Asked on Apr 04, 2016

30 year old traditional rice carved bedroom set - needs an update

Sharon smtih
by Sharon smtih
I have a king size 4 poster rice carved bed with the accompanying pieces - high boy, dresser, bedside tables,etc. I am SO READY for a change - if I had the money I would buy a brand new bedroom set but my husband would not agree. Is there any way to update this type bedroom set but still keep it rather traditional. My home is not contemporary but our bedroom needs a breath of fresh air. Please help!
  14 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 04, 2016
    I think a photo would help home talkers give you an inspiration.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Apr 04, 2016
    What is it that you'd like to change? You could consider changing out the handles and pulls on the pieces or possibly painting a side piece like a table. You could also think about replacing or updating curtains, wall art and bedding or accessories in your room...sometimes changing the soft lines make the hard lines of the furniture look refreshed. Post a photo if you can
    • Sharon smtih Sharon smtih on Apr 04, 2016
      @MN Mom ely help. Not sure what kind of handles would fit on the dresser etc. I will send you a pic and see what you think. Thanks so much.
  • Linda Y Linda Y on Apr 05, 2016
    For a full transformation I think I would take the two posts from the bottom of the bed off and use the two at the head as side supports for a high headboard. Choose a colour scheme, it doesn't only have to be one colour you could choose two or three as long as they compliment each other. You need to decide if you want to paint the wood or not, remembering that once painted it's hard work to go back. You could paint part of the furniture, is the cabinets but keep the doors and drawer fronts as wood. Google bedroom styles and choose a style you like, you may only need one piece to reflect your chosen style on the whole room. Probably the biggest job...get your husband on side. If there's something you decide on discuss it with him, if you're clever you could make him think it's his idea... (Big Tip) The main thing is to enjoy all the aspects of this journey, believe in yourselves and the finish will be much better.
    • Sharon smtih Sharon smtih on Apr 05, 2016
      @Thank You Linda Y - Very helpful! Quite insightful...hubby is not yet on board. Will google sites for styles too. Thanks again!
  • Poppies Paint Powder Poppies Paint Powder on Apr 05, 2016
    Hi Sharon. Paint always comes to mind for me first! A nice creamy antique white with a brown or black wax would be very traditional and never go out of style. I would be more then happy to give you some pointers if you decide to go this route!!!Here are some before and afters some of my team have completed.
  • Sharon smtih Sharon smtih on Apr 05, 2016
    I am going to go with painting the room first, then getting newer lighter bedding and new handles for the furniture. I hope this satisfies my need for brightening up the room and making it look a little more current. Thanks for all of your suggestions!
  • Jim L Jim L on Apr 06, 2016
    Okay, first a couple of questions...is the set of good quality? Maybe it is Baker, Hickory Chair, Link Taylor, Hinkle Harris...it so, do not go anywhere neat it with a paint brush! If your hubby is not in favor a painting, how about painting the room white and having the floors a dark shade. Then get for white linen like fabric and make the curtain panels and bedding in all white. With the dark wood mixed with the white, it will give a nice Caribbean feel. Maybe put a sisal rug down and have a wicker chair and table...
    • Sharon smtih Sharon smtih on Apr 06, 2016
      @Jim L This is a GREAT idea - the furniture is Thomasville - good quality - we have carpet - going to take it out - put in hardwood - paint the room and get light linens - can't wait!! thanks to all of you!
  • Sharon smtih Sharon smtih on Apr 06, 2016
    I am going to take up the carpet in the bedroom and replace it with hardwood, use white bedding with some color accent, (no bed skirt - which I have always had) - get rid of TV cabinet and put flat screen on wall, there is room in the bedroom for bench or two small chairs - my main goal is to keep it light and airy even thought the furniture is heavy...I can't wait to start! AND my husband is on board completely - YAY!
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 03, 2022

    Sorry, don't know what rice furniture looks like, do you have any photo's you can share?

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 05, 2022

    A picture would be very helpful so we can see exactly what you are working with.

  • Janice Janice on Feb 21, 2024

    Hope you can post a picture of what you've done so far. Some of the ideas you said you might try sound like a good change.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 22, 2024

    You could do a cream paint with brown wax. My sister did this on a similar set that was my niece's and it is so pretty now. If you don't want to paint, you could stain a deeper color. Changing out the hardware or painting it will also help to update.

  • Dee Dee on Feb 24, 2024

    You can paint the set another color and add new handles and knobs.


  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 24, 2024

    Could you post a picture? That would be so helpful.

  • Hello,

    I did a refresh with white walls and kept all the furniture the same. I would never ever touch the wood the set is too expensive and I would not want to ruin the wood. I gave the room a Caribbean vibe all white sheets comforter no bed skirts. finished with lots of beautiful white throw pillows. I also did a sisal rug and a beautiful paddle fan with palm leaves. It's now turned into a tropical oasis and the bedroom set is untouched and gorgeous.