I think putting the quilt up there is a great idea.

I am afraid that most anything you put up there will compete with the Parrish prints. I'd want them to take center stage. For that reason, I think I might consider rearranging them over the bed to fill the space and then doing more with lamps (larger) to fill the space over the bedside tables.

Another option is to do some kind of fabric treatment where a headboard might go...like drapery panels coming down from a pelmet or whatever that thing is called. I know you have a flare for the dramatic and could probably pull it off better than I could!

In Europe, they hang pillows from a rod suspended over the bed. That might also work....you could make the pillows out of the quilt material. I'll try to find a pic of that for you, too.

Here is a link that might be useful:

Here is a pic from the Madura website of the pillow/headboard thing. Very French.

I want to say I love the rugs! I recently did the same thing in our bedroom. We had the rugs and I didn't want to buy anything new. Funny how old rugs do seem to go with everything.

Here is a link that might be useful: Madura

boopadaboo - Can you tell me where you found the group pictures you posted? I tried typing in the name that's printed across the picture, but didn't come up with anything.

Laurie

That is exactly why I have done nothing yet Amy. I love the Parrish prints and they are smaller in size and I don't want to overpower them. I should have mentioned that was my second choice. Putting the larger daybreak centered over the bed and then splitting the two from my side of the bed on either side.

The prints are the old ones from the 20's and the frames and glass are pretty heavy. DH wasn't very happy with that option either. While they didnt have the points of the iron piece, They still could do a number on you if they fell.

He suggested a poster. I wasnt thrilled with that either. I found some canvas "prints" but they are about $120 each. For about $80 more I could get more original prints in frames from the 20's (of course if they came up at our local auction house) and I can't see spending that much money on a canvas print.

That pillow idea is very pretty. I hadn't thought of curtain like fabric hung either. That might work. I think Fabric barn is having another holiday sale.

I do have larger lamps I could use but put the smaller ones here so they didnt block the prints.

It's just not working. I have been looking on CL for a king bed frame and no such luck so far.

Msrose they are from ebay. I will try to post a link to the seller. They have good feedback and the groupings range in price from $50-$150

Here is a link that might be useful: ebay seller

How about these ideas:

1) Hang the quilt over the crib .....

2) Hang curtains over your bed .....

Here is a link that might be useful: PB curtains -- just an example

I've not followed your thread(s) about your bedroom so perhaps it's already been discussed, but is there a reason why you cannot have a headboard? They are super-easy to make, and in fact I made one two weeks before I had my first child -- I was b-i-g and tired, and that's how easy it was. (I believe you're still pregnant?). If you get plywood, foam, batting and a staple gun you are set -- and can't you just use the quilt you like to look at but not use to cover the headboard? Your local upholsterer could also whip one up lickety-split.

You already know this, but you're going to be sitting up in bed, a lot, nursing or nighttime cuddling, so I really, really think having something tall(-er than your pillows) and soft for you (your back, your head) to lean against will be v. welcome! I believe my nursing days are over (but not my nighttime cuddling), but I will never go back to a non-padded headboard again. Never.

You can hang a shelf there with brackets and hang you scrolly metal piece above that. This way the shelf can protect you from the scrolly art piece. Do you have earthquakes where you are? You could attach the scrolly thing very securely so it does not fall down at all.
Also use Euro pillows across the back of the bed. They are 26" square. They will fill in the space better.

I love the idea rmkitchen had for covering a DIY headboard with your quilt!

No other art, as it will only compete with the Parrish prints. If anything heavy or sharp is a no-no for your DH, then I would plan on hanging curtains bahind the bed, which would act as a headboard.

Use the window curtains. Get a curved rod (the one I have is called a theater rod) and hang them high on the wall. It doesn't matter if they are long enough, as they hang behind the bed so the bottom of the panels doesn't show. They will match the bedskirt and look perfect. Then you can have the panels hang straight down, or use pretty tiebacks, swag them back a bit leaving them closed in the center top, and hang a lightweight piece of art in the center opening, or do wall words -- perhaps a quote from Parrish?

The rod I have is sort of like this:

curved rod

Then get new drapes for the window, perhaps something in one of the solid colors in the bedding or skirt.

Just wallwords over the bed would be another option, but I like the idea of the curtains, to match the more elegant and traditional feel of the room.

Another vote for fabric backed headboard and no art so as not to compete with your prints. The art you showed is striking, though - I do love those trees. Can you post a link?

The quilt! I can't wait to see it up there!!

Victoriajane, those are Maxfield Parrish. I have a large M.P. lithograph of "Hilltop" which used to be my fathers. I treasure it!

Here's a website for you:

Here is a link that might be useful: Maxfield Parrish

Sorry, but IMO, the only thing that is going to work would be a headboard. Whether you buy one or make one, it anchors the bed. You may wish to hang artwork above it, but you must have the headboard. A padded one sounds like a practical solution. (Love the artwork above your green cabinet/sideboard!) Good luck.