Daybed with a Pop-Up Trundle

Remember this layout?


Well, things have changed a lot, like they always do. In the office area, which is the bottom left room, we decided to have a long and narrow desk run the length of the windows so that we could put a murphy bed or a trundle bed where my huge partners desk used to sit.

I'm coming to realize that part of living in a big city is hosting an almost constant stream of house guests! I actually really love hosting though, so I don't mind at all. I just wish we had a real bed for them that's not of the leaky Aero variety.

Here's an updated layout:


Turns out a Murphy bed would barely fit in the office space when pulled down. It was going to be so tight that the expense would have been wasted, I think. So, we are going the 'daybed with a pop-up trundle' route. Not my first choice, but after thinking about it for a few days, I'm sold on the idea. I've got two options right now, and I think I could make either one work great with a little elbow grease and some DIY spirit.

Option 1 is a curvy number, that could almost look Swedish. It reminds me a bit of the uber expensive Marston trundle bed from Restoration Hardware.

I'd paint it and do a cool mattress cover and skirt.


OR! I can get a simple pop up trundle frame and make upholstered sides to get this sort of look:




Armonia Decor, courtesy of the Glam Lamb

What's your vote? Painted Swedish style or upholstered with a contrasting welt?

126 comments:

  1. I would love to see what you do with wooden bed but I like the idea of the upholstered simple frame best.

    Just curious...what do the different colors in your house plan represent?

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  2. Go with the fabric covered second option. Think of all your fabric choices!!

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  3. My vote is for option 2 as well. Would love to see how you make it, the fabric and final pictures...

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  4. I love the shape of the wooden bed, personally. I'm all for painting furniture if the wood is in bad shape, but it looks like the wood there is still pretty decent and it could look really cool if it were cleaned up and left as-is. That's my two cents!

    I dunno--i don't think you can go wrong either way. :)

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  5. upholstered. takes up less space and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb (although a very pretty sore thumb)

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  6. Upholstered with a contrasting welt is my vote!! Love your inspiration pic! If you decide to go down the route, I'd love to see the step by step of how you end up doing it!! Have a great weekend!

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  7. Number 2 would look best in an office. Have you thought of a using a sleeper sofa (like young house love did in their office)? I think that would be a nice option as well.
    Xo
    Kelly

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  8. Both are great, but I think the upholstered one would take up less space and be more versatile in the future. Your inspiration picture is a perfect example of what you could do with it later!

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  9. I vote option 2. And I would love to see a step by step of how to make it!!

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  10. Option 2 ...but WHERE do you buy a basic frame like that? It's exactly what I am looking for! Cant wait to see your DIY because the upholstered options at Ballard are so expensive!

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  11. Upholstered with a contrasting welt. I'd love to see what you could do with your fabric choices. I've always seen you as a more modern colorful choice vs the CdT Swedish bleached wood look.

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  12. I vote upholstered bed with welt but both will look great!

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  13. I love upholstered look. Can't wait to see how it turns out. I think this idea would work great in our guest room.

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  14. Oh, I like both options, but #2 would be what I went with. Can't wait to see what you do!

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  15. Upholstered for sure! Then a tutorial, please:)

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  16. Upholstered for sure! But I'm sure whatever you choose will look fabulous!

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  17. The upholstered bed is sooo you! Plus, I would love to see a tutorial for that!

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  18. Definitely upholstered with a contrasting welt. It seems more challenging which usually amounts to more rewarding :)

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  19. I think the wooden frame would be easier, but would LOVE to see how you construct that upholstered one! love that entire room, of course:) Good luck! will watch for the progress
    Ava

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  20. Upholstered! Oh how I love that look. And not only is it clean and inviting, it has less visual weight than the other. Please share what you do!! Roxanne

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  21. With the metal frame trundle you can easily pop up the trundle and make a king bed if you have room to store one of those egg crate mattress pads. We have the same setup. Simply push them together, cover with pad, and make up with king sheets. You can't hardly tell that it is two matresses. After college, I bought the same frame and used it as a king bed on a daily basis. Now we use it as a twin bed in our kids room.

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  22. Oh, upholstered! That's so unexpected in a home with that style of bed. Good luck!

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  23. i love the first option. it would be gorgeous painted!

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  24. Another vote for upholstered! Both are gorgeous, but I love the fresh look of option 2. Please show us how you work your magic!

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  25. I like both, but I think that #2 would look better in your office. I think that #1 would look like a bed in yoru office, but #2 could be made to look more like a piece of seating.

