Go ultra modern around it. Try black and white on almost everything and then add just a few jewel tone accents (a lamp, a picture, a bed pillow). The heavy richness will be balanced out by the black and white, and your jewel tone accents will stand out instead of the wood.

i think the major problem is the color of the wood, not necessarily the size of the bed.

i would swap the bedding out for a clean white duvet and pillows and then accessorize purposefully with colors that work with the woodtone. maybe a rug that works better then the beige i see in the picture would help.

Wow, that is quite a piece of furniture! No matter what you do, it will be the centerpiece of the room, so embrace that. If you try to draw attention elsewhere, for instance to a fancy window treatment, it will just compete with the bed.

If you sew, or know someone who does, you might try making slipcovers for the head and footboards in a neutral color. That will make the bed look more modern. Coordinated bedding in plain colors or simple patterns will also bring in a modern look.

if you can paint the walls, choose a blue-gray that will complement the warm tones of the wood. If you can paint the bed itself, it might look better a glossy white-- the pattern in the wood is very 70s (but who knows, that will probably be "in" before long).

DEFINITELY swap the curtains out for simple white linen or canvas. Right now they're competing with the color of the bed. Also, move the bed so that the headboard is against the flat part in the wall (between the book shelves)-- the headboard covering up the window is part of what makes this room seem claustrophobic.

Fill in the shelves (those suitcases will look great there, cluttered on the floor) and try to keep the room polished and clutter-free. The bed just might end up looking fabulous!

The room has amazing bones... enjoy!

I agree with your new bed placement - I would have done the same. For design and furniture, I would pay homage to the bed (because even if it's not your style, it really is impressive!) but get materials made out of contemporary materials. I'm thinking clear acrylic, a mirror with simple lines, and some elegant bedding and blinds.

Here's some brainstorming links:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Clear-Acrylic-Arm-Chairs-Set-of-2/3848536/product.html

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Acrylic-Nesting-End-Tables-Set-of-3/1995574/product.html

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/park-mirrored-bedside-table/?catalogId=57&bnrid=3380801&cm_ven=Google%20Base&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Feed&cm_ite=Google%20Base

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00133528
(hung horizontally?)

http://www.westelm.com/products/b340/?pkey=cduvet-covers-quilts
(and I would get rid of the bedskirt)

Well, you have the "eclectic" (i.e. the bed), so now find the modern. Pick a jewel tone that works with the wood color of the bed-- crimson would look lovely-- and get bedding in that color. Dress the bed plainly, with just two pillows and a duvet. Use texture or a subtle pattern so it doesn't compete with the bed.

For the rest of the furnishings and decor, think sleek: plain drapes, lamps with simple drum shades, a dresser/wardrobe with sleek lines, solid-color boxes for papers and cluttery objects.

The overall effect may be more traditional than you'd normally choose, but having a unified look will make the bedroom more calming.

heh, sorry-- I didn't read the bottom part of the original post. You've already put my placement suggestion into play and you can't paint the walls.

Hmm... well, I still think white curtains would look better, though you might want to go with blue-gray there since they'll be against white walls. You might be able to add some color by, say, covering cork board with fabric and fitting it into the cubbies in the shelves. Your bed and pillows will look awesome with a mix of neutrals (I still love blue-gray) and jewel tones, and you might be able to dress the room up with a really gorgeous modern rug.

Good luck! I'm curious about how this will turn out!

Ummm...while these are all great suggestions...
I would simply remove the headboard and footboard, tuck them away in the back of a closet and call it a day. Let the bed just be a standalone mattress and boxspring on regular supports.

That bed is something, isn't it! I agree with previous posters that you can't really hide or compete with that bed, so I would suggest going with white, off-white, or a very light grey throughout the room--bedding, rugs, linens, etc. You can play with the textures, but stick to one neutral color scheme to bring some calm to the room. I would advise against night tables, as you have those lovely built-ins on either side of the bed now. Keep things simple, simple, simple.

Change the curtains. It reinforces the colour of the wood too much!

