“Before”: A vintage wicker headboard, spotted at the Restore. I had an idea for it, for my tiki bar…
“After”: Repainted and turned into a canopy for my three Witco ladies.
The effect is not final… there will be lots more handing down from my ceilings over time… But what do you think?
The idea was to make these lovelies more of a focal point, all the more go given they are sitting in a dead spot behind the sectional.
Above: My attention to wicker headboards was reignited a few years ago, when I featured this bedroom designed by Ben Sander. DREAMY!
I repainted my Restore find ($25) up with brown spray paint immediately hit with hammered copper spray paint, and once dry, then some English Chestnut stain. I wanted some color dimension up there.
To hang it, I first tried with the legs. But that looked … even more like a headboard. So I hacksawed off the legs then hit the wicker with some hot glue so it wouldn’t unravel. To hang it, I put cup holder hardware in the ceiling then wired the the thing up there with floral wire; it’s really quite lightweight. I’m thinking I also may stuff some twinkle lights up there.
I know that 1970s Victorian-revival wicker headboards are not tiki. But, I’m all about mashing it all up, especially when Restore finds present themselves.
Finishing all the details in the Mahalo Lounge is goin’ slowwwwwwww. And now it’s summer. Gulp.
Carol says
I don’t like stuff on ceilings, so that’s my biggest reason for not liking it. Your ceiling treatment is off the hook amazing already. Your faux paint in the room was great before you did anything to the room. Now it’s also amazing with the tiki ladies and the tapestry. The color you chose was spot on.
lynda says
I remember buying a headboard just like that in 1969 or so at The Akron store in Burbank, CA. It was a store a bit like Pier One. I loved seeing the ads each week and visiting the store for the specials. The headboard came with us to Washington, DC and was sold at a garage sale in 1977. I loved it then, and still have a soft spot for the “look”. I can see using the headboard because it brings back good memories of good times!
Abigail says
I wish you had a way to hang the headboard on the wall behind the ladies, like a crown, but it doesn’t seem like that would work. It does look a little odd just on the ceiling like that, so I would try finding another spot for it where it could be a backdrop for something near or on a wall. The piece itself and the way you painted it totally fits, though.
Karin says
This is a truly creative repurposing, but I’m with the no votes. The first thing my eye went to was the headboard’s alignment within the ceiling rafters. It seems that it’s an important element to consider in this room. Your wonderful Witco ladies deserve star billing in this particular vignette. That being said, it’s a given that Tiki style seems to be about more is more. If you are hanging tons more stuff from the ceiling, perhaps that alignment won’t jump out so much. I love the idea of netting over the bar. It’s great to see the Mahalo again. You’ve had many great ideas.
Pam Kueber says
The goal is to have lots more on the ceiling so in that sense, this post is premature.
Bette Jean says
I’m in the no column. Tiki is supposed to be too much, but I think this is too too much.
sherree says
I am not digging it.
I think it looks out of place not being centered between the beams and also being flush with the ceiling. It detracts from your awesome (and back straining) wallpaper treatment.
I do love how you painted it though; maybe use it somewhere else?
Vinny Lee says
The ceiling is very cool without the wicker. The green lady draws your eye to the girls already. I think less is more and the ladies are your focal point.
cathie says
No, sorry. I’m not sure why it has to be there or why the ladies need anything on top of them, they look just fine without a canopy.
Kim Campbell says
I Like it!
Lesley B says
I think it’s too small and it interrupts the great pattern you achieved with the grasscloth on the ceiling. I’m intrigued by the idea of hanging netting, etc. over the bar but I don’t think you need the headboard to do that.
Golly, I’ve been reading your blog for years and I think this is the first time I didn’t think, “Yes, so cool” – but if anyone can make this work, it’s you!