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  26. I really love the upholstered inspiration pic (and contrasting welting - be still my heart!). But, I also like the option of using the back of the bed to lean against when not in "bed mode". Something else to consider: My young son and daughter share a trundle bed and for one reason or another the two beds will roll a bit away from one another (Don't fall through! is their usual exclamation:)) (By the way, I loved your interview and follow-up of the ALT summit - thanks for sharing!)

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  27. Emitate, the colors in the updated floor plan are pretty arbitrary, but sometimes they are representative of the color of the piece I have/will put there.

    Thanks for all your votes! Just a little piece of clarification, the wooden frame and the upholstered bed would be the exact same sizes (both are built to hold twin mattress.

    I think my goal is for the bed to look as couch-like as possible, but I also want it to look different from my two other couches that are close to the daybed. (a roll arm and the Kenmore from DSD)

    http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/09/designer-sofas-direct.html

    I'd need to get extra creative with the upholstered design so that it would look right next to the Kenmore.

    Anyway! Thanks for your thoughts! Keep em coming.

    xx

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  28. I would choose the upholstered. It would help make the office still feel like an office since it doesn't look as much like a bed. Plus, I can't wait to see how you are going to do it!

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  29. I vote for the second option, especially for a small space. The wooden bed is gorgeous but I think it might be overwhelming.

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  30. I vote upholstered. With a tutorial! I have been dying for a day bed in my office as well, I can't wait to see what you come up with. This has already given me new ideas!

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  31. Oh, the first one IS beautiful, but for a loft I think the second one might be more practical...especially if you keep it open on both sides. More seating options, you know?

    My grandma has a pop-up trundle I hope to inherit one day. It's straight up from the 60's with a perfect condition cover and cushions.

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  32. Love the second, upholstered option!

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  33. I love the first one! I sold one in my store just like it a few week ago! I almost took it home! Such a good idea!

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  34. I love the second option! I think it will be comfortable for guests and look amazing in your office :)

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  35. Option 2 all the way. It would look less like a bed and more like a sitting space, I think :-)

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  36. Hmmm...I really like both...but I'm pretty sure the crazy in me would love to see that gorgeous wood bed painted...probably because I don't have to paint it myself! (c: Whichever...it will be amazing! Have a happy weekend!

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  37. Option Two. Because it seems less bulky and not so couch-like in a room that already has two couches. Plus we all want to learn from you -- this is a teaching moment!

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  38. Please do the second choice, so I can copy you! I have been wanting someone to show me how to do this EXACT thing. I have a plain trundle set tucked away in my "guest room of shame." It's dreadful, and I need to do something with it.

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  39. Oh- I love the upholstered bed, how fantastic!! You always have such creative ideas!

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  40. Love the first option!! if you choose the second are you going to tell us where we could scoop up the wooden bed???? :)

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  41. Hi Jenny! We have an almost identical daybed and pop-up trundle hiding out in the room that currently acts as the man cave-office/guest room. I know, not the most appealing room combo for guests, but we rarely have overnight guests. It's kind of an eyesore right now. Doing something with it hasn't been a priority b/c it's in a room I rarely set foot in. So, selfishly I'll go with option 2 because I'd love to see what you do with it!

    BTW- I did post the tutorial!

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  42. My vote is for option 2 - the upholstered frame. It's simple and beautiful. I can't wait to see what you choose and the final product!

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  43. I say upholstered! And give us a tutorial too! I would love to do this in our guest room/office.

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  44. Option #2 please... and share how :-) I just LOVE this idea!!!

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  45. definitely upholstered. what a classy look. love the idea and can't wait to see the finished product.

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  46. upholstered with a contrasting welt sounds and looks divine!

    I cannot wait to see your apt and what you've done with your space!!! I am literally on pins and needles.

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  47. My vote is for upholstered with a contrasting welt. 100%!

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  48. I would love to see you make that trundle bed frame into an upholstered bed.

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  49. Love the upholstered version MUCH better. It looks more inviting both to sit on and to use as a bed.

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  50. painted swedish with little stenciled designs! norwegian blue with gold?

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  51. Oh this is tough! I know either would look amazing when you are done. I think I lean toward the upholstered option though. I think it will add something soft to the room since you will have the large desk running against the other wall.

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  52. Upholstered, for sure. And make sure you let us know how we can diy it ourselves too. Can't wait to see!

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  53. i vote for the upholstered with contrast welt version! also, just want to say how great your posts are this week - love the diy curtains and all the tips on blogging! :)

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  54. My gut tells me that Option 2 may be the best bet. If you ever decided to move or upgrade, Option 2 is easily transferable to another style of home or even another room. Second, it is the msot easy to resell (at a profit I would think) because it can double as a sitting place and a bed for someone living in a studio or tight space.

