Eleanor's Room

Which Bed for Eleanor?

Which Bed for Eleanor?

I’m torn. I love the cool peacock headboard that we have from eBay (to be painted), but I’ve been thinking that the Minnen extendable bed may be a better fit for us right now.

  • If I use the peacock headboard, I’ll have to get a twin-sized bed for it. That’s going to limit my layout options in the room. What I love about the Minnen is that it’s as wide as a twin-size, but the length is adjustable.
  • The peacock headboard would attach to the wall and the bed would just bump up next to it. Maybe this is silly to think, but I feel like the bed will shift away and the pillows will always be falling down behind. No?
  • The Minnen is really cute here, and would look much better with wallpaper (if we in fact wallpaper).
  • I do worry about the slats of the Minnen shifting under jumping kiddos on the bed (since a few readers mentioned that as being a problem with IKEA beds).
  • If we have more kids and two need to share a room, I think two Minnen beds would work well. (But that’s a big hypothetical IF, and many years away.)
  • That peacock headboard is just plain awesome. Although Eleanor may well break off the cirlicues.
  • When we go to IKEA, Eleanor is drawn to the Minnen. But Brandon pointed out that she would probably be equally happy to have the peacock headboard too.

I don’t know. I can argue for or against each one. What do you think?

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  • LeAnn
    December 15, 2010 at 10:08 am

    Well I like the Minnen one for what it’s worth:)

  • Mel
    December 15, 2010 at 10:11 am

    The Minnen looks like a pain in the butt to put “make,” even if you don’t do it every day. You’ll have to tuck the sheets and blankets behind the curls on the side.
    I just got a real frame a few years ago, but before I had a headboard and a basic frame ($30) and it didn’t really pull away from the wall. Putting a thick rug under it might make it more secure.
    Both super cute though!

  • betz
    December 15, 2010 at 10:12 am

    Minnen-less trendy, more practical and durable. I had a wicker bed as a little girl and the wicker and paint always seemed to flake. As for the slats, as long as you flip the matress a few times a year (we do it quarterly) for even mattress wear) fixing the slats -or replacing is no big deal.

  • Diana
    December 15, 2010 at 10:12 am

    I think for now the Minnen would be the best option. I think she may be a bit too young for the BEAUTIFUL peacock headboard, and as you mentioned, may be a bit rough with it. Might be best to wait until she’s a bit older and can really appreciate and cherish it.

  • Alisa
    December 15, 2010 at 10:13 am

    Unless you have a ginormous room, I loathe footboards. I used to have one myself–much like the Minnen–and I’m so happy it’s gone. It opened the whole space up.

    The bed won’t shift from the wall. That’s what caster cups are for. We have all hardwoods and I’ve got beds on rubber foot bads or, in the case of my son’s captain’s bed, on rubber shelf liner. It holds them in place completely.

    The peacock is killer, IMO. No contest.

  • Samantha
    December 15, 2010 at 10:16 am

    If I was a little girl, I’d love the minnen bed. For sure. If I had kids, I would also choose the minnen. As an young adult though, I would love the peacock bed.

  • tammy
    December 15, 2010 at 10:16 am

    Go for the Minnen. I have 3 older kids, and I wish we would have spent more time in the toddler bed stage. It’s so perfect for little ones, and you’ll have plenty of time to have fun with the twin headboard later.

  • Allison
    December 15, 2010 at 10:16 am

    I always lean towards using what you’ve got rather than buying something else. My five-year-old daughter has a headboard that’s butted up against the wall with a simple bed frame and mattress and she’s yet to have any problems with lost pillows.

  • Amanda @ Heart Tree Home
    December 15, 2010 at 10:17 am

    I like the Minnen, but the peacock is so much more unique. You could switch to the Minnen later on if you have another kid or if you decide to wallpaper… Plus, you already have the peacock.

    And, I can say firstand that your bed will not slide away from the headboard attached to the wall. We have our headboard attached to the wall and it has worked out just fine! See here: http://hearttreehome.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/how-to-upholster-a-headboard/

  • Michelle
    December 15, 2010 at 10:17 am

    Get the ikea bed and upgrade to the Minnen later on…

  • luuve
    December 15, 2010 at 10:17 am

    i absolutely love the minnen…its classic and simple..and you can add plenty in the room without the bed over shadowing the complete room design.

