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Ideas for over the bed wall decor


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.

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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.

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(Image credit: Irene Gunter)

When it comes to above the bed decor ideas, there's a multitude of chic options to suit every taste, from adding a shelf to showcasing plants and art, to hanging an eclectic mix of mirrors or artwork.

The wall above a bed is so often overlooked, but it can be a canvas to elevate your bedroom scheme and create a strong focal point, drawing attention to a beautiful headboard, too.

These over the bed wall decor ideas are just some of our favorites – adding them to your wishlist of bedroom ideas can enrich your space.

Above bed decor ideas

Bedroom wall decor ideas are often centered around a feature wall, such as one with a chimney breast on it. However, using the wall over the bed to create a display can be hugely effective, especially in a space that has little architectural interest or, indeed, space.

'Above the bed decor ideas are traditional ways to bring a focal point to the bedroom, whether it be a statement wall color or wallpaper pattern, or a piece of art,' says Connor Prestwood, interior designer at home decor brand Dowsing & Reynolds . 

1. Create architectural interest above the bed

(Image credit: Little Greene)

If your bedroom ceiling is very high, your bedroom may feel a little cold and lofty. One way to fix this is to use decor above the bed to visually lower the ceiling. Here, it's achieved masterfully with wall panelling ideas. 

'Note the height of the headboard in relation to the wall panelling in this room,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'There is a purposeful and neat overlap that connects the bed, in the lower half of the room, with the wall above. '

2. Decorate above the bed with plants

(Image credit: Habitat)

Decorating with plants is a sure way to bring about well-being, so if you have the opportunity, why not grow them so that they cascade from a shelf above the bed. The best bedroom plants tend to be those that purify the air, as well as looking good. Picking ones that need little water will help keep them low maintenance, too.

3. Create focus with fabric

(Image credit: Tara Craig | Ensemblier)

Below, there's a tapestry that creates the most eye-catching bedroom accent wall idea; here, the above the bed wall decor is much more dramatic: fabric walling.  

'This type of wall decor is becoming more and more popular amongst interior designers,' says Lucy Searle. 'The colors can often be more vivid than those in wallpaper, there's a texture to fabric walling that makes you want to reach out and stroke it, and of course it creates an incredibly cozy aesthetic.'

4. Be clever with paint above the bed

(Image credit: Irene Gunter)

Bedroom paint ideas needn't be just about color. You can use paint tricks to create both layering and interest, and an enhanced space.

In this bedroom by interior designer Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co , the wall above the bed is split horizontally, with a deeper color nearer the headboard, and a lighter color above. The effect is to create a cozy feeling in the space, while exaggerating the height of the ceiling. The whole area above the bed is also framed with trim, heightening the interest.

5. Decorate above the bed with good-looking storage

(Image credit: ND Studios)

Overbed storage ideas don't traditionally conjure up the vision of a beautiful, calm, curated space. But done cleverly, they can be practical, decorative and disguised. 

In this bedroom by ND Studios , storage is recessed and decorated to match the panelling above the bed. The chevron pattern creates a subtly elegant feature wall that relies on little more than a small pot of gold paint and a steady hand.

(Image credit: Simon Bevan)

Wall mural ideas are an easy way to add drama to a space with little effort – and decorating with murals is a trend that's on the rise.  

'A marvellous mural has always been popular, but something extra striking and eye-catching is most definitely what we’re seeing more of in bedrooms,' says Lucy St George, of Rockett St George . 'Perfect for making a statement on the wall of your bed, bold metallics, florals or a marble effect will always add character to your sleeping space.'

7. Incorporate natural elements with botanical art

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

You simply can't go wrong with a pretty botanical print. Their popularity dates all the way back to Victorian times and the look is truly timeless, perfect for country vibes and elegant gallery wall ideas.

'Artwork is a go-to for us at Sims Hilditch when planning what will hang above a bed in a bedroom,' says Louise Wicksteed, Sims Hilditch Design Director. 

