Decorating wall behind bed


13 Spectacular Ways to Decorate the Wall Behind the Bed

From building a niche to hanging a picture, here's a range of ideas to decorate the space behind your bed.

When you get down to it, decorating the wall behind the bed isn’t as easy as you’d think. In fact, it can be rather daunting to dress up a large expanse of wall and not have it come off looking like a half-baked job. I believe there’s an art – if not rocket science – to even hanging up a picture. Should it be one or two? Grid form or random? … And so on and so forth.

So you see, much as we may be elated at having a blank canvas to play with, it can soon lead to a good bit of head-scratching. Fortunately, I have done some homework that I would be happy to share. Here are a few interesting ways you can add colour, personality and design to the baffling space above your bed.

Contour Interior Design, Inc.

1. Consider a tiled wall
Tiled walls don’t have to be confined to the kitchen or bathroom; why not start collecting assorted reclaimed tiles to make a stunning textured feature wall behind the bed? This one here, is a faux-tin-tiled wall, but ceramic tiles work equally well.

Tip: Stick to larger tiles to make this work, as smaller ones can look busy and crowded.

Ace Associates

2. Create a niche
If you are at the stage of designing your bedroom from scratch, build a niche in the wall. Niches can be superbly decorative whilst adding depth to a room. Whether traditionally arched or in contemporary straight lines, wall-papered or painted in contrasting colours, niches add another dimension to a room.

Here are 8 Indian homes that wow with arches

Tip: If you wish to make a niche work functionally as well as decoratively, run shelves across to hold books and accessories.

3. Create your own gallery
These iron and distressed wood photo frames of all shapes and sizes are cleverly put together to create a vintage-looking accent wall. You may or may not fill them in with pictures – either way, they would look striking.

Tip: A gallery is a great way to showcase your passion, be it your amateur photography skills or collection of travel memorabilia.

Marvel Realtors

If you can’t be bothered with dusting a large number of photo frames, adorn the wall with a single, large artwork. There’s an incomparable sophisticated air about a larger-than-life painting or photograph. Apart from adding scale to a room and acting as a great focal point, it works to unify a room’s colour scheme.

Look at 6 ways to hang your art

Savio & Rupa Interior Concepts (Bangalore)

4. Stencil a wall mural
The colour-burst of an abstract pattern or a vibrant mural can work wonders on a bare wall. In this room, a brilliant peacock is stencilled on the backdrop wall. It not only brings in an element of playfulness and vibrancy to the space but also breaks the monotony of an all-white room.

Find out how to stencil a wall

Shabnam Gupta

5. Use the headboard itself
You would be surprised what a headboard can do – apart from coming in all shapes and sizes, they can add serious colour, elevate your space, make it cosier and double as a work of art. The padded ikat headboard here practically acts as a wall design element, giving the room its required dose of colour and pattern, and personal style.

DESIGN CAFE

6. Cocoon it in wood
In this bedroom, the use of a wooden panel all the way from ceiling to the floor creates a cosy sleeping area. The polished wood wall by itself is quite striking, but the backlit lattice panel adds another level of elegance.

IMI Design, LLC

7. Clad it in leather
A dedicated bed zone can be created by upholstering a portion of the wall that is wide enough to encompass the bed and nightstands but not engulf the entire wall. In this example, a contrasting black trim sets off the upholstered section from the surrounding wall surface.

For People design

8. Hang a tapestry – or two
To layer on the richness and interest in a bedroom drop a tapestry from the wall on either side of a bed. A wall colour that shows up in contrast to the tapestries adds extra visual punch.

Learn the which, where and how of hanging tapestries

Prachi Damle Photography

9. Use light as an accent
The single wall light in this contemporary bedroom also works as the only piece of wall decor. The 3D geometric shapes add character to the stark white wall and the soft glow of the lights within these unusual shades adds warmth to the room’s ambience.

Tamara Rosenbloom Design LLC

10. Customise your wallpaper
There are wallpapers and then there are wallpapers. A paper with an oversized mural pattern can be daring without being dizzying. For example, while this floral print is definitely bold, it also serves to anchor the room.

