Questioning My Choices On Bedroom Details — Drapery Trim And Headboard Fabric
While I’ve had the overall vision for this bedroom in my mind (and on a mockup) for a long time, now that I’m getting down the details, I’m starting to rethink, second-guess, question, and possibly tweak the design a bit. If you’ve been around for a while, you know it’s a normal thing for me to do. I’ll start off with a basic roadmap, but then I’ll start to take a few scenic detours along the way.
So let’s talk through a few details about this bedroom. Yesterday, the trim for the draperies arrived, so I brought everything into the room to get a look at it.
First, there’s the bird fabric that I plan to use on the headboard (I think — that’s one of the things I’m questioning). On top of that, you can see the orange/coral fabric that I plan to use on the welt cord around the upholstered headboard. And on top of that, you can see the actual grasscloth wallpaper, which is a bit darker and richer in color than the current wall color. And then on the left is the drapery fabric and the trim that came in yesterday.
My first impression when I saw the trim was that it was fine. It’ll do. I mean, when you buy discount trim instead of the $50-per-yard trim, you get what you pay for. It’s pretty. It’s a bit brighter than what I hoped for. But it’ll do.
But then I accidentally flipped it over so that the backside showed, and I loved it so much more. On the back, the dominant color is the orange, and the accent color is the creamy white. I think that looks so much better.
Here’s an up close view of the trim on the right side. You can see that the background is like a satin finish. It’s kind of shiny. I’m just generally not into shiny finishes.
But here’s the backside. I LOVE how that looks. It’s much bolder, which I like. It’s not shiny, which I REALLY like. So I’m going to use the trim with the backside showing instead of the front, as I had originally planned.
But I still think it’s just a touch too bright. All of it — the orange and the white — seem a little too bright for the rest of the items in the room. So I think I’m going to try to do something to tone it down ever so slightly. I don’t want it to be completely dull and dark. I just want to do something to knock down that brightness just a slight bit. The only thing I can think of is to tea stain it with a very weak tea. I’m pretty sure it’s been over a decade since I’ve tea stained fabric, but thankfully, I have six extra yards of this trim that I can play around with. If there’s a different way to take away some of the brightness that you know of, other than tea staining, let me know and I’ll test out that method as well.
The next thing I’ve been wondering about is the headboard. Let’s go back to this mockup I’ve shown y’all a thousand times in the recent weeks. And you can see that my original plan was to use that bird fabric on the actual headbaord.
Well, I’m rethinking that plan and wondering if I might want to do the headboard in a different fabric, and then use the bird fabric on the actual bedding. And the reason I started thinking that is because I started thinking through how I like to dress a bed. I generally like to use two really big, square pillows against the headboard, and then some smaller pillows in front of that. And if I only use the bird fabric on the headboard, and then start layering big pillows in front of the headboard, I’m going to cover up the pretty bird fabric.
For example, here’s our bed from our previous bedroom…
Look at how much of the headboard is covered up. Now imagine that headboard being upholstered with my pretty bird fabric, and you can see that most of it would be hidden. It would make more sense to put the pretty fabric on the big pillows, right?
So now that I’m ready to actually make the headboard (that’s the next project on my list), I’m second-guessing. Of course, another option would be to go much bigger with the headboard. Instead of doing the rectangle shape with the curved corners that I had decided on, I could actually go bigger/taller with it. I could actually go back to the shape that’s pictured in the mockup above. That would allow more of the headboard to show even with big pillows in front of it. That’s what I did way back in our condo bedroom. That bedroom had a patterned fabric on the headboard, but because it was a very tall headboard, the patterned fabric still showed even with the big pillows in front.
Of course, now that I’m ready to actually make the headboard, I’m second-guessing myself. 😀 It’s just what I do.
So the options are:
- Keep the headboard shorter and rectangle with the curved corners, but cover it in a solid fabric. That would allow room above the headboard for artwork, and then I could use the bird fabric on the actual bedding — two big pillows against the headboard and possibly a duvet cover; or,
- Keep the bird fabric on the headboard, but go with a taller, curvier shape so that it will still show even with two big pillows resting against it.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I LOVE a big statement headboard, so I would say make it taller! Whatever shape you like best. Since you are making it yourself, you can customize it however you like!
I agree with you! I still love the fabric for the headboard! Make it the focal point! Could also use the bird print for chair throw pillow, or a folded throw across end of the bed…but that might be overkill.
I vote 2 — use the bird fabric on a taller headboard and then have pillows in front in complementary tones.
For what it is worth, I agree with your decision to use the backside of the trim but in my opinion the mostly-orange side is not too bright. Not to discourage you from playing with a weak tea stain on a sample, but I like the bright pops of color.
Option 2 seems more majestic, but limits the other materials that could be used for bed dressing. I just like a tall headboard.
Hmmmm….neutral fabric on the headboard, and birb fabric on big big pillows?🤔 Otherwise do the tall headboard so you can see the birbs!
Option 2 gets my vote!