'Be sure to choose something that mirrors your chosen aesthetic. For instance, if your home is in the country and you have opted for lots of natural materials in your interior, you might select an antique print of the local wildlife or scenery. '

8. Bounce light around the room with multiple mirrors

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

Decorating with mirrors is a great idea for above the bed decor but why stick to one mirror when you can make the wall above the bed look arty – and bright – with multiple bedroom mirror ideas? This is a great idea for small or dark spaces.

Wayfair 's Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill, says: 'A popular option is to place an eclectic mix of mirrors above the bed, creating an eye-catching display that bounces light around your room. 

'Opt for designs with metallic edges to add a little extra shimmer and place them at different heights along the wall to create a truly stunning visual piece.'

9. Use craft buys to create a unique display

(Image credit: Future / Alecia Neo)

Conjure up a Kit Kemp vibe with intriguing finds displayed above the bed. These bohemian bedroom ideas are enduringly popular, adding color, texture and life to a space.

Nadia McCowan Hill comments: 'Arts and crafts have undergone a huge revival in the past year with crochet and knitwear becoming 2022’s must have items. 

'An easy way to incorporate this trend into your interiors is by hanging macrame designs above your bed, the natural materials add a grown-up boho vibe to the room and are a super-easy way to stay bang on trend.'

10. Put a shelf above the bed

(Image credit: Interior Fox )

'Consider taking the time to install a shelf along the wall behind your bed that will not only add to your style but maximize your storage space,' suggests Nadia McCowan Hill. 'Stick to a shelf in a natural hue and then really experiment with color, adding fun decor options, plants and prop up a few pieces of wall art along the space to finish off the look.'

Connor Prestwood agrees that bedroom bookshelf ideas can be practical as well as stylish, adding: 'A big thing at the moment is shelving above the bed. The diversity and freedom to move and swap things around when you fancy a change is really appealing and can save money in the long run.  

'Instead of buying a new large piece of art or completely re-wallpapering a wall, you can simply refresh the ornaments, books and art and restyle your shelf to fit in with your current mood.'

11. Use printed wallpaper to inject pattern and color

(Image credit: Graham & Brown)

If you're lucky enough to have a recess or arch above your bed, fill the space with an on-trend bedroom wallpaper idea. If you don't, you can always create a panelled wall and fill a square with a beautiful pattern.

Tropical, exotic birds, bold florals, and country botanicals are all in fashion, as are curvaceous graphics.

12. Hang a tapestry to up the cozy factor

(Image credit: Polly Wreford/Future PLC)

Biophilic room decor is known to be calming and restful, making it perfect for the bedroom – however, it's not always practical to hang or display plants above a bed, so choosing fabrics or artwork with a botanical motif is a great alternative to run of the mill headboards.  

A pretty length of fabric, a light rug or a tapestry in a traditional design are wonderful above bed decor ideas that can replace a headboard and make a room feel incredibly cocooning.

13. Turn to tribal art for an elegant global influence

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Tribal influences are popping up in bedrooms everywhere, and tribal art above the bed is a stylish way to introduce it. 

Sam Hood, Chief Creative Officer at Amara.com , says: 'Decorating with tribal prints is perfect for creating a unique space and adding visual interest to a neutral décor. 

'For a curated but relaxed tribal feel, use a combination of different patterns (as Kitesgrove has done with the cushions above) and colors to push your interior design limits to the max. If this trend is too vivacious for your home style, add a mix of textures such as rattan, to liven up your home ambience.'

14. Add plates or hats to pretty up the space

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

A lovely trend that's been gaining pace is to display pretty hats or hang plates at different heights above your bed – or over a bedside table, as above.  

Interior designer Susie Atkinson says: 'In a more feminine room, I think it would be nice to put a collection of ceramics above the bed. For a masculine room, framed flags are very effective.'

Pair with stripes, a pop of color in the soft furnishings, and freshly picked flowers for a chic and contemporary country aesthetic.