I agree with some of the above posts, go modern with everything else. I LOVE white and wood, especially white lacquered with wood! I'd go for a modern white duvet and curtains, and go for the color elsewhere with art, books, etc on the shelves.

I'd go white. Play off the beige of your walls with various shades of white and cream for your bedding, but all with clean lines. Possibly go with a bedspread and a duvet for a layered look. Get very simple white panels for the window. Add in other shades of brown furniture so it's all a mix of styles. Add in color with artwork and such if you need to, but any throw pillows or sheets should stay in that same neutral family.

With that bed, the rest of the room has to GO BIG, style-wise, so I'd do a really extreme monochromatic look.

Keep ALL WHITE with every textile, piece of bedding and upholstered piece you bring in, but wildly vary the textures (everything from Mongolian Lamb pillows to white patent leather and high gloss plastic). And bring in as much textile-driven softness as you can.

Limit your metals to silver, and used mirrored furnishings and clear acrylic, and make sure one or two light sources are halogen.

Perhaps ONE "wood colored" item elsewhere in the room, but it needs to be really organic.

My advice would be different if you could paint.

I think the very nature of the room and bed dictates that you should go in a vintage mixed with modern direction. The shelves on each side are screaming for quaint vintage items. I would scour thrift and antique shops for inexpensive yet one of a kind items.

The bedding I would do a simple pintuck like this: http://www.target.com/Home-Kissing-Pleat-Comforter-Set/dp/B001LW1NLQ/ref=sc_ri_3

Call me a quitter, but I would just remove the headboard and footboard. :)

I agree with the posters who said keep everything else simple and neutral. Thing about the room like an outfit. Your bed is the "Wow" piece that commands a lot of attention (like maybe a pair of bright colored heels or a bold necklace). Let that be the star and keep everything else more neutral so it doesn't compete, and definitely go with a variety of textures--glass, linen, woven (baksets) etc. to keep it interesting.

As someone with a similarly sized bed, I know you need a massive closet to remove the headboard and footboard.

I really like the suggestions of the monochromatic schemes, and I thought the slipcovers for the headboard and footboard were really creative. It wouldn't be that difficult to do either, just trace the outline on the fabric a couple of inches outside of the wood, and then sew them together right sides together, flip inside out, and voila.

I LOVE the bed. If it doesn't seem like sacrilege, why not pain the bed white? I twill immediately tone it down. I love the idea of light gray walls, a large frameless mirror, and monochromatic accents. Instant chic!

Love these colors for inspiration:
http://www.angiehranowsky.com/interior/1-Interior-Design/26-tradd-street

What an ugly thingie, IMO!
I agree with a previous comment: I would definitely remove the boards, so I can get some sleep, lol.
You can put them in storage, if you have no closets.
At least, change the location, so it's not in full view...

Looks to me like that's an actual bed, so removing head- and footboards might not be an option.

Patrick (the other one) has it down. Everything white, soft, textured, comfy, modern etc etc. My only addition would be two medium sized throw pillows for the bed in any color/pattern you love. Enjoy!

I would just get all white bedding and a more tailor white linen bed skirt. Can you change out those drapes to white linen.

Another idea is have flax, natural linen slip covers made for the headboard and footboard on the cheap get some painters drop clothes and have them fitted to cover the boards.

I would either paint the bed white, or stain it darker.

With a bed like that, you really shouldn't try to downplay it.

I'm with the "soft and light" posters. I, too, have a monster bed in a small-ish room. The headboard is 5' tall. I suggest a skirted table for one bedside table, and maybe a light gilt-metal table with a marble top for the other side, keeping the forms modern, but using more traditional materials to bridge the divide. Simple, clean curtains - light-colored linen or cotton - maybe with bullion fringe at the hem for some interest, will make the bed the focal point.

Since you can't paint the walls - the downside to renting! - use accessories to pull in the colors you love, with artwork on the shelves and objets d'art to add interest - you look like you've already got a start on that! A throw blanket or boudoir pillows in coordinating colors should do the trick.

