French Cozy Cottage bedroom makeover – week 2
Welcome to Week 2 of the One Room Challenge where I am sharing my rental friendly French Cozy Cottage Bedroom Makeover.
My goal was to add renter friendly charm and color to my boring beige bedroom to create a dreamy bedroom sanctuary.
Things are really starting to come together with my first project.
This pair of antique windows found me, by way of a favorite customer at my shop Loverly Cottage.
They were replacing windows at their home, so I ended up buying almost all of their old ones.
These were side lights, the windows that flank a front door.
Which means they are tall.
Well as tall as a front door!
![side light window reclaimed antique glass](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-side-light-window.jpg)
![reclaimed antique glass window](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-side-light-reclaimed-window-bottom.jpg)
I love that they have the original perfectly imperfect glass on the top half.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-side-light-window.jpg)
and solid wood panels on the bottom half of the window
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2-side-light-reclaimed-window-bottom.jpg)
These antique sidelight window will be perfect for the focal point on the wall opposite my bed.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/3-window-prep.jpg)
First things first, I need to clean off any loose paint from the window.
I used my 5 in 1 tool to scrape, and scrape
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-scrape-peeling-paint-off-reclaimed-window.jpg)
and scrape some more…
These windows were old, but I loved the character of them.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/5-scraping-paint-reclaimed-window-one-room-challenge-spring-2022.jpg)
There were a few places where the wood was rotten
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/6-use-wood-filler-on-gaps.jpg)
so I filled in any major gaps with wood putty.
It only took a few hours for the wood putty to dry, then I sanded it smooth.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/7-wood-filler-relacimed-window.jpg)
The paint color was a bit dingy after all the years of wear.
My goal was to brighten my room, so it was time to break out the paint!
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/8-before-after-paint-window-frame.jpg)
I chose a soft white paint that I had left over from another project.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/9-white-paint-reclaimed-window.jpg)
Action shot!
I must have been painting really fast during this picture
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/10-paint-window-action-shot.jpg)
Can you see how much brighter the window looks with a fresh coat of paint?
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/11-painted-reclaimed-window.jpg)
I mean, look at the before and after.
Isn’t it amazing what a little left over paint can do?
![before after paint window frame](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/8-before-after-paint-window-frame.jpg)
![painted reclaimed window](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/11-painted-reclaimed-window.jpg)
Now, let’s bring back a bit of cottagey character by sanding with a bit of fine grit sandpaper.
The chippy paint that remained created some loverly dips, that will be highlighted when lightly sanded.
and VOILA, we added back some cottagey character!
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12-lightly-sand.jpg)
Oh, but we aren’t done adding character, because I have been saving these sconces just for a project like this.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/13-pilar-sconce-pair.jpg)
I painted them in a soft green and sanded them lightly.
These sconces will perfectly hold a pillar candle
or a jar candle
Oh, I can’t wait to light some lavender scented candles in my bedroom!
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/14-pillar-sconce-side-view.jpg)
I secured them to the window with a screw, and washer, centered on the second cross bar
Or is that a cross brace, or cross wood?
I don’t even know what to call it!
How about “just above the second window pane”
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15-attach-sconce-to-window.jpg)
Now that the sconce is secured to the window, they are ready to be installed.
Since I live in a rental house, I want to make sure that I don’t damage the walls.
Let me introduce you to my little friend, the 3M Command brand strips.
I used the velcro to securely attach the windows to the wall.
![3m command velcro strips](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/16-3m-velcro.jpg)
![3m command velcro strips](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/17-3m-velcro-strips.jpg)
![3m velcro strips side](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/18-3m-velcro-strips-side.jpg)
I added one pair to either side of the top of the window.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/19-3m-velcro-attached-to-window-closeup.jpg)
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20-3m-velcro-back-of-window.jpg)
then added a pair midway down
I found the right placement against the wall and then slid my sideboard up against it for additional security.
Thankfully the windows aren’t heavy.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/21-windows-attached-to-wall-French-cottage-sideboard-bedroom-makeover-one-room-challenge.jpg)
Does the sideboard look familiar?
It was one of the projects I worked on last year.
Remember what it looked like?
![before cottage sideboard a loverly life](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2-5-e1603847634842-1024x586.jpg)
a diamond in the rough
If you want to see the process it took to unpaint it – you can check it out here.
I used it in my living room
As I started working on my mood board for my French Cozy Cottage bedroom, I searched thrift store and shopped on line, but just couldn’t find anything.
Probably because I already had the perfect piece.
One of the best decorating tips that I can share is to shop your house.
You will be amazed at what you can find!
I bet you thought we were done adding character?
Nope!
Check out this incredible vintage frame that I found.
I mean just look at that gold and green patina.
You’ll never guess where I found this beauty.
I found it on the side of the road!
It was attached to a medicine cabinet.
I know, I should have taken a picture.
But I was too excited with my find.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/22-vintage-oval-frame-green-patina.jpg)
I added picture hangers to the back.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/23-attach-d-rings-to-vintage-frame-to-hang.jpg)
and then measured for proper placement
then added a screw to each sidelight window
see how the screw sticks out about 1/2 an inch?
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/24-add-screw-to-window.jpg)
I was able to hang the beautiful frame by attaching it to the secured windows!
No walls were harmed during this wall installation
I am sure my landlord is appreciative
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/25-hang-vintage-green-frame-on-window.jpg)
Isn’t it a loverly?
A bit of cottage charm from the vintage oval frame and the lightly distressed windows.
She wants to be a famous influencer when she grows up.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/26-French-Cozy-Cottage-Bedroom-one-room-challenge.jpg)
Now you may be thinking that there isn’t much color.
Hey, it’s only Week 2 of the One Room Challenge!
I still have a LOT of work to do to create my French Cozy Cottage bedroom.
There are 6 weeks left to add some pops of color and more charm.
Just wait until you see my project for next week.
![](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1-1024x1024.jpg)
Until then, I will leave you with Miss Melody enjoying the lavender scented candles.
I would be so grateful if you would Pin this for later.
And share my renter friendly ideas for a French Cozy Cottage Bedroom with your friends.
![French cozy cottage bedroom makeover](https://aloverlylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Pin-Week-2-683x1024.jpg)
Follow the journey from start to finish
Absolutely love the windows! And the candle holders and the dresser! Great start to your project!!!
Thank you so much Kimberly. I think it’s funny how the cats are getting involved in the project, too.
One of the things I like most about DIY is it gives a one of a kind, curated look. Worth the time and effort for such a lovely result.
The windows turned out great. You have created a beautiful focal point for this room.
Thank you Janet, I love to use windows in different ways around the house.
I love this entire wall. Those side lights are amazing. I love imperfections. It lets us know they were loved.
The sideboard is pretty.
Thank you Cindy – I love the imperfections, too. Each mark tells a story.
You’re so creative! I would never have thought to attach a frame to windows like that, it looks so good! Can’t wait to see what else you have planned for the room! Donna
Thank you Donna. I am trying to prevent nail holes in my walls 🙂 Gotta make sure I get that security deposit back 🙂
Juliet this looks amazing! Really nice work!!
Thank you Jennifer! The room is starting to come together
Juliet, this looks so beautiful! I cannot wait to see the finished room.
Thank you
I wish I ever came across beautiful pieces like this. You did an excellent job restoring them.
Thank you Rachel – I think these piece find me. Keep your eyes open, I am sure you will find a few!
Beautiful! I love the French cottage vibe! Rooms like this are always so relaxing and spiritually calming to be in! Can’t wait to see what you do next! What a beautiful cat 💗