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bee791

Changed guest room queen bed to twins, now it looks too small, HELP!

6 years ago


My grands are too old to share a bed, so I changed from a queen to twin size beds. I have tried several positions... but on the window wall, the beds interfered with the plantations shutters and looked straight into the bathroom. So I placed the beds on the only solid wall. There is 26 inches of space on each side and 18 inches between them. The bedding is orange, taupe and white. I need your advice as to how to make the most of this small space. I tried putting white scalloped mirrors over both beds but they were to small. I tried white furry benches at the ends of the beds but they didn’t seem to work either. My problem is balance and scale, and the fact that I can’t pull this room together. I lack the ability to see the completed picture. I would appreciate any advice you have. My style is mostly traditional and timeless but... I’m trying to make this room a little more transitional with more updated colors. I know a rug would help but unsure of what to look for. Thank you for looking at my project and for any suggestions you might have.

Comments (90)

  • 6 years ago

    Since the beds have headboards, you might consider clamp lamps (WalMart sells them). They're relatively inexpensive and can be adjusted so they can be reached more easily by a child.


    https://www.google.com/search?q=bed+clamp+lamp&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjvtOGY77bcAhUoh-AKHYS5DrMQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=599


    bee791 thanked suezbell
  • 6 years ago

    Just a warning, a bought those lamps for my kids and they get really hot. Really really hot.

    bee791 thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
  • 6 years ago

    I love sales like that. I will keep looking for great buys. Thanks!

    bee791 thanked Susan Davis
  • 6 years ago

    How about two red leather ottomans with storage at the end of the beds? (Faux leather would be fine too).

    your grand babies are going to love their sleep overs at grandma's house :-)

    bee791 thanked User
  • 6 years ago

    I’m following bc this is going to turn out so cute! Wanted to chime in on one thing, though, don’t remove the footboards on those beds! (I saw someone suggested that upthread.) They are wonderful!

    bee791 thanked nini804
  • 6 years ago

    You’re too hard on yourself. The beds and bedding are gorgeous!! Very nice taste!!! I agree with others that a table or chest would work between the beds. Have you looked at consignment stores and thrift shops? Some can be transformed with a little paint. My grands like beanbags; is there room for one on the open wall next to the door to the room? My grands also love those foam chairs from Pottery Barn Kids. You can pick the fabric and even have them monogrammed. They come up 2 sizes. Have a look! Another idea would be shelves in that open space for pix of them and you, school pix, etc. A mirror somewhere would be nice. Might fit one above one of those beanbags or chairs.

    bee791 thanked Kay Addis
  • 6 years ago

    What about pushing the bed on the left against the window wall....would that be such a crime??

    bee791 thanked always1stepbehind
  • 6 years ago

    @nini804..that was me that suggested removing the foot-boards...if she felt they were taking up too much room and wanted to add storage to the foot of the bed. Also, whenever I see twin bed lined up against a wall with foot-boards I think of this image from the Madeline books....always scared me as a kid, lol



    bee791 thanked tenamarie123
  • 6 years ago

    Always, I finally found you, on this board. I have been looking for you for weeks! :)

  • 6 years ago

    Great score on the bedding!

    bee791 thanked andria564
  • PRO
    6 years ago



    bee791 thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 6 years ago

    Hope you see this post :)


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    beverlyfladeziner... thank you for the picture , since I can’t visualize, this really helps. I like the lamps a lot.

  • PRO
    bee791 thanked Melissa Hardwick Design
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    two smaller area rugs in between the two beds and one nightstand and one table- but it works!

    bee791 thanked Melissa Hardwick Design
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Melissa Hardwick Design...thank you for the picture . Yesterday I drove a 100 mile round trip to another Home Goods and a consignment shop. I did find some linen benches for the foot of the beds, but they wouldn’t fit in my car. I also saw many sheepskin rugs But no nightstands or lamps. I’m exhausted from driving here and there and no luck. It looks so easy on Pinterest and Houzz but when you live in a rural area the resources are just not available. I want to be a good steward of my money and have a simple finished decor, but this is harder than I thought. You guys on this forum are much better at this than me.

  • 6 years ago

    Take your time, I find when you are not looking for something it will come to you.

    bee791 thanked Angel 18432
  • 6 years ago

    It sounds like you're finding things you like but the challenge is transporting them. Do you know anyone with a larger vehicle who would be willing to go with you and bring them home?

    bee791 thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
  • 6 years ago
    Do the places you found them have online stores that may deliver?
    bee791 thanked Molly
  • 6 years ago

    Can you do a drawing of the room showing the dimensions and the placement of doors and windows? It might be good to put the beds on the window wall, thereby freeing up the entrance into the bath. But no way to know without dimensions.

    bee791 thanked Annette Holbrook(z7a)
  • 6 years ago

    Angel 18432...I’m sure you’re right. I just got overly excited with everyone on this forum offering their advice. I really wanted to show each of you that I was listening and willing to try your suggestions. Of course I’ll see something eventually, I just don’t enjoy the process. I would rather clean house than furniture shop. At least in cleaning I know what works and what doesn’t .

