One of my favorite dollhouse furniture books is Thirties & Forties Miniatures in 1:12 Scale by Jane Harrop.

There are a lot of great projects in this book that are both classic in design and usable in a more modern setting.  I plan to make several of the items, but I decided to start with one of the more straightforward designs listed as "beginner" level: the single bed.

I used balsa wood for the build since I am not sure where I would find the obechi wood the book indicates.  Balsa can damage easily, but I love the way it looks once stained.  It's also very easy to cut.

Here's the bed in construction.

I love the look of the bed with the high headboard.  I used antique pine stain from IKEA.

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The most difficult part of the whole process was making sure the slats on the headboard and footboard were measured exactly.

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The bed has two flat boards that I left unattached.  Once I figure out the bedding, I'll decide if I need them or not.

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