Day Bed Makeover

Before this porch was finished it housed our previously owned four poster bed, a large loveseat, a random chair, and odd boxes that we needed out of the way. I knew it had potential but I couldn't get started because I was trying too hard to make the loveseat work as the foundational piece for this space. It was a little too small and even though the colors worked, it just wasn't that comfortable. Oh, and then Sunday took her moving stress out on one of the cushions so one problem was solved. 

I decided a daybed might work and it wasn't but a few days later that I went to one of my favorite thrift stores and found this in the back where they keep disassembled beds. I had taken measurements of the porch and this daybed was exactly 1/2" less wide than the room. Phew! Also, it wasn't coming apart and just barely fit into our volvo. Note: Always keep bungee cords in your trunk. I got it home and then went and bought two 10' planks and some particle board (that I had cut to fit at Lowe's) to replace some missing planks. I sanded, primed, and spray painted the wood with two coats of Krylon celery before bringing it onto the porch. 

Next I laid the particle board down and told the kids they were not allowed to jump on the daybed! I'd love to buy some thick foam and cover it to add some more comfort but I currently just have a camping mat on top of the particle board. I then layered a thick vintage bedspread on top and placed coordinating pillows leftover from the loveseat around the edges to cozy it up.

I love how the mint coordinates with the mango-colored walls and that the simple lines aren't dated. I probably spent about $38 on that project and used a lot of things I already had on hand rather than going out and buying new bedding and cushions. It's another example of how you can really transform a space working within certain restrictions (budget, ownership, space) without spending a lot of money. Look for the potential in what you already have (or see at the thrifts) and only buy things you love as you go and you're sure to always find a use for them no matter how many times your space changes. 

-Rachel