It depends-- do you gave photos? Scale of room, furnishings, etc. make a difference

Laura: The room is small - about 13 by 15 - and connects to the living room, where I'm standing. The furnishings are vintage, narrow and were recently refinished and/or painted with the exception of the blonde dresser on which we keep the fish.

I really wouldn't go with gingham. Your furniture doesn't seem country - nor your rug.

I think big checks -- are you doing panels?
Have you considered painting that dresser black?

I would go with smaller gingham. I once had big blue gingham curtains in my kitchen, and it looked like a tablecloth, lol. But I kept it up because it was very cheerful, and I didn't really care that it looked like a tablecloth! :)

Laura: We're not sure what we're doing with the dresser yet. And yes, I was considering curtain panels hung tall and narrow like the table and bookcase. We're redoing the room and plan on getting rid of the rug (a freebie) when we find a suitable replacement. I love the 1940s era which is why I thought of going with gingham. Not because I want a country look per say. It seems to go with everything and would mirror the checkered tile floor in our kitchen, just through the door. Our duplex was also built in the 1940s.

This got me thinking gingham ... that it can be elegant and refined.