When we moved in this house we put our bed in front of the windows in our bedroom.
I liked the set-up for several reasons: 1) you were facing the foot of the bed when you walked in the room 2) the leaves or branches or whathaveyou looked really pretty as a backdrop when the blinds were open and 3) I didn’t have to worry with hanging anything above the headboard.
Because here’s the thing: I’m no good at hanging stuff. It stresses me out. I feel like I never know what to hang, and then when I finally figure it out, I have no idea if I’m hanging it too high or too low or if the thing is too big or too small. Are the colors too bright or too subdued? Do I need a grouping or is the one thing okay?
The choices, they overwhelm me. Which is why I typically just stare at the wall for 15 minutes, then fix myself a diet Coke and some Cheez-Its and settle in for an episode or four of House Hunters.
And yesterday, I spent a good portion of the afternoon walking in the bedroom, staring at this, and then walking away.
The bed is on a different wall now, mainly because we can use the space in the room so much better when the bed’s not hanging out by the windows. But oh, all that wall space – it intimidates me. I keep thinking that maybe a grouping of plates would look pretty there (all my favorite home decor bloggers are wizards with wall groupings of plates and platters), but I don’t really have a collection of plates and probably wouldn’t know the right way to hang them if I did.
I know that I could get a big canvas and let everybody pitch in and paint it and then hang it there, but we’ve sort of run that route to death in our house. I love the clean look of the new pillows and stuff, but because they’re not quite as overtly traditional as what we had, I can’t seem to figure out my decorative direction.
So.
Plates? Platters? A photograph? Sconces? A wagon wheel? An old chair?
I’m only sort of kidding about those last two things.
Because I’m very desperate.
The end.
July 15th, 2010 at 10:11 am
well I am entirely not an expert, and if you saw my bedroom, which has absolutely nothing on the walls, you would laugh that I’m even daring to post here, but I think you should go out and find something you love and put it up there because it will make you happy. Whatever it is. Who cares what other people do? It’s your house and your room and you’re the one who has to look at it every day, so if you are inspired by a giant portrait or a plate grouping or an abstract painting or some vinyl words or a bunch of framed photos or a wagon wheel or a Beverly Hills 90210 poster, I say go for it. Although I’m mostly kidding about those last two. :)
July 15th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Did you check out Larysa Herbert’s beautiful egg and feather prints yet? She does them on this beautiful paper and they are a STEAL! because they are so gorgeous! I only have one but I want more!
Here’s the link again:
http://www.lherbertdesigns.com/store/egg-and-feather/
July 15th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Definitely check out Larysa Herbert’s Egg and Feather prints! They would be beautiful on that wall!
http://www.lherbertdesigns.com/store/egg-and-feather/
July 15th, 2010 at 10:14 am
I vote for photograph like maybe a black and white with lots of depth. But not mountains, maybe something with trees to mimic the leaves in the pillows. I love that I just used the work mimic. :-) You could even hang an artsy black and white close-up of your son there. Ok, you are making me need to do something with my walls. I should go. Toodles! (I can’t wait to see what you come up with.)
July 15th, 2010 at 10:18 am
I think something in the darker color you have there would look amazing on that wall. Something black, or brown, or in the black and white scheme like recommended above. BEAUTIFUL!!
July 15th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Why not hang an old chippy window? Does that even make sense? It would add texture and character.
July 15th, 2010 at 10:28 am
First of all, I MUST know where you got that bedding! I absolutely love it and want to steal it from your little house. So if you don’t tell, be prepared to come home to a stripped bed one of these days. :)
Here are a few options I came up with. My first choice would be a precious (and big – always go big) picture of you and your hubby. Something professional and romantic, probably in b/w.
If that’s not your thing, here are a few others.
