Transforming an Antique Boxspring into Wall Decor

man holding mattress over the box spring in the bedroom with wooden floor

Isn’t it remarkable how unexpected twists of fate can place us precisely where we need to be, precisely when we need to be there? This particular lesson etched itself into my memory on a misty Sunday afternoon, the sky a blanket of gray as my son and I embarked on a seemingly ordinary trip to the mall.

Our day took an unexpected turn when we discovered that the sport coat, which had undergone alterations while my son was away at school, still refused to fit properly. Frustration bubbled up within me, a vexing inconvenience.

As we made our way out of the neighborhood, just a few houses down the street, a curious sight caught our attention. My neighbor had recently placed an ancient boxspring on the curb, awaiting its fate in the impending garbage pickup. This was no ordinary box spring; it possessed a storied history, nearly 75 years of age, yet impeccably preserved.

However, there was a considerable hurdle to overcome – this relic of a bygone era weighed a hefty 75 pounds, was a full-size spring, and simply wouldn’t squeeze into our car. A chorus of exasperation echoed once more. We reluctantly returned it to its temporary curbside resting place, my heart heavy with disappointment, thinking that our chance to claim this charming find had evaporated.

But then, a ray of inspiration pierced through the mist. Why not enlist the help of some able-bodied friends and utilize one of our trusty hand carts to transport it down the street? Yes, roll it down the street, even in the drizzling rain.

And so, that was precisely how this remarkable piece found its way into our home. Regrettably, there are no images capturing its initial curb-side discovery or its comical descent down the slippery hill and ascent up the steep driveway. The relentless rain rendered our cameras and phones useless. In fact, we had to leave the box spring on the driveway for several days until the capricious weather finally relented.

With the emergence of the sun, the box spring underwent a thorough power washing and drying. The top section of the springs received a delicate coat of creamy-white chalk paint, accented with a subtle application of diluted brown glaze. The remainder of the box spring’s original charm, with its chipped paint and rustic teal allure, remained unaltered.

To ensure the box spring could safely grace our wall, we embarked on constructing a shelf that spanned its entire width. Four sturdy brackets, each capable of bearing 150 pounds, were securely fastened into four sturdy wall studs. Both the shelf and the brackets received a coat of paint to match the wall’s color seamlessly.

For the final step, a custom wood cleat was fashioned to fasten the box spring securely to the wall. Given the slight gap between the flat side of the frame and the wall, this cleat extended outward to allow a screw to anchor the box spring firmly to the wall.

The construction of the cleat, though not overly complex, required some precision. Measurements were taken from the wall to the flat side of the frame, and wooden strips were stacked until achieving the perfect fit. In my case, three stacked furring strips proved ideal, each cut to a length of 24 inches. The first strip was anchored to the wall studs, while the remaining two were affixed to the first strip and into the wall. This arrangement ensured stability, with two cleats employed—one at the shelf level and another at the top—to provide unwavering support for the box spring on our wall.

Adding Layers of Character

white bedclothes on a wooden bed with pillows and a blanket

 Once this crucial step is behind you, the stage is set for the delightful world of accessorizing.

  • The first layer adorning the box spring comprises a refinished piece ingeniously crafted from upcycled bifold doors;
  • Immediately above it, the second layer showcases an upcycled mirror adorned with a freshly refinished frame;
  • Completing this artistic triad, the third layer consists of a charming store-bought wreath that adds a touch of natural beauty to the ensemble;
  • The lamps, with a rather tumultuous journey involving approximately four refinishing iterations, sit proudly atop the box spring, their renewed allure complemented by brand-new store-bought burlap shades.

Now, whenever my gaze falls upon that once-neglected box spring turned masterpiece, I find myself pondering a series of ‘what ifs.’ What if the sport coat alterations hadn’t demanded a redo? And what if I hadn’t postponed that redo until the eleventh hour? It’s highly likely that I wouldn’t have ventured out on that rainy Sunday afternoon, equally probable that I would have missed the thrift shop treasure of a lifetime.

Conclusion

The purpose of sharing this narrative is to convey a valuable lesson: that when situations don’t unfold as planned, it might be the ideal moment to embrace them. Within those frustrating moments, hidden treasures of wonder may be found. These hidden treasures are only made possible by unforeseen events that redirect us, placing us in a wholly unexpected yet opportune moment.