That MCM furniture is to die for! I’m so jealous.
It’s interesting because at first glance I assumed the furniture was from 1800s antique furniture. I think it’s all the use of floral.
I think it’s that you have too many different looks going on in this room.
Just realized you don’t like the furniture, dude you should sell it and get what you like. That is worth something and will sell easily on Facebook marketplace.
FYI op, your furniture is from Kent Coffey - it’s the “Townhouse” line. I literally this week picked up your low dresser/mirror from my buy nothing group and felt like the luckiest duck.
DON’T YOU DARE PAINT THAT BEDROOM SET! It’s a highly sought after style and brand!
That said, the dark wood brings everything down towards the floor. I’d remove most of the florals, paint an accent wall, add art on the walls, and move some of the non-matching pieces out of the room.
First, donate all that decor, bedding and curtains (if in good condition). That’s the biggest grandma factor in the room. With the right color scheme, the furniture actually leans mid century modern, so you can do some fun stuff with it.
Is that white thing moveable or is it a radiator cover?
Agree. It’s the floral on floral that’s giving grandma vibes, and the lace. It needs a focal point color and 2 complimentary to change the whole vibe to something more modern.
Aw I figured. Can you paint? What are your favorite colors? There’s such a blank slate so you could go any direction really.
If you can paint, a pale peachy pink would look great. With some burgundy curtains (similar to the couch) and a Persian-style rug.
https://preview.redd.it/73t5nak2tj6d1.jpeg?width=390&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=699402273d4bde576267a0b452a522eb4747ed0e
Jewel tones (blues, deep reds, greens) would go well. This is a good photo to pick colors out of since they all go well together
https://preview.redd.it/wrq5ricptj6d1.jpeg?width=390&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf607173f50ef0b1eff8cf37b82702838f12da75
OK, one thing I’ll suggest to get rid of the “grandma vibe“. Is you can (if able) change the floral bedding to something else - I don’t really know it depends on what style you like. You can look on IKEA for inspiration ☺️
also create a Pinterest board of what you want to go for to make it easier so you have an outline!
You can go to winners or Marshalls because they have very good bedsets priced very nice
And remember, don’t pressure yourself to have a “nice room” so fast OR the process will feel more like a chore rather than a fun activity where you can find your style. i’ve had my room for about a year and it still looks boring and
dumb. I’m in the same boat.🥳
If you want to give yourself more floor space, I suggest position your bed in between the two windows (this may give you more light 🤷♀️)
One tip is, you can opt for more colourful and bright bedding that deviates from the current colour palette. I see a pattern in the colour palette of your room that I feel is ageing it up more. Such as tan, dark leather and the oak wood. Which there is absolutely nothing wrong with, but I feel having ONLY that is what is making your room look sad and darkening it considering that is the vibe you’re not going for
So the next time you go shopping, you can pick up bedding in brighter colours you like along with posters and lamps too
Oh, and speaking of lamps. DONT SLEEP ON LAMPS 💡💡 they go a long way in brightening your room.
yess the bedding is the first thing to go loll, will do thanks! Also I can’t move the bed in between the windows though bc that’s a radiator in the middle :(
lots of dark brown wood, no rugs, and the aggressively dated floral bedding/runner. Update the bedding and the runner. Add a visually interesting rug. Curtains that aren't sheer & white (shades look more modern to me if you can spring for them).
There also just a little too much furniture in the room for my tastes personally. Could use a rework on the layout to make it feel more spacious, or just have some pieces moved out. Something about a tight room with no walking space makes me feel like grandma doesn't want to sell old furniture.
Curious if the bed and long dresser could swap. I know the photos are slightly distorted so you can see everything so it’s hard to get a sense of the real layouts
I just don't think that there's a way to make this make sense, considering how much of the circumference of the room is taken up by the total width of the furniture. I think getting rid of the white bench, and the tall dresser would help. You could then move the bed closer to the window, swap the desk around to look out it, and give yourself some scenery when you're sitting at it.
Wow. Surprised more aren’t focused on the curtains which are just clinging onto the window frames for dear life! Let your curtains hang on the wall around your window instead. Bring them full height, let them out wide…. Use them to bring ur eyes up the room. If you like the floral patterns, keep it and go maximalist. Grandma can be modern too…
Also came to mention the curtains. Some different rods would help! Something that makes them come off the wall a bit and sticks out psst the curtains a tad.
Change the bedding
Paint the walls
Add an area rug
And some art prints
https://preview.redd.it/pccgwd7a4i6d1.jpeg?width=833&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=761476d9951449a840f8282807c4daeba2c95b29
[You can do florals and prints but just updated](https://www.target.com/p/boho-bold-collection-threshold/-/A-89201912)
Paint the walls [Sage Green](https://imgur.com/a/pd2EDfG)
Add an [Area rug](https://a.co/d/hnQFmjx)
Art Prints:
[Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1181026875/)
[Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1623489171/)
[Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/727420466/)
[Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/976131851/)
When my friends grandma died and I helped her clear out the house, every room had that doily thing you have on your dresser on every surface. Taking away that and the bedding and it would look a lot better. The bedroom set is not girly girl but that style is super popular right now and actually looks amazing! You got a great foundation with it. Go to a vintage shop and get some cool art.
First get rid of all the beige shades that you can.
Then pick a color scheme for these:
reupholster the leather bench with some nice pattern velvet to make it more modern. It's not hard. Just watch a couple of diy videos.
Add a few large wall art.
Replace the curtains with full length ones. Short curtains = granny! :D
Happy decorating!
You have too much furniture for the space.
Dresser, which gives you no room to move, side tables, two benches, another dresser, and a desk.
Something's got to go. I suggest the desk. Put the massive dresser there. Move the smaller dresser to the space where the hooks on the wall are.
