It was no surprise that my boys took a liking to ships. Both my father and grandfather served in the U.S. Navy, so there’s a pride and heritage in the design to my boys’ bedroom.
We were going for 18th-19th century sailing vessels also, inspired from reading Moby Dick.
3/4″ rope is used throughout for the end bed supports, upper bunk railing and ladder rungs.
8″ dock cleats use the rope to attach the floating corners to the wall.
The boys both had their hand in the building by distressing the wood before it was finished. This gave it a well worn look, and now they can remember some of the marks they put in various places.
The planking on the wall is meant to make it all feel like you are on the inside of a ship.
Outdoor wall lanterns help complete the feel and give a cozy reading light (LED Edison bulbs maintain the look without being too hot).
The light switches also have an outlet for charging electronics when they get older.
by Jeff Gary, dad to Brayton and Tennyson
photography by J Scroggins Photography
Published in The Moms Magazine
