I can do that! 😀

Okay, here is an affordable rug that will work with the gorgeous set and the leather headboard. It is fun, colorful, in the style of the furniture.

https://www.birchlane.com/rugs/pdp/birch-lane-corla-floral-handmade-tufted-wool-greentanblue-area-rug-b001098274.html?piid=253723054

That’s very pretty!

Honestly, I don't think you need to paint the room to make the furniture fade into the background. It's beautiful, even the lion pulls. Just upgrade your bed. The headboard isn't ideal, but if you get pillow shams in golds, gray, brown against the headboard, plus new spread, that will pull the room together.

And do rethink how you're displaying all those photos. Do something like this on one of the walls instead of spreading out all the photos.

Thanks I think all the matchy pieces are too much so clase together I would use the night tables in a walk in closet for accessories then put the 2 dressers not so opposit eacother either . The sofa kind of boring so a new one in a nice color from th new bedding you need for sure . What is that at the end of the bed looks like a foot board but in no way works with the headboard . I think I need a couple more pics. I agree the pictures hung all on one wall in matching frames would be a good choice .. I like fluffy mats beside my bed much better than arug mostly hidden under a bed so choose those after if you want them. Hard to say much else without a bit more info as to clset and also pics of the rest of the space , every wall.

Replace your dark reddish brown headboard for an upholstered one.

Is your mattress really low or are those nightstands higher than normal?

Is there another bedroom any of the pieces could be used? You mentioned a dark wood piece-it seems like a lot of furniture in the room. Could you replace the dark wood piece with the chest? Is the leather bed something that could be replaced? Or it could work better with new bedding with some color.

There is so much brown in the room now, especially with all the brown picture frames on three walls. I agree about removing the glass-I know it protects but to me it is just dated. We inherited a piece that had glass and the surface got damaged by moisture or something under the glass.

It's a pretty set and higher quality than what you can buy today. You can make it work with some tweaks.

chispa

The mattress is really low at the moment - just temporary. But the nightstands are also higher than normal.

The bed seems to be the main furniture problem here. The headboard is too massive and I don't think a footboard is needed. The mattress also looks too low, so you probably need a higher bed frame and that will make the nightstands look more in proportion. A bed with a more modest headboard -- maybe an upholstered one -- would be better. Remove all the pictures -- they are overwhelming. Can you make a gallery wall of them in another place in your house? A couple of lamps for the bedside tables and an area rug would be good. Some new bed linens and framed prints over the bed would be good, too. I'm sure some of the designers on the thread can advise on these accessories. A nice approach is shown by lisedv above, with a print above the bed that complements the bedding. What is the sofa facing? I see a shelf with audio equipment at the far left -- is there a TV on the wall facing the sofa? The chests that you inherited are the best part of the room, so design everything around them.

kcooz07,

Every piece of furniture really is being used. The dark wood piece (an armoire) holds a TV for watching from either in bed or from the couch, so if I move it, I think I'd have to realign everything. For sure I need new bedding! And I agree I have too much brown in there... where to begin! The headboard/footboard probably will have to stay. Do I find a couch first, find a color family to shoot for? Bedding first? If I make an idea board, what colors would go well with what I have?

lisedv,

I very much like the photo you posted. Thank you! It's hard to find bedroom photos with the right color furniture.

Patricia Colwell,

The headboard/footboard is all one piece. There is no closet in the room because we have a dressing room attached. For sure I want to change the photo/art display, and we figure to get a new couch. What would you do first, find a couch, decide on a general color for the room, or buy new bedding?

I think that is a gorgeous set! I see so much painted vintage furniture being stripped back to the original wood finishes. You are slightly ahead of what's trending. That said (tho I would never paint your set) this woman does the most amazing and tasteful refinishing that I have ever seen. She does paint a lot of pieces but also just restores/refinishes some. Link: Olive Street Designs

nester,

I agree with everything you said. All the frames should go. The mattress IS too low, but that's temporary, as in just a couple more nights. I need new/better bedside lamps and new bedding. I like lisedv's suggestion too. The couch is facing an armoire that holds a TV behind closed doors. I'm thinking of getting a less massive couch, one with legs that show.