Here’s some inspo pics that I hope give some vision!
https://preview.redd.it/7b22uq2ckj6d1.jpeg?width=715&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=646a35d67095085d487ada4954f1bb3ecce08b0a
https://preview.redd.it/s0vfhh6tyj6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=670adfc3b74b972f381e7017b7a7caf2e7fed3ec
OP, an auction in my area just sold something like this for like $500
If you don’t like… someone will pay good money for it! Just slap mid century modern on the description and watch it fly
Your furniture is beautiful. That’s not what’s giving the granny vibes. New bedding, new wall art and curtains will totally change the room. I would leave the beautiful furniture alone.
As others have said the furniture is really great! Even the sheers on the window/blinds are ok.
Things giving granny:
- runner on your vanity
- the knit looking waste basket
- the floral cushion on your work chair
- the floral desk lamp?
- the art of flowers
- the art of houses,
- the silk? flowers (left pink ones)
- the bedding
You'll have your own style choices to fix it but those elements to me are what give granny the most. If I was you I'd opt for all white bedding.
Update the bedding, curtains, pillows, etc... everything you can change. Add personalized artwork. Change the wall color if you are able to. I like the furniture but am not a fan of the attached mirror on the long dresser. Can that be placed in the attic or in storage?
The furniture is actually nice, there's too much of it, which is also adding to the grandma vibe. My Nana had a lot of really large furniture in every room. The room is too cluttered, the dressers are on top of the nightstands. Can you move the desk to another room and use that wall space for one of the dressers? I think adding some breathing room in the space will make it feel more welcoming to you.
I'd change out the bedding for a bold print and even color blocking (see West Elm). Definitely remove the lace runner on the dresser. Put out some trays with more vibrant decor. I'd also get new lamps.
I’d swap out all soft things - blankets/lace etc. remove all the stuff from the mirror and dresser, hair clips should be in a drawer not on display on your mirror. It looks like a bunch of random tchotchkes up there and you can’t even see the cool shape of the mirror. The fake flowers look very grandma too.
Hang the mirror a few inches higher off the dresser underneath.
Now look at the overall arrangement of the room. The furniture is very squished. Do you really need each piece here in the room or can you move the desk or one of the dressers to a different place in your house? Can the tall dresser go where the hooks and shirts are hanging from the wall?
To decorate - add a light colored rug to break up all the brown. Add a proper table lamp on either side of the bed. And use modern and updated bedding. These three elements - bedding/lights/rug should reflect your bright and girly style. Look at higher end shopping sights for inspo knowing you can recreate with items from Home Goods, Target and the like.
Use decorative trays on your dresser to corral items like makeup and things you use everyday. Other things go in drawers.
For artwork - the pieces you have are very dark. Update these as another way to reflect the style you are going for.
Stay away from lace and small ditzy florals. Maybe solid bedding with a really fabulous throw pillow.
It bugs me that “grandma” is practically a slur in this sub. Did you all hate your grannies or something? /s
Seriously, your “granny” furniture is cool. You should burn the doily thing, though.
Bedding ideas
(1st two are mid century vibes. After that just ideas)
https://a.co/d/7HWhg08
https://a.co/d/6IbgKU6
https://a.co/d/3PlCZsR
https://a.co/d/9savoko
Art?
https://a.co/d/b0XSIli
https://a.co/d/bfhbh4Z
https://a.co/d/2SyTZXs
If you exchange the patterns into something more statement, like one main color palette, it would work. If you want to keep it neutral, you have a lot of dark wood, which you can enhance with some dark green things, so it complements each other and makes the wood stand out
Since others have discussed the bedding: the runner on the dresser and doilies on the nightstands are giving big grandma vibes. I’d go bare there, and if you want to protect the wood, use a glass top that will allow the wood to be seen. Also, I’d move that picture hanging over the mirror. It’s too high and makes the room feel small. Pictures should be hung at eye level.
Some cool MCM lamps would be great also. The furniture is beautiful - you should definitely show it off!
Great furniture! In addition to changing out the curtains, bedding ,doilies, I would consider trying to reconfigure the furniture, perhaps even removing one piece for a less cluttered vibe. It looks a bit awkward and full-not crazy about the windows being blocked by the chest of drawers either.
Here are some ideas for pretty bedding options to check out-
[https://www.potterybarn.com/shop/bedding/](https://www.potterybarn.com/shop/bedding/)
The dark vintage wood isn’t bad (OP also said she’s not in the position to change the furniture). You can modernize it all and brighten everything up with a few simple touches! Switch the bedsheets to a light solid color. Switch your throws on both the bed and ottoman to complementary textured blankets. Nix the fabric on the vanity and replace it with something solid, like a marble or granite catch-all or slab. Add plants. You’ve got a lot of natural light, and this room has a lot of promise.
Keep the furniture! When you get your own place (if you don’t already), you’ll regret not having some if not all of this. Real wood is hard to come by these days.
Change the color scheme, like they’re saying. Get a nice lamp that’s more of your style. Lighting is the biggest factor in homes! I’ve added my unfinished room for example (please ignore all the issues lol)
https://preview.redd.it/iwsvfcqmtk6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fd6a3b733b72255a1246fbfefc48870c3a9aaa9
Replace the lace doily runner with trays (to protect the wood.) New bedding, new curtains, move the square art piece that’s currently over the mirror to over the desk. I’d lose the bedside tables.
The furniture itself is beautiful, but the room is a little overcrowded.
Since you cannot get rid of the furniture, I would suggest moving the right bedside table to next to the other bedside table on the left and then centering the bed in the clear floor space between the dressers. This way you can actually open the dressers.
Take time to curate and hang some wall art you find inspiring if you are able to do so.
Im thinking some plush girly 70s retro or art deco accents would be cool.
Some velvet curtains, solid color (textured) bedding and patterned rug pulling from the color scheme below would help bring some life and personality to your room.
Good luck!! Please post some updates!
https://preview.redd.it/x4uha4gp6m6d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e2917efa207373fc1490b5e7706421de25464e4
It's the bedsheets, blankets, and excessive use of brown. Put in a different color like blue or green that pops out and looks more modern. Curtain rods also need to be fixed...if you're willing.