    HOWEVER lol..im a bit like you..the peacock bed is really cute…buuuuuuttttt…..id have to SEE IT in the room…

    decisions decisions…

    ps..i loooove the wallpaper room with the minnen bed..ive always loved it!!!! if i had two little ones that would be the perfect little bedroom for them.

  • NancyV908
    December 15, 2010 at 10:17 am

    On looks (not the durability issue–I don’t know about that) I like the Minnen too, but I share Mel’s worry that it will be annoying to make every morning. I think it generally will be hard to keep looking nice & neat, with sheets not hanging down–you’ll notice that more with this style, no? Especially if you have Eleanor make her bed when she’s older, which is often one of the first chores kids get. My kids do their beds (box frames with skirts) & they do a terrible job b/c they are still too young to do it well–I live with that b/c the lesson is more important than the results. But I think it would look a lot worse on the Minnen than on the style we have.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:54 am

      It does seem a little difficult to keep looking neat.

  • Sadhbh
    December 15, 2010 at 10:17 am

    I would also go for the Minnen. I have 8 month old twins who I have already decided will graduate to Minnen beds when they are older!!… possibly in white though. I would keep the amazing peacock headboard for when Eleanor is older and less likely tinker with the wickerwork.

  • Meg W.
    December 15, 2010 at 10:18 am

    I agree with Diana that the peacock headboard needs to be cherished! It is fabulous and would make an incredible teen room for when she will be more careful with it. The Minnen is still super cute and seems a lot more durable. Good luck!

    • Diana
      December 15, 2010 at 11:03 am

      Thanks, Meg. Wouldn’t it be a fun mother/daughter project for them to paint it together when Eleanor’s older and wants a more “grown up” room?

  • Michelle
    December 15, 2010 at 10:19 am

    oops I mean upgrade to the peacock bed later

  • Kelly
    December 15, 2010 at 10:19 am

    PEACOCK! The minnen is great, but its Ikea and will always be available. If you do have more and they need to share a room, address it then. Plus, it does look like it would be a huge pain to make every day.

  • Mary
    December 15, 2010 at 10:19 am

    The ikea bed slats are a nightmare-take it from a mom of 3! While we got rid of our ikea beds, my sister found a fix at a furniture store that keeps the slats in place-sort of like a frame to go around the slats so they won’t move. I’m not sure what it’s called, but I wouldn’t buy an ikea bed without one.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:55 am

      Yeah, I was thinking that I could do something to make the slats stay in place better.

  • Amber
    December 15, 2010 at 10:20 am

    We had a Minnen for about four years and just loved it. I liked how wide it was. It wasn’t too tough to make because the bottom tucked in so well. My daughter is also a major roller and the side rails kept her from rolling off. I was sad to see ours go but a bunk bed was a must for our situation. Also, it was very sturdy for us surviving three moves {a lot for Ikea furniture} At the smallest size the wooden rails are pretty close together but I tried to keep her from jumping on the bed.

    But, I would also save the peacock headboard for later if you do choose the Minnen. It’s awesome.

  • stephanie
    December 15, 2010 at 10:20 am

    as a mom of two little girls..3yo and 4yo…i would go with the ikea bed. i saw your other peacock piece in person and i would be worried about parts/paint coming off, the bed moving away from the headboard, and other generalized mommy concerns. my daughter tends to be VERY creative in her destruction and/or misuse of household articles.

  • Catherine
    December 15, 2010 at 10:21 am

    Peacock has my vote. I think it’s stunning in comparison to the Minnen. I went with big beds for my boys and hate (HATE) the footboards.

  • Allie
    December 15, 2010 at 10:22 am

    I love the peacock headboard, and do believe to use what you have. However will you need to add bedrails? If so the Minnen may be a more stylish option because it would help keep Eleanor in bed at night without needing extra rails.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:56 am

      Yes, I think we’d have to add rails for a while.

  • Janice
    December 15, 2010 at 10:27 am

    I’m shocked anyone would want the metal one. It’s so cold and hospitalish. And I think you would regret it every single day when you were making it, having to tuck sheets & blankets into the sides. And then the kids getting hurt on the sides & footboard. The Peacock has such flair, and is just so you! It’s so beyond perfect for a little girl, for the short period of time she gets to be over the top girly.

  • alison
    December 15, 2010 at 10:27 am

    on our queen sized ikea bed, instead of the slats we put in a piece of 3/4″ MDF (well, 2 since it was so large). its been that way for 5 years and is holding up remarkably. i assumed we would have to replace it at some point, but it hasn’t budged at all.