Olychick,

As much as I LOVE some of the creative ways I've seen here to make the furniture look less ... well, ... out of date, in my heart I don't think I could do that to this set. It's pristine for being 80 ish years old. More importantly, THIS is how I remember Grandma had it, lion's head pulls and all. I admire people who can take a piece of furniture that's on the brink of death and make it beautiful again. Darn old sentimentality stops me.

housegal 200,

Thank you for the excellent example of how to incorporate the blonde-ish furniture color with a beautiful fabric choice. I think it's spot on.

If you aren't sentimental about the bed (was it Grandma's, too?) That would be the piece I would paint, since you say it will probably stay. It really is the outlier, I think. I wouldn't do anything too bold, but something that will work with the other furniture and your wall, bedding and rug colors...after you settle on all of those.

Or if you are handy at all, look into upholstering the one you have! Lots of tutorials on youtube and it looks pretty easy, tho I haven't seen anyone tackle a footboard, too, tho I'm sure it has been done and posted. (edited to add - I just had to search for DIY info and this came up as appropriate for a beginner and they do the headboard and footboard and rails! DIY upholstered head and footboard )

Very happy to read you won't paint the dressers - they really are lovely!!

Olychick,

I’m hearing several of you here say that the headboard/footboard is a problem in the room. (it’s leather, so paint isn’t an option). It has no sentimental value, but I was thinking to keep it since it’s relatively new and pretty expensive but maybe I need to rethink it. Truthfully, I’d prefer one like in your photo!

Good suggestions here. Bed frame at least 7” off the floor so you can vacuum or Swiffer under it. Which brings me to runners on each side of the bed if you need them, if not, bare floors are better. Large rug under the bed is a pain to vacuum. You could also consider no headboard and foot board, a platform or bed frame and large piece of wall art (I have a large wreath in one bedroom), and use support pillows if you like to sit up and read in bed.

If you can spring for a new couch as well as a new headboard, that would be great. Can we see the view of the wall that has the armoire? You will have a lot of new pieces to coordinate -- couch, rug(s), lamps, artwork for over the bed -- I hope one of the professionals can chime in with some options or suggestions.

Very nice set. I understand the sentimentality. I would start with a new comforter set in a pretty colorful floral. It should detract from the disconnect between your headboard and other furniture.

To me there is a diconnect between the warm yellowish woods and the pinkish tone beige walls. I would consider painting the walls a warm white like Navajo White and the ceiling, too, to open up the space and would give a feeling of expansiveness.

The frames and nightstands surrounding the bed also make the bed and room feel claustraphobic.

Remove all those frames and get some tables with legs for the bedside...allow the headboard some drama.

I think some coordinating color with bedspread, sofa slipcover, a rug and a piece of art would make a difference and cozy up the room.

Can you lower the sconces and center them over the nightstands?

Following along. You seem very open to everyone's thoughts. I think you'll end up loving this room when you're finished!

I just reread your question and other suggestions plus saw that you do plan to repaint the walls. I still think new bedding will help. Pillow sham covered pillows against the headboard would take care of the too-dark headboard. The suggestion of removing the footboard is a good one.

While I thought you didn't necessarily need to repaint, you said you plan to. Here are some dark moody bedrooms with dark gray walls contrasted with light gold pieces and accents. So, something to think about. I'm not usually a fan of gray walls anywhere, but they would set off the furnishings as would new bedding and a rethink displaying the photos differently in favor of art you love.

Grays and gold palettes:

If you’re handy, making a headboard cover or buying one, will help price wise instead of replacing it. An area rug would bring a lot of color to the space, your worried about someone tripping, maybe, a good heavy area rug should stay flat and not curl. With all that said, I love the set! And would never paint it.

I love how you cherish your grandmother's furniture and for very obvious good reasons want to keep it as is. The pieces appear to be in great shape and very functional. RE: comments about glass tops being dated, not for vintage or antique furniture. Cleaning is very easy, and the very thin , clear tiny disks that are supposed to go underneath between the glass and the wood top keep air circulating, you are not supposed to plunk glass directly on the wood. Good luck!

@njmomma: Great idea to make a slipcover for the headboard if OP is handy or knows someone who is. Amazon also sells headboard slipcovers in many light neutral fabrics and sizes.

I just briefly skimmed the comments.

