How to Build a Cottage-Style Bed

Position a standard bed frame against the focal point wall. This will give you a visual reference for how the bed will relate to the room. Usually the focal wall will be the wall you see first from the bedroom door and where you will place the headboard.

Center the bed frame on the focal wall so there is room to walk around both sides of the bed. Add the box spring. Iron and fit a dust ruffle over the box spring. The ruffle should clear the floor by 1 inch. Layer a second dust ruffle over the first if you prefer the full look.

Add the mattress and fit a feather-bed topper piece over the standard mattress. This will give the bed the plush cottage look. Dress the bed in an assortment of pastel linens, both vintage and new. You should have four new pillows as well as accent pillows. New pillows have loft and will expand to look more full. Older pillows often lay flat, and they are uncomfortable for the neck.

Add a headboard. Find old gates, doors, twigs, a picket fence section or other country object that is 5 to 6 feet wide. Clean up the gates and add a bit more paint with spray paint and rags to achieve the color and look you want. Hang the gate or other object over the center of the bed to use as a headboard.

Finish the bed with a vintage quilt folded along the bottom of the bed. Keep the rest of the furniture in the room shades of white or pastel with worn edges and corners. Use doilies and old tea towels as well as old crockery to bring in ambiance. Mirrors work well to move the light around, and fresh flowers will give the room the finishing touch.