  • Mara
    December 15, 2010 at 10:28 am

    The Minnen bed seems a bit dangerous, little arms and legs wedged between the bars and getting jammed up at their elbows and knees. Also their clothing can catch on the metal curlicues. Your daughter is going to be in a twin bed before you know it and the peacock headboard is so much cooler and unique.

    I mean, c’mon… Ikea vs. Vintage? Is there really any competition?

  • Rebecca
    December 15, 2010 at 10:29 am

    Too bad you can’t figure out a way to use them both as they’re very complementary. Is there a way to remove the toppart of the Minnen headbaord and replace it with the wicker in a cool color?

  • Katie Campbell
    December 15, 2010 at 10:29 am

    I have two little ones, and my vote would be for the minnen bed. We’ve experienced that it only takes one mischievous moment and the “cool” things are ruined. Better to have a bed you’re not super attached to while Eleanor is little, and then bring out the cool stuff once she’s old enough to understand. Either way, Eleanor is a lucky little girl to have such a great mama!

  • meryl rose
    December 15, 2010 at 10:31 am

    MINNEN! I feel like it has the clean lines that you like. It’s elegant and simple and will allow for all sorts of decorating with it and around it (can change up bed linens, furniture, colors, etc.) It allows other stuff in the room to compete with it without looking busy, but it is also amazingly beautiful enough to stand on its own. I feel like with the peacock headboard that would be the only statement piece in the room because if you had similarly decorative things it would look really busy.

  • Tara
    December 15, 2010 at 10:31 am

    Could you not get the Minnen and attach the peacock higher up on the wall, above it? Maybe in a nice, bright color to attract some attention. Then you could use a quilt or pillows up against the headboard of the Minnen to detract from the difference in design. Best of both worlds? :)

    Also, we have used IKEA beds with slats with no problems before, with 3 highly jumpy kids. ;)

  • Cara
    December 15, 2010 at 10:33 am

    I love the peacock one–its got so much character! But hey, if you go the other direction, i might be willing to take it off your hands ;)

  • Anna
    December 15, 2010 at 10:34 am

    I think the peacock might be better. Kids jumping on the bed might hit themselves on the footboard of the Minnen and/or get their little arms/legs stuck in the spaces between the bars. I had an Ikea bed as a kid and (1) it wasn’t very comfortable – though that largely depends on the type of mattress you get and my parents just got the little foam one, (2) one of the slats did break as the result of bouncing on the bed.
    But I agree with everyone else that it would be a shame if the wicker on the peacock got damaged! It’s such a beautiful frame.

  • Christina R
    December 15, 2010 at 10:35 am

    I’d save the headboard for when she’s older. I have three girls and that thing would be picked apart faster than you could say peacock. That’s right.

    So yeah, I’d go for the Minnen. For now anyway.

  • Stephanie
    December 15, 2010 at 10:36 am

    I love the peacock one… I had one as a kid. But I did break off all the circles.

  • Laurie
    December 15, 2010 at 10:37 am

    I have to honestly say that even tho I like them both a lot, as a mom, I would be worried about her sticking her head in there and not being able to get it out!!!

  • Kelsey
    December 15, 2010 at 10:38 am

    My son is 21 months old and we are currently transitioning him to the big boy room. I would recommend just biting the bullet and buying a twin mattress and box spring because Eleanor will be able to use it for much longer. Eventually you’ll HAVE to make space for it, so why not now? Because our little guy is especially small for big boy beds, we just put the box spring on the floor to reduce the height. This would actually work really well with the pictured headboard because it wouldn’t push out like something on castors would.

  • Diana Smith
    December 15, 2010 at 10:39 am

    Peacock! Its just amazing!

  • Allison
    December 15, 2010 at 10:40 am

    How many beds do you plan to buy for Eleanor? It sounds like the Minnen would be something requiring a new, longer mattress as she grows. In contrast, I slept on a twin bed until I went to university. I’d pick the twin bed just for that reason.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:57 am

      There is a mattress at IKEA that works with the Minnen as the length changes.

