From what I can tell, I like Raccoon Fur better.

I appreciate the interest in my dilemma but want to clarify a couple of things. There are blue undertones to the headboard, but no lavender -- a trick of the light must be responsible for Libradesigneye's comment. I can see it too in the photo but not in the actual headboard. Will certainly consider 'whale gray' .

When we viewed the dresser, tall boy and bedside tables, they were in a darkened room and we thought they were more of a 'pecan' colored wood but when we moved them out into the driveway while loading, we were disappointed to see that they were that 'yellow oak' color. Still, a fabulous price and solid furniture.

A couple more photos to illustrate my clarifications.

Am including photos of all the pieces. While we do not like the yellow tones of the wood, we really want to do this right (note that there is a narrow headboard as well).

I think I would strip and stain a nice rich color vs painting. It is more work, but these pieces are worth it. Over the years, I have painted numerous pieces and there is maintenance when they chip/wear (which they will). You could remove the mirror and hang a bit higher and paint it the same color as his headboard. Once you accessorize and add bedding, I think having the wood tone vs grey will be more complimentary.

Wonderful pieces .. I would not use the mirror in landscape, but turn it and use it portrait with the offset banding running vertical ..

Look - the wood tone now relates to the metal banding . . . so it blends rather than creating high contrast. The "yellow" tones actually show up in the metal. When you are finished with painting them gray, they will create high contrast with the (now trendy) antique bronze banding and appear even more updated / contemporary.

That works great with a gray with LRV in the 20's or so. I posted whale gray because it won't turn blue on you - most other true gray paints will - they reflect the light spectrum like the headboard and appear more blue than they are.

Why not test the colors on the back of the headboard that you aren't planning to use? If you like it, you will know you can proceed.

FYI - the headboard you won't be using could be an amazing base for an interesting portrait / vertical wall hanging .. mount a guitar hanger or something sculptural if you finish it the same as the gray suite. .or maintain its original finish and use it in a different space. Yes, these are really great pieces, but they are yours and your vision can be achieved by painting them.

[Chalk paint is not like other paint Maureen - it adheres in a totally different way, it won't chip the way other paint would, though it is more fragile to water until you poly or wax. I suggest you poly your final finish for the wear and tear you get in a bedroom - at least the horizontal tops and the corners - you could wax in the rest if you prefer that finish.

Check out BM Gentlemen Gray...it's a dark dark gray that looks dark dark blue.

BM Lead Gray also will read like a dark navy . . here's a shot at it if you want dark blue.

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My original suggestion was to wash the headboard so its final stain tone matches the furniture . . the furniture is actually much nicer than the headboard but I know the "DIY" pride thing . .

Have been looking online and realize more what a great find my son has. Midcentury Modern is a great look -- painted, partially painted or stained. After checking out several sites where the pieces were sanded then re-stained, we have much more appreciation for that look. You make a good point, Maureen.

Tough decision -- to paint or stain.

We're on the West Coast to help him set up his new apt. Just wanted to paint it (will check out Lead Gray & Gentleman Gray) and get it done before I go back to the East Coast, but I think this warrants more time and consideration.

BTW, Libradesigneye, the mirror does look much better turned on its side.