Des Ewing Residential Architects

11. Bring in wall panels
In this stylish space, a wall of panelling behind the bedhead instantly adds character and personality. Breaking it up with intricate carved areas introduces texture and a holiday getaway feel.

Zephyr Interiors

12. Mirror the wall
Perfect particularly for smaller bedrooms, a mirrored wall will visually double the space. This one does the job in style, its high position keeping the effect subtle and the antiqued surface looking elegant.

See the many ways to make your home look bigger with mirrors

13. Use a four-poster bed to good effect
The linear lines of this four-poster bed stand out like a frame against the dark-grey wall in imitation of a framed canvas, albeit a blank one. The rectangular space above the bed is best left empty – a perfect example of minimalist yet striking design.

Read more:
Quirky, Easy & Budget-Friendly Ways to Dress Up Your Wall
7 Ideas to Accentuate the Area Behind the Bed

Tell us:
Did any of these ideas catch your fancy? We would love to hear how you have decorated your wall. Do share in the Comments section below.

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25 Creative Ideas for Above the Bed Wall Decor

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 06/06/22

@brighteyesanddreamyspaces / Instagram

If you're wondering just exactly what to display over your bed to give your room a little extra pizzazz, we're here to help. Whether you can't get enough of open shelving, are looking to go the practical route, or have special photos to display, you'll surely gather plenty of styling inspiration from the 25 bedrooms featured below. Then go ahead and shop your home, the local secondhand store, or your favorite decor website to find that perfect piece that's calling your name and will look oh-so-fabulous in your bedroom. Given how much time you spend in this space, there's no reason not to make it feel special.

The 11 Best Headboards of 2023

32 wall decoration and decoration ideas above the bed in 2022 [120+ photos]

The wall above the bed is the perfect place to embody design ideas, unusual “chips” and create accents in the bedroom. Therefore, this space is often chosen to create an accent wall. In the article, we will analyze in detail the fashion trends and techniques for decorating the bedside area, which are popular in 2021.

For those who prefer the video format for obtaining information, you can immediately start by watching a video on the topic.

Why decorate the wall above the bed

There are several reasons why designers pay special attention to the design of the wall above the bed.

First, the bed is the main piece of furniture in the bedroom. It is logical that the sleeping area should be highlighted and emphasized on it.

Secondly, the wall above the headboard is often decorated brightly and in contrast. If you decorate other walls of the room in a similar way, they will distract you from rest and prevent you from falling asleep quickly. The only wall that a sleeping person does not see is the wall above the head of the bed.

Thirdly, if you wish, you can change the interior on a budget and quickly. It is enough to change the decor above the bed and the room will look different. This is a fairly quick and easy way to change the design of the bedroom.

Finally, wisely using the bedside area, you can correct the unfortunate layout of the bedroom, visually expand or lengthen it, and also hide possible wall irregularities.

Popular Wall Over Bed Designs in 2022

There are many design options for the wall above the bed in the bedroom. For this, both classic solutions and modern finishes are used.

The chosen material creates the appropriate mood in the room and maintains a certain style.

Laminate

A classic flooring that can be given an original touch as wall decor. The material is durable, dense structure, is easy to care for.

A characteristic advantage of this choice is a wide range of shades, textures, imitating various materials.

Laminate suitable for use in the bedroom, however should be careful when placing it in small rooms .

If the material is attached to the crate, the space immediately loses volume, which limits its functionality.

Tiles

A modern solution for creating an accent wall above the bed. With its help it is possible to decorate with mosaics, reproduce the structure of stone, etc.

Pay attention to gypsum tiles: they will fit well into the interior, imitating fashionable brickwork.

The mirror tiles at the head of the bed also look interesting.

Wall panels

An attractive finish for indoor and outdoor decoration. They are mounted on any surface, regardless of its curvature and appearance.

Installing the panels makes it possible to dispense with the lengthy process of plastering and puttying, however, it will be necessary to form a crate from wooden bars or metal profiles. This design will reliably hide all the existing irregularities.