  • wanderluster
    December 15, 2010 at 10:41 am

    I would go with the peacock headboard. Eleanor has probably learned from you to appreciate pretty things so she may not pull off those curlicues like you think. Although you’ll have less space because the peacock requires a twin bed, you’re also giving her a new playroom soon so really her room will just be for sleeping. We have a bed on a metal frame up against the headboard in our nursery and it doesn’t move (the locked castors and carpet help keep it in place).

    I think the peacock is beautiful and unique. One thing though – I know my Chloe loves the toddler sized beds at Ikea too. I think the small size appeals to her, just like she loves the little table & chairs & the little kitchen that are all “her” size. So you’re probably right, Eleanor might prefer the Minnen (becauses its small & cozy) to the bigger twin bed. Then again, kids grow so soon enough you may want a twin sized bed.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:58 am

      Eleanor is really good with not touching/breaking things, but I wouldn’t depend on that 100%. ;)

  • Juliette
    December 15, 2010 at 10:42 am

    I had a peacock headboard just like that for many of my pre-teen/teen years (inherited it from my mom’s college days in the 70’s). Mine wasn’t painted. I thought it was so cool looking, but I totally picked/pulled at it and I remember many phone calls/slumber parties where I had that reed/basket stuff in my hands, or it unwound (maybe this wouldn’t be a problem if yours is painted?).

    Pillows falling down? No, but I do remember being annoyed at the headboard not actually being attached to the bed b/c if I ran and jumped on my bed (as I was often prone to do), the bed would slide just enough so that the headboard would tilt a little forward a smidge. Later, when I would prop up my pillows and read in bed, the headboard would slap against the wall. That used to bug me, but a young child probably wouldn’t notice.

    If the slates in the other bed concern you, maybe just shove a sheet of plywood in there instead. Or a ‘bunkie board’. Both are certainly cute, though!

  • nic
    December 15, 2010 at 10:43 am

    An adjustable bed is all very well, but do you have an adjustable mattress?

    Children are just as happy in a big bed as a small, but all that said, the iron bed looks lovely.

  • beth
    December 15, 2010 at 10:44 am

    As a child of the 70’s, I didn’t have the peacock but many of my friends did. I was always so jealous. If I had a little girl, I would choose the peacock in a heartbeat. So feminine!!

  • Ayelet
    December 15, 2010 at 10:44 am

    I vote for the Minnen because it seems so flexible, and agree that the peacock headboard should be saved for her teen years (particularly due to its delicacy). I think that having a headboard and a footboard will make the bed seem more cosy. Regarding the slats, I’ve been sleeping on an ikea bead with slats for the last five years, and I have never had a problem. I’ve used two different frames (the Malm and Aspelund) and two different types of slats (I eventually upgraded) and never had a problem with the slats moving out of place though, I certainly don’t make a habit of jumping my bed. From an economic standpoint,

  • Stephanie
    December 15, 2010 at 10:45 am

    I vote peacock because I just loved it when you posted it earlier. I’m sure you could rig something to make it stay in place. The Ikea bed is also nice, but the black seems a little hard to me. Perhaps if it was painted a different color?

  • Jen K
    December 15, 2010 at 10:48 am

    Peacock, it’s just so cool and fewer people have it. It’s special!!!!! I don’t think the bed will pull away from the wall. I grew up using just one of those “comes with the mattress” metal frames and my pillows never fell down…

  • Molly
    December 15, 2010 at 10:49 am

    Both are cute… but as a mom of 3, I’d say save the peacock for when she’s older and look for a different bed for right now. Your little one is bound to jump on the Minnen, and the headboard, footboard and side rails are NOT forgiving! Trust me, I know from personal experience, and now my toddler has a huge welt on her forehead. :(

  • Camille
    December 15, 2010 at 10:51 am

    Question:

    The Minnen is the width of a twin, but extends lengths… what mattress do you use if you have it shorter? Wouldn’t a crib mattress be too narrow? And does it extend to the length of a twin?

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:52 am

      IKEA has a mattress that comes in three pieces to go with it. You just add or take away at the foot end to fit the size.

  • Jane
    December 15, 2010 at 10:54 am

    I vote for the Peacock headboard simply because I have seen the Minnen bed before but that headboard is so distinct- which seems to match your style (and Eleanors). It’s something that looks and feels different and unique. Go for the Peacock headboard!

  • Amanda
    December 15, 2010 at 10:59 am

    What about if you got something like the gulliver bed from ikea and hung the peacock above it like artwork. You could even make 3 little pillows to set along the back with her initials, Just an idea.

