I found your dock and water photo to be more of a visual jolt than the navy prints, even though the navy is a strong color. The ikat pillows perfectly tie in both blues from the rug and the print. I really like the contrast of the warmer sandy linen tones against the cool and stronger blues. I think the decision of all soft neutrals versus neutrals with a color accent has been a real struggle for you. Ultimately, it will all come down to how you feel when you walk into the room, I think you'll know.

Got my new pillow shams! What do you prefer? Blue pillows in front or behind? If they go behind, I will need one more.

I vote for front.

Hmmm… pillows in front I don't like, because they are taller than shams. In back, they are almost hidden.

Maybe you don't need them?

I am not liking the pillows in the front, can you get bigger white pillows.

In front. You really lose them in terms of adding color and pattern to the room when they're behind.

I like them in front. I don't think it matters if they are taller than the shams.

Front, please!

Are you still hanging the 2 blue pictures?

If you are hanging the 2 blue pictures, I think the pillows are a lot of blue in one place, too close to each other.

Also, I think the dominant blue pillows look odd in front of the shorter white pillows.

Finally, the width of the blue pillows is not enough.

Conclusion, if you want pillows in front of the white shams, buy shorter blue pillows that fill up the width of the bed, but show the white pillows behind.

You might try getting a very firm pillow for your shams that will stand up better against the headboard. You could even wrap the pillows with a batting to further fill and stiffen the shams and make them appear larger. That will provide a better foundation for the ikat pillows. I don't think the size is a real problem, see examples below.
https://www.houzz.com/photos/94-harvard-sq-contemporary-bedroom-boston-phvw-vp~1462442

Thanks Bluenan. I will give that a try. And CDR.. Yes. I bought a second blue print today.

I am going to ask again, where is the elephant pillow. I might be the only one here but not liking the blue pillows.

I would wait on the blue pillows until you get your art hung. Bedding is all about simplicity now. I really think you can eliminate the blue pillows altogether.

Good observation by bluenan. Always by extra firm pillows and even try a size larger when filling pillow covers. If still not firm, batting can help.

I would rather see the blue repeated with a throw folded across the end of the bed and/or a couple of smaller pillows in front of the shams with less blue impact.

Are these pillows better? I also centred the bed against the wall.
Army girl -- the elephant moved to the foyer. Looks perfect, and has a starring role there.

Or none!

Here are 3 beds I think look really "finished". I think the bolster pillow really pulls them together.

[houzz=[houzz=]

[houzz=]

Wickedwhite-elephant has a home, okay, but keep in mind it is your room so dont mind me.
I think the white itself is not enough but agree with cdr to wait until you put the print up before you decide on the pillows.
it is just for me I think the blue pillows sets a different tone in the room.

I like the way the ikat pillows tie in the lighter blue from the rug so perfectly. You might try the two ikat pillows moved farther apart with one of the lighter button pillows in front of those to soften the intensity of the navy if you think it's too much.

Bluenan-I know that you like the blue ikat pillow. LOL

I don't call myself bluenan for nothin'!

I have to say that what I am not liking with your pillows are your shams. You said you just bought them. Can you return them? Would you consider buying Euro Shams instead? Or using the ikat pillows wit a bolster in front.

I think adding a bolster pillow in taupe would really pull the space together.

Great thread. Pretty room. Chiming in as I had a coffee stain I tried to get out. Went so far as to hire two cleaning companies. Home Depot recommended Folex. It worked. Even removed curry stains from hubby's leather in car!

I've been watching for a bit because I just wasn't sure what looked the best but after seeing the different options, I like the "none" option with the addition of a new taupe and white bolster (like cdr's guest bedroom example). I think your new shams are fine but your blue options just don't seem right. The Ikats are a bit big but a good color and the smaller blue pillows aren't a good blue. I think the new art is nice.

@bluenan-lol
@Ann-I agree that the blue is not a good blue. I said it earlier that the headboard needed a bigger white and euros might do it. I know what a difference it made on my bead.

I like the new white shams. They are an exact match to the white matelasse duvet cover. The small white and linen pillow in front also ties in perfectly with the bed skirt. The bed finally feels unified to me! It has been a major work in progress if you look back at past threads.. :). Thanks to Bluenan for her input.
CDR.. I like your first suggestion above. Very soothing.

This one? I think you could achieve this by simply buying a bolster pillow, which will "connect" your small pillow to your shams. I would forget the blue pillows. You might consider laying a blue afghan on the foo of the bed.

houzz=]

The good feeling you get when you walk into your room is what matters most and worth all of the thought, deliberation and effort. Enjoy!

Good for you wicked and glad that you are done.

I am in the process of putting together my upholstered bed too. I've bought and returned 100 pillows, blankets, quilts,duvets....one thing that has stuck is the solid white bedding and my new favorite part, a white bolster. It's patchwork lace and embroidery, from Target's Shabby Chic, and it was $35. Nothing in my room is shabby chic style but it looks great. It looks good with every other pillow I've tried it with. Your room and bed are lovely!

Do they make a long bolster as part of the set the bedskirt and monogramed small pillow are from?

….Or choose a bolster in taupe that is also a different fabric.

Hi Bluenan. Is this what you meant. Not sure the middle blue works, but you get the idea.

Here's another angle.

I feel the same. Pictures look good. Pillows are overpowering pictures. They are too blue and too tall. Need bolster pillow.

I thought it was worth a try but I agree it's not quite right. I do like the ikat pillows separated with maybe another white pillow in front instead of the blue.

Still could have navy if the pillows were shorter or in bolster pillow. Try with shams and monogram pillows only.

When you replaced pillows in white shams, did you just get standard firm? Someone else suggested getting larger pillows and stuffing them in to make pillow appear larger and firmer. I have even put two squares inside to give the right look. You can try it with some old throw pillows just to see if it gives the pillow more presence.

Yes, tricks are some or all of the following:

-one size up on pillows
-wrap in batting
-firm pillows/no down
-zipper closure/if the closure is envelope, then pin it shut

Flange should perk and stand up, not frump down. Pillows should look firm.

@cdr Hi there! Just a sec from thread to tell you I changed out DR drapes again. No more swirls. Gold faux silk and swapped rug with another room after I got all new LR furniture! Those gold lamps found new home in MBR.

Would love to see pics, Cindy, if you get a chance to post them on your discussion. It sounds really classy!!

Don't you love the classy, yet updated look wickedwhite is achieving?

Wicked, you inspired me to redo my bed also. Loved the layering of coverlets and duvets and pillows but hubby keeps complaining of too many pillows and covers. In fact, the new 800 count sheets are so heavy that he won't use anything but a sheet! Talk about male menopause!

Do you have another thread going also, wicked?

How's this?

I agree the inserts are too soft. I will look into getting some firmer ones.

Wickedwhite…..much better!!! Now the art stands out and the look is clean.

Questions: looks like you added 2 euroshams. Try moving them together or adding a third to fill up back.

Art: okay, I can be a perfectionist, I know. Is it me or is the picture on the right a little higher than the one on the left?

I'm going to be a real pain, but I always make sure to remove the tags from my electrical cords, it draws less attention to them.

I can't see those, bluenan. Youv'e got great eyes!

Very very nice wickedwhite! Tags are next to the outlets cdr:)

Really like how everything looks, wickedwhite. You don't need anything more, just perfect.