By Mi-Ling Stone Poole –

Dear Mi-Ling: We moved in into our new house four months ago. We bought new furniture for the whole house and decorated all the rooms except our bed room. We kept our dressers because they were in good shape, so I painted them white to give a fresh look.

Now I’m looking for a used antique-looking headboard to complete the room. I have not bought pictures, lamps and a mirror for my dresser because I am stuck on this headboard.

I do not want to spend a lot of money because I know I can find what I need in garage sales and used furniture stores.

I am a licensed decorator but could use some help, as where else I can find this perfect headboard.

My house is rustic and beach-style, but I also have a few antiques.

Please help me.

Nathalie G

Dear Natalie:  As a decorator, you are used to getting everything just perfect for your clients. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, take a few breaths and just relax. Don’t be in a hurry to create your masterpiece.

Take the time to get a feel for how you really want to live in that space.  After all, your bedroom is one of the most important spaces in your new home.

Here are a couple of ideas to help you find just the right headboard:

Consider buying a headboard from an unpainted store and then paint and distress the piece yourself -that way you’ll get the look you want at a great price.

I have found some wonderful pieces of furniture in the scratch and dent rooms or a backroom sale area of my favorite high-end furniture and department stores.

Since you’re looking for a distressed headboard a few dings won’t make a huge difference, and oftentimes it can be easily repaired.  But at least you will have a great quality headboard.

If all else fails purchase a new headboard with an antique feel like the one featured in the column.

Good luck on your hunt.

PHOTO: LINWOOD FURNITURE A gracefully-shaped headboard and footboard with turned finials characterize the Haymarket poster bed from Linwood Furniture. It is part of a 25-piece eclectic collection of solid wood furniture crafted in the company’s North Carolina factory. The bed is shown in a linen finish but is also available in antique black. About $1,600 in queen. (www.linwoodfurniture.com)