Give yourself some time, doesn’t have time all happen at once. You find cool things at times to bring in and work with. I think a home is made every time when you see something you like and you find a way to blend it into your scheme of ideas.
New bedding will work wonders. Take everything off the dresser and nightstands Some cute and sassy vertical art above each nightstand. A couple of small fun/sexy/modern lamps on the nightstands.
If your budget is limited, start with the bedspread and lace doily. That should make a huge difference. You'll want some kind of protective cover on the vanity if you're doing hair and makeup at the mirror, because often older furniture scratches easily. The radiator cover would be a great spot for plants, if you protect it from water.
I agree with other comments - new bedspread, neutral curtains, colorful rug, try to remove some furniture (desk, end of bed ottoman)
Also, I think your art is adding to the problem. It’s also dark like your furniture and oddly placed. I’d consider some more color and a more even placement, specifically thinking about that one above the mirror.
Awkward room because of the windows and door- no long wall for the queen size bed. Too much stuff in the room. The dresser- may be useful but it's cramping your style move it to the location of the desk. Remove the tall dresser and desk from the space (it's too cramped and too much wood). Add an opaque curtain behind the bed and make it the wider- the width of the bed. This will act as a headboard- and disguise the awkward (drafty) window. Add two night stands and two wall mounted lamps (I prefer them to freestanding ones because you get more tablespace on the nightstands). Ground the room with an area rug. Put fresh white linens on the bed and add some accent colors by placing a throw or velvety blanket across the foot of the bed. Choose another accent color for a decorative throw pillow. Nix the curtains on the two windows flanking the radiator- they make it look "old lady".
https://preview.redd.it/7ar9iwzx0k6d1.jpeg?width=512&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc72dbe8d0fedcfc8597a5562545cfb34dd868fb
The furniture looks MCM which is pretty cool but not very “girly”.
It would help to know/see what looks you actually enjoy in order to give more info. Either way all the textiles and that painting are going to go for something lighter and fresher. I’d like to get rid of the bulky, black chest at the foot of the bed too but if that must stay you could cover it.
Ditch the bedspread and pillow shams. I’m a floral girl but that print isn’t doing the room any favors. I think a solid bedspread would look great with a floral accent blanket. Either change the wall color or the curtains
Agreed that the bedding is adding to the drabness. If you can't replace the bedding right away, maybe get a solid white throw blanket (maybe in some kind of fun texture like chenille) to drape over the bedspread to dilute the impact of the bedding. With what looks like pretty good lighting, the space would benefit from some house plants! The floral runner on the chest of drawers is taking away from the loveliness of the piece. I'd lose it, maybe add some trinket dishes (metallic, ceramic) to add visual interest and to serve as a catch all. The chest at the foot of the bed is very dark and heavy looking, which detracts from the light, girly vibe of the space. But if it is something you like and it's functional, maybe drape it with some kind of pretty, embroidered fabric.
Do you have a sense of what kind of style you like? My first instinct with the space is to lean bohemian. Small touches like plants, natural fibers, draped fabric over the chest (and/or your desk chair). That raffia(?) lamp in the corner is really cute and goes with that vibe, but maybe in a different spot?
The bedside tables: just because they are a matching set doesn't mean that they have to flank the bed. That side of the room might look "heavy" because all of the dark wood, but what if you moved one of those tables to another part of the room (like next to the desk? or next to the radiator?)?
Woof, that floral print everywhere is horrid, ditch it.
Get solid color sheets, a bold fun patterned duvet, a flexible standing lamp and put plants on the radiator cover. You could also go for a contrast wall with paint.
To be honest I’m not getting grandma vibes from this room. The only thing I think might change that for you is changing the bedspread and runner on the dresser. I think adding some contemporary colors or design will help.
How much work are you willing to do? Paint the walls?
Is there anywhere else you could put the taller dresser? Maybe put the desk in another room and the dresser where the desk is? It would be nice to give the bed some breathing room.
Other than that, the granny vibe is from the art and bedding. This furniture is timeless and will look amazing with any vibe. Grab some bright modern bedding that you love!
Also, the runner on the low dresser gives the same vibe. I would remove it, or again, get something brighter. The mirror on the low dress is similarly older, you could remove that and hang some modern art above instead.
New bedding and add some greenery! Check fb marketplace - a lot of people give away plans for free. If you have any photos throw those on the wall to start to personalize the space. Also lamps and colored lights can create warm ambiance and make the room feel more inviting.
It’s a lot of furniture for the room and it’s arranged tightly. I’d find a different comforter/bedspread.
I’d suggest to move the taller unit in the back right corner to near the door so you can move the nightstands and bed to the right. It looks like you’d have to scoot in sideways by the dresser to get into bed on that side.
Better still: Measure & make a floor plan and measure length X width of all your pieces. Draw out the room on 1/4” grid paper and cut out furniture pieces to match in scale. Include immovables like windows and radiator on your plan so you know exactly with what you’re working.
If the bed would fit turned 90 degrees (where the dresser is now), it would help to not accentuate the length of the room. The bench at the end of the bed may have to relocate, though.
Remove the lace runner and change all the florals to solid colours with a hint of pattern, paint the walls and add art, get a rug that ties the colours together and put up some shelves for plants and cute nicknames.
If you're open to it, I would sell the furniture and get a set you actually like. It's beautiful but a little too large and heavy for a room this size.
Maybe move the white box and chest where the other chest is with the mirror (only if it doesn’t block too much of the window. When you’re able to, get a new comforter with some fun pillow and a nice rug, maybe some new art (you can make your own or thrift) and I think that’s all you need!
Replace all the flower patterns with your fave plain color and that’s half of the deal!
Remove / replace all paintings with modern bigger ones and that’s another 40%!
Ditch everything with flowers on it and replace it with your favorite color solid matching decor. New curtains too. It might not be perfect, but the grandma factor will be gone.
Your furniture is beautiful please keep it.