I agree with most of the posts....keep the color scheme simple, whites and soft greys. I'd consider roman shades to get a cleaner look on the windows and get your color from art and ceramics.

Another vote for all white! White bedding, true-white walls, minimalist white window treatments. I would go with one or two bright, bold accents like orange and/or yellow, as well as a huge, square canvas (post-1960 inspired) on the bookshelf wall.

Also, personally, I would paint the bed itself a gloss black for that 2001: A Space Odyssey look, but I can see why someone else might not.

Guhh! I agree with a previous post, get rid of the gaudy-ass headboard and stuff and keep it simple. The room doesn't look that big to begin with and such huge-scale details will not help!

I like the bed - and like a mix of modern and antique (which I actually think is more modern than a sea of mid-century). I agree with everyone about keeping everything else white or neutral. You like jewel tones - so try something in a rasberry for accents on the bed and hang a really modern print. If it's the crazy carving on the bed that's getting you down, use the bookshelves to get some geometry in there. Also, totally agree about the bed placement. Embrace the big-a*s bed and make your bedroom a great place to sleep!

When faced w/ white walls and white carpet and a large piece of wood furniture like this - the worst thing to do is to try and pretend it doesnt' exist. You need to embrace the space and make these pieces appear to be deliberate choices.

I'd go w/ all whites, creams and taupes in lots of textures - knits, quilting, even some faux fur - No colors or prints whatsoever. Add more wood and natural-toned items for your night tables, stools, rugs, accessories, etc - and brass and gilding for mirrors, picture frames, lamps and bedside clock to bring touches of glamour and romance to the space.

I like the bed, and I wouldn't paint it. I like the common suggestion of going with mostly white elsewhere in the room. While your curtains are nice and do "go with" the bed, I think they play up its ornateness too much, which doesn't seem to be the direction you want to go. I don't agree with the suggestions to go very modern with everything else--I would stick with more staid/low key/classic pieces, probably mostly wood painted white. It will still feel organic, calm, and natural without trying to specifically match the bed or contrast/compete with it (the way a bunch of modern lined acrylic type stuff would do). I wouldn't go totally monochrome, though. I'd pick a color you like to add some more visual interest around the room (a blanket, maybe accent pillow(s), some artwork, items on the bookshelves or dressing table, etc.--not too much, just a few pops of color)--maybe red, or deep blue, or even sunny yellow or cheerful pink--just something you like that will complement the wood tones in the bed. I'd stay clear of the more muddy/heavy colors like in the drapes.

Paint that mofo.

Go minimalist and let the bed be the star of the show. But good lord, don't paint it!!!! The problem with trying to match a piece like that with your decor, IMO, is that unless you've got the budget of an oil heiress, you're going to end up with a bunch of things that 1) aren't nearly as stunning and 2) argue and compete for attention in the space.

I say pick a neutral palette, keep everything simple simple simple, and they gently layer on some texture so it's not boring. For example, you could go with simple dupioni silk drapes in black -- forget frills and lace and tie backs and finials. The look will be very dramatic.

This bed belongs to your landlord, I take it? (And please! Don't destroy its value by painting it! That's an excellent way to ruin a veneered piece that other people would pay real cash money for.)

Ask if you have to use it or if the frame can be stored in a nice basement or somewhere.

If you positively must use it, I'd go with p(too)'s advice and do a very sensuous scheme of all-white. The sensuality of the textures will help the curviness of the bed harmonize with your modern tastes.

you can do this, don't give up. simplify the bedding. use color for impact instead of loads of pillows and such:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63122153@N00/3572189564/

I think this bed could look really great with simple white drapes on the windows, simple white bedding, very minimal furnishings around it, and a nice big mirror like this in the room:
http://citified.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-inspiration-silver-leaf-mirror.html
I know a mirror like that isn't easy or cheap to come by, obviously, but even a knock-off would look pretty grand in the same room with this monster bed! Preferably on the opposite wall, to sort of balance it out a bit.

