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Hanging Decorative Birdcages In A Kids Room

Put a birdcage on it. That’s right, why stop at putting a bird on something when you can put an entire birdcage on it?

Follow up question: why stop at one when you can go with three?

Birdcages Final Shot

Sidenote: we’ve gotten a few questions about the brown sheet on the daybed, so the deal with that is that we still haven’t picked up sheets for the bed, but they’ll most likely be navy and most definitely won’t be that crazy old tan sheet that has been on this daybed for around six years! Haha. So just try to ignore that for now if you can.

But back to the birdcages. I’ve been itching to hang these guys since we started this room, so it’s really exciting to finally unveil the “secret 3D items that we plan to hang to balance that off-center window” as we so cryptically referred to them a few times. Why birdcages? Well, it all started over a year ago when we came across the big white birdcage at a local thrift store during book shoots (we were there grabbing some other things and couldn’t leave without it, so we bought it for thirty beans and I hugged it the whole way home).

Then back in September when we got those $8 thrift store chairs in West Virginia on the drive home from redoing Granny’s bathroom, we also grabbed the red birdcage at the same thrift shop for $10 (it was white when we got it though).

Birdcages Full Side

So we had two birdcages sitting around forever, but I knew I’d prefer one more to make a nice grouping of three. And of course, per Murphy’s Law, the third one wasn’t as easy to come by. We tried a bunch of thrift stores and even stalked craigslist (where some folks wanted $90 for their birdcages, eeks!) along with online decorative birdcage vendors (yes they exist, but they also want lots of money for them). Then when I had almost given up all hope, I found that guy on the left at Hobby Lobby (which was $19 after I got 50% off thanks to their all-the-time sales).

That one came in the darker pewter color and I had originally planned to spray it white to go with the other two white ones I already had, but then I realized leaving it that color (it ties into the navy curtains) and spray painting the $10 one from the thrift store bright red would make for a fun little mix.

Birdcages Wide

We wanted this to be a surprise for Clara, so she didn’t see me paint that one or watch us hang them (they’re all very light, so we just used plant hooks that are guaranteed to hold much more weight than these birdcages along with anchors, just to be on the safe side). She was so excited when she woke up from her nap to see them all hung up. Wish we got it on video. There was lots of pointing and laying down on the floor & daybed and gazing up at them. And then she brought in all of her stuffed animals to see them too.

Speaking of careful, since the white and the red one are especially light (they’re made entirely of wicker) we opted to hang the dark one on the end, so it’s not over the daybed at all, which is clearer from this shot:

Birdcages Not Over Bed1

And even though the white and red wicker birdcages are extra light, we still didn’t want them hanging directly over the daybed, so as you can see from this angle they’re set back a lot and the daybed is pulled away from the wall. That way they’re not in a spot that a jumping-on-the-bed Clara could hit her head. So in the end, they’re just like hanging a mobile or a model airplane or anything else that you might find hanging on the ceiling of a kids room. We’re big fans of making things that Clara can gaze up at (like her flower mobiles) so these birdcages were an especially fun little addition to the room for us.

Birdcages Not Over Bed2

So that’s the story of the birdcages. We love that they add interest, pattern, color, and playfulness to the room – especially since there’s already a frame collage on one wall and we have those postcard ledges on another wall. It’s fun to keep thinking about ways to add dimension and interest beyond the ol’ picture frame, ya know?

Birdcages Vert

Bam. I just hit you with a birdcage detail shot.

Birdcages Detail Shot

And now for a few tiny updates that have also gone on. I found some thin red ribbon from my leftover-from-Christmas box, and ran it around the bottom of Sir Moose, just to balance the patterned shade a bit more. Diane actually mentioned the possibility of painting it here in a sweet comment back when we shared the new shade (thanks for the idea Diane!) but I opted for ribbon since it’s so easily changed.

Moose1

As for how I attached it, I just taped it around the back to hold it in place with regular old scotch tape about a week ago. Still holding strong!