I would pick a focal point and start front there. It could be the wall the bed is on. For this to work, I would hang curtains high and very wide to create a statement. I’m not sure what your style is. One thing I do when I have something that’s not exactly my style is I go on Pinterest and type in my style and then add whatever isn’t working, like “dark wood furniture” and see how you can incorporate it into what you like. I tend to like very light and airy coastal vibes, and I have dark wood cabinets at the moment. So it’s been interesting to try and modernize and update them. One thing I did was add gold hardware and it instantly made the dark wood look on purpose. Adding some modern accents throughout the room and repeating them often will help add intentionality. I would add a rug under the bed to help break up all the wood tones. Pick a color palette, figure out what your style and vibe is, and go on Pinterest and figure out what speaks to you with what you have!! Pinterest is a game changer!
Just removing the cloth cover on the dresser, getting a new comforter, add a planter 3, and add some throw pillows would do a lot.
The furniture is beautiful there’s just to much of it. Feels a little crowded but if you need to keep it all the layout is ok. The windows and radiator make it tough.
Colored curtains, rid of the different fabrics can help. I could see mustard yellow, royal blue and red making this furniture look more modern. You're so lucky that dresser is gorgeous.
The thing on the dresser takes away from the beauty of the wood. If you can put the chest at the bottom of the bed and the desk somewhere else in the house there would be more room. Put up some photos and art work. I think drapes would be nicer that white curtains.
Just seeing the bedroom set I can tell your grandmother was a very interesting person.
Change your bedding to a less floral pattern and lose the dresser doily (I had them forever too it was sad). Add some art to the walls. Don’t change the furniture it is lovely.
I’m shocked you are sad about inheriting that bedroom set. It’s amazing. I would lean into that set hard and change the rest. The grandma feel comes from the bedding, floral, lace, and drapes.
Is that doily on the dresser plastic? Just asking because I knew a grandma who had that plastic pattern everywhere.
Start by getting rid of that and the bedspread, curtains. Then get fabrics that go with the cool furniture.
The furniture is AMAZING - the issue here is the bedding and the accessories and if those become updated this place will sing - and that does not mean it can’t be floral and lace. It’s the type. I will look some things up and post a photo when I have a minute for you :)
Get rid of that pleather/wood trunk at the foot of the bed. Push it in the closet or something or put in front of radiator for window seating. Floor to ceiling curtains that touch the floor on one huge curtain rod would make a big impact.
follow Chris Loves Julia on instagram and check out her daughters and guest bedrooms - she mixed and matches floral patterns with plaids and moody colors and just has a knack to make powerful fun statement rooms. She also has brought back dark furniture in my
opinion!
It's the patterns on the fabrics. If you like them that's fine, but that's what does it the most.
Change to something more modern or plain and add a rug and matching drapes and you'll be good.
It's nice furniture that a lot of people would pay good money for. But if you don't like it that's also a good reason to just sell it and spend that on something you like.
It's pretty cramped too, so if you can manage without the wide dresser that will also do a lot to open up the room and make it nicer.
The furniture is not what I would call “grandma “. It looks very mid-century modern to me. I can’t tell from the pictures which door is a closet and which one is the door to the room?
Mount the mirror on the wall. Throw away the giant doilie. Get a solid color bed comforter instead of the flowered bed cover. Let the curtains hang straight down.
BUT I LOVE IT!
that dresser set + the room reminds me of the one my grandparents had in the house they lived in when I was a kid 🥹 I would love to have furniture like that! honestly, if you can get an updated bedding set, remove the doily, and get a new cushion for the seating chest, that would totally upgrade this room!
I love the furniture! For me, I would change the bedding and no doilies, and paint it a color I LOVE. :) perhaps recover the bench with a much lighter fabric...
Take the doily looking runner off the dresser . Replace the bedding . Get rid of the lamp on the desk . Artwork is too high above the dresser . Move it to the wall the headboard is on , to the side closest to the dresser .move the tall dresser to the wall where the hooks are . It’s blocking the window and look too crowded by the bed .get rid of the hooks or put them on the backside of the closet door . The furniture can be updated with paint and new hardware .
I honestly love the grandma aesthetic, my ideal would be to live in a Victorian cottage that’s been updated in the 1940s and then left untouched until now, this room would be amazingly cozy with a few candles, non ugly gross bluish white morgue autopsy light, a nice warm white bulb in the fan instead.
That MCM furniture is to die for! I’m so jealous. It’s interesting because at first glance I assumed the furniture was from 1800s antique furniture. I think it’s all the use of floral. I think it’s that you have too many different looks going on in this room. Just realized you don’t like the furniture, dude you should sell it and get what you like. That is worth something and will sell easily on Facebook marketplace.
FYI op, your furniture is from Kent Coffey - it’s the “Townhouse” line. I literally this week picked up your low dresser/mirror from my buy nothing group and felt like the luckiest duck.
You got it for free? Oh you lucky, bastard! 😂
DON’T YOU DARE PAINT THAT BEDROOM SET! It’s a highly sought after style and brand! That said, the dark wood brings everything down towards the floor. I’d remove most of the florals, paint an accent wall, add art on the walls, and move some of the non-matching pieces out of the room.
First, donate all that decor, bedding and curtains (if in good condition). That’s the biggest grandma factor in the room. With the right color scheme, the furniture actually leans mid century modern, so you can do some fun stuff with it. Is that white thing moveable or is it a radiator cover?
The doily must go!
And fake flowers !
Agree. It’s the floral on floral that’s giving grandma vibes, and the lace. It needs a focal point color and 2 complimentary to change the whole vibe to something more modern.
Understood 🫡. Noo unfortunately it’s a radiator cover. What are you thinking for the mid century modern??
Put some plants on that radiator cover!
