With a baby on the way and no plans to buy a second crib, we had to start thinking of a big boy bed situation for Zano. At first I considered getting him a toddler bed, but ultimately decided to pursue a twin bed mainly for the fact I didn’t want to have to go through this process again in a couple years when he’d outgrow said toddler bed. I felt if we invested in a bed now he’d essentially be set until he’s a lot older… maybe even until he goes to college! Not only did I have longevity of the bed in mind, I also had to consider having this new bed fit cohesively into this soon-to-be shared space.
My favorite, although sometimes discouraging, part of the design process is ‘the hunt’. Typically before I begin a search, the first thing I do is talk budget with my husband. This kinda helps prevent me from becoming emotionally attached to an item that is WAY outta my price range (we’ve all been there).
Antonio and I agreed a budget of around $300 for a twin bed was a good price point. With that budget in mind, (but also kind of setting that information aside), I started my hunt for the perfect twin bed. These four topped my list for style cohesion and looks, but as you can see not all of them were within budget.
sources, from top L to bottom R: Mid Century Acorn bed (this one goes on sale frequently, but currently it’s full price) // black steel platform bed // gray tufted bed with tapered legs // Nesttun bed from Ikea in white powder coat
It may seem backwards, but I don’t always start out searching for an item only within a said price range. I like to narrow down on the style and look of the item I want, then do a “second hunt” for finding items that are less expensive but very similar in style and form. My friend Reichel is a master at doing this.
Now, I already knew two of my top beds were within budget, but I wanted to see if I could find the other two for less, somewhere else. First, I found a very similar gray tufted bed with tapered legs.
The Mid Century Modern Tufted bed from Overstock
Then, I also found a nearly identical bed to the West Elm Mid Century bed, for much much less!
The Alton bed from Living Spaces
Now, the computer screen shows very different colors, but the I’m pretty much convinced the Alton line at Living Spaces is the exact same line as West Elm’s Mid-Century line. Don’t be fooled by the color “cherry” on their website. As you can see in the photo below, it’s closer to a light walnut! I also noticed Living Spaces even sells those coveted dressers & nightstands you’ve seen from West Elm. I’m considering this as a replacement dresser/changing table (our current campaign dresser is too big for the room #sadface).
My favorite bed from the original plan happened to be the Mid-Century bed from West Elm, so it was a quick decision for us to move forward with the Alton bed from Living Spaces. *Please note, this post is not sponsored AT ALL.
Here’s a peek of the bed in action! Although we’re still playing musical chairs with the furniture to get the best placement…
At a $300 price point it was worth taking the risk to order online without seeing it in person, although Living Spaces is popping up with showrooms so I’ve heard (there’s one an hour from me).
Do you think I nailed it or what?!
XO, Brittany
Great choice! Although when I think of Living Spaces, I think of them firing Jeff Lewis!!!! How could they!? Also, love the hallway frames.
Very good point! Seriously, how could they!?
YES!! Nailed it! Great find!
Thank you Claire!
Such a steal! It looks way more expensive. I’ve been on the hunt for a new bed for us before this baby gets here (I really want a king). I’ll have to check that site out!
A KING, man a king sounds so luxurious! Yeah, this bed so far has only impressed me. Even my big Italian husband has slept on it lol.
holy cow, thank you so much for sharing this! i’ve been drooling over the west elm line forever but knew i’d never pay that. it looks identical! my husband will be so much happier about this. :)
Yay! Absolutely!
Very nice find. Just curious if Zano has started sleeping in his big boy bed yet? My girls are about the same age (2 in late May) and they’ve started climbing out of their cribs on the regular. I was hoping to hold off on the transition until they were 3, but it looks like I might be doing it sooner. Any suggestions?
oh, he has! i guess i should have mentioned that part lol. I’ll blog about it soon, but yeah, I wasn’t planning to transition him for a few months but the night we put sheets on he goes “I sleep in the big bed!”. that was about 4-5 weeks ago, he’s been sleeping in it ever since. I was preparing for a difficult transition!
I’ve been thinking about this bed and the matching dressers for a week! My son’s room has an orange accent wall and three gray walls. The most straightforward layout puts the headboard of the bed against the orange wall. Do you think the Alton bed will look good or bad against orange??
We’re thinking of getting the matching dresser too! it’s just so good of a deal, and literally the exact item west elm sells. I LOVE the alton bed, without seeing the orange wall in your sons room to really know, the good thing about paint is if it doesn’t feel right against the orange wall, it’s only paint!
Here are my thoughts after carefully looking over the West Elm mid-century line of furniture and comparing it to the two Alton pieces I purchased at living Spaces.
Both lines are clearly made in the same factory, but the West Elm versions are finished to a higher standard with better materials. Without getting into specifics, they are definitely not the same product.
The Living Spaces Alton bed is really the only piece in that line that is worth buying in my opinion. It does look like it should cost more than it does, and our bed has held up very well.
The Alton case products on the other hand are junk and I would recommend steering clear. The West Elm versions are much better with better parts, veneer etc. Personally, I’d wait for a sale at West Elm to purchase any of the matching case goods.
Also, it should be noted the acorn color West Elm uses is lighter and more yellow than the stain on the Living Spaces Alton pieces.
It’s so funny you post this, I swear you read my mind. We just purchased the LS Alton dresser, and I absolutely agree with you. The dresser arrived a week or two ago, and although it looks very, very similar to the West Elm mid century dresser, it is in fact sub-par in construction and quality. The doors don’t align, one side shuts in further than the other, key indicators of a cheaper build and a purchase I’m not ecstatic about. I am still very impressed with the Alton bed, but definitely not as happy with the Alton dresser. I’ll be sharing more about the dresser soon, and appreciate your input!
hey! have you written more about the dresser? was wanting to get for our nursery but have read mixed reviews. would love to hear your opinion!
I haven’t written more on the blog yet, but happy to share! I do like the dresser, and would buy it again for the price for sure. My only complaint is the drawers don’t line up very well. If you can get past that, it’s a great piece, especially for the look and price
Hello! The bed looks awesome! Could I ask where you purchased the striped blanket? I love it too. :)
Love this room! Great blog! Where is the ceiling light fixture from?
I’ve been thinking about this bed from LS for my 3-yr old daughter. I can’t decide between white and cherry. I want a grown up look so leaning towards cherry but i’m afraid it might have orange tones. If it is indeed closer to walnut then I’m sold. There is a showroom here too one hour away. It might be worth checking out.
It definitely feels closer to walnut, no red cherry tones at all!