Definitely option 2
I’m sorry, I don’t like the orange trim for the draperies at all, I think you should forgo it all together it, draperies should soften a room not scream for attention. I think the orange cheapens the whole look, but that is, of course, my opinion. I know you will make it work. I think a pretty solid linen or weave texture for the headboard would be smart and use your bird fabric for the large pillows, that way if you ever tire of the birds you can easily switch out the whole theme
Agree. A more neutral headboard will give you more options in the future.you know you like to change things up!
I absolutely LOVE the shape and height of the headboard in your mockup! You could have the large square pillows as in your guest bedroom or stack pillows as in your mockup for a different look. I think the orange trim is beautiful. I don’t think the orange is too bright. It doesn’t appear any brighter than the fabric for the headboard welting or the orange in the rug. Trying out the tea staining is a good idea to confirm your decision.
Hi Kristi: My initial thought is to make the headboard taller and possibly change the shape but I’ve also been wondering what your bedding would look like. Maybe figure that out first, then make decisions on both the headboard and Matt’s dresser. You’re making good progress! I too like the back of the trim fabric better.
My thought is if you use the bird fabric on the headboard, it becomes the focal point, so keep it taller. No art work needed. The solid fabric headboard, I would keep shorter to allow for artwork above.
Came here to say the same. The headboard becomes the art and it simplifies the design. Plus she’s already done it that way and liked it (and it looked good), so she will probably like it like that again.
No on the larger headboard. It will dominate the room. A soft beautiful solid will give so many more options. Birds on the pillows!
I think a solid headboard and the bird fabric on big pillows is the way to go. That also gives you more options down the road.
This.
Keep the bird fabric on the headboard.
I feel the need to break up the big swaths of solid color from the drapes, chair and walls, plus it introduces some white/cream to keep it light. Do you have enough bird fabric for the bench in the hallway? ( plus I don’t think the bench is too big at all)
I love the color scheme and fabric choices! My perhaps overly-practical comment is that if you or your husband sleep with your heads near the headboard, the beautiful bird fabric may become discolored over a couple of years. (Ditto if your pets sleep up against the headboard.) If you upholster the headboard in something darker or easier to clean, you’ll be able to enjoy the fabric on the pillows etc. for many years, and those are easier to clean if needed. (Of course, depending on your sleeping style, this may not be an issue.)
You mocked up a tall headboard, so go with that that – was the scale of the print in the space was determined passively when you did that. Doing it on bedding physically moves where that detail hits, and brings busier elements closer.
I find it interesting that you didn’t even consider dressing the bed differently. I would just ditch the big square pillows honestly. But a larger headboard is what I would pick of the two options you provided. I think the fabric would be wasted on just two pillows. They don’t have enough surface area for that lovely fabric!
On the trim…you’ve painted fabric before…could a weak paint wash or weak fabric dye be options to tone it down?
I was thinking dye might be better than tea-staining. Probably more colorfast and consistent.
2: love a tall headboard
I like the idea of a solid headboard. Way more options in the long run
Number ONE for sure!
Both are great options but ask yourself if you wanted something pretty above the bed, like the sun mirror in the condo bedroom photo…
Let that guide you!
What about using the bird fabric for the draperies? To me the blue velvet draperies are a nice texture difference from the grasscloth but still very tone-on-tone. Maybe the blue velvet would make a nice headboard, especially with some contrasting welting.
I would use the bird fabric on a pillow and make the headboard neutral.
I also think you should do away with the drapery trim. That drapery fabric is beuatiful and doesn’t need any gaudy trim – that looks a little outdated IMO.
I definitely vote for #1. When looking at the mock-up with that gorgeous blue in empty space above the headboard, it immediately feels like something’s missing. The birds are very sweet, but you have such an exceptional gift for landing on interesting wall art … it seems a shame to waste that real estate on nothing but dark blue. I believe the composition would be much more complete with a softer whisper of the birds complimented by a stunning focal point on the wall above.
What about doing the headboard in a velvet stripe? (kind of like that fabric you liked back when you were recovering your studio chair) Maybe you could find something in teal/coral/off white/green. I think the bird fabric would be gorgeous as a duvet cover with big European shams. And, then you could layer lots of other pillows with varying textures and colors. I agree with the lady who mentioned that the bird fabric on your headboard might show dirt/oils easily. A darker, heavier fabric might be easier to keep looking perfect. 🙂
Definitely the taller headboard with the bird print. You need something patterned and colourful that makes a statement against the solid coloured walls and drapes.
Love the orange trim for the drapes even though I’m not a trim person. It looks fabulous with the rug, even without any tea staining !
OK, here is my two pennies worth. I love the backside of the trim, excellent choice on that. Keep headboard as designed, just make sure some of the bedding has the bird fabric in it. Like the pillows and perhaps a mock-throw at the bottom of the bed, it ties things together nicely. Please don’t do the tea stain, who knows how they dye things today you could find yourself in the middle of a Halloween horror movie set with the dye streaking of running. Remember, you love color and lots of it. I think the sea of teal gives you that calm ocean for a great colorful paradise. I do not think there is any danger of this room/suite becoming too overwhelming, nothing else in your house is, why would you start now. Sometimes overthinking things is highly overrated, go with your gut. I love the headboard shape and design, just make sure to keep adding a little more of that glorious fabric to the set and you’ve got it in one.