I like @lisedv’s upholstered headboard idea and @njmomma’s idea to make a slipcover for the headboard is a great idea; you could even do a no sew one- basically wrap fabric around the headboard. Nice suggestion from @housegal200 regarding slipcovers at Amazon ( I love Amazon :)

I have to say that imo your grandmother’s set is beautiful. I really do not see it as being ”out of style”. Rather, it is classic. I also think that your existing sofa is very nice and perfect for this overall setup. (a faux fur throw on it could be fun.)

imo, the furniture lends itself to a Hollywood Regency/ Glam style. Even with the grey that you have in your scheme, you can go more upscale/ regency. Her furniture is upscale. I also think you could accomplish this with the existing headboard, and it could be very luxe. However, with the setup that you have with all the picture frames in the room - bringing in fabric on the headboard might be the way to go. It might be easier.

Valinta,

You sound practical, like me. Dust knows to settle at the hardest place to vacuum. I like your other suggestions, too.

nester,

For sure we'll get a new couch, a new headboard? Maybe...! The fact that I'm trying to plan everything before I jump in and buy everything is what scares me. It should all go together before I buy! Thank you for your ideas!

Hellogardener

For sure I'm starting over on bed linens! Out out out! I think a pretty floral would be perfect! Thank you.

Indigo Rose

Yes! Those little glass discs have been under there all these years!

housegal200

Headboard slipcovers? I've never heard of them, but I'll sure look into them! And you're the second person to recommend grey + gold as a possibility. What a pretty photo you posted. I noticed they brought the gold up onto the wall. That's an interesting concept I should consider too. Thank you!

katinparadise

I get the best ideas here! Thanks for the encouragement

tracefloyd

I think you're right that all those pictures around the bed should go. The bedside lamps are going too and hopefully we'll do a better job of centering them. Thank you for helping!

You could change out the hardware to what you want why my son would really like those Hardware

@eclairerw "I’m hearing several of you here say that the headboard/footboard is a problem in the room. (it’s leather, so paint isn’t an option)"

Did you know you CAN paint leather?!! It would be even more durable than painting a sofa because there isn't really any wear on the headboard or footboard. Depending on what color you want the walls and bedding it would drive the color to paint it.

https://tanglewoodworks.com/blogs/tanglewood-sue/can-you-paint-leather-furniture

Painting leather! I never heard of that possibility! Interesting idea!

Warm wood tones are everywhere in current design. And these pieces have the added sentimental value in addition to being well-made and beautifully-cared-for furniture. Is this your primary bedroom? It would help to know who uses this room and the preferred style and vibe of its occupants. That will give some direction to the bedding, artwork, rug, sofa, lamps needed to make it the sanctuary you desire.

Susan

This is the primary bedroom for my husband and me. Preferred style? Idk... I would like the room to look more classy, more updated, with a shot of "luxury" added in. I'm a more clean-lines kind of person, and the house overall is probably considered transitional style. I have the color green running through most other rooms.

If you like green, Ben Moore Healing Aloe is very nice with warm woods.

The leather doesn't bother me...it's nice and you have the matching floor trim. I believe you can play up a percieved problem. Think of mixed browns and greens for a color scheme.

Judy Graham selected one nice rug in your colors.

I li the idea of green plus brown. Thank you. That would be easy to live with.

Lots of good ideas shared…so where to start? A statement bed pillow can be a great starting point…it can set the tone, vibe, and color palette for the whole design. Warm neutrals will work well with the wood pieces and brown leather. I will share an ideabook that will provide some inspiration. Notice how the statement bed pillows bring everything together. The soft, lux textures elevate the designs.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184559446/thumbs/warm-wood-bedroom-inspiration

A large rug to anchor all of the bedroom furniture where the top/side edges are under the furniture (the first rug option Judy shared) will eliminate the wood on wood and minimize any tripping hazard.

I like the furniture and you can make it work without painting. As others have mentioned, the dark leather headboard seems to be the elephant in the room. i have linked a post from over on Design Delima where the OP was making similar dated furniture work in her bedroom. When she switched to a reasonably priced light colored upholstered headboard it really opened up opportunities to create a beautiful bedroom on a very reasonable budget. The post is long, but interesting, and she got lots of good advice. She ended up with a beautiul room. This might give you some ideas.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6519554/would-you-recommend-painting-this-furniture#n=366

Tuesday_2008,

Yes, I for sure can see the similarities between this person’s room and mine. I think there’s no getting around the fact that the headboard/footboard will have to go. Thank you!

Another take on your bedroom...

That is SO pretty! It's encouraging to think mine could be that easy on the eyes. Thanks!