Solid wall panels are available in sheets, strips or slabs.

Soft wall panels differ in texture and are made from materials such as:

Wall mural

Wall mural that has been printed with a thematic image using large format printers.

This is a good option for decorating a room, as a large range of photo wallpapers helps you choose the right material for any design.

For example, photo wallpapers with images of nature, the sea or the sky are considered popular - their calming and relaxing effect is beneficial in the bedroom.

3D wallpaper

These are canvases on which a three-dimensional image is applied, which forms the feeling of the presence of a pattern.

This technique allows you to visually divide the boundaries of the space, and the decor in the room looks interesting and expensive. It allows you to recreate a thematic atmosphere at no extra cost.

3D wallpapers are easy to care for and safe for human health, they are fire resistant and do not lose color over time.

Brick or stone wall

A smooth, cold wall quickly turns cozy and warm when decorated with natural stone.

Rough surfaces add dynamism and monumentality to the interior, bringing a touch of nature into the room.

The most popular brick colors of are gray, noble beige, bitter chocolate, which are considered universal options for interior decoration.

The main advantages of brick walls are:


Natural stone used for bedroom decoration is characterized by the following advantages:

The use of masonry makes it possible to achieve peace and comfort, to form a sense of security.

False window

Imitation of a window in a bedroom is not only a decoration, but also an opportunity to completely change the space, covering up some of its shortcomings.

A false window is a realistic imitation of a window on a wall, which is created using drawings or a fake window opening using mirrors, glass, etc. Such windows can expand the space and create the illusion of being in a different place.

Since false windows are not equipped with through-slits, they will not let in sunlight. To recreate the plausibility of lighting, you should choose models that have built-in lighting.

Cork

This is a natural material used for wall decoration. The final result is not only an aesthetically pleasing design element, but also a functional structure that is characterized by heat and sound insulation properties, durability and resistance to mold and mildew.

The use of natural and sustainable materials in the bedroom is a big plus in any case. At the same time, the owners also get a soft and natural color palette, originality, which can be interestingly beaten in the interior.

Decorative plaster

A material that can become one of the most noticeable accents in the design of a room. It has several varieties that imitate natural surfaces, which allows you to make the interior unique and diverse.

When working with textures, be sure to pay attention to the simulated plaster. It can imitate various surfaces: from crumpled silk to rough concrete, which will help to significantly diversify interior design.

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Architectural Concrete

It is a strong, flexible and easy to work material used in situations where ordinary concrete is not enough for the task.

Art material is created from a mixture of sand and cement, and pigments are added to its composition to obtain the desired color.

This is a strong and durable material that is immune to sunlight and has minimal hygroscopicity. Its plasticity opens up scope for the implementation of various original design ideas.

Wall-to-ceiling ceiling

This is an original solution that is very popular in designer interiors lately. This space design option is an arch or semi-arch - a design that combines vertical and horizontal surfaces in the room.

The correct selection of the orientation of the panels (horizontal and vertical) provides a sense of proportional space, which visually expands or stretches upwards. For the design of residential premises and, in particular, bedrooms, rack structures are usually used.

Lamin

15%

Tile

2.5%

003

8%

Falter

9,0003

plug

8%

Decorative plaster

13%

Architectural concrete

9000 3%

Ceiling transmitting to the wall

%

voted: 200

What to hang on the wall above the bed

Decorative elements are an important part of any interior, as they allow you to make the necessary accents without much effort. The decor creates a feeling of completeness, the formation of the interior and is an integral part of any design.

In the bedroom, such decorative elements can be various objects placed above the bed. For some ideas for decorating the bedside area, see this video.

Let's take a closer look at what else can be hung over the bed.

Paintings and posters

If massive paintings in gilded frames used to be a classic decoration option, now they have been abandoned in favor of more modern options.

These include, for example, macro photography - a picture or poster depicting a large object and a blurred background create a special mood in the bedroom and give it dynamism or, on the contrary, calmness, depending on the theme of the picture.