15. Put upholstered panels above the bed for a hotel feel

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

'If you are a fan of hotel-style bedrooms and luxurious spaces – aren't we all? – fixing upholstered panels to the wall behind and above the bed is a decor idea that oozes elegance,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.

'In a low-ceilinged room, running panels like this right up to the ceiling can make it seem taller, and a taller run of panels will look more balanced in a tall room – or you can keep the panelled area long and low to exaggerate the both room types' width.'

(Image credit: Original BTC)

If you're not into art, prints, wall hangings or bold wallpaper, a refined and chic way to add above bed decor is to make a feature of your bedroom wall lighting ideas.  

Whether it's an Art Deco-inspired sconce or a vintage fluted glass pendant or an industrial-style piece, wall lights can be practical as well as pretty.

Connor Prestwood, of Dowsing & Reynolds, says: 'We’re seeing statement beds with big, cushioned, curved headboards that cocoon you and make you feel safe while you sleep. This, paired with a couple of decorative side lights for your night time reading and relaxation rituals, is the perfect combination.'

And if you really want to make a statement with your above bed decor, choose a statement pendant, like the fantastic piece by Jonathan Adler above.

17. Choose a high-octane headboard

(Image credit: Simon Brown)

From bold floral or botanical printed fabric à la Kit Kemp to cocooning, fluted pieces, statement headboard ideas are an ultra-chic way to style the space above the bed.

Elliot James, of Elliot James interiors , says: 'Headboards are having a moment, the bigger the better. We love headboards that run the full width of the room behind the bed and the use of a contrasting wallpaper or paint above helps the headboard to really stand out.  

'Lighting around or inbuilt into headboards is also really trending at the moment, and our personal favourite is a backlit headboard that provides a striking and somewhat dramatic effect. 

'Full height headboards are also extremely popular, and using panelled stitching helps to give the bed grandeur and presence.'

And Martin Waller, of Andrew Martin , says statement headboards are essentially a form of artwork, adding: 'With the rise of the boutique hotel and its trending look in residential design, the headboard has become a brilliant focal point in bedroom decor. 

'Look to the Firmdale Hotels for inspiration on using brave color and pattern and have fun coordinating your headboard with a wallpaper or throw. Don’t be afraid to choose a more outlandish style as this only adds more character. See it as art above your bed.'

How do I decorate above my bed?

There are many ways to decorate above a bed. A favorite way is to hang a piece of art that you love – long, landscape-shaped pictures are ideal, or you can create this shape witha gallery wall. You can also decorate above a bed with mirrors, framed fabrics, tapestries and panels of fabrics. Or, you can choose more architectural over the bed ideas – from wainscoting to shelving. If you are looking for a simple above the bed decor idea, use a different color paint or wallpaper to that of the other three walls.

Should you decorate above a bed?

You should decorate above a bed if you have a low-profile or no headboard. A large sculptural headboard will mean that you do not to decorate over the bed, but if the wall is empty, hanging something with color, pattern and texture can really embellish the decor in a bedroom. 

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.

With contributions from

Wall above the head of the bed: 10 decor ideas

TipsDecor

The bed is the main "heroine" of the bedroom, here we spend most of our time. Therefore, the design of the sleeping area should be as conducive to rest and relaxation as possible. It is not enough to take care of the beauty and convenience of the sleeping bed itself, you also need to thoroughly think over the decor on the wall above the head of the bed - after all, all eyes will be riveted here. A painting, an art object, a mirror or a shelf with souvenirs - there can be a lot of options. We've rounded up the best headboard wall decorating ideas for you, any of which will enhance the visual appeal of your bedroom.

Director Valeria Gai Germanika's apartment. Designed by Diana Balashova. The bas-relief is the work of the animator Ali Trofimova.

Large-format painting

A painting or group of paintings is the most popular solution for decorating a wall above a headboard. Art not only allows you to create an artistic atmosphere in the bedroom, but also visually highlight the wall, creating a bright accent.