The vinyl letters gig:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Always-Kiss-Me-Goodnight-Vinyl-Wall-Art/4814176/product.html
The muted colors gig:
http://www.overstock.com/Office-Furniture/K.-Parker-Floral-Whispers-2-piece-Stretched-Canvas-Set/2627435/product.html
The leaves and birds gig:
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bronze-bird-wall-art/?pkey=cwall-art
The favorite team gig:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/NCAA-Mississippi-State-Patchwork-Quilt/4747338/product.html
Avoid a chair. I just think that has dangerous potential. :)
July 15th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Alas, I hate hanging stuff on walls too. My husband always thinks I hang stuff too low, and I think he hangs stuff too high – possibly has to do with the fact that he’s almost a foot taller than me…
So I’m waiting for you to come up with some wonderful, amazingly creative ideas for me to use. :)
July 15th, 2010 at 10:46 am
I just saw something at my friends’ house that looked nice over their bed. It’s a wrought iron decorative thingy that looked great in their master bedroom. I think they found it at Kirklands but said they also found some at Old Tyme Pottery they liked as well. One VERY important note – make sure you use a heavy duty hanger because I’d hate to think what damage that could do in the event of a freakish accident.
July 15th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Get black gallery frames with off white mats- on sale at Hobby Lobby and Target right now in a big size- find two or three favorite photos- turn them into black and white and have them printed- hang above your bed- very clean and classic- and fairly cheap and requires little artistic effort. Good luck!
July 15th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Perhaps something with metal like this?
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bronze-bird-wall-art/?pkey=cwall-art
Here’s a way to bring more of the greenery in: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/fern-print-canvas-art/?pkey=cwall-art
Would this color go with your new paint?
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/vintage-tin-tiles/?pkey=cwall-art
Wicker would look nice…but less clean. Here’s an idea for it, though: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/oversized-basket-wall-art/?pkey=cwall-art
July 15th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Would you mind sharing this Stella & Dot fundraiser for my friend with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma? She has a 2 year old she’s trying to stay alive for!
Thank you!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=114662278581692&ref=mf
July 15th, 2010 at 10:55 am
I recently redid my guest room and have been struggling with what to hang above the bed as well. After more weeks than I care to admit, I finally decided on a mirror last night and I absolutely LOVE it!
It added an extra dimension to the room and, quite frankly, it’s hanging high enough that it just looks pretty and doesn’t provide any additional angles for me to critique my hair. :-)
July 15th, 2010 at 10:57 am
how about those stick on monograms or just the first letter of your last name? i think there’s a company called upper case living that has scriptures, sayings, monograms…etc.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:01 am
There are probably 15 things on this page that would look just FABULOUS above your bed. I want to buy them all
http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_se_pagelist_btm_previous?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&node=238171011&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&rh=&searchSize=90&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin
July 15th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Why not just enjoy the plain wall for a while. I think the color looks gorgeous with your bedding.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:17 am
I too am decorating challenged, & many of these comments have lovely suggestions. Here’s one I think would look beautiful as well (though don’t ask me how high you hang it, again, decorating challenged!)
http://store.dayspring.com/gracetileset.html
July 15th, 2010 at 11:19 am
I think a wrought iron wall art piece would look great above the bed. I love wrought iron, especially in contrast to something soft, like the bedding and pillows. Here are a few examples:
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/127/7/AAAAApKU3swAAAAAASdx4A.png?v=1217822836000
http://www.blissgardengiftware.com.au/media/147-2009-9%20metal%20swirl%20wall%20decor%20v2.jpg
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0003/7001/products/bubble_branch_wall_art_medium.jpg
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/e4/a/AAAAAtEdgQQAAAAAAOSinQ.png?v=1206630247000
July 15th, 2010 at 11:24 am
How about an old fireplace mantle? Then you could put candles etc. on it…
July 15th, 2010 at 11:25 am
I know you didn’t ask for this, but I think you need a third big leafy pillow. It would keep things from looking too symmetrical and help fill in that space a bit more. Ha! How’s that for unsolicited advice! I love the colors you chose. . .beautiful!
July 15th, 2010 at 11:25 am
How about some of those decorative metal wall tile thingies? You know, they look like old metal ceiling tiles? I think Southern Living at Home has some. Or check out Busybelle Art (you can find her on Facebook). She’s an AL artist who, among other things, converts photographs into watercolor painting. I’m thinking about having her do one of our first house. Maybe she could do one of a Diet Coke and Cheezits! :) That would promise sweet, sweet dreams.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Ok. How about a favorite quote or bible verse cut out of vinyl? Maybe chocolate brown? (I think that is the color on your pillows.)
