How can I fix my bedroom set?

Jeanne Tatro
by Jeanne Tatro
I Purchased an ASHLEY Pinella sleigh bed, large tall boy, dresser and 2 night stands. At the time it retailed $2000.00, I bought it from a second hand store for $700.00. The mirror is different than shown. It has a wood frame. It was stamped Ashley. It is crap. Pressed board with a lacquer finish. The press board is chipping and the finish shows EVERY finger print. I was thinking of painting it brown with a crackle finish of ivory or milk paint. How do I prepare the cheap finish? It is not even real wood, just glue and sawdust. We do plan on cutting off 6 inches off the bedframe as I am too short to get in. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Although this is exactly what I have, it is a stock photo. It is in pieces in the family room due to renovation.
  10 answers
  • Mary Insana Mary Insana on Jun 24, 2013
    Consider chalk paint. You can put painted furniture in the search here on Hometalk and get a lot of great ideas.
  • Jeanne Tatro Jeanne Tatro on Jun 25, 2013
    Thanks Mary. I will post pictures when I do anything.
  • Mary Insana Mary Insana on Jun 25, 2013
    Chalk paint is a good option since it will adhere to cheaper furniture and make it look really nice. There's so many different ways to use chalk paint too . I do think someone did a crackle finish with chalk paint
  • Kathy DeRouchey Kathy DeRouchey on Jun 26, 2013
    Please don't saw off the legs. They make the bed look like the one in 'the princess and the pea'. Very classy. I'm 5' tall and I have a wooden 2-stepper on my side of the bed.
  • Jany Warnica Jany Warnica on Jun 26, 2013
    Agree with Kathy, don't cut the bed, the proportions will be off and it will always look goofy! Try some paint and see if it sticks, if not there is a primer that you can use (even to paint on glass) then anything will stick.
  • Denise Weick Denise Weick on Jun 27, 2013
    consider a classy side stool/ step to enter your bed, I too am short( vertically challenged) lol even if you build and paint or stain a set of steps to reach sleep time place. : ) I think a chalk paint would be the perfect remedy for your problem~ It's a shame they don't make quality furniture to last anymore for a reasonable price.~ You also may want to check out some options on PINTEREST. They too have some suggestions and insight to help you out.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 27, 2013
    I agree with the others on not cut off the beds feet. A simple box platform can be used as a "step". You could also design it for some storage if you are so inclined. Most commercial furniture is finished with a nitro cellulose lacquer...This is because it dries super fast and allow them to produce product more quickly. Some light scuff sanding will allow just about any finish to be applied. One thing to keep in mind though is whether or not you have ever used furniture polishes on it. Most "dusting" type sprays contain silicone oils which are difficult contaminants to overcome when refinishing. wiping the furniture down with some mineral spirits will help remove these contaminate prior to refinishing.
  • Kathy DeRouchey Kathy DeRouchey on Jun 28, 2013
    Something I forgot to mention.......... When I had my sleigh bed, it's height was adjustable. The hooks on the side rail could be put into one of 3 different slots. Also, think about your mattress set. If you would use a platform or shorter box spring, the bed would be lower to the floor.
  • Jeanne Tatro Jeanne Tatro on Jun 28, 2013
    DENISE: I fell out of bed- concussion...tried the step stool (and some have secret compartments!!!) I sleep too soundly & sleep walk. Fear of getting hurt again. LOL The suggestion of cutting the legs was of desperation. KATHY: I am the princess and the pea. We got a medical grade are mattress which I love & no longer wake up with hip pain. My husband likes the idea of adjusting the bed supports from inside and lowering it. We have to cut the length of the metal center supports, my son is an engineer and said it will still be structurally sound. KMS WOODWORK: I have a N-95 fiberglass respirator. Will that do? I never used polish on it, dry Swiffer wipes only. Thank you for your excellent information everyone.
  • Denise Weick Denise Weick on Jun 28, 2013
    Jeanne Tatro~ O.M.Goodness, glad to hear everything turned out well. That could have been super serious. I hope adjustments are feasible then. Take care and STAY IN/ON the bed. lol