Apartment in Moscow. Project by Olga Litvinova.

Children's room designed by designer Delfin Krakoff. On the wall is the work of artist Vik Muniz.

By the way, the picture does not have to be bright and eye-catching. This can be a monochrome canvas without a frame or black and white photographs in simple frames.

Apartment in Moscow. Project by Anton and Natalia Petrov.

Apartment in Minsk. Project of VAE design studio.

Photo
Alexandra Kononchenko

Picture gallery

If you want to make your bedroom not just an accent, but an entire accent wall, the best way is to hang your collection of paintings, photos and posters over the bed. To learn how to create a home art gallery and what mistakes to avoid, read our special materials at the links below.

Apartment in Sao Pulu. Artur Casas project.

Canopy or canopy over the bed - not necessarily an attribute of the nursery. It looks good in the parent's bedroom, and in addition, it creates coziness and helps to feel like in a royal bed.

Apartment near St. Petersburg. Project by Yana Grosheva.

Apartment in Moscow. Project by Dmitry Velikovsky and Guli Galeeva.

Instead of a picture, you can hang an antique screen above the bed. This is a great way to give a room an exotic charm and uniqueness. The screen, by the way, may not decorate the wall, but also serve as a headboard.

Apartment in Moscow. Hope Chuck Project.

Apartment in New Orleans. The wall above the headboard is decorated with an old Chinese screen.

Metal Sculpture

Another common wall decoration above the headboard is a metal sculpture. It can be an abstract composition, a bas-relief on a plant theme, or even a "mobile" - it all depends on your imagination.

Designed by Irina Grave.

Apartment in Moscow. Project by Angelina Askeri.

Map

Maps are another alternative to paintings and photographs. It can be a reprint of an old nautical chart, a vintage find, or a modern interpretation of a world map. This decor looks especially good in the nursery, and it is suitable for both boys who dream of becoming pirates and girls. Which of us did not dream in childhood about distant wanderings and exotic countries?

Designed by Ekaterina Plotnikova.

Neon signage

Neon signage and signage was a staple of the trendy nightclubs and bars of the 1990s. What if you use them in the bedroom? The result can be very impressive! Don't believe? Ask Kourtney Kardashian - after all, her former bedroom was once decorated with a neon sign!

House near St. Petersburg. Project by Timofey Veresnovsky.

Apartment in Minsk. Project by Alexey and Anastasia Zakharevsky.

Mirror or group of mirrors

The mirror in the bedroom is not only decorative and not only used to look into it before going to bed. It allows you to visually enlarge the space and make it lighter. And the mirror above the headboard is beautiful, especially if it has an unusual frame or shape.

Apartment near St. Petersburg. Lampa Design Studio project.

Photo
@maxiimov

Decorative plates

Plates are not only a serving item, but also a beautiful decorative object. The composition of the plates can look equally impressive in any room of the house: living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom - especially if you combine porcelain with art or antiques.

Apartment in Lisbon. On the wall are papier-mâché works by John Derian and old English Chinese porcelain plates.

Open shelf

Perhaps the most functional solution is an open shelf or a small shelving unit. This is especially true for small bedrooms, where every square centimeter counts. Unlike cabinets with solid doors, a small open shelf does not visually burden the space. In addition, you can put a book on it that you read before going to bed, charge your phone, gadgets, put photos of loved ones, a beautiful vase or a picture in a frame.

Apartment in Monaco. On a vintage shelf from the 1950s is a drawing by artist Joe Bradley.

The apartment of photographer Jimmy Eriksson and his girlfriend Hannah in Stockholm.

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Wall decoration in the bedroom above the bed: headboard ideas

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There are a lot of ideas on how to decorate the walls of the bedroom. We decided to focus on the design of the headboard area. After all, it is she who helps to create a single interior ensemble with furniture and textiles. It is worth approaching the decor of an accent wall really seriously, then it will be able to change the look of the entire room.

