whenicit, Thanks, but I need LOTS of help! The other advantage to the 2nd layout in BR1 is that the headboard is rather high and if I put it along the wall, it won't block the windows which would probably be better. I'll see about adding seating when I get the beds assembled. We may have room and it would give me a project to scour antique shops. That is what I'm planning on doing for a nightstand in the second bedroom. A little shabby/chic, beachy. I was going to look through some "Real Simple" magazines for inspiration. I'm not sure exactly what I want yet, but I though a "weathered" table, perhaps in a fun color, would go nicely with the iron bed. ajsmama, Thank you for the suggestion on BR1. I agree that swaping the nightstand is much better. On BR2, I think I could move the dresser closer to the door. The only think I actually don't like about the dresser in that position in general is that I'm not fond of the look of it from the side, but no mater how far forward or backward it is, I'm going to have that problem... Thanks for all you help! Jaymie

Another vote for elfa. Go ahead and take out the rod and shelf. You can reuse the shelf with the elfa. Then you can arrange shelving, hanging, and drawers however you like. If you really do want to keep the rod and shelf, you can install elfa below it, and place the drawers where you want. Or, as mentioned above, the freestanding drawers can set on the floor below the clothes. They come in different widths. tip: plan it out now, take it to the Container Store to have them flesh it out for you (or do it online) and WAIT until New Years to buy it when it goes on sale for 30% off. and Shades-of-Idaho, lovin' the old suitcases all painted white. Looks great!

Your room is very nice. But I think to fill that wall with art/photos, you're either going to have to have very large pieces or many of them. It's not possible to tell from the one view, but the first thing I thought when I saw your pic is that I would move the head of the bed over to that wall. I am assuming there is a window on the other side of the bed to match the one we see? If so, then that wall between them is much smaller for hanging art. It also might be possible to partially block the view of the dog crates if they are behind the bed when entering the room (or could they go on the wall the door is on, so they aren't so prominent from the door view?) Placing art above the dog crates is going to look odd and unfinished to me.

I lived in an apt. for three years where the only wall space big enough for the bed in the small bedroom was in front of the window because the other wall was all closet. It worked out OK. The only problem was once a week I could hear a loud noise of my neighbor emptying his recycling into the bin the night before pickup. The bedroom was on the ground floor right next to our shared driveway. I had good light blocking shades.