See, I love this rug on craigslist, but I don't think the size will work.

It's 7.5 ft x 8 ft.

Layout:

Here is a link that might be useful: Craigslist Rug

I like this bench, though I'm not sure of the height on it. But the style I think would go well in the room.

It's on Craigslist for $40.

Awwwwwww! I love the room! Do your girls love it? I bet they do!

As cute as that bench is, I wouldn't put it in the room. It is adorable, but not something they can cuddle in to read and relax. I'd put something soft and relaxing in that space instead.

Do you have anywhere else for the bench? It really is a great buy!

RE: the dresser . . .really nice piece. We have a section of cubbies (built-in by the POs) and it functions as my 3rd DD's dresser. What I did to keep things a little organized and out of sight was to get bins. We have nylon ones, but you could get nicer material instead, like maybe wicker with a pretty cloth lining.

I love those beds. They are great. I like the way the curtain rod mimics the posts on the bed. The curtains look nice in that room. Love the rich deep color too.

What are the needs for the room. More storage? Then I would go with a trunk under the window. I can't see a bench actually being used in that spot. If storage is not an issue I would put a nice wood table under the window. Or even an antique dresser or low chest.

I would keep things a bit more sophisticated to go with the beds. The bench that you pictured is a bit too rustic for the room.

Once you get something under the window I don't know if you really need to put a rug on top of the carpet. There won't be much carpet showing and the neutral color blends in. I think a rug would start to make things "cluttery".

DD is 18 so I'm having a bit of "little girl envy" ;0) -- great color--love the beds! I think your room is off to a great start, but in order to help I would need to know what else you have for storage. Do they have a large closet to accommodate their clothes and toys/books? I'm thinking if they don't, then you might want to look for a nice low bureau that could grow with them -- something they might use to store toys and books now, but need to store clothes in the future. Then you could put some pretty matching lamps (thinking pink gingham, floral covered or beaded shades) on each side. This way each girl will have a lamp at their bedside. If storage isn't an issue and they play in their room, how about a table and chairs? I picked up a low wooden table and two wooden chairs at a tag sale when DD was young and I painted them white. We set them up in her bedroom and I can tell you that some of our fondest memories were made sitting around that table playing tea party, coloring etc. Hope this helps!

Oops! Sorry dill_dally. Your suggestions hadn't been posted before I began SLOWLY typing my response about the low bureau and/or table ;0)

Thank you so much for the responses! I love this forum so very much.

Anele, I think you're right about the bench. I haven't bought it yet; that was the pic off Craigslist. I just liked the antique-y look to it. Thanks for the wicker basket suggestion. I'm definitely going to do that.

Dilly and Goldengirl, you both bring up excellent points that I really hadn't thought of. The closet is pretty small. At this point it's just our older daughter, who is 5. The youngest is still a baby and sleeping in her crib in the "guest" room. She's 11 months so we still have a couple of years (at a minimum) before she's utilizing that room as well.

So eventually, clothes storage will certainly be an issue. (The room opens up to a rather large playroom so I'm not too interested in the kids having toys in their rooms). I'd even thought of getting a second one of those "dressers" from Ikea and placing it on the opposing wall but I hate to be so matchy matchy.

I think you're both right in that a bureau is the way to go. Now how do I figure out which size? (This is the part I hate!) And what color?

I love the lamp idea (I'd thought of doing wall lamps but am not sure if there's enough room). And Dilly, you're right about the rug. I need to find something to go under the window first and then decide.

Why is it so easy to look at someone else's pictures and figure out exactly what needs to be done but when it's your own, it's paralyzing?!

I love the beds, the color and many of the things you already have in the room. Is there any way your curtains could be shortened? I just think having the drapes go to the floor limits your options for this space. Maybe it is just me but I am having a hard time picturing something in front of the drapes.

If you can't put a table with lamps I would consider some sort of swingarm lamps. If you read to the girls while they are in bed, or if they like to read before falling asleep lighting other than a ceiling fan will be the best (I think).

I was thinking of tying back the curtains but I can definitely hem them. Very nice point, whenicit!

What a sweet room - what lucky girls!

