Monday, May 27, 2013

When There Is No Room For a Bedside Table



I love our home.  It is small and cozy.  The rooms are small too, but at this time in our lives we don't need a big sprawling house (we have a big, sprawling yard, and that may be the death of us).  Our  bedroom is tiny and this doesn't bother us at all, usually.  The only problem is that there is absolutely no room for any kind of a bedside table.  And I love to read.  At night.  In my bed.  The bed is pushed up to a window, so I use the ledge for my cell phone, glasses, book light, chapstick, lotion, etc.  After reading I put the book on the floor beside the bed.  My dear hubby usually makes the bed (he works nights and is often still in bed when I leave for work).  He pulls the bed out to make my side, and there he picks up my book from the floor, has to get the cell phone cord out of his way, and hopefully does not knock anything off the window sill.  It's one of those little things that bugs him every morning.  I needed a solution, so I went to where I always go for inspiration - Pinterest.  I couldn't find anything I really liked or that worked for me so I went to Plan B.  An idea of my own!  






I went in search of an old ladder.  I have one in the corner of my living room, but it wasn't quite right.  I wanted something really skinny with rounded rungs.  Since it was raining all day Saturday and most of Sunday, I decided to hit Goodwill and some antique shops.  I struck out at Goodwill, but I found the pErFeCt ladder at the first (and only) antique shop I went to.  It was old and worn, and the perfect size and shape.  It was $25.  That is high for me.  I usually go for the real bargains but this was eXaCtLy what I was looking for.  So I splurged.  And I am so glad I did.  I also bought a wire basket there for $15.  Wow, major splurge for me.  It really went against my frugal sensibilities, but sometimes you just can't find what you need at a yardsale or Goodwill.




I went to Home Depot to find something to hang the ladder to the wall.  All the brackets and things I looked at were too expensive.  I settled for just banging in some LARGE nails under the rungs.  It worked fine.  Then I tied on the basket with some twine.  I took a small light from the kitchen and placed it in the basket with a book and book light.  I hung a current magazine over one rung.  I loved it, but it was incomplete.  It needed more, and it needed it cheap.  I got the idea to run to the Christmas Tree Shop, about 25 minutes away.  It was 6:30pm and the Christmas Tree Shop closed at 7.  I raced there (going the speed limit) and made it at 5 of 7.  I ran in to find a small wreath.  There were no small wreaths, so I bought a large one for $10.  I was really blowing the budget big time.  I knew the wreath was too large for the ladder but I had another plan for it.  I headed for Walmart which was the only store nearby that was open after 7pm on a Sunday.  I headed to the craft aisle and didn't like any of the flowers there, but I did find 3 small bottles I liked for $0.97 each.  I put them back though, since I didn't know what I would do with them.  I wandered the store,and then there in the CLEARANCE aisle I found JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.  Three small wreaths for $1.50 each.  Then I found a bunch of white flowers for $2.50.  The wheels were turning now, and I had ideas for other walls in the bedroom too.  I went back for the 3 glass bottles.  The total was $10.  






 Ugh, I was now up to $60.  I justified it by realizing that I had only spent $97 at the grocery store earlier that day.  I had planned menus using sales and what I had on hand, and was very careful sticking to my list and not buying anything extra.   Plus my daughter was not with me which is a HUGE factor.  I have been spending $180 to $220 on groceries the last few weeks which is way over what I budget for food.  



These things are just so darn cute though.




Here's a peek at night.





Here is a before.

 And after.

Anyway, I did spend what I think is a lot for this.  But I just love the results.  Useful and pretty.  It has that vintage cottage charm I love.  What do you think?  Did I spend too much?

25 comments:

  1. It's not too much if you like it!!!
    I have stupid windows in all of my bedroom too. There is NO way to position a modern bed in any of the three rooms without having part of the bed falling in front of a window.

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  2. I think you did just fine, sometimes you just can't find what you want or need at a yardsale or GW, so you have to sometimes pay for what you want!

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  3. I think your bedroom is absolutely gorgeous and I am in love with every bit of it, especially the ladder (and your flooring!!) I try to get everything to decorate my house on the cheap since hubby is usually not too happy about all the odds and ends that I bring home, but sometimes when you need/want and find that perfect piece sometimes splurging a bit on it just isn't a bad thing! I'm sure if you would've waited maybe you would've found it cheaper, but who knows.. if you didnt get it and if your luck is anything like mine then you wouldn't find another one all summer! I think it looks great and if it makes you happy and your lives a little easier than its worth it!! =)

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  4. No, I don't think you spent too much. There is nothing wrong with little splurges from time to time. I think it turned out lovely and useful. The wire basket with the little lamp was the perfect finishing touch.
    Enjoy,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes

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  5. So adorable and put to a good use for your reading, no I don't think it was expensive,it was well spent answer for your reading needs and adds such charm to the wall too. Love the little glass vases too!

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  6. That is a fantastic solution. You were on a mission! The floors in your home are just gorgeous.

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  7. Well how incredibly smart of you. That looks amazing. It's like a little nightstand on a ladder. I love that idea!

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  8. Too cute, too clever!! The ladder holder looks adorable there and practical to boot, great idea my friend.

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  9. Beautiful and useful too! I just love it!!

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  10. There is another blog I follow and she had the same dilema. She put two mini shelves just where you put your ladder. I like your ladder idea too. It turned out cute. Love your blog and sweet home.

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  11. I love the ladder and your room. Makes me want to pitch my bed table and do the same. We have an old, small home with lots of windows and dormered (?) ceilings. It's a decorating challenge.

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  12. Your bedroom is so pretty. It reminds me of a guest room at a Bed and Breakfast. Beautiful wood floors, cute furnishings ... love it all! My house is small and cozy too. Less cleaning to do. ;)

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  13. We've got the same problem in our 1921 house. One of the bedrooms barely has room for a double bed, so I hung an old shelf in lieu of a bedside table. I love your idea of using an old ladder to hold all your reading materials!

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  14. I host a weekly link party called "Seasonal Sundays". This week, in honor of my fourth blog-a-versary, I'm having a giveaway of a $100.00 gift certificate to HomeGoods/TJ Maxx. I'd love to have you join the fun!

    - The Tablescaper

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  15. Lovely job and creative ideas.

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  16. That is the cutest idea I have seen and it certainly did a lovely job in solving your space problem. Your bedroom is charming. You nailed that! It's just perfect!

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  17. omg, soooo awesome!!!! PINNING Christine from Little BRags

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  18. I love the ladder idea! It's cute and functional! Your room is charming!

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  19. Wow - only $60.00? I wish I could do something that wonderful for that small amount of money! It looks absolutely perfect.

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  20. Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

    I love the ladder and how you used it!
    What a great use of space!

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  21. I have been wondering what to do with the cool old barn ladder that I bought a couple of years ago. Now I know! Thanks for sharing.

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  22. So inventive!! And adorable! May I ask where you got that cute Dream sign? Luv it! :)

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    1. Hi there! Thanks for visiting TLAH. I found the sign at Hobby Lobby about a year ago.
      Gloria

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  23. My mother always said to splurge on the areas you spend the most time in, and if it gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling every time you pass it, it was a bargain! I say knowing when to splurge, and when to pull back is the art of the True Homemaker! Also, LOVE the bed placement, totally looks intentional...

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  24. Recently had a similar problem when I put two beds in my Master - no room for night table. After your post I am returning to the resale store to buy the homemade ladder I saw there today. Thank you for a
    wonderful idea...the room looks so warm and cozy ~ Ms. Terry.

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Thank you for your lovely comments - they make my day!

Gloria