You can give preference to both budget options, for example, posters or paintings printed on canvas, or more complex options - purchase famous reproductions, originals, or even draw a picture yourself.

Modular paintings

One of the popular types of decor, which consists of several separate images combined into one module.

Paintings may differ in shape and size, but they are connected by a common style or idea. Modular paintings should consist of no more than 4 parts, otherwise there is a heap in space.

Mirror

The use of a mirror for accents is a technique that makes the bedroom more stylish and modern. This helps to change the visual perception of the room.

You need to choose an appropriate frame for the mirror, which will be an additional design element and emphasize the overall style of the bedroom.

It is important to understand that the headboard mirror is not a very functional item. Therefore, it will mainly have a decorative purpose.

Carpet

In Soviet times, carpeting was a popular decor option, as carpets had good sound and heat insulation properties. For a long time it was considered a relic of the past, but at the moment, carpets are back in trend.

They are not suitable for modern rooms with a minimalist design, but they will fit perfectly into the interior of bedrooms made in oriental, Indian or art deco style.

For example, natural carpets with geometric, strongly colored patterns are gaining more and more popularity.

Photos

Wall decorating with photos is a budget option that can make a room stylish at a reasonable price.

Unlike painting in the interior, photo decor looks like a harmless, non-binding element that, with a competent approach, will look optimal in any style.

The photographs on the accent wall should be connected by a common theme to create a unified design in the room.

The choice of visual range should be based on the overall concept of the room. So, for example, vintage shots are not suitable for high-tech style, and panoramic landscapes will look out of place in a small bedroom.

Photographs printed on canvas are becoming a modern way of transferring certain images or graphic elements onto a textured surface. Instead of standard photographic paper, a canvas is used, reminiscent of the one on which real paintings are drawn.

Stickers and stencils

Three-dimensional stickers placed on the wall will become an unusual design element. Such images look just like alive, attract attention and make the interior of the room unique.

Stickers with flowers and birds are often used to decorate bedrooms, which adds naturalness to the room. There are extremely realistic 3D images on the market, which, with the right choice of colors and chiaroscuro, become an appropriate addition to the interior.

Also, stencils are used to decorate the head of the bed - templates that make it possible to apply the necessary pattern to any surface. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that with the help of such a stencil it is possible to form a repeating decorative element in order to create a bedroom in the same style.

Shelves

This is a headboard design option for practical people who prefer to create an interior with the most functional elements. The following materials are commonly used to create shelves:

The choice of material should be determined by the interior. So, for example, glass or metal will look good in a minimalist design.

For safety reasons it is not recommended to hang shelves directly above the bed.

Clock

Wall clock is a universal decorative element, the functionality of which is not lost in any room. An elegant clock becomes a small accent spot that can be placed in any room, complementing the interior with an unusual solution.

It is important that the design of the clock matches the overall style of the bedroom. In addition, if the clock is located at the head of the bed, other accent elements should not be placed there, as this will look like a pile of decor.

Luminaires

Wall luminaires are an important element for the entire room due to the functions they perform. They provide the right lighting, help highlight the details in the bedroom and create a cozy, calm atmosphere.

If the wall on which the lamps are located is white, dark sconces should be chosen. And, on the contrary, for dark walls you need lamps with light shades.

A large bedroom needs lighting in all corners, so you shouldn't just focus on placing lamps near the bed. Lighting should be combined: one basic light source on the ceiling and local light sources located next to the bed.

A special effect can be achieved by using decorative lighting, which provides spot lighting.

Panel

This is a DIY wall composition that can be an excellent decorative element for a bedroom. The panel is made in different styles and techniques. Often it is made voluminous.

Pictures placed above the bed should not be too flashy or bright.

To form a panel, you should use color schemes that go well with the basic design. However, for this you should not choose a similar option, but a lighter shade.

More decor ideas

In addition to classic wall designs, there are more adventurous, experimental ways to organize space.

They range from universal options that can be used in any interior, as well as highly specialized decors suitable for certain styles.

