Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Summer Dreams... of a Hanging Daybed

If you have read even one of my posts, you know that I love soaking up the genius that runs rampant in the blogosphere. The beauty doesn't have to be complicated, sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that capture my imagination and won't let go. I still marvel at the concept of notebook paper canvas bags and how such a simple idea can be so captivating.

 Last summer, I fell in love with Ana White's hanging daybed and put it on my "list". Then a few months ago, I came across this beauty at Life at Firelake Camp. Wheels turning, ideas formulating.... building fingers itching... I have been dreaming about my very own hanging daybed for a year.

This Spring we took on the challenge of getting rid of our scrap wood pile, not at the dump, but by incorporating as much of it as possible into homemade projects. So, we looked over the plans, measured the available space and hauled the spare single mattress down from the attic.

I wanted minimal space around the mattress - so it wouldn't take up too much space on the porch so based on the measurement of the mattress (75 x 37) and the width of the scrap fence boards (standard size from the deck section of the box store) the platform is 82 x 42.

We laid out 6 fence boards across and one on each end to add the length we needed. We built the frame out of scrap 2 x 4s to measure 79 x 40 and laid it down over the fence boards. We screwed in another piece of board across the part where the end piece meets the length pieces and pushed up against the frame to stabilize the ends and we used a jig tool to attach the frame to the platform boards.


We also added a cross piece of 2 x 4 to keep the frame nice and sturdy (my carpenter works quickly and I didn't catch a photo of that, but it's just another piece of 2 x 4 across the middle underneath and screwed into the sides. 


We used a 3/4 inch spade bit to drill the holes just inside the corners of the frame, realizing after the fact that it would have been better to drill a small pilot hole from the bottom and then drill the large hole from the top. When the bit came through the "right side" of the platform, it split the wood and pulled off random chips. I used wood filler to smooth out the chips and let it dry. 

I have the whole thing a good sanding with 150 grit and my palm sander to make the wood nice and smooth and soft to the touch. I paid special attention to the corners to round out the sharp bits. That way, getting bumped with the corner of the swing will hurt a bit but won't scrape delicate shins. What good is a daybed that bites you when you walk by?

Ah, the rope... if pressed I would have to admit that this manila rope is the main reason I wanted the daybed. It's so rustic and harbour-y. We bought 44 feet so that we could accomodate the 9 foot porch ceiling and the knots at both ends. I had the store cut it in one piece so that whatever was left at the end would be in one piece instead of a bunch of little pieces.


We also bought eye hooks for the ceiling (looks like a circle with a straight screw piece sticking off of it). We located the joists for a good, secure connection - you'll need to use whatever fasteners are right for your situation. A couple of apple crates worked perfectly to prop up the platform at the height we wanted while we secured the ropes. Be sure to put your mattress on the base when you are deciding on height, it makes a difference visually and you want to make sure it's at a comfortable level to get on and off once it's up and running.

I made a nice tight double knot in the end of the rope and threaded all 44 feet of it through the first hole from the bottom, then on a ladder, threaded the rope through the eye hook, pulled the rope taught but not too tight and checked it with a level to make sure it was straight from the platform to the ceiling. Once all the ropes are attached, remove the props from underneath and your daybed is officially hanging! In this photo, it looks like the platform is on a slant - it's actually level, the porch has a bit of a slant for water run off!


You will see that I decided against painting it right away. When it was sanded, the wood was so nice and soft I couldn't bear to cover it up. I am not sure if it looks great in its natural state, but the whole porch and the whole house need painting so it fits right it. I can still paint it at some point.

Now for the fun part, gathering up the pillows, bedspreads and quilts and making it into a bed! 



After all the work I could really use a nap!


Many, many hours of swinging at all hours of the day and night, including a mother/sons Crazy Eights tournament, it's holding up beautifully and surprisingly, being treated by everyone with love and respect (I was a little concerned about daybed surfing but so far, so good!)

Linking Up Here – come join the parties!

61 comments:

  1. Deep sigh of appreciation (and a tiny bit of hanging daybed envy). What a dream realized. Great photo tutorial too.

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  2. Oh Wow! That is so cool...and beautiful!! I want one:)!!!
    Beth

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  3. This is pretty impressive (and is making me totally jealous!)

    I love that you saw the design idea a whole year ago and still made it happen. It gives me hope that I'll get some of my squirreled away projects done one day!

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  4. Oh wow I so love how nice that looks! Yes I too could lay out there! And dream, dream, dream!

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  5. This soooo ROCKS! I had to pin it. I really want to do this next summer, thank you so much for the step by step!!

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  6. I don't think I have enough handy-person skills to do this, but I love the idea!!! I'm so jealous of your new swing. :) Following you from Chic & Crafty.
    -The How To Mommy
    http://www.thehowtomommy.com

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  7. I love it! Can I come over and nap on it???

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  8. I'm on my way up to Canada to take what I can only imagine will be the best nap of my life...can you pick me up at the airport? SO JEALOUS!!!!!!!
    Karajeanne

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  9. Wow--that is wonderful! I wish my porch was big enough for that beauty. Gorgeous blog--thank you for sharing.

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  10. I love it! I like how you didn't paint it either it looks great, I would love to do this also. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. I love your quilt!

    www.sewrayme.co.uk

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  12. How beautiful! You are awesome!!! Thank you so much for linking up!