  • jo
    December 15, 2010 at 11:06 am

    peacock. its just better. :)

  • Corie
    December 15, 2010 at 11:08 am

    What kind of bed would you use with the Peacock? What if you figured out a way to make the bed super sturdy & stationary, so it doesn’t slide away from the wall? Drill it to the wall somehow or the floor, I don’t care!! You just need to use that Peacock! :)

  • Overfriendly Concierge
    December 15, 2010 at 11:10 am

    As the owner of an Ikea bed from years ago that is very similar to the Minnen, I can tell you it is absolutely a colossal pain in the butt to make. You will curse those stupid side rails.

  • DesignGirl
    December 15, 2010 at 11:10 am

    Peacock! Seems like an all-around better choice. As an interior designer, I would Not specify a metal bed with slats for a client’s child, because I would Never do so for my own. Safety hazard!

  • Victoria
    December 15, 2010 at 11:15 am

    Peacock! It is beautiful and unique. Also, it is never too early to teach children how to behave with nice things. I grew up in a home where there were certain things I could play with, and certain things I could not – and it NEVER diminished my fun!

  • Overfriendly Concierge
    December 15, 2010 at 11:19 am

    While I’m thinking about it, I really can’t endorse Ikea’s mattresses, either.

  • amanda6
    December 15, 2010 at 11:19 am

    I vote for the peacock:).

  • Jen
    December 15, 2010 at 11:21 am

    Could the peacock headboard be used somewhere in her room as really cool sculptural art, and you could get the Ikea bed as her furniture?

  • Caitlin
    December 15, 2010 at 11:23 am

    I really like the Ikea bed, however, my friends daughter had it and the little iron pieces on the side are kinda flimsy. I sat on the side of the bed to read her daughter a story (I was baby sitting) and it broke (shuuush, don’t tell hehe). I never felt the bed was very sturdy to start with though.

  • Cindy
    December 15, 2010 at 11:25 am

    When in doubt, I choose the option that is furthest way from being mass produced. I like the peacock. :)

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:52 pm

      The peacock headboard was mass produced too… in the 70s. ;)

  • h.
    December 15, 2010 at 11:28 am

    That peacock blew me away when you posted it the other day. So beautiful and unique (which Ikea is not).

  • Meg
    December 15, 2010 at 11:28 am

    I would keep the peacock headboard for when shes slightly older. I was a very good child, but I can remember being a very little girl, being scared at night and chipping the paint off my headboard bc I was nervous and anxious.

    If you are concerned about her breaking off the wicker – you may want to save it for when she’s old enough to really appreciate how awesome it is.

  • Morgan | Mrs. Priss
    December 15, 2010 at 11:29 am

    Gosh, both are adorable! My daughter is just a few months older than Eleanor, so we’ve been in the market for a toddler bed as well. The Minnen is SO adorable in person and I’m pretty sure it’s wider than the normal toddler beds, but don’t quote me on that. My niece has it in her sweet little room and when my daughter goes over to play, she immediately runs to the bed and just sits in the damn thing all night. She loves it.

    Looking forward to seeing what adorableness you have up your sleeve for the kids’ room! I’m about as far along as you are with a boy this time too, so I’m familiar with the challenge of making the room appropriate for both!

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:52 pm

      Yes, it’s wider than a toddler bed. It’s the same width as a twin bed, and it extends to a full twin size.

  • jane
    December 15, 2010 at 11:35 am

    Definitely the peacock. I’m with the other poster that votes for the farthest thing away from mass produced. Also, as long as the twin bed is not on wheels it probably won’t move much to get pillows stuck. My bed is just a headboard with a bed in front of it and it doesn’t get pushed away. Also, the toddler bed really only lasts for a little while and then you’ll be buying a twin bed. Skip the extra financial step. Good luck!

  • Tiffany
    December 15, 2010 at 11:39 am

    Although the like the peacock better is sounds like the ikea bed would work better for you.

  • Sue
    December 15, 2010 at 11:39 am

    I like the peacock one. I think back to my days as a kid and Dad use to sit on the end of the bed and read to us. It just wouldn’t be as easy to do that with the Minnen bed. It really would only be good for sleeping. That said, I do like the look of it!