Photo panels and 3D panels

This is a kind of wall panels. Embossed panels with a 3D effect in the design of the bedroom have both a decorative effect and a great functional meaning. Most of these panels are characterized by the presence of high noise and heat insulation performance.

With a wide range of materials and finishes available, it is possible to choose the appropriate effect to style any room according to the available budget.

Three-dimensional images are convex, flat, abstract. They allow you to create the most realistic imitations of other materials, which makes it possible to decorate the interior in a unique style.

Photo panels are another modern option for decorating the work area. They are characterized by a number of advantages over wall panels or tiles due to the large number of decorative patterns, as well as high performance properties.

Moldings

This is not just a cover, but an overlay that is attached over the main finishing material. This option is well suited for decorating the bedroom, as the material is quite delicate and aesthetic. In addition, such a finish will not be expensive, despite the fact that the molding can create a truly original design.

Based on the color and decorative materials used, moldings adapt to the style of the interior. In light colors, the material is distinguished by restraint and simplicity, while in dark colors it looks more majestic and serious.

The main advantages of moldings include:

Frescoes

This is a decorative element that is one of the wall painting techniques. Its peculiarity lies in working on raw plaster, which allows you to create a unique design in the interior.

To decorate the bedroom, you can use photo wallpapers imitating frescoes.

Photo 4. Murals are the best solution for decorating a unique interior

Graffiti

This is a modern and bright solution that looks bold in the interior. Graffiti is able to set the tone for the room, emphasizing the non-standard layout and hiding the existing imperfections of the walls.

Creating real graffiti is a long and painstaking job, which may require a lot of money. Therefore, it is easiest to purchase wallpapers that imitate street art.

Designer installations

Professional designers often add various objects created according to unique drawings to the bedroom to realize the most daring fantasies. They can be figured mirrors, plank headboards, original shelves made in the format of trees.

Unique decor adds personality to the space, but it is important not to overdo it, otherwise the art object will look out of place.

Niches and drywall structures

Drywall is a versatile finishing material used in interior design.

It is considered relatively inexpensive, and at the same time allows you to create unique solutions in the interior through various geometric designs.

In addition, it has a great functional purpose, which consists in the possibility of leveling any surfaces.

Drywall is a material that can be given convex, concave roundness, create a wavy surface, form rounded arches.

Plasterboard above the bed can be used to create artificial niches and other design structures.

Arch

One of the varieties of plasterboard decoration, which is popular in modern interiors. Such an element is formed in the form of an artificial niche, which gives the design of the bed area more privacy.

The arch goes well with hidden lighting. This design solution adds an unusual, complex architecture to the bedroom.

Art painting and drawings

Space decoration option for creative people. A unique drawing will be a real decoration of the bedroom, emphasizing the features of the interior and complementing its design.

Canopy or textile decoration

Decorating the head of the bed in the bedroom with fabric is a common design decision that brings softness, comfort and warmth to the room. This design option is well suited for both adult rooms and children's bedrooms.

When decorating, you can also use curtains - they will add romanticism to the interior. It can be a light veil or heavy curtains. They can be changed according to your mood or depending on the season.

Textile decor above the bed can add lightness, air, light to the room, or, on the contrary, create a feeling of isolation and privacy.

Garland

A win-win decorative element with a wide variety of designs. A garland may consist of lanterns, balls, have a backlight, etc. All elements can be arranged in the interior of a modern bedroom, placing them on the wall in a chaotic manner or in accordance with a certain structure.

Keep in mind that the garland collects dust, which can affect the well-being of allergy sufferers.

Hand-made

With a developed needlework skill, you can start decorating the bedside area yourself. Paintings, panels, dream catchers, etc. can serve as handmade. All this will help add originality to the room and reflect the individual characteristics of its owner.

What to hang above the bed according to feng shui rules

The bedroom is considered one of the most important places in the house, and therefore the rules of Feng Shui are especially strict about the arrangement of objects in the room.

A properly organized bedroom is a safe space where a person sleeps better, recovers faster and relaxes after a hard day.

One of the most popular feng shui decorations is paintings that can be successfully placed at the head of the bed. The paintings should have stable images that will nourish a person with calmness and give him confidence.