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  55. We did the same thing for our office/guest room. A twin bed with another mattress underneath to pull out for guests.

    I love both options, but my vote is for the upholstered frame. I am obsessed with the one in your inspiration photo - that would be stunning!

    good luck!

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  56. Upholstered will give you a less heavy feeling and it will be just as comfortable. Go for it!

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  57. Upholstered all the way! I think it's much more versatile-- you'll always be able to change the way it looks if you get bored and want to switch things up.

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  58. I like the upholstered option for sure! The wood option could make a small space feel tight.

    BTW, how do you do it all - mom, blogger, designer, seeker...No, really, how do you do it??

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  59. I love the upholstered option. Where are you finding a trundle that pops up to make a larger bed? I am in need and can only find pullout trundles (not ideal for visiting couples).

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  60. Upholstered with a contrasting welt! It would be super chic and not too overwhelming for the space.

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  61. I'd love a tutorial on how to upholster a day bed!

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  62. Option 2! I have a pop up trundle similar to the one you are looking at. We bought it off of Craigslist for my fiancee's twin boys when they come to visit for the weekends. It performs double duty in our office. I think you will love the way it is unobtrusive and maneuverable. We've had ours set up as a sectional sofa, as a daybed, as a king bed and as a pair of twin beds. (Of course, if you upholster it, it will be more of a sofa, but I'm sure you will make it look wonderful.) As for option 1, I honestly think you will find the wooden bed bulky in such a small space.

    Sorry to ramble. Love your blog. Best of luck.

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  63. Pop up trundle! I think it will look less heavy in a tight space, plus you always find the most beautiful fabrics!

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  64. I think it just depends on scale. Both are totally cute but if the room is at all tight, the wooden one might seem too bulky. My other thought is that #2 looks like it would make the most sense for a room that is mostly an office.

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  65. Upholstered Daybed...Visually the other may look too bulky?

    I just did this for a client who already had an upholstered trundle. I built up the sides to 28" and bought 2.5" grosgrain at MJ trim to use all along the base and up the sides. Then we are doing a faily large nailhead on the grosgrain.

    Whatever you decide will look great.

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  66. I'd like to say the wooden bed, because I have one similar and would love to see how you improve it. But that upholstered one is gorgeous!

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  67. If it's up against a wall, i'd want a three sided daybed like the Swedish - it's more comfortably couch-like.

    I would love to see how you upholstered a frame, though, and i do prefer the clean lines of option 2. Could you upholster a three sided metal frame maybe?

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  68. upholstered! and then do a DIY for us,please!

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  69. I love the idea of the upholstered simple frame. The one pictured is so beautiful. To me, he wooden bed seems a bit clunky for a small, open space. I would love to see your finished product!

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  70. I have the Swedish type in my daughters room, not exactly that one which I repainted white etc. It takes up a lot of room both visually and physically. I did measure carefully of course. I wish I has gone for the second one in your post... That would be my pic!
    Cat

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  71. What is the price difference? If it doesn't matter for your budget, I vote upholstered!

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  72. Jenny,
    You will make either one of those options look fabulous. It seems like the upholstered version might take up less space though. Can't wait to see what you do!

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  73. I had that exact wooden bed in my guest room and LOVED it! I was forced to get rid of it when combining things for my move in with my man and I still miss it!

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  74. I'm pretty sure we can all agree we want to to do the upholstered b/c we want the tutorial :)

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  75. I vote Option #2...I too would love to see your ideas with the wooden bed, but I think it would feel and look too heavy in the small space.

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  76. I think both would be fine. Love that wooden bed, but if your space is small, the fabric covered one might take up less room and .

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  77. As soon as I saw the first picture I thought I was sold on that idea - I love furniture. But I am so curious about the 2nd option, and selfishly hope you choose it and show us how to do it!

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  78. I vote upholstered too!

    We are working on a similar room--our guest room now needs to also function as a den/office/craft room--so we sold our guest bed a few weeks ago and ordered a sofa bed from Ethan Allen. Like you, I wanted to make sure that our guests have a really comfortable bed to sleep in, but a Murphy bed was not in the budget. We ended up selecting an upgrade option with EA in which there is an air mattress that expands the mattress to a regular size. I think it will be a more comfortable solution to the typical sofa bed, but we will finally get a lot more usage out of that room as a den with a comfy sofa in it.

    Can't wait to see the final product!

