Dear Joe,
My partner and I recently bought a set of adjustable beds ( two twin-size pushed together ) . Each has its own control to raise the back, center and foot to different levels. Because of this, we had to give up our old headboard. What can we do for a headboard that will allow the head of each bed to move without restriction? —Bedbug
Dear Bedbug,
I have dealt with your situation in a couple of ways.
For one client, I had a custom made frame and headboard built. The frame ran completely around the bed ( sides and foot ) and attached to the headboard. The entire unit was upholstered. It was very precisely measured to allow the head and foot of each bed to move up and down without ever touching the headboard, sides or foot of the frame.
Another way that I have handled this is to have a headboard built and attached to the wall. The headboard can be designed in almost unlimited styles and upholstered in a huge variety of fabrics. Since it is attached only to the wall, the beds can be placed far enough away to allow free movement. A variation on this could be to use an interesting screen, piece of ironwork or architectural element.
Just a note on those remote control beds: watch out for a malfunction. A client of mine managed to lock both controls on the same setting by accident. She and her husband spent the weekend arguing over the positions of the beds until the manufacturer could resolve the problem on Monday!
Dear Joe,
I have a full length bedspread on my bed. This probably sounds crazy, but it bothers me that when I turn back the bedspread, I see that ugly blue satin quilted box spring. Any ideas? —Picky
Dear Picky,
Not crazy at all!
I did some custom bedding for one of my clients, including a duvet. Because of the structure of the bed, there was no way to use a bed skirt. To resolve the problem of the exposed box spring, I had a special cover made for it in a coordinated fabric.
You could achieve the same effect by covering the box spring with a fitted sheet. Since they are almost all made now for the 18-inch mattresses, it should work out just fine.
Dear Joe,
My condo is on a busy street. I had wood blinds installed in the bedroom, but they don't do anything to block out the noise. This is causing a problem with trying to sleep. Before I plunk down more money, what is the best way to achieve a quiet room? —Jo Ann
Dear Jo Ann,
The best, and really the only way to block out noise is with draperies.
The draperies would need to be made with either interlining or a block out lining.
Interlining is a flannel that is placed between the face fabric and the lining. I comes in different weights. It would help muffle the noise, and gives the draperies a fuller appearance..
Block out lining is a lining that is rubber backed cotton. This is the type of lining usually seen in hotels draperies. There is good reason for this. The lining totally blocks out the sunlight and it diminishes the amount of noise.
Be sure to have the draperies made to extend from above the window to the floor, and out from the sides by at least a couple of inches.
Please e-mail your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, fill in 'WCT Design.'
Joseph Rice is an interior decorator who offers full design services. With 23 years of experience, he specializes is 'hard to treat' windows. You can reach him at Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc. at ( 773 ) 271-2361, or jos.riceinteriors@att.net .
