ooooohhhhh! I think it can be great! I like the painted idea best!

Great find!

tina

My Mom was just over to see it and she pointed out the frame doesn't go with the bed. *smacking forehead*

It's a twin frame and full headboard. I didn't notice it the way it was propped up. I believe the lady did actually rig it to work that way because of something she said but I wish she would've mentioned it. However, I know it was my responsibility as a buyer to pay attention so oh well. I do kind of feel like she tried to trick someone into taking the frame.

Tina - Yeah, I usually don't like painting older wood funiture but I think this will look best that way.

Love it, love the shape. It's going to look great!

I love that headboard too. Who cares about the frame? That's easy enough to replace but an interesting shape is not.

Great buy!

Thanks!

Dad saw it later and says the whole thing was handmade without power tools; has old square nails, etc. He was showing and explaining to me how it was put together. Said whoever made it knew what they were doing. He believes it to be chestnut except for the top spindle part which he thinks is maple. He was all excited talking about it since furniture today isn't made like it used to be.

When the time comes I'll be on here asking for ideas what to do with it. :)

What a great find! I love the shape of it and think it will be beautiful when you fix it up. (And PLEASE post pictures when you do!)

I could tell it was a nice piece of furniture from the photo, but reading about what your dad told you made me even happier for you. What a score! These are my favorite kinds of posts. :-)

I vote for restoring that beautiful wood and then using tucked (is that the right term?) leather/fabric/nailheads in the middle.

Um, if it is all made by hand is made of chestnut, then I wouldnt paint it.( no I don't have a fever) Hand made with square nails? Chestnut hasn't been used for furniture since the chestnut blight( long longago) killed off the mature chestnut trees. This is not a mass produced piece-You have a wonderful find there. perhaps to hand refinish (not RAF) and then a wonderful fabric upholstered area covering the dragon.
You can use that to make a bench, it doesnt just have to be a headboard.
Truly awesome find!! you might want to think carefully before you decide how to finish/paint it!

I love the shape of the headboard - what a great find! I, too, am hesitant about painting well-made antique furniture. But, lately I've come to the realization that I'd rather have a piece that I can use and enjoy, as opposed to keeping it original and and n0ot being as pleased. I can't wait to see what you do with it!

In any case, sand it down gently and see what you think then. You need to get to a clean surface before knowing fully what you have....

Shee, you mentioned you found a good bit of stuff at the yard sale. Was anything else decor related? That headboard is so great, would love to see what else you found! (Hope this isn't too nosy)

Ha, Cooper! I'll probably have someone at least strip it for me. There's also some worm holes which was cool because I only ever saw reproductions.
I want the room to have a mix of painted and stained wood. The current dresser and armoire I have will get paint makeovers and the top of the dresser stained dark. This will end up in future baby's/child's (can you tell I'm crossing my fingers for a girl?) room.

Nancy - Not nosey at all. I found some nice clothes and a few housey things. My favorite is the light but I know my sister would love it and it'll look really nice at her house so it's going to be part of a b-day surprise. The lady said it was from a local Mom and Pop store but it reminds me of something from Pottery Barn. I also bought an old globe but already gave it to my sister because she's been collecting them. Here's a picture of the rest.
{{!gwi}}
I found a tutorial online on how to make photo square/cubes. I think I'm going to fill it and use it in the foyer. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with the other stuff but I like to change things around so I have a large container in the attic with odds and ends I shop in from time to time.

Chestnut, hand turned, square nails? That would be going to a pro if it were mine. And I'd do a padded insert to cover the dragon. OR...ask the restorer to find some nice walnut burl or bird's eye maple veneer and book-match it. In fact, I'd be tempted to go with the maple...so you get an obvious contrast from the rest of the piece. Nothing worse than having something that almost-but-doesn't-quite match. Maybe finish it in a honey tone that complements the dark chestnut. Yes, it would be pricey. But I think you've got an heirloom quality piece there.

GREAT FIND!

Its Gothic revival. I would not paint it but refinish it, and if I upholstered the middle I would make sure it was easily removable.

Thanks for sharing those, Shee. I just love them! What a great yard sale.

Awesome, awesome score my Forum Friend!

Photo square cubes? Would you share the tutorial link? Sounds interesting. You really scored on that headboard, especially since it was all hand made. Think of the hours someone spent making that and now it's yours!

Saw a website they took a great old head board painted it added hooks and created a towel rack in the bathroom. Thought it was a great way to re-use and give something old new life

DH and I were just talking about how all the chestnut trees on the farm were lost to blight back in the day. :( They are very, very rare in their native, historic US locations. (I read where a couple mature ones have been found, and one the DNR didn't report its discovery for 8 years.)

Were it me I'd treat this as a precious treasure that can't be readily replaced. And a most excellent score! :)

As a side note, I have a head board that didn't want to attach to the frame properly. I ended up just propping it against the wall with the bed bracing it. It's in the guest room and sits perfectly fine that way, no slipping or anything.

Natesgram - I attached the link below. I don't have photoshop so I'm not sure if I can upload these to the free Gimp program or something else. I thought it was a really neat idea though.

Moon - My Dad mentioned building a new frame but it might be easier to do something like that.

Here is a link that might be useful: Styleburb blog - photo cubes

I'd certainly have it checked out before I did anything to it. Look for any markings and if any take pic of it/them and send with full pic and description given by your dad to a good antique dealer.

check out first that it is chestnut.

Love those cubes, sent the link on to my DD and DDIL as they are great with photoshop. Might even make nice ornaments. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.buysoilpainting.com/