Panels made of 3D panels, molding frames, compositions using mirrors, themed wallpaper inserts, LED lighting, creating niches and even custom hanging pictures - we offer you a selection of ways to effectively decorate your bedroom, turning it into a real abode of dreams and recreation.

W109

The quickest way to create an accent wall with your own hands is to create decorative panels from Orac Decor polyurethane. Depending on the location on the wall, the relief of the panels is suitable for creating a vertical, horizontal or even diagonal visual dominant. The same design can be placed on the wall at different angles to give the joints a mosaic effect. No more counting sheep before going to bed, just focus on changing the direction of the lines!


W108 | W111

The wall by the bed can be decorated from floor to ceiling with panels of the same design, or a combination of several articles can be made. The lower part of the wall in this case will act as a small border, emphasizing the height of the soft headboard.


W108 | SX194 | W109

Paint the other walls of the bedroom a more soothing color and you're done! In order to create a calmer interior, create a "roll call" between the details of the accent wall and the built-in furniture. For example, in the decor of cabinet doors.

Niche-shaped walls: highlighting the headboard with color

When planning a bedroom, when the bed is “buried” in a niche, you can enhance the effect of depth by using a dark shade of paint for the walls and part of the ceiling. Complement the wall decor with moldings so that their line runs just above the headboard, and pick up an expressive high plinth and cornice to complete the “frame”.



SX155 | | C217

Decorating the wall behind the head of a narrow bed: the secret is in the mirrors

An accent wall with a mirror decor will decorate even a modest bedroom. Reflections optically expand the space, so feel free to use this decorating technique to add a little intrigue to the room. Wall mirrors will look especially organic in narrow vertical molding frames above bedside tables.



W100 | P4020

Fragments of mirrors can also become part of the mosaic panel above the head of the bed. For these purposes, compact elements W100 Rombus, W101 Trapezium, W105 Rombus, W106 Envelop and W107 Circle are suitable. By covering some of their faces with mirrors, you will additionally emphasize the visual volume of the decor. For safety reasons, you can replace the mirrors with foil wallpaper.

Walls with additional decor in the form of lighting

Bedroom interior design can be completely different. Whether it's minimalism, scandi or classic romanticism, style only partly determines the mood of a room. In addition to textiles and color palette, lighting design plays an important role in wall and ceiling decor. As a headboard in the bedroom, you can use not only wall panels, but also wide Orac Decor ceiling cornices, which provide for the possibility of hidden lighting with LED strip. A bright headboard will turn into a real art object and will replace night lamps.

C371 | W108 | W112

Colour, light and relief are the three key decorating techniques. If you decorate not only the wall, but also part of the ceiling with 3D illuminated panels, a special atmosphere in the bedroom is guaranteed. By the way, do not be afraid that dark paint will give the walls a gloomy look. In combination with neon lighting, this solution will add sensuality and passion to the interior of the bedroom.


W109

Wall above the bed, decorated with paintings

To fit paintings and posters into the overall interior composition, use molding frames. They will replace bulky baguettes and additionally emphasize the size of the paintings. A creative frame made of moldings painted in the color of the walls will help to achieve a balance between paintings, lamps and other decor items.



W109

Wall at the head of the bed: wallpaper techniques

Wallpaper pattern can also be a key element when creating an accent wall. Use wallpaper with a plot composition or wallpaper with imitation of brickwork as an insert into a frame of moldings at the head - this will add brightness to the interior without being frivolous.

W111 | SX194

W111 Bar with the popular wooden batten effect can be added as a side element to the wallpaper. Such a decor will additionally protect the headboard area to minor damage and withstand wet cleaning without problems, provided that anti-vandal paint is used.



Creating an author's panel for the head of the bed

When the height of the ceilings allows experiments, the headboard in the bedroom can be decorated with a 3D panel.

Learn more