Ditto the all white theme.

By the way, it not the bed that bothers me, it's those awful curtains! Switch your bed around, get rid of the curtains, stick to white, and you'll have a whole new bedroom. (The suitcases have me picturing an "Out of Africa" theme. You should rent it.)

Don't forget to post pics!

I'm pretty sure this bed is part of the apartment package and painting it is out. I'd just dismantle it and carefully stow it away, then buy a cheap, simple frame from Ikea or Muji (or used off Gumtree). Reassemble the original bed when you move and give away the new one.

Is that some kind of ram's head on the bed? This is really a man-type bed and it has real presensce which is the problem and the delight of it. Don't fight the look. Even though you can't paint (why not? ) you need to balance the presensce of the bed so it is not the focal point of the room. Shift the focus to the walls by stapling or gluing with wallpaper paste some plaid fabric, at least to line the book shelves which you can takle with you when you leave. Add much larger blocks of coordinating jewel-tone colours in paisley and solids on the bed and the curtains. Think country house hunting lodge with maps, dead animals and leather. It's a pity you can't paint the walls because deep colours would make that bed disappear.

Another vote for Patrick's approach -- he's nailed it. It'll be gorgeous.

Lady J, I actually like the bed in the link you provided...

I agree with the suggestions for a monochromatic look, with lots of texture. But, if you really hate the bed, you could slipcover the headboard/footboard (as someone else suggested). I saw this done with a 1940s Victorian style sofa -- and it was surprisingly fabulous. Very simple slip (cotton canvas) that followed the rough outline of the wood. It really softened the piece, and also created an interesting look. I'm not really a slipcover kind of person, but this actually worked. Just another thought.

I agree with the earlier posters. Either make some slipcovers (either neutral or jewel colored canvas) or remove and store the head and footboards. Good luck.

Use the footboard as your headboard and sell the actual headboard. It's just too much. Is painting the wood an option? Consider that as well.

thanks aria

i agree with gingergirl. roman shades (pale color) or something equally clean and simple. the bed is enough ornate for the room.

Ok,
Detach the headboard and footboardget bedrsers and use risers, put the old headboard underneath!!!
Or
take off the footboard and take a big triangular piece of muslin, cover the headboard and hang from the ceiling. Decorate in any or even a modern design.

Thank you all for your wonderful comments and great suggestions. Sadly, the bed is an actual bed... the footboard and headboard are attached to the frame. I think it's an antique and it belongs to the landlord so dismantling or painting it is NOT an option. Bound by contract to return everything as I found it. Basically, I really need ideas on how to incorporate it into the room and my aesthetic. The room itself is very large thought it's hard to tell from the pic from the awkward and awful angle the bed is at!

I know this doesn't directly address the question, but I couldn't help but think this bed might look lovely with the Crowned Crane bedding from Anthropologie...

A lot of good suggestions above!

I think Ralph Lauren does really good bedrooms, especially working in traditional/formal/heavy pieces so that it seems warm and comfortable.

I'm not sure what colour your bedding is, so I'll work with blue in different shades.

I'd say sort of corral the ornate bed in to its own space by putting it on top of a rug with a plain, straight border (offset from the edge). Perhaps in a sapphire blue and the line could be in the colour of your carpet now/some other contrasting colour. It would have to be rather large. The line would have to be thick/muliple lines. And not really a pattern, maybe tone on tone, maybe a stylized line, whatever you find.

At the foot of the bed, you could do an upholstered bench/two ottomans put together. ie. Image 20 at: http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/collection/fa09_indiancovelodge_explore.asp

Since you cannot paint, I would do a fabric panel on the wall behind the bed. A DIY: Put up a curtain rod, (curtain rings) and buy some premade curtain panels, making sure that they are slightly wider than the wall. If it's got a big, bold pattern, Id leave it straight, if it's just a strong solid colour: some ruffles if the fabrics thick (velvet-like) and tight together if the fabrics thin (silk-like). They would just hang behind the bed with no tie-backs. A nice colour would be turquoise blue.

