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Wall above bed 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.

The 10 Best Headboards of 2022

60 Above-Bed Decorating Ideas - What to Put On a Wall Above a Bed

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by Marlen Komar

updated Jan 24, 2022

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So you have a headboard (or at the very least, a mountain of pillows stacked against the wall), but what about the space above that? For some reason, the space above the bed is a tricky one to decorate. As the focal point of your bedroom, the negative space above your bed feels so personal; it’s the one place where you can let your personality shine through the most. Luckily, there are seemingly limitless ways to jazz up the empty space. 

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From above-the-bed art to gridded gallery walls to statement-making tapestries, the options are a-plenty. Here are 60 to pull inspiration from.

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1. Hang a map

Skip the frame entirely and hang up a vintage map of your favorite region. The bare-bones look works in a minimalist bedroom with lots of open space.

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2. Try three different-sized frames

If uniformity isn’t your thing, you’ll love this decor option. Each of these frames are different sizes, but they’re placed in a way that ties the bed together just neatly enough. So if you can’t seem to choose from your favorite photo collection, try hanging all three up to achieve this effortless look.

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3. Use wallpaper and nothing else

Yes, it’s actually possible to blend minimalist and maximalist designs togetherr at once. This Barcelona bedroom uses a sophisticated yet bold wallpaper pattern to decorate the negative space behind the bed. Let the wallpaper speak for itself by leaving the wall free of hanging decor.

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4. Frame a retro piece of art

The retro, wheel painting in this San Francisco rental truly becomes the focal point of the room. This technique is highly effective if you want to make a statement effortlessly.

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5. Go for stability with shelves

Propping your bed up against a set of shelves (like in this product shot via The Wonder Forest, who sells the super cute pineapple bedding) might be a little bit of a new move for you, but if you have the space, it’s an interesting way to bring in more storage as well as something to look at above your headboard. Fill with books, picture frames and decorative objects to keep it interesting (and dust regularly!).

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6. Wallpaper a wall

Take a leaf out of designers’ Kate McIntyre and Brad Huntzinger book (via Lonny) and decorate your empty wall space with wallpaper. A paper with a more sparse oversized mural pattern is daring without being dizzying. For example, while this floral and fern print is definitely bold, it also uses a lot of negative space, making it feel a little less overwhelming.

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7. Install a shelf

Skip the tufted headboard and instead decorate with a shelf laden with accent pieces you love. Nuevo Estilo proves that from books to old oil paintings to statement lamps, adding a floating shelf can do wonders for the room.

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8. Art + sconces = beautiful utility

Designer Emily Henderson shows how great a large scale artwork flanked by two sconces (perfect for reading!) can look. Normally, we see sconces in place of table lamps, but here, she used both for a layered look.

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9. Accent with abstract art

Abstract art always makes a big statement, but there’s something about an installation piece that really jumps out at you. While paintings and photographs are a fan-favorite design move when it comes to bed decor, you can color outside of the lines with an abstract grid accent like Mark Tuckey did in this room via Inside Out.

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10. Open up the room with a mirror

The room will feel bigger with a few mirrors strategically placed around it, and a minimalist circle shape looks wonderful hung over a bed frame. Designer Lauren Geremia (via Architectural Digest) shows what a difference the small move could make with this Scandinavian inspired space.

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11. Drape a tapestry

Take a page out of your college dorm days and hang a tapestry over your bed like Better Homes & Gardens did.

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12. Layer a mirror on wallpaper

Think of the empty space above your bed as a canvas to splash your personality on. If you want a very artsy backsplash, try layering your wall with a bold wallpaper pattern and a vintage, oversized mirror.

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13. Toss a tapestry over a curtain rod

If you don’t like the droopy look a tapestry has when you pin it to a wall, you can get cleaner lines by copying Urban Outfitters and draping the cloth over a curtain rod.