  • Elizabeth
    December 15, 2010 at 11:40 am

    I waffled for a long time on this because the toddler beds are so cute, but we went with a twin because we figured it would be much nicer for a grown up to sleep on, just in case, and that has turned out to be a very good decision. I can’t tell you how many nights one of us has had to crawl in there, for whatever reason, and I am always very happy not to be crammed into a toddler bed.

  • michelle
    December 15, 2010 at 11:41 am

    the peacock for sure!!!!!! ikea is just okay, always vote for the non-mass produced if possible.

  • krystal k.
    December 15, 2010 at 11:42 am

    i love the minnen beds with the wallpaper, it seems like you. i bought the trofast extendable bed and mattress from ikea for my son and LOVE it! (i did a post showing it in his room on my blog). he has a small room and the “shortened” bed gives him more room to play. he’s turning 3 soon but i don’t think i’ll have to extend it for another few yrs. he jumps on his bed quite a bit and have never thought he’d fall through. i bought the sultan luroy slatted bed base, little more in price but worth it ($30) because the slats are kept together with a thick fabric/ribbon of some kind and keep the slats from moving. hope that helps.

  • krystal k.
    December 15, 2010 at 11:46 am

    also, i’ve had to sleep in my sons room a few times long enough to get him to settle down and fall asleep, never, ever thought it was any less comfy than a regular mattress. the extendable mattress that you’d buy for the bed is just as thick and comfy in my opinion.

  • rebecca
    December 15, 2010 at 11:49 am

    I’m not sure if this is an option because I don’t have a good sense of the scale of the peacock, but couldn’t you attach it to supports of some sort which would then in turn attach to the bed frame? That way you’re not just hanging it on the wall and pushing the mattress against it, you’d have a whole bed.

    I much prefer its looks, so I hope you can make it work!

  • Amy
    December 15, 2010 at 11:50 am

    I say if you already have the peacock, use it and then if you change your mind later you can always get the Ikea bed. The peacock is just really unique, whereas the Ikea bed isn’t. I’m sure you’d make either look awesome though!

  • EmilyH
    December 15, 2010 at 11:58 am

    The peacock frame. Based purely on looks here.

  • Shannon
    December 15, 2010 at 11:58 am

    I would go with the peacock personally. We have two kids in one room (girl and boy) with my daughter in a twin bed and my son in a toddler bed. It’s really hard with the toddler bed when my son wants one of us to come in and snuggle him (especially for my husband-he ends up laying on the floor next to the bed!) If we had the space, we’d get another twin bed, but we’re working on a trundle for now!

  • jbhat
    December 15, 2010 at 11:58 am

    What a luxurious dilemma to have. But I will offer up another vote for the Peacock headboard, with some sort of attached support to save the pillows.

    Can’t wait to hear what you decide!

    jbhat

  • kate
    December 15, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    nicole, everyone seems to like the peacock (yes, totally gorgeous and unique) but it seems like you actually want the minnen. maybe this is because it was a part of your original vision for eleanor’s room (the darling wallpaper, etc.)– that’s just my speculation. good luck making your choice! and thank you always for your darling blog!

  • Fiona
    December 15, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    To be honest, I don’t love either one. Maybe it’s because I remember the 70s, but the Peacock, even painted pink, is retro in a not-good way for me. I’m not crazy about the curly-cues on the side of the Minnen, but I like it with the wallpaper, and honestly, if space is an issue (and I’m not sure if it is), an adjustable bed will be good for a while. I think I’m going to consider the Minnen for my 3-year-old daughter.

  • High-heeled Momma
    December 15, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    Eleanor is still a tiny little thing; therefore I’d go for the Minnen for now. Because the length is adjustable it may just make her feel a little more secure about sleeping in a big girl’s bed. I’m sure the Minnen can withstand the weight of her little body for both sleep and play, and if it couldn’t I’d hope IKEA would put a stop to its production. I also love the peacock, but if you’re anything like me, in a few years you may want to change up Eleanor’s room, and at that time you can switch one bed out for the other. I think the peacock is much more fitting for a 5 year old’s room opposed to an almost 2 year old’s. Happy decorating!!

  • Katy
    December 15, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    I had a peacock headboard when I was a little girl. I don’t think my parents attached mine to the wall, and I don’t remember any pillow or other things falling down between it and the bed. However, I do vividly remember breaking off a few curlicues. I wasn’t a bad kid, and I was always very good with my toys and other things, but there was something irresistible about the feel of the wicker and the ability to bend the curlicues I just couldn’t resist. I think I also figured out a way to unravel the wicker off the frame.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:57 pm

      I remember scratching the finish off of my parents’ headboard when I was little, and I was a good kid too. It’s hard to resist stuff like that when you’re little.