I will look handpainted and be a personal touch.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Take a look at a magazine of a bedroom you love and figure out what it is exactly that you like about it. Example: I love Pottery Barn Magazine and have duplicated the look already “put together.”
July 15th, 2010 at 11:35 am
I agree with Kim. I love writings on the wall. I’ve seen some hanging in bedrooms, the most popular says:
Always Kiss me Goodnight
I have a friend who put words over her little girls bed that said:
Rest your wings, my sweet angel
However, with all of that said…I really loved your bed in front of the windows. It is so cozy looking.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:38 am
How about a black and white framed photo (obviously large) of something you love, like MSU football or basketball, or just a campus shot if you don’t want to bring sports into the bedroom.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:42 am
1) Your initials over the bed in either a vinyl monogram (you can take it off!) or, as actual letters (think Hoby Lobby)
2) Canvas B&W portrait of the 2 of you or your favorite place-you can do it yourself through Winkflash or use Modern Bird
3) Circular mirror to bring in a different element-too many squares and hard angles. I also think a suburst mirror-but more abstract wouldlook great
4) Vinyl branches decal
July 15th, 2010 at 11:42 am
I loved the idea of a family painting. Abstract with colors that go with the rest of your room…It could be tragic, but it could also turn out really pretty. How much would you be out if it failed? $20 maybe? I’d try it!
http://www.laundryandvodka.com
July 15th, 2010 at 11:44 am
2 ideas: 1) Hang a sample piece (or scrap) of a nifty wallpaper and frame it with narrow moulding for that nice paneled look or a chinoiserie panel look. You can do 1, 2 or 3 panels. Examples of the chinoiserie look: http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/2010/04/framed-chinoiserie-wallpaper-panels.html
2) I like the shape of quatrefoil mirrors – there is an inexpensive one currently at Lowe’s
http://www.lowes.com/pd_304390-13535-LMCLH22ES_4294931892+4294963058_4294933768?catalogId=10051&productId=3093977&Ne=4294933768¤tURL=%2Fpl_Octagon_4294931892+4294963058_4294933768_&N=4294931892+4294963058&identifier=Octagon&langId=-1&storeId=10151&ddkey=http:CategoryDisplay
July 15th, 2010 at 11:45 am
How about something like this:
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/metal-wall-scroll-with-fleur-de-lis-347989/
You can’t beat the price and I think it would be about the right size for the area.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I am going to order a monogrammed wall decal for above our bed. My (crazy) husband has some strange fear of something hanging above his head and thinks it is like going to fall on his face during the night sooo…….we are getting a vinyl decal like this one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/27912744/oval-monogram-vinyl-wall-decal?ref=sr_list_14&ga_search_query=monogramed+wall+decals&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&order=price_asc&includes=tags&includes=title
We have other decals in the house that are monogrammed or personalized or whathaveyou and I LOVE them. They look nice and are seriously relatively easy to apply.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:47 am
and also i forgot to say i am LOVING your new bedding.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:50 am
I agree with one of the posters above — you need a 3rd leaf pillow — I’m just sayin’.
I love black and white photography in a bedroom.
OR, just go look around TJ Maxx or Homegoods, and see what you like.
But as was mentioned, it’s fine to live with it plain for a good long time, and find something you really love.
I wouldn’t do plates or platters – to me that is too kitcheny or dining-roomy.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:53 am
I’m thinking that a ton of stunt pillows are a southern thing? Do tell. I know that Martha is quite a fan.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:57 am
I would get down to Home Goods and look for a starburst mirror. You seem like a starburst kind of girl!
It looks beautiful!
July 15th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Thank you for the great post, even if it did take quite a large time to complete reading. (English is not my first language) May I ask where you get your sources from? Thankyou!
July 15th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
I’m sure you’ve thought of this…when I saw the picture, my first thought was “ooh, she needs a big black and white photo (or two? Three?) of the boy with black simple frame(s).” I think that would look so good with the walls.
July 15th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
My husband will not let me hang anything over the head of our bed (and we don’t have a nice headboard, just a mattress on a bedframe!) He swears I’m trying to kill him in his sleep when I mention hanging something. Of course the fact that once, in the middle of the night, we woke up to a picture falling off the wall and glass shattering everywhere isn’t helping my cause too much. He now refuses to let me hang anything by myself and he buys these monstrous hangers that will hold 100 pounds and hangs an 8×10 picture on it. We have issues.