Cheers to you, Matt and the Fur Critics!
I also like that the bird fabric on the headboard will break up the solid colors of the drapery and grass cloth. Looking at the mock up, it appears that the top of your headboard will sit about ten inches below the top window molding. At that height, pillows will not cover up much of your headboard. Your headboard style and fabric is an eye catching and regal decorating piece which is fitting for where the king and queen will lie😊 Love the condo bedroom colors and style!
Taller headboard. just use bird fabric wherever you choose, it will look great.
I would go with option two and I would leave the “bump” off the top of a tall headboard. The headboard has bothered me since I first saw it and I honestly thought it was the fabric. Today I covered it up so the headboard had the pretty corners and was flat on top, made all the difference to me. Just another opinion.
How about a design your own stripe fabric for the headboard? You can pull in all the colors from the fabrics and rug and it would be a nod to the former gym. I like using the bird fabric as pillows or bedding instead of a headboard.
I think it would be more practical to have the headboard in an easily cleanable fabric, and use the beautiful bird fabric for the large pillow shams and possibly a duvet cover folded at the foot of the bed. If you were to go that direction, what color would you use for the headboard?
Another option is one I think another commenter made; cover the headboard with linen or muslin and use the bird fabric to make a removable, cleanable slipcover for the headboard. That bird fabric is beautiful and really ties all the other colors in the room together, so IMHO, it should take center stage.
If there is enough fabric, both headboard and 2 big pillows could be done in the bird fabric.
Here’s another opinion. I like the taller headboard as long as it showcases the majority of the fabric and I think it breaks up all the solid … wallpaper, wainscotting and drapes. You need a pattern to break up all that solid. You don’t need a solid headboard. Whatever you decide it should be based on whichever option shows off the most fabric and I think the taller headboard will do that. But I don’t know the dimensions so I may be wrong about that. I don’t like the drapery trim, it’s too wide, too busy and too bright. I don’t think toning it down is the solution. I’d ditch the trim entirely, it is going to detract from the drapes which bring a softness and elegance to the room. You can bring in a touch of that orange with the lamps and pillows. All of that said it is your dream room and you need to love it so whatever you decide will be right for you. Good luck deciding.
Ooh, I like the back of the curtain trim too!
I did a bit of tea and coffee staining experiments this summer for a theater production – coffee was my preferred one to dinge things up (I actually used cheap instant granules) because the black teas tended to come out noticeably dusty rose pink/beige. I had a decaf black tea that resulted in a more neutral tan tone, which I did like. Moral of the story is, definitely test first, perhaps on white cotton t shirt rag squares labeled with sharpie, to see what the stuff is going to do.
For the headboard, I really love the look of a “background” role headboard with great patterned pillows in your examples. The other looks a bit juvenile to my eye.
I would do the headboard and bedding the same bird fabric for boldness. And no trim in the curtains to blend it with the walls
This is what I was thinking as well. Lots of solid blue on the upper part of the wall. I like the taller headboard idea too. But I was thinking make the headboard in a solid or stripe contrasting (to blue) color and then make a zippered slipcover of the bird fabric to go over it. That is versatile.
I’m voting for the solid headboard and use the bird fabric as pillows.
Just wanted to say I love both sides of the orange trim. If you did a smaller, solid color headboard, could the trim also be the welting? The bird print is gorgeous and I think would make great bed accessories (pillows or whatever). Room is looking great. Can’t wait to hear the dresser color.
Go with 2. The bird fabric needs to be on the headboard. It is so beautiful. Just don’t make the pillows so tall. I like the trim on the non- shinny side, but it is just too orange. Tea dying it might work, but I would look for trim that matches the drapery material more. You don’t want it to look like a circus tent. Maybe not as wide either.
I love option 2. We have a very tall fabric headboard and dress the bed as you pictured. We can see a large part of our headboard still. I like the orange side of the trim best, but honestly I love just the blue fabric for the drapes alone. No matter what you end up doing it will be beautiful. Can’t wait to see it all come together.
I follow this project daily and objectively, I say go with the original plan, no doubt, because it is so much more uplifting and pleasant. Use the Dynasty paint color because it goes so well with your nightstands, original fabric headboard and drapes. I believe you were bothered by the darkness of the wall b/c the shades make it so dark. Lighten up the shades to a woodsy, Birchwood, white color. Then your teal drapes will will frame them nicely and break up the darkness. The chair is a nice touch but round it’s corners a bit to soften it. The border fabric is very special and lively.
Make the Headboard bigger and curvier, to give some relief to the straight line`s in the bedroom.
Hi Kristi,
Why stop with just a headboard? Why not also add upholstered side rails & footboard?
I built my bed with side rails & a footboard that was the same height. It was a fairly easy project.
Email me if you’d like to see pics.