Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Featured Favorite - Part 2

It's time for another featured favorite (click here to view Part 1). Today I am featuring my very first antique purchase, this vintage fireplace mantle. I saw the idea to use an old fireplace mantle as a headboard in a magazine and from that moment on I was in search of MY mantle.

Sorry for the not-so-great photos, but I took them at night..eek! -  with unnatural light...double eek! - a photographers worst nightmare and a major photo faux pas. But that's what you get when there is not enough time in the day.



I spotted my mantle in an antique shop several years ago in Somewhereville, Pennsylvania, and knew I just had to have it. Not only was this my first antique purchase, but it was also my first attempt EVER at price negotiating - and I think the shop owner knew it and had fun watching me sweat while I haggled the price down by $50. Score!

The mantle came with an authentic distressed finish...it's not a DIY job done by me. It was just perfect to be used as a headboard. And since our 2nd floor bedroom ceilings are angled, which can pose major challenges with decorating, I was limited with what I could put on the mantle/headboard. I spotted the DREAM sign in TJ Maxx which was just perfect.

This mantle made the move from our condo to the 'burbs. As much as I would like "real" headboard for our bed, part of me doesn't want to give up my mantle version.


Oh-and check out the beautiful blue pillow shams made by my mom. She is an incredibly talented sewer but would never admit to it. I really REALLY need to learn how to sew. I am adding it to my endless "to-do" list.


2 comments:

Jen T said...

Absolutely LOVE your mantle & mom's are fabulous, huh? The bedding, candles, sign..everything is so charming. Good eye!! Jen

Erika said...

Thanks Jen! Mom's are fabulous. I really need her to teach me how to sew!