  • 6 years ago

    Annette Holbrook (z6b-7a) ...I did try them against the window, it was difficult to open the plantation shutters and the beds faced the bathroom door. It appeared to have more space, but actually didn’t . Also on the window side, the beds where not symmetrical on the wall and the window was not balanced with the beds, it made the room look like it was leaning to one side. For me... those issues were more bothersome than what I’m dealing with now.

  • 6 years ago

    Keep in mind that even though we are all interested in your project and how it will turn out, it's your grandkids who matter and they are going to feel so special because of all the effort you have put in for them.

    If they came tomorrow they would have a safe, beautiful, comfortable room to stay in and the rest is just details :-)

    bee791 thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
  • 6 years ago

    Molly...I know when shopping at Home Goods, if you don’t take it home the day you see it, then it’s probably not going to be there your next trip. I like to see the piece, touch it , check it over, feel the weight, all before I buy, but may have to change my old habits ...if I don’t find anything soon. My kids order everything online, I’m just not used to that. Thank you for your comments.

  • 6 years ago

    Lindsey...they do love to come, especially the little ones. They love their room already, I just want it pretty and finished. Every time I dust and mop in there it feels too sterile, and bland. I wanted to prove to myself that I could design a great guest room. As I said earlier, this forum makes it seem easier than it really is. Also I have a moderate budget and I am trying to spend wisely .

  • 6 years ago
    Look on the Home Goods site, whatever you saw in the store may be online as well. A side story-when I was getting married a few years ago, I was surprised to find out TJ Max had a wedding line on their site. You just never know! :)
    bee791 thanked Molly
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I'm sorry you have gone to so much effort and are coming up empty-handed. Take a break, breathe, don't stress about it. It will work out. The space looks lovely and what previous people have mentioned- it's more about the grandkids! Enjoy :). PS- If you're able to order online and have products delivered to your area- some great deals with Wayfair and similar.

    bee791 thanked Melissa Hardwick Design
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Molly and Melissa Hardwick Design... I will start looking online also. Thanks.

    Molly, I had no idea that TJ Maxx had a wedding line.

  • 6 years ago
    Cute room...you have inspired me!
    bee791 thanked J J
  • 6 years ago

    Again, you already have a beautiful room. I wish I lived near you. I hate to clean but I love to furniture shop!!!! I’d suggest forgetting about a rug for now, maybe concentrating on only one thing at a time, perhaps sconce lighting. As others have said, the perfect item will come to you when you’re not looking for it. This should be fun for you, not a dreaded drive for perfection.


    bee791 thanked Kay Addis
  • 6 years ago

    Me again. In my latest house, I was so excited to have a room just for my grandsons. I picked out Pottery Barn twin beds, dresser, bedside table, Star Wars sheets, madras comforters and matching shams with their names embroidered on them. They took one look, said “Oh,” and proceeded to throw the pillows on the floor. They still prefer playing in the rest of the house. Oh, well...


    bee791 thanked Kay Addis
  • 6 years ago

    So you are dealing with a similar situation to mine. I have a room that I want to place 2 beds. (Right now it has the mattresses, waiting to move the frames)

    I’m going to use a rug to create the “center”. Like yours, mine has the door to the bathroom and closet on one wall so I need to leave a decent walkway along that wall. Luckily my entrance into the room will use the same pathway. So I am centering on the room minus that space. You want plenty of room between the beds since that is where people access the bed. The only time you need to get to the wall side is when you make the bed.

    The ladder to the side of the bed is where I hang extra blankets.


    On another note, I had never shopped online for home decor until we bought our cabin. But with hardwood floors throughout I needed rugs! I have bought 1 from Wayfair and 3 from esalerugs.com. I had a great experience with both and found it so easy to find many options by using the filters to select by style and predominant colors. I became addicted to surfing for rugs! Try it if you dare lol.

    bee791 thanked Annette Holbrook(z7a)
  • 6 years ago
    I think you’ve done a beautiful job so far! One thing my mother in law did to make the kids room at their house feel like home for my kids, her only grandkids, was to put up frames pictures of art they made. It’s so adorable when my girls go down to their room there and see stuff they made last visit or many years ago. It’s a treasure. She also has books and stuffed animals that just stay up there so my girls are always excited to go and see it all.
    bee791 thanked User
  • 6 years ago

    Forgot to add, on esalerugs you can picture the rug in your room on many of the rugs(not all for some reason). Like this,

    bee791 thanked Annette Holbrook(z7a)
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Baroness0085...that’s exactly what I expect to happen when their room is fully decorated.hahaha. I’ve never used sconce lighting but find myself drawn to that suggestion. I think putting holes in the wall makes me a little hesitant.

  • 6 years ago

    Alison... thank you for suggesting such a precious idea. I will look and see what art work I have saved from the older grands. That might be something I could build on. Maybe start a collage and add to it as the younger grands begin to draw and paint more. What do you think? White framed prints across the wall behind the beds?

