those beds are so amazing.

Your daughter is very young. I would stick with what you have now and if/when she gets tall enough to have to extend the bed, then do it.

I hope you'll come back with pics of the finished beds!

Tib, that was my first instinct. Problem is I don't want to have to buy new mattresses in the future! They already have to be custom since the width is narrower than US standard. Also, the spare bed in her room will be used by overnight guests. We don't have them often, but it would most likely be an adult. Does that change your mind? As you can tell, I am not sure!!

I would do the longer rails. I am not that tall (65") but I think 5" clearance doesn't sound like enough for me to be comfortable. And more people are taller than me than not.

I think you'll want to keep these beds a long time since you've put so much effort into them, plus custom mattresses, etc., so I would just get it done now.

ETA: Beautiful beds! What color are they going to be?

If they will be used for adults or older kids, then yes, that definitely changes my mind.

I would think they'd be able to extend the existing rails rather than make entirely new ones.

Go with the longer rails :)

Thanks all!

Tib, while he could just extend the existing rails, I would rather not mess with them. I am going to keep current rails in storage, in case I ever want to sell, etc and just have him fabricate new ones. The cost for new ones is nominal.

Butternut, I am going with BM Simply White with some gold accents on the rosettes and floral garland. I hemmed and hawed over the bed color. I liked Tib's suggestion of BM Pink Damask. But then several thought it was too yellow/cream colored. Whites are so hard! So I decided to go on the restorer's recommendation of Simply White. At the end of the day, I probably wouldn't be able to tell what shade of white it is anyway!

Auntjen, that's what I was thinking - that I might want the rosettes in the future. Might as well do it all now!

Gorgeous! Love them:)

Look forward to seeing the final look!

Since the beds are already too narrow for a modern adult, I would not bother to extend the rails to make them long enough for a person who couldn't really sleep in the bed. The beds are beautiful!

I wonder if it is too small, if it could have a second life later as a fabulous day bed?

Glad you are keeping the original rails. It may be nice to have them down the road. If I had the bed and had to make your choice, I would even consider whether the bed could go to a twin XL. Limits fitted sheets, but is better for many adults. My feet stick out on a reg twin so that with a footboard I can only curl up, especially with a solid footboard like that bed, Anyone over about 5'10" will have that issue. Keep in mind that your head never gets to the very end of a mattress (usually somewhat centered on a pillow) and your feet point out beyond your heels when lying on your back, so your horizontal is different from your standing height.

By the time you need to lengthen the rails, it may be time to replace the mattress anyway.

one benefit of having the rails a tad short for out of town guests...they will be happy to leave and sleep in their own beds

There's alaways that.

I would get the longer rails now while you have someone you are happy with doing good work and minimal cost. As a separate job, it will cost more, be harder to match the finish and the person doing the work now may not be available.

I also have an antique headboard/footboard and didn't have longer rails made. The only guests who feel comfortable sleeping in it are children and women. My best friend's DH had to sleep on the sofa since the full size matress was also to narrow for the two of them.

Sigh, love these beds, just love them. I simply cannot wait to see the finished room!