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  13. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! I would love to feature this on my monday nite revival. let me know if this would be ok with you,
    lauren

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  14. I've gotta admit when I saw this was a hanging daybed, my first vision was Hildi's horrid hanging daybed in a master bedroom on Trading Spaces. What was she thinking?

    The idea looks like it would work much better on a porch like you did, since so many porches have a swing anyway. I love all the pretty bedding you have piled on it too.

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  15. What a wonderful project, I love Ana White too! Your porch looks so cozy and inviting!! The quilt is perfect...

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  16. So beautiful- I would LOVE this on my porch- the quilt is amazing too!

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  17. How absolutely gorgeous!! I love it- your porch looks amazing and your bed is just perfectly inviting on it!! Sharing this on FB~ thanks for sharing at FNF~ :)

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  18. That is so gorgeous, I'm envious now--I want one too!

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  19. That is so cool! I love the hanging rope as well! You did a beautiful job. I wouldn't paint it, either! It makes me want to take a nice nap. I didn't even realize it was outside until I started reading your post. Duh! What a great piece you made. Thanks so much for linking it up! Love it, love it, love it!

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  20. oh my goodness - that looks so fabulous! Your generous front porch is wonderful to begin with but the hanging daybed sends it right over the top! I heart your porch and hanging daybed <3

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  21. This is just gorgeous! I'm in Ontario too and would love to know where you're from?

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  22. Wow!!! this is simply incredible. I am in awe.

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  24. I almost cried when I saw this! I literally have tears in my eyes as I write. It's just jaw droppingly beautiful.

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  25. Oh, that looks wonderful...so inviting. I want one now :)

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  26. Gorgeous! Well done!!

    Visiting I {Heart} Nap Time.

    More Than A Mom
    http://morethana-mom.blogspot.com

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  27. OMG, I soooooo want one of these and thank you for sharing and giving detailed instructions. Love your page!!!!!!! Take care and be blessed!

    Carole Ann

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  28. Saw you on Debbiedoo's and this IS FREAKING AMAZING! I LOVE it and I want one!! You crafty mamas just amaze me. :)

    Your newest follower - Adrianne
    happyhourprojects.blogspot.com

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  29. Okay, I've been to all the links at Debbie's party this week and you get the "You've Blown Me Away" award!!! This is perfection! And you even shared the steps with us! Thank you. I'm your newest follower. :)

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  30. This is so stunning!
    I am in awe, and very jealous!

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  31. What did you use for a mattress so that it doesn't get damp/moldy?

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  32. Love love love it! I want one!

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  33. OH my!!! This is a dream space. I am so in love and drooling.Great job!!!!
    I am following you now.

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  34. That is AWESOME! I also love the curtains out on the porch. Nice to block sun or gain some privacy.

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  35. Thanks to all for your lovely comments! It is indeed a dream come true and if any of you happen to be in the neighbourhood, by all means, drop by and have a swing!

    I was asked how I protect the daybed from moisture. I was looking for a zippered mattress cover but no luck, so I settled for two fitted covers. I put the first one on the bottom of the mattress and the second one on top, wrapping around the first. It has only rained once since I put up the bed, so I took off the blanket, hung it to dry and returned it to the nice dry mattress. Once the wet weather returns, I will pack up the mattress in the attic until next summer!

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  36. This is awesome, thank you for sharing! I blogged about it on my blog too - here it is if you would like to see: http://loveameliabelle.typepad.com/loveameliabelle/2011/07/porch-swing-bed.html

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  37. Wow! That's just amazing! I've always admired those hanging daybed pics, but have been terrified of possible daybed surfing. Glad to hear that you haven't had an issue with that. What a perfect spot to curl up and read a good book. Thanks for sharing.

    I'm hosting my monthly Before Blogging Throwback Thursdays party, and would love for you to link up anything you made/did/bought Before Blogging. Can't wait to see what you bring to the party.

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  38. Thank you for sharing your hanging daybed on Masterpiece Monday at Boogiebord Cottage, loved it! I've featured it this week on my top ten fav picks. Have great day, Mary :O)

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  39. omgosh! this is absolutely dreamy!

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  40. This is amazing. I have always wanted a hanging daybed on our porch. Yours turned out perfect.

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  41. LOVE LOVE LOVE the daybed, really wish I had a front porch on my house like this one, but it is on the list for the next house.....Can't wait to see what else you share with us.

    Hugs
    Kristen

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  42. I really can't express how much I love this! lol :) I'm a new follower!! :)

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  43. Awesome! Love the bed, love the blog, thanks Stoney Creek Mercantile for leading me here. I'm a new follower!

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  44. Oh my, I love,love love and I want one!
    Wow, I am speechless.
    Theresa

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  45. This is by far the most amazing thing that I have come across in a very long time.... Thank you SO much for sharing this! Sigh.... just so amazing!

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  46. Check this out!!http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Custom-Hanging-Daybeds/189916454404322

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  47. Loving this porch bed....so nice!
    Daisy~

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  48. This is amazing! My dad made a hanging bed for my mom for their porch and it's everyone's favorite napping spot! I'm sure you love this! I'm a new follower and hope you'll follow me too! Happy New Year!

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  49. discovered this on pinterest....omg! love it! perfect for my daughter's bedroom! hmmm...maybe i could use an old door to get started? wheels are spinning!

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  50. I am doing something similar at my house. Question: could you post or send a picture of the ceiling attachment ? I am doing a bed . I am curious on how the rope is secured to the eyebolts in the ceiling.

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