My first estate sale purchase!

So, instead of going to Wisconsin to complete the triathlon last weekend, I went to an estate sale.

I was reading the classifieds on Saturday and saw a big ad for a three-household estate sale in Omaha. They listed their website in case people wanted to see photographs of some of the items for sale. One of the photos I saw was this one:

It stopped me in my tracks.

We needed beds for one of our guest rooms since my mom and dad AND brother, SIL, and nephew are coming for Thanksgiving (wheeee!) and we only had beds for one room. So, I got myself into my minivan and headed on over to the sale to see if the beds were as pretty as they photographed.

Let me tell you ~ they were. Dark mahogany, simple style, still in really good shape. And the sale was for both beds, mattresses, and box springs for a very reasonable price!

I was so excited. Too excited, I guess, because I didn't pause to inspect the mattresses and springs. The owner gave me $50 off and I'm certain now that I should have asked for more. The mattresses were so old they had ticking on them and more than a few stains (I know ~ eeeewwww!). Jon was completely creeped out. But, I assured him that they would not enter the house and that I would dispose of them.

One of the box springs was really old as well. The other was newer, but was icky by association according to Jon, so the whole lot had to be gotten rid of. I'll be watching sale ads and Craig's List for twin mattress sets, but that's okay. The beds themselves are really lovely and I can't wait to get that room together before the fam comes to visit. 

There is one thing I need help with, though. There are no slats on these beds. The really old box spring was cut so that part of it nestled in between the rails and it had a lip that rested atop the rails. That kept the frame square and the spring from sliding about. Of course, modern springs aren't shaped that way. Any suggestions on how to keep a box spring securely atop the rails? All I can think of is attaching L-shaped brackets to the rails to hold the spring in place. Is that what people do who have old beds and new bedding?

Also on the home front, I went to Home Depot yesterday to check out paint colors. Too. Many. Choices! I think I'll be able to choose colors to take care of the god-awful colors in the (former) kids' rooms. But for the other areas that need paint, I think I'll wait until my sister in law gets here. She's awesome at choosing paint colors and has lots of ideas. I'll be happy to have her help!

Or maybe I'll get out my flip and take some video so you all can give me your ideas, tips, and advice. It may take the internet to help me decorate my house!

Comments

[Mary Alice]

I love the beds. I have no idea about the bed slats...but I'll bet my friend Jennifer does. She has several old bed frames, I'll ask her how she did it and get back to you. Can't wait to see what colors you pick for the rooms.

[Sara]

I love estate sales! (not too many around here) Auctions are lots of fun too. The beds are gorgeous!!

[Amber]

The beds are just like I pictured from your description. Great score girl.

[Mayberry Magpie]

OMG I covet those beds! Excellent purchase, no matter if they came with mattresses or not.

I just raided an estate sale for chairs for my carriage house. I'm going for a sort of shabby lake house look -- you know, like your grandma's castoffs, but in a Met Home kind of way? I brought home four mid-century club chairs today -- one leather, two chenille and one striped velvet -- and my kids said "they look so old-fashioned." And I had to ask myself, why am I even bothering considering the carriage house will be a teenager hangout? I should just buy stuff from Target and they'd think it's cool.

[Toni]

Very cool beds! Can you post a picture of the rails, please? I just can't get my head around your description - it almost sounds like the rails are upside down. Can they be retrofit with new rails? Regardless, they look awesome.

[Jenny Kerr]

Those are beautiful!

[gerri]

Jennifer,

We have an old antique iron bed that had the same problem. Beds of that era were not queen sized. So we have cut 2 x 4's (maybe) slats that sit on top of the frame extending just beyond the frame. This makes the mattress and box springs sit up higher than originally it would have been, but it works and I like it that way.

Hope this helps. So happy for you and your family for the new home. Take care, Gerri