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14. Add texture with a wall hanging

Give the room a ’70s feel with a vintage-inspired yarn hanging, like designer Sarah Sherman Samuel used in this room makeover. You can DIY one yourself if you’re handy with craft projects, or you can leave the weaving to an expert and buy one.

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15. Make a gridded gallery wall

For those that have a neat and tidy aesthetic, showcase your favorite photographs in a strict grid like this room from Better Homes & Gardens did. It won’t feel chaotic, but it will allow you to show off your favorite memories.

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16. Or try a statement gallery wall

Or if you like a more busy aesthetic, transform your whole wall into a colorful, playful gallery like former Lonny Editor-in-Chief Michelle Adams did in her New York home.

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17. Add a jungle of plants

If you’re not one to collect art prints, hang up giant tapestries, or clutter your shelves with knick-knacks, then maybe plants are the way to go for you. Copy Katie & Tyler Branch of Branch Abode by installing a floating shelf above your bed, and then filling it with a tangle of potted plants. So cozy and eye catching!

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18. Invest in a statement lamp

A great, sculptural way to fill up that negative space is to get a statement wall lamp that brings a lot of drama to the room. You can get an interesting industrial one that’s larger in size and brings lines into the room, like designer Amber Lewis did in this space she shared on Instagram.

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19. Opt for textural baskets

Colorful, artisan baskets have been en vogue for a bit now and they’re a great option for above the bed. The round shape pairs nicely juxtaposed with a streamline headboard like the one here shot by Tessa Neusstadt for Homepolish via Style Files, while the lightweight nature makes them less worrisome (in case you’re not too handy with hanging and something comes crashing down in your sleep).

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20. Construct a mini plant wall

Bring more nature into your bedroom with a collection of cute plants hanging above your bed.

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21.  Hang artwork next to your window

Here’s the predicament: you have lots of natural light from windows in your room, but barely any space to feature your one-of-a-kind paintings. Think outside the box and pivot to the side above your bed for decorating. Hang two different-sized frames up next to the window to add interest and play on the window’s unique size, as well.

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22. Hang up framed wallpaper

You can afford to splurge on a favorite bold pattern when you buy only a sample of pricey wallpaper and then frame it.

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23. Incorporate drapes


Don’t worry if you don’t have a window behind your bed…you can still add the drama and softness of drapes by hanging them on the wall!

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24. Make your own mural

You could paint one yourself, or purchase some mural art paper, but a mural on the wall above and behind your bed makes a strong visual statement.

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25.

Install faux antlers

There are a lot of retailers that sell decorative options for faux antlers. These are especially perfect for more rustic spaces, boho bedrooms, or cabin-like sleeping quarters.

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26. Work in woven baskets or plates

Add texture and 3D vibes to your bed by hanging woven baskets or plates on the wall.

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27. Add interest with a wreath

It’s another simple way to add texture and sweetness to your bedroom.

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28. Hang up a small rug

Rugs aren’t just for the floor.

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29. Jazz it up with macramé

Macramé has made a huge resurgence in interiors, and above the bed is a perfect spot to play with this trend.

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30.

Play with pennants

Not just for kids or sports fans, pennants can be a fun way to show off your love of your home state or of witty sayings.

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31. Reclaim architectural elements

If your home doesn’t have a lot of architectural interest baked in, you can infuse your bedroom with some by hanging a reclaimed architectural element above your bed as a focal point.

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32. Throw in a metal tray

The metallic finish will add a bit of global glam above your bed.

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33. Display a mini art installation

Any collection of small options attached to the wall will become a little art installation.

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34. Commission absurdly-oversized pet portraits

They’re the light of your life, so highlight them with a focal point above your bed.

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35. Chalk it up

With all the chalkboard paint options available, you can splash some above the bed and then have a canvas you can change and update as often as you’d like.

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36. DIY vinyl cross pattern

If you can’t paint your wall or add wallpaper, consider creating a pattern yourself with washi tape or vinyl stickers.

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37. Upcycle a window frame

With or with glass, hanging an old window above your bed is another great way to add architectural interest.