For your bedding, I'd just do a simple cover sheet in navy and two euro pillows standing up in an accent colour like maybe orange/light yellow. The ruffly bedskirt should be straight, maybe navy as well. And maybe a folded throw/coverlet with some small dots in a grid pattern at the foot of the bed.

A large criss-cross/trellis patterned fabric on the window.

It doesn't look like any of your shelves are wide enough for books. If they are, use the middle shelf for them, stacked horizontally, with some objets d'art. On the top shelves, have two similarly sized paintings/prints with more colour, like two pretty landscapes/portraits. If you're pretty minimal, then something stark but lovely like the birds in Image 4 on the same link as above:(http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/collection/fa09_indiancovelodge_explore.asp)
And on the bottom shelf, use it for a collected arrangement of photographs in some metallic and interesting frames.

If they aren't wide enough for books. then hang two larger, vibrant modern paintings/prints over the two bookshelves, so they're sort of floating off the wall by against the edge. Try to get it center. I'm guessing it's just a longer piece of picture wire attached to the back.

Art:
http://marketplace.apartmenttherapy.com/store/hang-art-and-the-hang-art-annex
http://marketplace.apartmenttherapy.com/store/scholten-japanese-art
http://marketplace.apartmenttherapy.com/store/allpopart

Just saw some nice sidetables that were linked here:
http://www.cucumbersome.com/there-will-be-tables-and-chairs/

Large lamps with sizeable (glass) bases. I'm worn out. Hope some of it helps. Would love to see the after.

I think so long as you're working on a larger scale, then it should be fine. Like your picture before, the bed wouldn't have seemed so big if the curtains had been closed. If the pattern on the bed was bigger, like a like criss-cross, in navy and white, it wouldn't seem as dominant to you, because the mattress is bigger. Your accessories were scattered. If you make a connected collection of them, you see that your shelving area (combined) is wider than your bed.

Hang curtains from the ceiling to make it look like a big old-style canopy. You can keep it all white. The white curtains can obscure some of the detail while honoring the "spirit" of the massive bed.

Agree with the posters who told you not to downplay it and instead pare everything down with lots of whites and/or neutrals. I would use this from a recent house tour:

http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/chi-house-tour-amy-stephane/item/110280

As a general guide. They've made an antique bed work within a modern style.

Didn't read all the other comments, so this may have been said - I think the bed is cool, but it would look a lot better turned 90 degrees counterclockwise (so that it's centered between the two wall niches). Is that possible? Unblocking the window would make you feel much less claustrophobic, I think.

Daaaaarling... if you're calling it "monster bed". Just get rid of it. Nothing you'll ever do will solve your dilemma.

Anyone notice the date on this post, she's probably moved or chopped the bed for firewood by now, or am I going crazy

My vote is to paint it out all white.

Why can't ppl read enough to realize you can't paint the walls, and if they've read that far, who are these lunatics who imagine your landlord would be ok with you painting this bed when you can't even paint the walls?

It's been suggested multiple times, but I'm also putting my vote behind slip-covering the head/footboards with something simple and opaque and with a bit of heft (rough muslin? felt?) and which will allow you to just blaze ahead with the rest of the room.

Let me say that while I recognize it is a scary piece to decorate around, I actually love the bed. All the suggestions of white would work if you loved the bed--but if this is the only thing in the bed that draws your eye--it is the sore thumb. Even the link someone included has a very graphic though simple detail that hasn't been pointed out: the black pillows are strong graphic contrast to the other white linens. So simple colors--yes--but bold graphic qualities. The room feels afraid of the bed right now--delineate a modern place to support that bed by having a dark clean rug to hold the bed's place. Demand that you look at the things that live in the built-ins, but avoid the visual fight by simplifying color and creating drama inside that limitation. The window treatment could work well with white or linen--but account for visual drama. I think I would try a strong graphic pattern in the dark color related to the rug, and color scheme you go with in the built-ins.