Such images include, for example, mountains. At the same time, you should not choose pictures with water for the bedroom, since the energy of the water element is rather restless.

In addition, all images that bring excessive dynamics should be removed from the bedroom: pictures of mass holidays, sporting events, images of vehicles, etc. All this constantly keeps a person in suspense and prevents him from relaxing peacefully.

Pictures depicting negative emotions should be completely excluded not only from the bedroom, but also from the house, as they set a bad mood for the residents.

Also, Feng Shui does not prohibit the use of more functional items, such as lamps.

Placing identical nightlights in the area above the bed will help harmonize family relationships - the main thing is that the items are paired. This has a beneficial effect on attracting positive energy and has a practical application.

If the head of the bed is directly opposite the door, do not hang a mirror there. Mirrors become a way to attract someone else's energy, and therefore they can negatively affect family relationships, forming problems in a couple.

Common mistakes

The wall at the head of the bed is one of the most important accent areas, but this space is not always used rationally.

So, for example, contrasting colors should not be used in this area, as this creates additional visual and psychological stress that will prevent a person from relaxing.

Flowers should not be used to decorate the headboard, as they will be more difficult to reach in this area to care for the plants. They will attract insects. Also, it might not be safe

In addition, the bedside area must not be hung with wardrobes or structures that could be dangerous.

Briefly about the main things

It is recommended to decorate the wall above the bed in an original way, as this will create an accent on the main piece of furniture and the general interior. wall panels, etc.

Another option to create an accent on the wall above the headboard is to hang something there, such as paintings or photographs in a frame, a clock, a mirror, a panel or other hand-made gizmo.

Do not hang objects on the bed that may pose a danger to sleeping people - shelves or cabinets, hanging structures, flowers in pots and vases, etc.

11 ideas from the pros - INMYROOM

Interior decor

Inspired by the best examples

If you have already bought a beautiful bed, it's time to think about how to decorate the wall in her headboard. We share a selection of ideas from Russian designers.

Wooden panels

To decorate a bedroom in a three-room apartment in Balashikha, Natalia Chaika from Studio 8 architectural bureau and Grigory Sevastyanov used an oak plank.

Design: Natalia Chaika, Grigory Sevastyanov

view the project in full

Paintings or posters

The customers of this project wanted a strict color scheme, and when choosing furniture they were guided by functionality, simple design and universal finish. Against the backdrop of such minimalism, decor, modern paintings and posters look great, which can be changed according to your mood.

Design: Your Designer

view full project

Graphic mural

This apartment was designed by ANTEI studio designers based on popular TV series and comics. And for the wall behind the head of the bed, they chose black, which is a rarity for a bedroom, and a contrasting pattern.

see full project

Bright color + inspirational quote

Designer Svetlana Yurkova painted the wall in a cool shade of yellow and added just one accent to it: an inscription made in an elegant font - it turned out stylish and fresh.

Design: Svetlana Yurkova

see the full project

Exclusive wallpaper

Anastasia Tuganova made a sketch of the wallpaper for her customers' bedroom - they were made in a single copy especially for this project.

Design: Anastasia Tuganova

see full project

Floral ornament

This kopeck piece is located in a "Stalinist" house at the intersection of Novy Arbat and Garden Ring. The endless stream of cars outside the window and the gloomy “book” houses on Novy Arbat do not set you up for relaxation and rest, so designer Katya Chistova decided to create a real oasis in the apartment: this is how the project got the name “Flora and Fauna”: parrots and bright flowers.

Design: Katya Chistova

see the full project

Upholstered headboard

This solution fits perfectly into the interior concept: Sergey Sargin kept the whole project in a minimalist style. The soft headboard provides additional heat and sound insulation, and also serves as a comfortable backrest, on which you can lean on to read a book before going to bed.

Design: Sergey Sargin

view full project

Texture + color

Despite the neutral color scheme, the room does not look dull, thanks in large part to the accent wall, which combines several shades of rich blue at once.


Learn more