  • Danielle@Newlyweds Paradise
    December 15, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    Could you do something with the Peacock in the terms of a seating area? I think the Minnen is adorable, especailly in pairs. The peacock headboard would just be such a cute thing to add to the room some how.

  • rachel
    December 15, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    i have to say, reading this, it sounds like you’re really leaning towards the ikea bed. if that’s what you’re envisioning right now, go for it. you know you’ll be upgrading to the other eventually, so this is your chance to try the ikea bed out.

  • MS
    December 15, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    I vote peacock. Unless you dig the idea of having to buy E a new bed when she outgrows the toddler sized bed. To me, this toddler bed craze is yet another thing manufacturers have tried to squeeze into the “must have” list for parents. What happened to moving to a twin bed? Put it on the floor with just a box spring if you’re worried about the height. As for the scooting away from the wall issue, just make sure the bed frame you get to actually put the mattress on has rubber feet. Won’t budge without significant force then.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 10:59 pm

      Just to clarify, the Minnen is a twin-sized bed. It just has the added benefit of having an adjustable length to allow you to shorten it.

  • Lisa
    December 15, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    I vote Peacock. The headboard is unique and beautiful. Plus the practical side of me says skip the toddler bed. I too went from a crib for my little man to double bed. Our space was minimize but we have room for book reading and just plain snuggling! Looking forward to seeing what you choose. Happy Holidays!

  • liz @ btb
    December 15, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    Peacock!!!! PLEEEEEASE pick the peacock. It’s so YOU.

  • Brigitte
    December 15, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Peacock! For all the reasons stated above. And also, my headboard is attached to the wall, and my bed does not slide away from it. Now, I do have a queen, but I don’t see it being a problem.

    Also, I loooove wallpaper. But I am having a vision of Eleanor drawing all over it…not so easy to fix as paint.

  • Allison
    December 15, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Peacock is pretty BUT for a little girl, the Ikea bed. Kids dont have good control over there impulses for a long time and I’m thinking she might pick at it, especially at night if she gets nervous or the heeby jeebies. Maybe wait til’ she’s like 4 or 5ish when she’ll be in Elementary school and feeling like an older woman. Then you can give her an even bigger big girl bed.

  • Georgianna
    December 15, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    I have an ikea bed and it has totally fallen apart, the slats underneath dumping us to the floor on a regular basis. I don’t think the kids will appreciate this, neither will you, every night as you go to bed.

  • Jorge
    December 15, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    Go for the Minnen and use the Peacock headboard as wall art!

  • kat
    December 15, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    I like both – so i can’t really decide – but can’t you change the slats in the minnen? it seems like it’d be safer to put something else underneath it. My brother has had an ikea bed since he was 1 and he’s now 14 and in the same bed (which I’ve slept in on occasion when I visit)

  • Andrea
    December 15, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    I love the peacock bed…..but on the other hand, we also have the Minnen bed for our daughter in white (who is 6). I don’t find it flimsy at all. Many people have sat on it to read her stories. Lots of adults who are way heavier than myself as well… And instead of the slats, we went to the hardware store and cut out a big piece of plywood that fit under the mattress. The slats are cheap and move around too much. The plywood makes it all that much more sturdy.

  • Esther
    December 15, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Don’t see a point in toddler beds as it just seems like one more transition to make. That said, it’s a nice bed. I prefer the peacock bed because it is more girly but I think the other had that sort of high end orphanage charm that would look cute in a girls room (especially if you eventually had two in there)

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 11:05 pm

      “that sort of high end orphanage charm” – That’s just what I’m going for! ;)

  • Allison
    December 15, 2010 at 1:05 pm

    Minnen! My daughter just got it a month ago…and we love it. Shes almost 2 and it’s been a liitle bit of a transition, but I love that the Minnen is low to the ground. Just last night, I found her laying half on half off. With a regular twin, she probably would have been on the floor. And it looks so cute in her room!!

  • Amy
    December 15, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    My little girl is 6 now, but we bought her a toddler bed when she was about Eleanor’s age and she outgrew it in about 6 months. My son is 2 and we skipped the toddler bed and moved right into a twin bed (with rails). It was an easy transition for us personally, and the twin bed is something he can use for many years to come. The Peacock headboard seems more heirloom quality to me, and so much more unique. But to be honest, I am not a fan of IKEA’s products….too many bad experiences with the quality.

