Hi Mara,

You've got a couple of options here - you could paint the furniture dark, which would mean that it would recede into the walls and not be noticeable as such. If you wanted them to stand out however (they sound beautiful pieces of furniture so that would probably be my preference) you could either do a paler grey or if you're feeling adventurous then a bright colour could look stunning against that wall. There's some pretty cool ideas on the Annie Sloan website: https://www.anniesloan.com/inspiration 

I would honestly wait until you're in because paint colours can change dramatically indifferent rooms with different aspects.

This dresser looks absolutely great, I am afraid it would be lost with Mole's breath

Vandalism! The patina takes years to develop to enrich the colour of the wood when craftsman created. Love the chest of drawers looks like a secretaire. Too subtle to paint with one flat colour

Have painted a few things in chalk paint and worth noting that the finish is not hard wearing and frequently needs re-done. It's very easy to slap onto a piece of furniture but for something I was going to be using often, I would look at another kind of paint.

I like mixed furniture. So much more interesting than matchy matchy ones. Not sure about the mirrored bedside tables with the chest of drawers and wardrobe. You will have to decorate and then see! I used chalk paint on a pine unvarnished wardrobe and I hated it. Really drags while brushing, and the wood leaked through staining it. The finish was horrid and I had to varnish it to finish. I would avoid it like the plague!

Having painted many pieces would recommend the F>B route. Chalk paint not the easiest to use as it drags so, particularly if you need a second application (use a damp cloth to smooth over). F&B great, and if not happy with the first coat colour, really easy to add a different shade. I use Briwax to seal.

@alyper, Interesting, do you always wax after painting wood? What's the benefit? And the look?

Don't always wax, depends on the look you want, and if you have a surface which needs dusting/wiping regularly, then definitely wax. It makes it shinier, smooth, nice to touch, waterproof to a degree, and darkens the colour. On mixed furniture - I have a painted wardrobe, mahogany desk, perspex bedside tables, oak store box, and it looks great (I think), but definitely not a show house style! Much prefer the individual eclectic look.

About chalk paint - l use it and abuse it - the important thing is to finish it with a good quality clear wax.

Blue bed? What sort of blue? Are you going to see it under the duvet etc, or is it an imposing piece? Look at tone and intensity as they are big pieces. I would go for one colour thoroughout, and maybe just change the textrure/ pattern on the pieces.

Any colour can go with any colour: It is a question of intensity of hue and temperature and % used as contrast or compliment. If using two colours in a vast expanse, it is better to use two of the same range (for example, blues) of the similar intensity and temperature, eg two dark warm blues. Then add the pop of colour (no more than 10% of your room and you're good to go. Then add the jewellery: chandeliers, door handles etc, as one would adornment on a person. Ex2: A cold 'toilet blue' would not go with the above- The temperatures are different. I hope this helps. Ausbengal, teal would go perfectly, because the colour remains (shades of blue) and temperature and intensity are changed, thus being used as an accent colour, but not in a vast expanse, for example, the entire wall.