Moose 1

The room’s really starting to look finished in certain areas. We definitely still have lots more on the to-do list, but it’s coming along slowly but surely…

Birdcages Other Side

Speaking of the list, here ya go:

  • paint the room (more on that here)
  • cut down our old den side table to make a play table (more on that here)
  • bring in a dresser (we’d love to find something secondhand) (more on that here)
  • make/hang some curtains (more on that here)
  • add a rug (more on that here)
  • paint the backs of the chairs along with her play table (more on that here)
  • hang our postcard ledges and fill them with favorite flashcards (more on that here)
  • install a new light fixture (more on that here)
  • hang a few 3D objects that we have in mind for wall decor (how’s that for cryptic?)
  • get a new set of sheets for the daybed (most likely in navy) along with a cushy mattress pad
  • refinish or paint Clara’s new dresser (which we got here)
  • turn the junked up closet into an actual clothes closet/reading nook
  • add crown molding (along with tackling the other un-crown-molding-ed bedrooms on this side of the house)
  • possibly paint the ceiling once the crown goes up and we choose a color…
  • add accessories like more pillows, storage bins for toys, etc

Oh and we did frame and hang one more thing…

New Art

Isn’t it cute? I love that you read it right as you walk in, and that it’s full of so many colors that you see when you step further into the room. It’s by Katie Daisy (I’m a crazy rabid fan of her amazing work) and I actually pinned it around a year ago, only to find our new friends Lauren and Steve at our book signing in Palo Alto holding it out to us (all rolled up and tied with a ribbon). Is that sweet or what? It really is amazing how thoughtful people are. When I said “I pinned this so long ago!” she said “I know!”

 

New Art2

I don’t know if I’m just a sappy mom, but it gets me all misty-eyed. It’s so true. Clara is loved like crazy, and every time I see it I send some love to Lauren & Steve for their amazingly thoughtful surprise.

So that’s what’s up in Clara’s big girl room. What did you guys do this weekend? Anyone else hanging giant 3D objects or pretty little prints? What about “put a birdcage on it.” Thinks it’ll catch on? Come on guys, we can make this happen. The question is, do we want it to…?

Psst- Ahhhhhh! The secret video thing we hinted about on Instagram is finally out! It was actually for BBC and not only do I rock a side ponytail, there’s lots of talk about our big goal this year. Nothing like trying to stick to a resolution by chatting about it at length to BBC News. You can watch the video and read the article here. If nothing else, the Clara & Burger shots are priceless.

Comments

  1. Anna in Ohio says

    So funny that both you and Katie Brown from Confessions of a Young Married Couple wrote about Katie Daisy prints today. I had never seen the amazing-ness that is her work until today, and it was featured on two of my favorite blogs on the same day! Small world!

    Reply

  2. Sarah says

    “Oh and we did frame and hang on more thing…”

    “on” should be “one?”

    just letting you know. such a rockstar room! :)

    Reply

  4. Tasneem says

    The comments about adding little birds got me thinking….a mom and pop bird, one baby bird, and a doggie would be so cute in those cages! : )

    When you first posted your inspiration for the room, which was the items laid out on your office rug I fell in LOVE with the color pallet to the point that I was inspired to use a similar pallet in my den. However, my den which is in early stages does not seem to be coming together well. Looking at the initial stages of Clara’s room, I felt similarly – like it was not coming together well (at first). Now that Clara’s room has progressed, it’s all coming together sooo well and I love it. Seeing the progression (rather than once big reveal) through the posts has been very helpful on planning my den.

    BTW – As someone mentioned, the bird cages looked Photoshop-ed. I thought this post was going to be about the cages you would LIKE to get at some point. Glad to read that they are real life bird cages, which look spectacular!

    Reply

  5. Kay says

    So in love with Clara’s big girl room! And that moose lamp! Swoon! Is it awful that I’m incredibly jealous of a 3 year old’s bedroom? Because I am, I am, I AM!

    Reply

  6. mum of all trades says

    First let me say what a beautiful, sophisticated room for a young lady! I’ve just finished my 3 year old’s room and hop it will last her until a ‘big girl room’. I love birdcages. I have some fairy lights inside one, which gives a lovely soft glow to my sitting room. I have another one that I just purchased, I hope to hang it up outside in Summer with some pretty trailing flowers hanging down from it.

    Reply

  8. Alexandra says

    I can’t even begin to tell you how hard I love this! It has really transformed the room and added a touch of whimsy and so much fun. I’ve wanted to hang some birdcages from my ceiling for ages- but I am renting, and severely limited by what I can do by those 3M hooks. Love it- thanks for sharing- Clara’s room is really coming along now!

    Reply

  10. Miranda says

    Yay for Katie Daisy! I actually found her through that pin you added long ago!