  • OrangeMama
    December 15, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Hi! We have the same IKEA bed for my daughter – and jumping is not an issue at all! Not with this particular ones anyways. The other one is soooo pretty, but this does a great job for us (unlike other IKEA furniture). It did save a lot of space in my daughter’s little room, and it still does not being unfolded the whole way, and also transition kiddos feel way better in a snugger bed, than in a very spacious one, that would seem to huge and empty for them. The best mattress is essential with IKEA bed, you probably realize that. But all in all I’m really happy. So think twice.
    Oh, and I just read about the slats falling out – we had the same problem with the other bed that was wooden, not with this one, this can handle tons. I even come to sleep on it with my daughter sometime when she cries at night.

  • pam kueber
    December 15, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    My daughter is now 16. We have been through: Small single bed, single bed, matching single beds (because she started to have friends over) and now, a double bed – because she wants to stretch out. If I had it to do over, I would have started out right away with a double bed. A girlfriend had advised me to do this — it is the most flexible for the long run. I should have listened to her, in retrospect it would have been the right advice for us. Just throwing this at you…

  • Michelle Harrison
    December 15, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Minnen. Save the peacock for the day she tells your YOUR taste is NOT HERS. Then put the peackock headboard away for when you remake her room into your office when she gets married and moves out.

  • Bethany
    December 15, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    A few thoughts:
    I dont know how the Ikea bed is put together, but I would check and see if you can just use the frame and legs without the head and foot board.Then use the peacock as a headboard.

    As for the toddler vs regular bed: I put my 2 1/4 year old in a bunk bed because we knew our 2nd kid would have to share. We used an Ikea bed and had no problems. Because the bunk bed had a rail my son never fell out, but then when we stayed at a hotel it was a problem. We just put pillows on the floor and he only fell out once or twice. It didnt even wake him up! LOL! For the jumping factor you could just have some plywood cut to size.

    Good luck and I cant wait to see what you choose!

  • Gwendolyn Wise
    December 15, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    I second the double bed. Is there a peacock headboard big enough for one of those?

  • Jules
    December 15, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    Peacock, and my reasons may be repeats but hell if I’m going to read 100 other comments first. I have school party cupcakes to bake!

    With the IKEA frame, you’ll have to buy a multiple mattresses, one for the Minnen and then another one for the Peacock when you finally use it. The same goes for bedding. Plus, with the Minnen, won’t you be limited to buying IKEA bedding or other goofy looking toddler stuff?

    Making it looks like a hell of a chore. It might as well be a bunk bed with that framing around it. (Positive–you won’t need to buy safety railings.)

    I think the Minnen look flimsy in real life, but there is no denying how awesome it looks in the picture you linked to.

    • Making it Lovely
      December 15, 2010 at 11:07 pm

      The mattresses yes, but the bedding no. I can use regular twin-sized bedding with the Minnen and just tuck under the excess.

  • Jeannie
    December 15, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    Peacock. Hands down. It is too cute for words, esp painted in a bright hue. She likely won’t destroy it (the rest of your house is lovely and she doesn’t seem to destroy anything else). Also, like the reader above, I’m not a fan of ‘mini’ beds… start’em out in what will work for the long term. A regular sized twin should be fine, (though my girls both started w/ full sized beds and I don’t regret it for a second). You can always add a trundle or get another matching peacock headboard down the road for sleepovers.

  • Lisa
    December 15, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    The Minnen only fits with Ikea mattresses, so you’ll have to buy the frame, the slats, the short mattress and then the longer mattress eventually, and then probably a real twin someday. I think Ikea mattresses are crap, having slept on them as a kid and as an adult. Lastly, that peacock headboard is just so cool. I vote for the peacock.

  • Megan
    December 15, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    I had the peacock headboard growing up, probably toddler through high school. Mostly what I remember about the headboard is that if you played with the curlicues enough they would break off or a small nail would poke through the middle of the curlicue. However, I never had a problem with the headboard being loose or pillows falling behind. I think the headboard was attached to the base of the bed frame, but I also had a trundle frame that was heavy.

  • Amanda
    December 15, 2010 at 1:53 pm

    Save the peacock for when she’s a bit older, maybe?

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