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38. Grab some tennis rackets

It’s fun and sporty, and the more vintage, the better.

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39. Focus on one piece of art

Does it get much simpler than hanging one piece of art above your bed? For the ultimate look of sophistication, consider the art as a composition with your bed frame and nightstands—choose a proportional piece of art and coordinate the color palette.

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40. Or test out two…

Two pieces of art hung side by side above your bed’s headboard will immediately add a shot of symmetry to your bedroom’s design.

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41. Go simple with a dreamcatcher

Dreamcatchers aren’t just for your childhood bedroom. The minimalist look is whimsical and soothing at the same time. This Puerto Rico home uses the decor piece to accentuate the bare walls and white color palette.

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42. Go for art that says something

When you choose art with text as the primary element, you infuse a huge dose of graphic vibes to your bedroom.

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43. Paint on shapes

Not impressed so far with the hanging suggestions above? Grab your paint brush and splash some color on the wall behind your bed in a dynamic shape, then hang some art.

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44. Find a vintage brass sculpture

Opting for a 3D element above your bed will make the decor visually jump off the wall in your bedroom. Just be careful not to hang it too low where you bump your head on it!

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45. Select a wood accent wall

When you need added warmth and a bit of nature in your bedroom, hang a wood accent wall. You can do it with reclaimed wood, faux wood, or even wood flooring. In the above room, the wood paneling is from Lowe’s.

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46. Try an oversized mirror

An oversized mirror hanging above your bed (hopefully properly anchored to the wall) or leaning against the wall behind your bed can make for an instant boost of light in your sleep space.

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47.

Shed some light on the subject

Don’t be afraid to mix a combo of elements above your bed to up your design game. I like that in this bedroom the sconces become a part of the art composition, rather than just placed on either side of the bed.

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48. Highlight a wooden map

Part-art, part-sculpture, a wooden map like the one above is both worldly and warm. The one shown above is from Wooden Amsterdam.

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49. Experiment with a wallpaper-paneled accent

Need instant architectural gravitas? Hang some wallpaper up behind your bed and frame with wood to create faux wall panels.

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50. Lights, wallpaper, action

This look is a three-fer, but it really wows. A tight collage of abstract paintings pop on top of a bold wallpaper, which are both accentuated thanks to hanging pendants on either side of the bed.

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51.  Use bed storage to your benefit

If space is at a premium in your bedroom, there’s no shame in using the wall above your bed as storage. A wide headboard or paneled shelving serves both function and fashion. Layering a statement piece of artwork next to your books and alarm clock makes for a maximalist aesthetic of sublime organized chaos.

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52. Build a wall of shelves

Don’t live in earthquake country? Consider shelves above your bed. It adds an architectural element and extra storage. (Or if you do live in an earthquake-prone area, just make sure they’re really sturdy and not directly over your bed.)

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53. Get a trompe l’oeil feature wall

Did your rental not come with a charmingly crumbly brick wall in the bedroom? Fool your eye with a faux wallpaper instead.

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54. Stick to vinyl lettering

Sometimes words on the wall are corny, but also sometimes they’re incredibly sweet.

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55. Try hanging frames

What makes this gallery collage so unique is the oversized, long hanging strings that are visible.

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56. Set up a casual, random gallery wall

If you have a bunch of small pieces of art and want to create a casual, bohemian energy in the bedroom, create a randomly arranged art collage.

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57. Embrace a uniform gallery wall

If you like the idea of a wall collage but want something more controlled and uniform, line all of your art up and make sure the frames match.

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58.

Install neon wording

Have something to say? Say it in light and hang it above your bed.

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59. Ogle over a solid-color canvas

Grab a fresh canvas (or reuse an old vintage piece of art) and coat it in one bright, bold solid color.

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60. Create a bookworm’s dream sanctuary

Can’t get enough of your novels? Try this idea out. It’s like shelves above your bed, but much more substantial.

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