    Then I ended up getting the “Live in the sunshine…” poster for my best cousin-friend. It was THE perfect gift for her, and meant a lot. So thank you! :)

    Reply

  11. snosie says

    Ah you went and stole my idea right out of my head! I used to have 7 (yes SEVEN) decorative birdcages. I did downsize to 3, but still want to hang them in my double height living room in my loft… With a concrete ceiling, I’m wondering how I can do it without drilling into that (I have drilled curtains from the ceiling, but it makes me so anxious that the 6 floors of apartments above me might one day topple upon me!) I have a small corner that I might be able to position an angled ‘arm’ to hang them off… (this is more than a year of pondering this)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ook that sounds so awesome! Anyone have ideas for how she could hang them without drilling into the concrete ceiling? Maybe using two knobs into the wall at the very top and stringing some clear fishing wire across them to make sort of an invisible curtain rod way up high and then more fishing wire can come down from that for the birdcage to hang on?

      xo
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Since that’s the wall that’s visible all the way down the hall (even from the kitchen!) we think hanging it at standard height makes more sense since it’s not just a private nook and more like a public space, but we definitely love having lots of things down at her level (like the hallway frame collage full of her family members and pics of her as a baby- she loves staring at them!).

      xo
      s

  13. Abigayle says

    I love Katie Daisy prints! We have the same one in a bigger size that I got us as our paper 1 year anniversary present (and then had to buy a big frame that i spray painted, and mat it myself since it’s an unstandard size. i felt like you guys would be proud of that little project) and my mother in law gave me “let the beauty that we love be what we do” in the 8×11. I’m obsessed and have both on our mantle. My plan is to put the “you are so loved” print in a baby’s room once we get to that point in our life.

    Reply

  14. Chelsy says

    I have the same “you are so loved” print in my Daughters nursery. It was one of the first things I bought… and its so beautiful!

    Reply

  15. Brittany T says

    So is the big news that you are posting one less time a week? I was hoping yo bought a beach house or something!! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, not to worry! There’s a lot more going on this year – something new pretty much each season to share. No beach house yet… but you know we’d love to make that happen someday!

      xo
      s

  16. louise says

    Cor blimey guvnor! An interview with the beeb?! I am chuffed to bits for you both, and also feeling a bit smug myself – this is the convo that happened at work today…
    “Lou, them young people with a house you’ve been banging on about, is this them?” (I look at their pc screen) waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!!!!!! (I eloquently reply) it bloody well is!!
    Well done dahlings, well done
    Ps- I am smitten with those bird cages, seriously.

    Reply

  17. Alison says

    The birdcages are so cool! This is kind of crazy, but have you guys thought about painting the ceiling almost the same color as the rug – maybe a shade or two lighter? It might be something else that’s fun for Clara to look up at. :)

    Reply

  18. Jenny says

    We have that Katie Daisy print too. I love it! When we got it, it had a postcard of the same print taped to the back, so my daughter got the big one and the postcard is in my son’s room!

    Reply

  20. Lisa in Seattle says

    Oh my gosh, I thought those birdcages were decals at first! What a clever solution to that corner – they have presence but are also airy and insubstantial.

    I’ve picked up Katie Daisy art for myself and gifts, but this was a timely reminder to go see what’s new. This one seems to scream “Petersiks!” to me (it even has little hearts).

    Reply

  21. Nicki says

    Love those! But I have a question on another note. What happened to the bangs you cut and posted about? I saw the post, but have never actually seen you with the bang. Just wondering…

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Sometimes they come down on instagram! They’re just for special occasions. Haha! I’m a ponytail girl with a toddler, so I don’t have much time (or patience) for doing them every morning ;)

      xo
      s

  26. Laura B says

    The birdcages are a really sweet touch to the “big girl” room. I am working on ideas for a “big boy” room for my 2 year old. Any ideas for something similar a boy could dig?

    Reply

  28. Debbie says

    Love Clara’s room. It’s funny. I need stuff for my son’s room. But, I was walking through JCPenny and saw a navy and pink pillow (on clearance too). I thought of you all. My son is a little older than Clara and we just got a free fire truck toddler bed for him.

    Reply

  30. rebecca p says

    Hey guys, congrats on the BBC interview, that is huge for you here in the UK, I have been reading your blog for 3 years now and I’m proud of you for getting the recognition you deserve over here.

    Reply

  31. Karly says

    Kind of a big girl mobile for a big girl room….I bet Clara will love looking up at them once she’s sleeping in there, I know I would!

