Sweet dreams

Southern Living, Jun 2000 by Belden, Derick

You've seen them all over the South-antebellum ruins and dilapidated houses lining the roadsides, covered in kudzu. Believe it or not, these places of old have spawned big business all over the world. Spurred by the increasing popularity of the antiqued look, many people are scrambling to find crusty artifacts to decorate their homes.

Antique furniture and architectural artifacts can be very expensive, especially if you're seeking something large, such as a headboard. However, with a little ingenuity and creativity, you, too, can have this look at a fraction of the cost. Our project employs simple imagination and basic carpentry skills to create a headboard from a salvaged door.

All you need to build it yourself are four (6-foot) 1 x 3s, one (8-foot) 1 x 4s, one (8-foot) window casing, some 2 x 4 scraps, and, of course, an antique door. Everything but the door can be found at your local home-improvement store for less than $35.

The door may take a little longer to track down, but the search can be fun. Antiques shops might have one in their inventory, but architectural salvage yards are a better choice because they find and resale doors, mantels, windows, and other artifacts. Look for a horizontal five- or six-panel door from a home built in the early 1900s. The panels are typically the same size and lend themselves to a more symmetrical look behind the pillows. The length doesn't really matter because you will cut it to fit your bed, but for more height, try to find a wide door. Expect to pay somewhere around $110; bringing the grand total to $145 for this entire project.

Once you have gathered all the parts, assemble them according to the illustration below using wood screws and finishing nails. Stain the new wood a color that blends with the old, and seal the whole piece with a furniture paste wax. Old wood left dry from years of abuse might need several coats of wax. Now simply bolt your new headboard to the bed frame, and enjoy sweet dreams.

Derick Belden

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE Architectural salvage is the saving and restoring of old house parts to be resold and incorporated into new construction, renovation, or restoration. Here are some tips to help on your hunt for architectural antiques.

* Be creative. What was once an iron gate can make a fire screen; old door knobs can be coat hooks.

* Have your measurements on hand. Salvage yards can be disorganized; if you don't know what size you need, you will become overwhelmed.

* Take your time. The perfect leaded-glass window could be hidden behind something.

* Don't try to outfit your entire house in salvaged parts. Instead, find the pieces that will maximize your investment.

SWEET DREAMS

Pages 168-169. Door was purchased from The Wrecking Bar of Atlanta, Inc. (R), Atlanta, (404) 525-0468.