Anyway, I love wrought iron stuff in the bedroom for whatever reason. We have a big, square one in our room (not over the bed, obviously) and I love it. We got it at Kirklands. I say you’ll know what you want there when you see it.
July 15th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
we have walter anderson prints above our bed – i did my first initial, my husbands 1st inital & our last name initial. very southern, so it’s personal & inexpensive…so, there you go :). I can send you pictures of it.
July 15th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
My initial thought before I read the comments was definitely a starburst mirror. I was happy to see that a couple of other people thought the same thing!
July 15th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
You karate chopped the pillows, didn’t you? Just like Chad on Million Dollar Listing. Bravo. :)
July 15th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Ok. I am back.
I have NO authority whatsoever, HOWEVER, when reading through the comments, I have to say that I agree with Vicki.
I think another large, possibly brown, pillow in the center of the two leafy pillows would look wonderful.
And, really, can a person have too many pillows?
July 15th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
-a scrolly metal piece
-something metal or wood w/ scripture on it from Mardels
-vinyl
–with the vinyl you could do:
—scripture
—family saying
—scrolly monogram!!
—a big letter of your last name (in brown?)on the left and then a grouping of 3 family pictures (or plates)staggered (lengthwise) on the right side of the letter (like the top and bottom one lined up the same w/ the middle one further to the right).
-old window pane or door…white, but antiqued and chipping…you could put the plates or pics in the squares or just leave it blank and let the old window be the art!!
LOVE the color & the bedding!!!!!!
July 15th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Totally a metal wall hanging like this: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100653767&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=100653767&ci_src=14110944&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D59X-_-100653767&locStoreNum=2011&marketID=276
July 15th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Did you notice that your bedroom kinda matches the pretty dogwood? magnolia? flowering tree? motif at the top of your bloggy page?
Is that how you get inspiriation? You go to bed dreaming of your blog and then get up the next morning and type it up? Maybe you can do some kind of mind meld with your laptop and it will type it up as you dream.
Is this the weirdest post you’ve ever had on your blog?
Can I please stop using a question mark?
July 15th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
OK, I just went back and read the other comments…as for a 3rd leafy pillow, I think another pillow would be great, but not leafy…I would look for a large brown pillow (if it had blue trim that would be better!) to stand out more and add more depth.
And, for a scrolly metal piece, check antique stores and flea markets! I got a light one that is 4 feet long that hangs over my entertainment center (long narrow sopt that was blank for YEARS) and only paid $10 for it at Canton (trade show/flea market). A grouping of 4 cieling tiles in copper or antique white would also be great.
July 15th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Alrighty- I hate to be a repeater but you really do need another leaf pillow. And, here in the south we LOVE monograms- but- I would monogram the white pillows in the blue color (his and your initials). Then a simple thick brown framed mirror (which would reflect the pretty window across from the bed that you loved looking at anyway!) How was breakfast?
July 15th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I think one of those vinyl monograms on a painted canvas, or directly on the wall, would look great. Search Etsy, you’ll find loads of options.
Something like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51031549/classic-rectangle-monogram-vinyl-wall
July 15th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
LOVE your bedding. Can you share where you got it?
July 15th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
So, I thoroughly believe that immitation is the highest form of flattery. That said,since you like the idea of hanging plates,go to The Nester’s website, look at her plate collection over her couch, search the house and anyone else’s house that will let you, pick a few (I’m thinking maybe 5–one for the middle and 4 around it?)and hang ‘em up! The Nester has her’s pretty much in a diamond shape, so if you just play with it on the ground first it will be less scarey. Next I suggest making templates of each plate you are hanging with newspaper or paper sacks and taping them up on the wall in the arrangement you think you like. Maybe een live with the paper on the walls for a bit to be certain it’s what you like, then just commit! You can do it!
July 15th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Dear Desperate,
I’m thinking a grouping of B&W photos special to you. Remember two things, different sizes look good in roundish groupings vs. identical frames in lines/squares Also, odd numbers are ALWAYS more pleasing to the eye.
Love,
That’s all I know in NE