thanks for the ideas, everyone. I'm going to drag the dresser upstairs (it weighs a ton) and find someplace to stick the old one (two tons). I do have white soft furnishings, and the windows have 2" white wood blinds that don't show up with the bright sunlight behind them, so privacy and light control aren't an issue. What style of hardware would you use on these pieces? I thought ring pulls or bails would be an improvement over the chippendale hardware. We won't be changing the bathroom tile, we're planning on downsizing in a couple of years, so I'll have to live with it until then. Used furniture doesn't sell for much unless it's vintage or antique, so I'd be most likely to find a family member who wants them. I did think about stripping the finish to give them a more antique look. right now they shout "furniture store", though they are very solid and well made. I actually have a gallon of PB, and tested it in this room, where it look turquoise for some reason. The color in the living room where the white chest currently lives is Crisp Khaki, BM 234 I think. Used to be called Golden Mist. It's gold-beige with a slight green cast. It worked better with the furniture I had before, and I'm thinking about finding a new color. but that's another post. Next house is going to be funky enough to allow for more flea market finds and whimsy than this somewhat formal house has been. I've felt limited by the need to be mindful of the preservation and resale aspects of owning this home.

Lovely room! I’d go with a creamy, soft, luxurious rug ... in keeping with the calm and serene feel in there. Examples: https://www.houzz.com/products/mohawk-loft-francesca-cream-8-x10-prvw-vr~54718801 https://www.rugs-direct.com/Details/Safavieh-Bella-BEL127/124520 https://www.luluandgeorgia.com/amir-moroccan-shag-rug-natural

deco, here's a pic of the room with the shutters closed. I think you're right - they might be less noticable. I'm also including a pic with my hubby holding up an extra canvas print that I have and don't have any other place to use. I'm not sure this is the right art unless I change the bedding and the chair.  But is it the right size? I actually like the functionality of the mirror, but I see what you're saying about it being cold. If I replace the round mirror with art, I could add the standing mirror instead.

you can screw in some simple eye hooks into the ceiling. upon removing (if you remove them) they are easy to spackle over and conceal. they're a very tiny hole. ask him if you can paint one of the walls. (you can always paint it back white when you move. but if it looks good, can't see why he won't leave it. you'll only need one quartof paint for that wall. use Behr (it's cheaper) and get a color match of a green you like. as for the rug, plenty of those to find You put the rug 1/3 under the bed. 1/3 at most, and let the rest be visible. something w/texture like a jute or sisal, layered w/a hide would look nice against the dark floor or, try the over dyed rug in nice green color (just search 'over dyed rug'. etsy has them too) then, for the foot of the bed (or if no room, try the side of the wall or near the window) get yourself a bench, x ottomans or some poufs. ask landlord if you can do a hanging light in the room. it's a 5 min job to change out the can and put in another light. look at the pics I posted on how to do accessories. your room needs accessories. art over the bed needs to be larger than what you have