The Perfect Bed

This is an exciting yet sad post, everyone. Rest in peace, the dearly departed Hemnes Four-Poster Bed by Ikea. This lovely and simple bed is on its way out of Ikea stores this spring, and it’s a cryin’ shame. Why, why do you discontinue that which I love, Ikea?! The good news is that you can still pick one up if you move quickly. I’m told they’re selling them off now, but you might find one if you call Ikea or check online, and then make a beeline for those imposing industrial Ikea shelves.

I love this bed for its quiet simplicity. It has an almost Shaker-esque quality because of the no-nonsense construction and simple lines. It has made its way into just about every design magazine — sometimes in its given pine hue, sometimes painted out and embellished. Either way, it is a steal at $389.



Calvin Klein Home has a similar model, the 33 Canopy Bed, and decorators have been using four-poster and canopy beds for years. A simple one like this gives you all of the romance of a four-poster bed without the frilly princess feeling.

Try painting it black and dressing it with pure white linens. Add a couple of decorative cushions, or better yet — one long bolster. I also love the look of a mirror hung on the wall above the headboard. Something vintage and chippy would be a great way to contrast the stark modernity of the bed. However you style it, this is the perfect bed of my dreams (for the moment…). Sigh…

Photo credits:
1. Ikea Hemnes Four-Poster Bed
2. Calvin Klein Home Canopy Bed on Experience Delux in Life blog
3. Photography by Francesco Lagnese, Tom Scheerer’s Long Island Farmhouse in House Beautiful’s April 2009 issue