    Reply

  33. Keisha says

    I didn’t read every comment so someone else might have mentioned this, but do you worry that she will climb up and try to hang/swing on them? I know Clara isn’t as monkey-fied as my 3 kiddos but that would probably be one of the first things mine would try.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Great question! We’ve told her they’re only for looking and not for touching (and haven’t put anything tempting in them for now, just to establish that). We figure since she didn’t pull the Christmas tree down on herself (or try to climb it) after we told her it’s only for looking, she’ll be awesome about following that direction with the birdcages too, but of course we’ll keep an eye on her like we always do around the house just in case ;)

      xo
      s

  34. Kierstin says

    The birdcages are fabulous! And being a Portlandian, I know all about putting a bird on it. We are made fun of to no end thanks to that show.

    Also watched your BBC interview. Sherry, love your bright jacket. You were probably ready to give the black blazer a rest after the book tour.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, yes! I was so over it! But looking back it was still the best decision I made (choosing a different outfit for every signing would probably have made John want to poke himself in the eye repeatedly). Haha!

      xo
      s

  36. Maria says

    Love the way Clara’s big girl room is coming together.

    On an unrelated note: have you guys heard of the Harlem Shake dance craze? If not, YouTube it. I would love to see a Young House Love Harlem Shake; or even a Young House Love AND Power Bower Harlem Shake. Omg, I can just imagine…

    Reply

  37. cappy says

    How do you guys do that?!?! I love how you mix in all the different prints and it all looks so awesome and not too busy. I try to do that and I have a circus mess but you guys totally have a gift! Love her room!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Cappy! I think the key in here was a very light/neutral wall color, white trim, and those touches of white and navy throughout (to temper all the patterns and color).

      xo
      s

  38. Rachael says

    I’m not normally a fan of quote art, but I LOVE that! Especially as Clara will see it every time she goes into her new room. What a lovely thing to be reminded of.

    And get you! Rockin’ it with The Beeb!!

    Reply

  39. Aoife says

    LOVE the birdcages! Adds such a cheerful element to the room. Clara is a lucky girl. I love to hang art projects from my classroom ceiling, hot air balloons, lanterns etc. It just makes the room so much more cheerful and fun. I adore the colours you chose-glad you didnt stick to white. i think it really sets the rest of the room off!

    Reply

  41. Bobbi says

    Love the bedroom progress with so many fun details for your big girl!

    And might I say, you looked great on the BBC video! Cute pony and all! Britain gave the US Downton Abbey and in return they get The Petersiks! Britain made out!!

    Reply

  42. shannon says

    The room looks great!! I’m sure Clara will have many wonderful years of fun in there. I have to say—every time I see that moose lamp, he brings a smile to my face.

    Reply

  43. Kal says

    Those birdcages are glorious. Love them to bits- I kind of want one…or five, now. Haha.

    The article is really great too. You guys are so genuine and real, it’s hard not to love ya. So glad to see everyone else finally getting on the love bandwagon. :)

    Reply

  44. Stephanie @ genius, obviously says

    Y’all look totally smokin’ in the video and I love all of the shots of Clara and Burger, but… Am I the only one who thinks that shot of you two, Clara and Burger out on your patio was weirdly photoshopped/color corrected?

    I scrolled down to it and said, “What did BBC do? I’ve seen this picture before and they look way more normal/adorable than this.

    Love the room, love you guys… :)

    Reply

  46. Tony says

    I can’t help but want to ask where the birds are… I think the colors you could add with a few little birds would be exquisite, and imagine the noise. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, we’d love to add something fun down the line – probably a faux bird over a real one though. Haha! We didn’t want to add anything tempting into them for now (didn’t want to encourage Clara to hang on them or try to get anything out of them) but once she proves that she’s good at looking and not jumping/hanging/throwing things at them, we’ll branch out. Hahah!

      xo
      s

  47. monica says

    This is the best addition to the room yet! Oh, and the heart pillow, of course. I’ve been eyeing a few on etsy myself. You can find anything on there!! take care ;)

    Reply

  48. Hillary says

    I love it–especially the birdcages being three different colors. We actually have the same print in our 3 3/4 (haha) year old daughter’s room along with 3 birdhouses on her wall in different colors. One has a realistic bird sticking her little head out. That would be a cute addition–a bigger size stuffed parrot to go in one of them!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We only have two of them but we move them all around. Hahah! They’re both from Joss & Main but I’ve noticed the price goes up and down a lot, so try to hold out for a nice good deal and then pounce!

      xo
      s

  50. Breanne says

    Just wanted to say, looks awesome so far. So much love in every detail! We recently just moved from Chicago to California and our own little Clara (who is about 18mths now) had her room moved. We have the same “You Are So Loved” print and a few others from Katie that we used to decorate her new room. So funny, same name choice, same print choice. Cute!

    Reply

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