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  79. I love the upholstered look, but have you checked the side mount Murphy/wall bed? Looks like a cabinet then folds down to a full or queen with long side against wall. Won't take much more space than a twin.

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  80. Don't paint that fab bed! Go with #2.

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  81. My vote is for upholstered for a cleaner look with more flexibility long-term.

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  82. Both are amazing but I'm leaning towards the second options. Whatever you end up doing it will be great.

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  83. The upholstered option is really nice and I agree with other posters that it would be less intrusive in the space.

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  84. Another vote for upholstered. While a pretty bed that first one would look too heavy - even when painted - in a space like yours (to me). Plus with the simple frame option you have so many more choices not just of fabrics but orientation of the piece in the room or in other rooms in the future.

    -Elizabeth

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  85. What about Ikea's Hemnes bed? Sofa, single bed, bed for two and storage in one piece of furniture.

    Or my own personal favourite: a sofabed from innovationliving.com. I like the Splitback and the Underbar the deluxe

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  86. I vote for the wood bed. The upholstered is beautiful, but I always wonder if they get stained from people's greasy heads! But I'm kinda' weird about things like that. I don't sleep on other people's pillows, have to bring my own, or if I forget it, go buy another one. Hello, my name is Sheila and I have a phobia.... :)

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  87. Oh wow, do the second idea!!! That sounds amazing. We almost purchased something similar to the picture at crate and barrel!! I would LOVE to see how someone other than Crate and Barrel can create that look! That would be a tutorial I would save for life! Plus they look so classy!

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  88. I would love to see what you would do with the upholstered look- it'll be amazing, I'm sure!!

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  89. I would vote 2 if the piece was going to be floating in the room, but against a wall - #1 all the way. A ton of gorgeous pillows along the back to lean on... how cozy.

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  90. I think I have to agree with the masses....the upholstered daybed. I think it looks more streamlined while still being comfy which might be better for a room that is also doubling as an office area. I know you could make either look great though!

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  91. Please number 1!!! (selfishly!) I have almost the exact same bed and have been putting off redoing it... (it even had that little bit of hardware on the front like yours) either would be great but I would LOVE to see how you do it.

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  92. LOVE the upholstered. so city! and who couldn't use more piping in their life??
    - {darlene}
    fieldstonehilldesign.com

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  93. Pop-up upholstered 100%. Takes up less space without the wooden frame. It looks more like a sofa/chase than a bed when its not in 'bed' use. Very sleek!

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  94. While I'm sure you could make either look fantastic... from a guests perspective the first option looks most comfortable.

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  95. I have that first daybed! And that being said, I would choose the upholstered version. While the daybed serves us well in our small guest bedroom, I think an upholstered one would look sleeker and more stylish.

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  96. oh my! That uphostered pop-up frame is brilliant!!

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  97. I think they are both beautiful, but my vote would be the upholstered option...it seems like it would fit in the room well, without visually dominating it (eve though it's the same size as the other)...maybe the upholstered would feel more like a nice space to lounge and might get used more as a seat when it's not in use as a bed.

    But, it also seems like a lot more work (that I'd love to learn how to do if you posted a tutorial ;)!), but depending on your schedule and timing priorities, that might play a role, too.

    But, bottom line, if you are in love with the first one, you could make it work fabulously. If it give you a chance to do something with that pretty piece, it might be more of a unique opportunity. You could make the upholstered version another time.

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  98. I personally love the first one - can't wait to see what you do!

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  99. upholstered frame! more streamline for a multi-use space and fun to choose fabric.

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  100. I like the upholstered option. I am actually doing the same thing in my office. I am looking at one at Ballard Designs. They have a lot of great fabrics. I can't wait to see the final room!

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  101. I think that I would like to sleep on the swedish-style bed better... from a house guest's point of view. ;)

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  102. i like the second option--you could probably have more fun with it! question--where did you find the pop up trundle frame? i've been looking for one for my son's room. thanks!

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  103. We have the exact wood daybed and you've inspired me to paint it - any tips on how you would have proceeded with yours?

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  104. Go for the upholstered option. It is less intrusive, softer and more open feeling. The wood, whether you paint it or not is a bit heavy for such a small space. And even though it is not a typical bed....it will always read as a bed. The upholstered open back reads more like a chaise than a bed and therefore is more versatile. Can't wait to see it! Hey what about pics of your other projects, your bedroom and the new armoires.....I would love an update!

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  105. I really like the upholstered look, I think it blends in with the room better and offers more customization. Seems comfy to sleep on as well.

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)