I ditto the bureau idea. If you don't mind a couple of other ideas - what about moving the tall "dresser" to where the shelf/christening gowns are now? I think the dresser in that location balances the room a little better and also gives your daughter better access to her bed from both sides. Then, move the shelf and gowns to the wall on the next to the door with the light switch. Also, if you plan to store clothes in that glass dresser, how about putting some pretty coordinating material on the inside of the doors? I love the dresser, but folded clothes makes the room look a bit cluttered.

Also, I'd move the frog print/plate grouping to above the first bed. They're a little smallish and lost on the big wall but perfect as a grouping above the first bed.

Just throwing out some ideas. I really love the room!

Also, if storage WASN'T an issue, then instead of the bureau you might consider a nice little desk/vanity with a pretty skirt around it.

I vote for a bureau too....
{{gwi:1769160}}

Not necessarily this style, but that's the only one I could find shot at the correct angle. You can probably guess I vote stained to match the beds.

I love your room and the beds! You're definately off to a beautiful start!

I'd go a little different route and put an upholstered trunk or bench there. I'd just build one so the fabric(s) can be hand picked. Using 2 cordinating fabrics, you can cover the sides with one fabric using a spray adhesive, or paint if preferred. Cover the top with batting and the other fabric. It's not hard to do, would give you some needed storage, the flexibility of size as well as a little pop in that space between the curtains. I doubt the cost would be as much as your willing to pay for a bench, trunk or dresser. My brother in law made an ottoman that way, put some wheels on the bottom and it was perfect for their space.

"And of course, a rug. 5" round, maybe? But I'm having a hard time finding one I like. Suggestions welcome."

I think a nice braided rug would add that pizazz that you are looking for without competing with the rest of the room decor.

A braided rug would maintain that sophisticated feel that the room already has, and go with the bed style. That bed style, and a braided rug, are a 'natch. Choosing one in a fresh bright color, would really make the room sing.

{{gwi:1769162}}

Another thing to consider is to put two smaller rectangular rugs down along each side of the beds. There would be carpet showing in the middle. They would look cute like a place to put down your feet when you step out of bed in the morning. A soft cotton chenille would look homey.

{{gwi:1769164}}

What ever you choose to do; leave it as is, big round rug, two little mats, make the floor decision after you get all the furniture in place.

Another vote for a long white-painted bureau OR even a long, low white bookcase for storage. Maybe different colored baskets for each girl on the shelves?

Perhaps consider adding a wall sconce (with a downward facing light) above each bed?

Perhaps a large bulletin board on each side wall? Maybe paint the edges white -- and add different (but co-ordinating) fabric to each one?

I love all of these suggestions.

Dilly, where are those rugs from?

I wouldn't shorten the panels, but tying back might be a good option. Love the look of the bureau under the window. It completes that space beautifully! And having something practical like that there would free up the glass-front dresser for the girls' toys and books.

I'm not sure where I pulled that example photo from. I went back to Google and see that PeartreeHome.com has them also.

They are made by Dash and Albert Rug Company. Here is their site. They have a lot of nice ones. If you type in your ZIP code it will give you a list of partner locations near where you live. That way you can see them in person before purchasing.

http://www.dashandalbert.com/cotton-braided-rugs

http://www.peartreehome.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=145&zenid=9ecb62f966824db6ca4e041e51e52b27

Here is a link that might be useful: Pink Braided Rugs and Striped Ones Too

What a fantastic room.

The bureau/chest looks wonderful and is so practicable but the bench is just too darn cute and could be used for a place to sit while one folds his/her own clothes and that's pretty utilitarian, not to mention outstandingly pretty and sweet.

Of course one could also sit on the floor if they had a nice rug while doing their homework or reading, and fold clothes there as well and tuck into the bureau/chest nearby.

Another thought just came to me .....LOL!

How about a white shelf above the window -- and a longer white shelf above the door into the adjoining bathroom?

Jan

Could you move the shelf with the dresses on the wall where you first come in or is there not enough clearance? Then you could put a bookcase there or another dresser. Or, if you put in a door-stopper, maybe on the wall opposite the white dresser?

The room is darling. It brings back memories of my 2 DD who are 24 and 26 now. We had a low table and chairs also. Sometimes they were in the bedroom, sometimes in the middle of the kitchen. So many fun activities and memories.