  • 6 years ago

    Annette Holbrook(z6b-7a)... Wow! thats a great way to see how a rug might look in a room, thank you for the visual. I can’t wait to try esalerugs. Also, I do plan to move the beds further apart. The older grands were here recently and they just used the outside area to access their beds. It may have been a little awkward for them but they didn’t mention it. Your bedroom plans look so cozy and beautiful. I like the ladder idea too. When do you think your room will be finished ? Are you using twins?

  • 6 years ago

    You just wanted to prove to yourself that you could design a great guest room, eh? Well, done and done! With those beautiful beds (pleeeze keep the foot boards!) and the wonderful linens you've chosen, you've proven it already.

    As other posters have advised, take your time with the rest. A narrow night stand with drawers might make the foot lockers unnecessary. Wall lights are a perfect solution. I would keep the furnishings and additional colors to a minimum since the room is small. Artwork will make it more inviting.

    bee791 thanked redoredone
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Redoredone...Thank you for the kind words. I really do like the beds, but this room has been sitting...just like you see it, for almost a year. I’m procrastinating because I’m unsure of what to do. I see so many bedrooms on Pinterest and Houzz that are inviting , child friendly and lovely. But how that is all brought together in a cohesive look is still a mystery to me. Maybe I’m focusing on the wrong things?

  • 6 years ago

    bee791, so this cabin we bought has essentially 3 masters in that they all have a full bath and walk-in closets. The one on the top floor and the one in the basement are almost identical in size, the basement one is about a foot smaller. I also have a loft bedroom. I will end up with the basement bedroom with two twins, the upper master with 2 queens and the loft has 2 camp twins(antiques, they are a bit smaller than a standard twin). We tend to host holidays, so always need extra beds.

    bee791 thanked Annette Holbrook(z7a)
  • 6 years ago

    Annette Holbrook (z6b-7a)... your cabin sounds like a lovely retreat.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks for your response, Bee. I hope this thread has helped you decide where to go from here. Love to see pics when you've finished the room.

    bee791 thanked redoredone
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    "I see so many bedrooms on Pinterest and Houzz that are inviting , child friendly and lovely. But how that is all brought together in a cohesive look is still a mystery to me. Maybe I’m focusing on the wrong things?"

    I would caution you to be very careful about internalizing these images you see online. They are highly staged, have a team of professionals tweaking and moving things here and there, tight shots so you don't see imperfections, photoshopping galore. They aren't real life! Where are the science projects? Where are the plastic action figures, barbies, ponies? The sweater that someone took off and tossed on the chair, where's that?

    I'm 100% certain that no child had any say in a single bit of what is in these inspirational rooms.

    Are your grandkids old enough to consult on this? Could you ask them what they would find useful and enjoyable? If they aren't old enough to give useful input, they are probably young enough to appreciate a casual space that they don't have to be terribly careful with.

    I know my own kids love having a chair on their room, they love having the freedom to rearrange and decorate with their treasures, they love seeing photos of themselves with family and friends. Those are the things that make a room feel like Home rather than a picture-perfect photo shoot.

    Since you mentioned it, maybe you are focussed on the wrong things. Are you more concerned with impressing your children and your friends than you are with making your grandkids feel cherished? Are you putting so much pressure on yourself to create the perfect social media-approved space that you don't have any mental space to visualize the joy your family will feel in seeing you and how happy you will be to have your grandkids sleeping under your roof?

    Everyone on this thread agrees that the room is beautiful (a rare occurance!) and that all you need is a simple rug, a chest of some sort with a lamp or two, and a bench/chair or two. It's also rare that people agree 100% on what a room needs! So you are very very close to finished here, and once your grandkids come and add their life and luggage to the room it will come alive!

    bee791 thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Here’s my son’s lived in bedroom. It’s pretty small and he manages fine. There’s a large cork board missing from over the play area, where he keeps his artwork, pictures, etc. And the bedskirts are missing. Otherwise, it tends to look like this most days. Lindsey’s comment inspired me to share.

    bee791 thanked tetheridge0315
  • 6 years ago

    I really love when people post photos of their own homes. tetheridge0315 your son's room is perfect!

  • 6 years ago
    That popular style in general is called Beni Ourain, from Morocco.
  • 6 years ago
    Hi, you don’t need to hard wire your wall sconces - if you go with plug-in lamps (with cords) the holes in your wall are no different than hanging a picture. Just be sure you have your beds where you want them first! ;- )
    bee791 thanked Laura Hill
  • 6 years ago

    Lindsey...such lovely comments and insightful thoughts about my grandchildren’s room. I fully intend to make their room comfortable and usable but I also want it to be pretty and classic. Maybe I’m fooling myself about accomplishing that, but that’s what I “think”I’m trying to do. This forum has really helped me to narrow down what I’m trying to achieve and I’m determined to listen to all your suggestions and finally get this room completed.

  • 6 years ago

    Laura Hill...that’s a great suggestion, thank you for linking me to this website.

  • 6 years ago

    tetheridge0315...I adore your sons room. Any little boy would be blessed to have such a sweet room to play and sleep in. Thank you for sharing.

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