Modern Interior Trend – Today

The headboard is really the only visible part of your bed. The rest of your bed is hidden under the mattress, the sheets and duvet. Considering that the bed is the focal point in the bedroom, wouldn’t it be great if you got yourself a unique headboard that you are unlikely to see in anybody else’s bedroom? Sure you can go out and buy a fabulous bed set with the most gorgeous headboard. But no matter how good it looks, unique it is not.

Take a look at these 5 pieces that can be used as headboards. Get one for your bed and you can be sure your bedroom will soon be the talk of the town.

Room Divider as Headboard
Using a room divider as a headboard is a simply brilliant idea; it’s simple to implement and adds a touch of brilliance to any bedroom makeover endeavor. Room dividers are typically at a perfect height for use as a headboard. All you need to do is fold it out flat and wedge it in between the wall and the bed. That’s it! You now have an interesting and unique headboard in an instant. Room dividers come in an endless assortment of patterns and designs offering you an endless choice of headboards that can match any décor style.

Wrought Iron Gate as Headboard
The next time you pass by a wrought iron gate look at it differently and try to visualize it on the wall behind your bed. Regal, isn’t it? A wrought iron gate with a figural motif can instantly transform your bedroom into an ancient castle full of romance and mystery. For a ‘you’re-definitely-never-gonna-see-this-anywhere-else’ kind of look get one specially made with your initials incorporated into the design. Wrought iron gates go well with bedrooms that are designed in the Mexican, Italian or Gothic styles.

Picket Fence as Headboard
A white picket-fence headboard is just perfect for a country-style bedroom. All you need to do is mount it at the required fence and you have a charming addition to your country bedroom. Ever heard of a picket fence inside the house? You have now and it looks sensational!

Fireplace Mantle as Headboard
A fireplace mantel headboard is sure to bring instant warmth and coziness into your bedroom with or without an actual fire burning. Get a fireplace mantle that’s a tad wider than the width of your bed and push your bed towards it for a snug-as-a-bug fit. A fireplace mantle headboard goes great with a shabby chic as well as a cottage bedroom.

Beveled Mirrors as Headboard
While a gigantic mirror may be overwhelming as a headboard, smaller sized square mirrors with beveled edges can be placed on the wall with interesting buttons or any other round item placed at every corner at the meeting place of the squares. A mirrored headboard can open up the room dramatically and it’s a great and easy way to make a small bedroom appear much larger.

Tell any of your friends about your unique headboard and you’ve have people streaming into your bedroom for a sneak peek.

In traditional Chinese art, symbolism has always played a significant part, with highly regarded, auspicious symbols for births, weddings, wishes for long life and congratulations for birthdays.

Many of these symbols, either as a written character or as an artistic device have been in use in China for literally thousands of years, so that the derivation of some symbols have been lost to memory. However, even in modern China, these ancient meanings persist, still deeply rooted in the Chinese psyche. Some are archaic with origins from Imperial dynasties three or four thousand years old with others originating from Chinese Buddhism. Many symbols also relate to Taoism, but most are derived from Confusion philosophic thought with its focus on the seasons and the natural world. Many of these symbols are discreet, requiring a foreknowledge of their meaning. They are able to be read and when understood, convey a much greater depth of meaning to the observer. Some of the more popular symbols are:

Bamboo – stands for longevity and courage in adversity. As it is an evergreen and because it grows straight, it was a popular symbol for mandarins and represented an honest official.

Bats – the homonym “fu” stands for both “bat” and “happiness”, hence the bat is a popular symbol. Five bats shown together signify the Five Blessings: longevity, health, wealth, virtue and a natural death.

Crane -the crane is another longevity symbol as the bird was thought to live for two thousand years. A bird flying or looking towards the sun represents a desire to rise high in the government hierarchy.

Dragons – a symbol derived from ancient traditions. This celebrated symbol ranks first among all. The five-clawed dragon was reserved for the Emperor from ancient times until the end of the last dynasty. The four-clawed dragon associates with royalty and the three-clawed dragon with the Chinese people.

Chrysanthemum - one of the four important flower emblems signifying autumn and a contented middle age. These are just five of the traditional symbols found in Chinese classical and decorative art. The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co always has a fine selection of Chinese lamps, many with the “hidden meanings “of symbolism. The rules of thumb when buying antiques are – don’t buy for investment, buy for love. If you purchase a lamp that you love and use, then it’s a good investment. This is particularly true of antique lamps, which provide a link to another time and offer unique artistry, often no longer available.

Lighting is such an important element in interior design. Choosing quality, antique table lamps, partnered with stunning, silk lampshades will add a refined edge of elegance to the classic interior.