molding work you’ve done, a picture frame shouldn’t be hard for you. I would think about using the same wood that you will make the bed frame with. I see that photo of the chapel having a medium colored wood frame, maybe washed with a thin coating of whitewash. I always think photos of the outdoors should be in organic material to go with the outdoors!
I like the frame. It is unique and it ties the foyer area into the brown elements in the bedroom, i.e., blinds and nightstands.
Love the frame too! Brings everything together
If you like the wooden frame best then go for it! But just to throw out another option, this mother of pearl frame would be beautiful and reminds me of the capiz things you’ve been drawn to in the past: https://www.amazon.com/Tanmicoshomy-Rectangle-Rectangular-Bathroom-Horizontal/dp/B0CHW2Q5T2?th=1
Just a thought, you may want to include the headboard in your decision about lamp height. The headboard is a big design element on that same wall and would influence the visual balance of the lamp.
Love the lamps. Not a fan of the frame. You can get beautiful frames from a thrift store. All sorts of designs and cost is next to nothing.
I love your frame pick. Hope it looks good in person. It does have personality.
There were some good suggestions about the size & shape of the pillows. Have you considered any of those suggestions?
The lamps are okay but don’t really look like you. They actually look like me!!
I like the frame, but it’s chunky and overpowering your picture. Perhaps with a wider matte and painted green to match your bench, like someone suggested, would be more in line with achieving filling up the wall space. The curtains seem crowded now with the sheers, although I love the sheer curtains with the velvet. They offer privacy during the day and softens the look. Can you do without the border and just let whatever lamps you decide give you the color you’re wanting?
Kristi, everything is coming together beautifully! Why don’t you wait until the bed and headboard are in place, snd then decide on the lamps? I do have to say that I’m in the “don’t use that picture frame” camp (sorry). The foyer, the bench, and the picture have a lot of straight lines and the curvy shapes of the frame are very jarring. In addition, the frame takes away from your beautiful picture because it’s so distracting.
Nancy