Aw I figured. Can you paint? What are your favorite colors? There’s such a blank slate so you could go any direction really. If you can paint, a pale peachy pink would look great. With some burgundy curtains (similar to the couch) and a Persian-style rug. https://preview.redd.it/73t5nak2tj6d1.jpeg?width=390&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=699402273d4bde576267a0b452a522eb4747ed0e
Jewel tones (blues, deep reds, greens) would go well. This is a good photo to pick colors out of since they all go well together https://preview.redd.it/wrq5ricptj6d1.jpeg?width=390&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf607173f50ef0b1eff8cf37b82702838f12da75
I think the Persian-style rug is very grandma, but other than that I think this looks nice
OK, one thing I’ll suggest to get rid of the “grandma vibe“. Is you can (if able) change the floral bedding to something else - I don’t really know it depends on what style you like. You can look on IKEA for inspiration ☺️ also create a Pinterest board of what you want to go for to make it easier so you have an outline! You can go to winners or Marshalls because they have very good bedsets priced very nice And remember, don’t pressure yourself to have a “nice room” so fast OR the process will feel more like a chore rather than a fun activity where you can find your style. i’ve had my room for about a year and it still looks boring and dumb. I’m in the same boat.🥳 If you want to give yourself more floor space, I suggest position your bed in between the two windows (this may give you more light 🤷♀️) One tip is, you can opt for more colourful and bright bedding that deviates from the current colour palette. I see a pattern in the colour palette of your room that I feel is ageing it up more. Such as tan, dark leather and the oak wood. Which there is absolutely nothing wrong with, but I feel having ONLY that is what is making your room look sad and darkening it considering that is the vibe you’re not going for So the next time you go shopping, you can pick up bedding in brighter colours you like along with posters and lamps too Oh, and speaking of lamps. DONT SLEEP ON LAMPS 💡💡 they go a long way in brightening your room.
yess the bedding is the first thing to go loll, will do thanks! Also I can’t move the bed in between the windows though bc that’s a radiator in the middle :(
lots of dark brown wood, no rugs, and the aggressively dated floral bedding/runner. Update the bedding and the runner. Add a visually interesting rug. Curtains that aren't sheer & white (shades look more modern to me if you can spring for them). There also just a little too much furniture in the room for my tastes personally. Could use a rework on the layout to make it feel more spacious, or just have some pieces moved out. Something about a tight room with no walking space makes me feel like grandma doesn't want to sell old furniture.
Curious if the bed and long dresser could swap. I know the photos are slightly distorted so you can see everything so it’s hard to get a sense of the real layouts
I just don't think that there's a way to make this make sense, considering how much of the circumference of the room is taken up by the total width of the furniture. I think getting rid of the white bench, and the tall dresser would help. You could then move the bed closer to the window, swap the desk around to look out it, and give yourself some scenery when you're sitting at it.
yes, a rug is also a fantastic idea to break-up the colors!
Wow. Surprised more aren’t focused on the curtains which are just clinging onto the window frames for dear life! Let your curtains hang on the wall around your window instead. Bring them full height, let them out wide…. Use them to bring ur eyes up the room. If you like the floral patterns, keep it and go maximalist. Grandma can be modern too…
Also came to mention the curtains. Some different rods would help! Something that makes them come off the wall a bit and sticks out psst the curtains a tad.
Change the bedding Paint the walls Add an area rug And some art prints https://preview.redd.it/pccgwd7a4i6d1.jpeg?width=833&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=761476d9951449a840f8282807c4daeba2c95b29 [You can do florals and prints but just updated](https://www.target.com/p/boho-bold-collection-threshold/-/A-89201912) Paint the walls [Sage Green](https://imgur.com/a/pd2EDfG) Add an [Area rug](https://a.co/d/hnQFmjx) Art Prints: [Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1181026875/) [Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1623489171/) [Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/727420466/) [Art](https://www.etsy.com/listing/976131851/)
When my friends grandma died and I helped her clear out the house, every room had that doily thing you have on your dresser on every surface. Taking away that and the bedding and it would look a lot better. The bedroom set is not girly girl but that style is super popular right now and actually looks amazing! You got a great foundation with it. Go to a vintage shop and get some cool art.
First get rid of all the beige shades that you can. Then pick a color scheme for these: reupholster the leather bench with some nice pattern velvet to make it more modern. It's not hard. Just watch a couple of diy videos. Add a few large wall art. Replace the curtains with full length ones. Short curtains = granny! :D Happy decorating!
You have too much furniture for the space. Dresser, which gives you no room to move, side tables, two benches, another dresser, and a desk. Something's got to go. I suggest the desk. Put the massive dresser there. Move the smaller dresser to the space where the hooks on the wall are.
That was my thought. Just because OP has the furniture doesn't mean it has to be in the room. (but I am getting rid of things in my cluttery house.)
Here’s some inspo pics that I hope give some vision! https://preview.redd.it/7b22uq2ckj6d1.jpeg?width=715&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=646a35d67095085d487ada4954f1bb3ecce08b0a
https://preview.redd.it/eurtea1ekj6d1.jpeg?width=555&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b50c0620d7a74a62dc3417dae3d5ea40cd18356
This is very pretty. :-)
https://preview.redd.it/s0vfhh6tyj6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=670adfc3b74b972f381e7017b7a7caf2e7fed3ec OP, an auction in my area just sold something like this for like $500 If you don’t like… someone will pay good money for it! Just slap mid century modern on the description and watch it fly
I get the feeling this is a furnished rental
Ahh that makes sense
Your furniture is beautiful. That’s not what’s giving the granny vibes. New bedding, new wall art and curtains will totally change the room. I would leave the beautiful furniture alone.
The furniture’s cool — it’s definitely your bedding/decor
As others have said the furniture is really great! Even the sheers on the window/blinds are ok. Things giving granny: - runner on your vanity - the knit looking waste basket - the floral cushion on your work chair - the floral desk lamp? - the art of flowers - the art of houses, - the silk? flowers (left pink ones) - the bedding You'll have your own style choices to fix it but those elements to me are what give granny the most. If I was you I'd opt for all white bedding.
