Let's Talk About...Beds

Whenever I walk into my bedroom, the first

thing I see (and really, the first thing I want to see) is my bed... my soft, comfortable, welcoming bed. Cause let's face it, there's nothing quite like a good bed. But when you think of your bed, and whether you like it, you're generally thinking of how it feels - the mattress, the sheets, the blankets, and not how it feels in the space. A beautiful bed is all the more inviting, and can dramatically change your space from just another room or a college-esque decor, into a refuge, a place for relaxation, a place for fun...i.e. a real bedroom. But I do think that sometimes it's difficult to be eco-friendly in the bedroom when you're talking about the bed itself. If you don't want the typical 'eco' bed that's usually a whole lot of wood, platform, and either very modern or very organic looking, you might think there aren't a lot of options. That's where antiques come in, adding a whole lot of impact on style instead of on our natural resources. Because these beds were made long ago, aren't going into a landfill, and aren't using up new resources, chemical finishes, etc., they're a great choice...and you can definitely find some super cool ones.

If you think the bed above, a gorgeous but very traditional 19th C. carved oak bed is too much like something your grandma would have good - maybe you can just ask her for it. Seriously though, it's all about how you dress something up. Maybe an antique like the one above is perfect, and maybe it needs a little something - so why not get a water based paint, spray it white, and apply one of the cool and funky Mod Green Pod (and eco-friendly) fabrics below? It will not only change the bed - it will change your entire room!

I absolutely love the beds below. The first is a Weinberg bed, the second a Lucite Canopy bed from the 70s...both absolutely fabulous. I love the button detail and wood frame around the angled and curved head and foot boards - and the legs - very Danish, very fab. And Lucite? Well - it doesn't get any cooler than that!

And although completely different, these beds below are every bit as fantastic as the ones above. Maybe it's because I'm at heart 100% a Jane Austen fan, but these beds lend a sort of story book and dreamy quality to a bedroom - the carvings or inlay and veneer, are exquisite, and would make any bedroom welcoming - and if you don't want to go the traditional route entirely, pair these with more updated and contemporary side tables, bedding, and draperies.

If you like the look of wood, but want something polished, sleek, and with a little more funk - no worries - 1st Dibs will still have what you're looking for. Check out these fantastic 1960s beds, by Chapo on the left, Danish on the right. Just stunning.

And when you don't have the space for a full sized bed, why not a daybed? I love the soft curves the upholstered head and foot boards and the airy feel of the carved cabriolet legs, giving this piece a comfortable and country feel. And by contrast, this very urban looking leather daybed is simple, contemporary and uber chic...even though it's been around for years.

Whatever your needs, it's not necessary to be limited in style or eco-friendliness. Reduce, reuse, recycle - it's a great concept to live by...and sometimes, can be the key to a perfectly designed space.