When the girls were in grade school, they shared a bathroom, so I got 2 nice, large mirrors and made a "vanity" for each of them in their bedroom. A little older, hair dryers were added, then in middle school they wanted to do their own hair sometimes, so I gave them their own curling irons. The vanities really helped keep the bathroom open.

I also had a bookcase for each of them to keep her favorite books. Owning books is so important for kids.

I have a suggestion if you keep the curtains long and tie them back. It would be fun to tie them back with 3 different colored extra wide grogain ribbons with long tails to match the pillows on the beds and rugs you choose. For the rugs, consider getting some that are easy to wash in your own washer. I got some that had to be washed in a commercial washer and it was way to much bother. It seemed like there was constant spills or something on them that needed to be washed out. And we had pets and one of the rugs turned into a favorite place for all sorts of accidents, so, end of rugs. Have fun with the decorating.
Rachel

Tea, I thought about a shelf above the window but I'm worried about the clearance. The slant of the ceiling is only inches away from the curtain rod. I do love that idea, though and I might play with it a bit.

Anele, after looking at the pics, I agree that the christening gowns would look really cute on the wall when you enter the bedroom. Then I might move the dresser to where the dresses were hanging. It's only an inch more in depth than that ugly end table.

Swoooooooooooooooooon, organic!!! In addition to my love affair with crewel (another thread), I also have a certain affection for grosgrain ribbon. What a great suggestion!

We're leaving for vacation on Wednesday and I'm scrambling to pack 6 people and gather enough to do for the kids on the flight. So I'll likely put off shopping until I get back but be sure I will keep you guys abreast of decisions and I'll come armed with updated pics!

I would paint those beds a Cottage White in a heartbeat! Then pair them with the wood chest of drawers as shown in the mock up above. It won't be too much white when you factor in the rug, pillows, artwork .. and accessories.
I LOVE the room.. very cute!!

I love those beds! If it were me I'd do what lorriekay suggested and paint them white. I also like your white cabinet. It's a pretty room. Can't wait to see it when you're all done.

I'm currently shopping CL for my 13 yr. olds room (and for our whole house for that matter! lol) I'll post pics when I'm further along in the process.

If we are voting on painting I vote "No".

I think white would cheapen them. The room would not look unique and start to look like every other little girls' room out there. Natural wood might be better for when they are teens and do not want a "Princess Room".

I was also going to suggest moving the cabinet to the wall where the little table is. It looks cramped where it is now. I would put the hook shelf with the gowns, over on the wall where the cabinet is now. I would keep the entrance clear and not bulk it up with the hooks and gowns. If the wall in the entrance needs "something" I would use some flat art.

You say you have a closet for the girls to use in the bathroom. I would stick the little table in the closet for now. It is just the right height for a little girl to use the drawer to store hair barrettes and necklaces and other treasures. Put a basket on the bottom shelf to hold bigger treasures. It will make the closet 'pretty'.

Painting the beds would be a huge undertaking because there's some pretty significant wood damage on some parts of the beds. It's hard to explain but it's almost like parts got hollowed out somehow. But I really like the "damage" to them (which I know is totally weird) and if we were to paint them, they'd have to be fixed first. I do think it would look cute, though!

Dilly, you are right about cluttering the entryway. I held the shelf up there yesterday and suddenly realized those gowns would be BEGGING for grubby hands to touch them upon entry of the room. And my grandmother made those gowns and they'll be handed down for years to come.

You might not be checking on this anymore, but I just read your post about your grandmother making the gowns. Have you thought about framing them? That way you could still display them, but preserve them for future use. Any new updates to show us?

I have to agree with a combination of some of the suggestions here already. I love the idea of a bureau between the two beds with cute lamps on either side. I would frame the dresses and hang them over the headboards to be the main focal point. I would also move the tall cabinet to the other wall where the dresses are hung now. Put an upholstered comfy chair in the corner by the closet with coordinating fabric as pillows on the bed. And add one of the braided rugs in the middle of the beds. I would also take down the smaller pictures hanging on the walls and use them elsewhere. Another idea for the tall cabinet is to have gathered curtains made to fit inside the glass doors, to hide the clothes on the shelves. Cute girls room!

This is an inspiration pic I had saved, perhaps you can get some ideas from this (for the table, lamps, rug etc.