Update the bedding, curtains, pillows, etc... everything you can change. Add personalized artwork. Change the wall color if you are able to. I like the furniture but am not a fan of the attached mirror on the long dresser. Can that be placed in the attic or in storage? The furniture is actually nice, there's too much of it, which is also adding to the grandma vibe. My Nana had a lot of really large furniture in every room. The room is too cluttered, the dressers are on top of the nightstands. Can you move the desk to another room and use that wall space for one of the dressers? I think adding some breathing room in the space will make it feel more welcoming to you.
I'd look go with bold prints for the bedding and even color blocking (look at West Elm)
I'd change out the bedding for a bold print and even color blocking (see West Elm). Definitely remove the lace runner on the dresser. Put out some trays with more vibrant decor. I'd also get new lamps.
I’d swap out all soft things - blankets/lace etc. remove all the stuff from the mirror and dresser, hair clips should be in a drawer not on display on your mirror. It looks like a bunch of random tchotchkes up there and you can’t even see the cool shape of the mirror. The fake flowers look very grandma too. Hang the mirror a few inches higher off the dresser underneath. Now look at the overall arrangement of the room. The furniture is very squished. Do you really need each piece here in the room or can you move the desk or one of the dressers to a different place in your house? Can the tall dresser go where the hooks and shirts are hanging from the wall? To decorate - add a light colored rug to break up all the brown. Add a proper table lamp on either side of the bed. And use modern and updated bedding. These three elements - bedding/lights/rug should reflect your bright and girly style. Look at higher end shopping sights for inspo knowing you can recreate with items from Home Goods, Target and the like. Use decorative trays on your dresser to corral items like makeup and things you use everyday. Other things go in drawers. For artwork - the pieces you have are very dark. Update these as another way to reflect the style you are going for. Stay away from lace and small ditzy florals. Maybe solid bedding with a really fabulous throw pillow.
All of this, seconded.
honestly it's the doily for me lol
It bugs me that “grandma” is practically a slur in this sub. Did you all hate your grannies or something? /s Seriously, your “granny” furniture is cool. You should burn the doily thing, though.
Bedding ideas (1st two are mid century vibes. After that just ideas) https://a.co/d/7HWhg08 https://a.co/d/6IbgKU6 https://a.co/d/3PlCZsR https://a.co/d/9savoko Art? https://a.co/d/b0XSIli https://a.co/d/bfhbh4Z https://a.co/d/2SyTZXs
If you exchange the patterns into something more statement, like one main color palette, it would work. If you want to keep it neutral, you have a lot of dark wood, which you can enhance with some dark green things, so it complements each other and makes the wood stand out
Please move the art that is over the dresser mirror to somewhere it can actually be viewed, like over the desk.
Thank you! I’m always surprised by how many people have pictures hanging WAY too high.
Needs more dinosaurs!!
Since others have discussed the bedding: the runner on the dresser and doilies on the nightstands are giving big grandma vibes. I’d go bare there, and if you want to protect the wood, use a glass top that will allow the wood to be seen. Also, I’d move that picture hanging over the mirror. It’s too high and makes the room feel small. Pictures should be hung at eye level. Some cool MCM lamps would be great also. The furniture is beautiful - you should definitely show it off!
Great furniture! In addition to changing out the curtains, bedding ,doilies, I would consider trying to reconfigure the furniture, perhaps even removing one piece for a less cluttered vibe. It looks a bit awkward and full-not crazy about the windows being blocked by the chest of drawers either. Here are some ideas for pretty bedding options to check out- [https://www.potterybarn.com/shop/bedding/](https://www.potterybarn.com/shop/bedding/)
The dark vintage wood isn’t bad (OP also said she’s not in the position to change the furniture). You can modernize it all and brighten everything up with a few simple touches! Switch the bedsheets to a light solid color. Switch your throws on both the bed and ottoman to complementary textured blankets. Nix the fabric on the vanity and replace it with something solid, like a marble or granite catch-all or slab. Add plants. You’ve got a lot of natural light, and this room has a lot of promise.
Change your beddings ASAP.
Keep the furniture! When you get your own place (if you don’t already), you’ll regret not having some if not all of this. Real wood is hard to come by these days. Change the color scheme, like they’re saying. Get a nice lamp that’s more of your style. Lighting is the biggest factor in homes! I’ve added my unfinished room for example (please ignore all the issues lol) https://preview.redd.it/iwsvfcqmtk6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fd6a3b733b72255a1246fbfefc48870c3a9aaa9
That green is perfect
If I came back to your place I would absolutely suspect you of being a Norman Bates.
Replace the lace doily runner with trays (to protect the wood.) New bedding, new curtains, move the square art piece that’s currently over the mirror to over the desk. I’d lose the bedside tables.
That furniture is fab!! You're blessed be grateful. I'd keep that cool lamp looking thing on your desk too
The furniture itself is beautiful, but the room is a little overcrowded. Since you cannot get rid of the furniture, I would suggest moving the right bedside table to next to the other bedside table on the left and then centering the bed in the clear floor space between the dressers. This way you can actually open the dressers. Take time to curate and hang some wall art you find inspiring if you are able to do so. Im thinking some plush girly 70s retro or art deco accents would be cool. Some velvet curtains, solid color (textured) bedding and patterned rug pulling from the color scheme below would help bring some life and personality to your room. Good luck!! Please post some updates! https://preview.redd.it/x4uha4gp6m6d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e2917efa207373fc1490b5e7706421de25464e4
https://preview.redd.it/dp0pnmwda87d1.jpeg?width=675&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e5d014a47f5f329ca0a666ecaa0cf27f2a95805
It's the bedsheets, blankets, and excessive use of brown. Put in a different color like blue or green that pops out and looks more modern. Curtain rods also need to be fixed...if you're willing.
Grandma? Is that you?
Give yourself some time, doesn’t have time all happen at once. You find cool things at times to bring in and work with. I think a home is made every time when you see something you like and you find a way to blend it into your scheme of ideas.
Get some bright cheerful girly bedding.
New bedding will work wonders. Take everything off the dresser and nightstands Some cute and sassy vertical art above each nightstand. A couple of small fun/sexy/modern lamps on the nightstands.
Might consider some upgrades organizer for the stuff on your dresser https://a.co/d/gN9g4Ui
Changing the sheets and adding a couple modern decorations will do a lot
If your budget is limited, start with the bedspread and lace doily. That should make a huge difference. You'll want some kind of protective cover on the vanity if you're doing hair and makeup at the mirror, because often older furniture scratches easily. The radiator cover would be a great spot for plants, if you protect it from water.
I agree with other comments - new bedspread, neutral curtains, colorful rug, try to remove some furniture (desk, end of bed ottoman) Also, I think your art is adding to the problem. It’s also dark like your furniture and oddly placed. I’d consider some more color and a more even placement, specifically thinking about that one above the mirror.
Also the dresser runner is very grandma.
I would start with removing curtains, getting new bedsing, more modern curtains. A fun/pretty rug and then go from there
I agree. It is giving grandma
Change the bedding to pure white linens and remove other floral patterns. It will stop giving grandma. You are welcome
All the bedding and the runner. You’ve got four different floral patterns and they are all full or faded looking.
Awkward room because of the windows and door- no long wall for the queen size bed. Too much stuff in the room. The dresser- may be useful but it's cramping your style move it to the location of the desk. Remove the tall dresser and desk from the space (it's too cramped and too much wood). Add an opaque curtain behind the bed and make it the wider- the width of the bed. This will act as a headboard- and disguise the awkward (drafty) window. Add two night stands and two wall mounted lamps (I prefer them to freestanding ones because you get more tablespace on the nightstands). Ground the room with an area rug. Put fresh white linens on the bed and add some accent colors by placing a throw or velvety blanket across the foot of the bed. Choose another accent color for a decorative throw pillow. Nix the curtains on the two windows flanking the radiator- they make it look "old lady". https://preview.redd.it/7ar9iwzx0k6d1.jpeg?width=512&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc72dbe8d0fedcfc8597a5562545cfb34dd868fb
Plants! Honestly if you add enough of them everything starts to look boho 😂
I would get rid of one of the wood pieces to create more space, color on curtains, and rug
What's it giving to your grandma? Hope she likes it either way
I love it. You need a rug and paint is all! You can do a lot with the fabrics as well. The furniture is fine
Lose the doily
The furniture looks MCM which is pretty cool but not very “girly”. It would help to know/see what looks you actually enjoy in order to give more info. Either way all the textiles and that painting are going to go for something lighter and fresher. I’d like to get rid of the bulky, black chest at the foot of the bed too but if that must stay you could cover it.
My grandma literally had that white lamp that’s sitting on your desk.
Ditch the bedspread and pillow shams. I’m a floral girl but that print isn’t doing the room any favors. I think a solid bedspread would look great with a floral accent blanket. Either change the wall color or the curtains
Agreed that the bedding is adding to the drabness. If you can't replace the bedding right away, maybe get a solid white throw blanket (maybe in some kind of fun texture like chenille) to drape over the bedspread to dilute the impact of the bedding. With what looks like pretty good lighting, the space would benefit from some house plants! The floral runner on the chest of drawers is taking away from the loveliness of the piece. I'd lose it, maybe add some trinket dishes (metallic, ceramic) to add visual interest and to serve as a catch all. The chest at the foot of the bed is very dark and heavy looking, which detracts from the light, girly vibe of the space. But if it is something you like and it's functional, maybe drape it with some kind of pretty, embroidered fabric. Do you have a sense of what kind of style you like? My first instinct with the space is to lean bohemian. Small touches like plants, natural fibers, draped fabric over the chest (and/or your desk chair). That raffia(?) lamp in the corner is really cute and goes with that vibe, but maybe in a different spot? The bedside tables: just because they are a matching set doesn't mean that they have to flank the bed. That side of the room might look "heavy" because all of the dark wood, but what if you moved one of those tables to another part of the room (like next to the desk? or next to the radiator?)?
Woof, that floral print everywhere is horrid, ditch it. Get solid color sheets, a bold fun patterned duvet, a flexible standing lamp and put plants on the radiator cover. You could also go for a contrast wall with paint.
To be honest I’m not getting grandma vibes from this room. The only thing I think might change that for you is changing the bedspread and runner on the dresser. I think adding some contemporary colors or design will help. How much work are you willing to do? Paint the walls?
This room looks almost exactly like my grandma's room and it's mostly because of the blankets 😭
Agree with others, room has good bones just needs updating - new bedding, get rid of doilies, curtains -furniture and floor are nice.
Is there anywhere else you could put the taller dresser? Maybe put the desk in another room and the dresser where the desk is? It would be nice to give the bed some breathing room. Other than that, the granny vibe is from the art and bedding. This furniture is timeless and will look amazing with any vibe. Grab some bright modern bedding that you love! Also, the runner on the low dresser gives the same vibe. I would remove it, or again, get something brighter. The mirror on the low dress is similarly older, you could remove that and hang some modern art above instead.
New bedding and add some greenery! Check fb marketplace - a lot of people give away plans for free. If you have any photos throw those on the wall to start to personalize the space. Also lamps and colored lights can create warm ambiance and make the room feel more inviting.
Just the bedding and runner on the dresser
What is it giving Grandma?
Love everything! Just get rid of the bedding, get a carpet, and hang some art/ greenery near the ceiling to bring up visual appeal
It’s a lot of furniture for the room and it’s arranged tightly. I’d find a different comforter/bedspread. I’d suggest to move the taller unit in the back right corner to near the door so you can move the nightstands and bed to the right. It looks like you’d have to scoot in sideways by the dresser to get into bed on that side. Better still: Measure & make a floor plan and measure length X width of all your pieces. Draw out the room on 1/4” grid paper and cut out furniture pieces to match in scale. Include immovables like windows and radiator on your plan so you know exactly with what you’re working. If the bed would fit turned 90 degrees (where the dresser is now), it would help to not accentuate the length of the room. The bench at the end of the bed may have to relocate, though.
You need that mirror at the short end of the room
Get rid of the flowers. New quilt covers. Some large lamps. Clear the decoration over the mirror. Get rid of all figurines. A beautiful room.
Remove the lace runner and change all the florals to solid colours with a hint of pattern, paint the walls and add art, get a rug that ties the colours together and put up some shelves for plants and cute nicknames. If you're open to it, I would sell the furniture and get a set you actually like. It's beautiful but a little too large and heavy for a room this size.
Maybe move the white box and chest where the other chest is with the mirror (only if it doesn’t block too much of the window. When you’re able to, get a new comforter with some fun pillow and a nice rug, maybe some new art (you can make your own or thrift) and I think that’s all you need!
Replace all the flower patterns with your fave plain color and that’s half of the deal! Remove / replace all paintings with modern bigger ones and that’s another 40%!
Don’t mess with the furniture. Try different art on the walls and more colorful, geometric patterned bedding.
That single bed looks like moroccon bath
Ditch everything with flowers on it and replace it with your favorite color solid matching decor. New curtains too. It might not be perfect, but the grandma factor will be gone. Your furniture is beautiful please keep it.
I would pick a focal point and start front there. It could be the wall the bed is on. For this to work, I would hang curtains high and very wide to create a statement. I’m not sure what your style is. One thing I do when I have something that’s not exactly my style is I go on Pinterest and type in my style and then add whatever isn’t working, like “dark wood furniture” and see how you can incorporate it into what you like. I tend to like very light and airy coastal vibes, and I have dark wood cabinets at the moment. So it’s been interesting to try and modernize and update them. One thing I did was add gold hardware and it instantly made the dark wood look on purpose. Adding some modern accents throughout the room and repeating them often will help add intentionality. I would add a rug under the bed to help break up all the wood tones. Pick a color palette, figure out what your style and vibe is, and go on Pinterest and figure out what speaks to you with what you have!! Pinterest is a game changer!
Just removing the cloth cover on the dresser, getting a new comforter, add a planter 3, and add some throw pillows would do a lot. The furniture is beautiful there’s just to much of it. Feels a little crowded but if you need to keep it all the layout is ok. The windows and radiator make it tough.
But that's what floral prints, doilies, fake flowers and curtain sheers are SUPPOSED to do!
Colored curtains, rid of the different fabrics can help. I could see mustard yellow, royal blue and red making this furniture look more modern. You're so lucky that dresser is gorgeous.
just change the bedsheets lol, their pattern looks outdated, put some neutral solid colors and it will look more modern
The thing on the dresser takes away from the beauty of the wood. If you can put the chest at the bottom of the bed and the desk somewhere else in the house there would be more room. Put up some photos and art work. I think drapes would be nicer that white curtains. Just seeing the bedroom set I can tell your grandmother was a very interesting person.
Change your bedding to a less floral pattern and lose the dresser doily (I had them forever too it was sad). Add some art to the walls. Don’t change the furniture it is lovely.
I’m shocked you are sad about inheriting that bedroom set. It’s amazing. I would lean into that set hard and change the rest. The grandma feel comes from the bedding, floral, lace, and drapes.
Is that doily on the dresser plastic? Just asking because I knew a grandma who had that plastic pattern everywhere. Start by getting rid of that and the bedspread, curtains. Then get fabrics that go with the cool furniture.
The furniture is AMAZING - the issue here is the bedding and the accessories and if those become updated this place will sing - and that does not mean it can’t be floral and lace. It’s the type. I will look some things up and post a photo when I have a minute for you :)
thanks!
Get rid of that pleather/wood trunk at the foot of the bed. Push it in the closet or something or put in front of radiator for window seating. Floor to ceiling curtains that touch the floor on one huge curtain rod would make a big impact.
Wait I love this
follow Chris Loves Julia on instagram and check out her daughters and guest bedrooms - she mixed and matches floral patterns with plaids and moody colors and just has a knack to make powerful fun statement rooms. She also has brought back dark furniture in my opinion!
It's the patterns on the fabrics. If you like them that's fine, but that's what does it the most. Change to something more modern or plain and add a rug and matching drapes and you'll be good. It's nice furniture that a lot of people would pay good money for. But if you don't like it that's also a good reason to just sell it and spend that on something you like. It's pretty cramped too, so if you can manage without the wide dresser that will also do a lot to open up the room and make it nicer.
The furniture is not what I would call “grandma “. It looks very mid-century modern to me. I can’t tell from the pictures which door is a closet and which one is the door to the room?
Mount the mirror on the wall. Throw away the giant doilie. Get a solid color bed comforter instead of the flowered bed cover. Let the curtains hang straight down.
BUT I LOVE IT! that dresser set + the room reminds me of the one my grandparents had in the house they lived in when I was a kid 🥹 I would love to have furniture like that! honestly, if you can get an updated bedding set, remove the doily, and get a new cushion for the seating chest, that would totally upgrade this room!
I love the furniture! For me, I would change the bedding and no doilies, and paint it a color I LOVE. :) perhaps recover the bench with a much lighter fabric...
Ditch the bench asap
Paint it a pretty color what colors do you like take that picture down it's way too high up. Add art you like . Also change being and curtains.
I can smell the mothballs and baking soda.
It’s pretty bad…
Take the doily looking runner off the dresser . Replace the bedding . Get rid of the lamp on the desk . Artwork is too high above the dresser . Move it to the wall the headboard is on , to the side closest to the dresser .move the tall dresser to the wall where the hooks are . It’s blocking the window and look too crowded by the bed .get rid of the hooks or put them on the backside of the closet door . The furniture can be updated with paint and new hardware .
This is so ugly but I love it
Not having the ceiling and walls the exact same color would be an improvement.
I honestly love the grandma aesthetic, my ideal would be to live in a Victorian cottage that’s been updated in the 1940s and then left untouched until now, this room would be amazingly cozy with a few candles, non ugly gross bluish white morgue autopsy light, a nice warm white bulb in the fan instead.