Finding the right decor to place above the bed can be difficult. At worst, you leave the space empty, which doesn’t suit all design styles, making the awkward space above the bed feel forgotten. At best, you add a piece that doesn’t suit your design style or fit the needs of the space.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect above-bed decor, we have some cool ideas that will inspire you to give your room the facelift it deserves.
Use artwork
Using artwork is a simple yet effective way to dress up the blank space above your bed. There are several ways to pull this off, depending on your personal design style, but here are a few ideas to give you some inspiration.
Oversized pieces are a great choice
Oversized artwork is a classic choice. Grand pieces that speak to you or suit your color palette are a fantastic way to spruce up the space. This is a wonderful idea for homeowners favoring traditional or modern designs.
Many opt for two pieces
Recently, the trend of adding two large pieces of artwork next to each other has grown in popularity. Adding two identical frames with similar artwork or two canvases that create a flow of art despite not being one connected piece is a great way to make a feature. Additionally, the trend of layering two pieces of artwork to create a less uniform and more asymmetrical effect has gained some attention in interior design.
What to do if there is a window above your bed
If you have a window above your bed, you might still consider dressing up the surrounding space. Using large curtain panels is one method. However, if you love the idea of artwork, consider adding a mini gallery wall or a couple of framed pieces on either side of the window for more artistic flair.
Go for a gallery wall
Gallery walls are another classic choice. Some consider this a timeless trend, while others say this design aesthetic comes and goes. Either way, many vintage and farmhouse decor lovers find gallery walls a useful method of filling in negative space.
Today, gallery walls, which use antique pieces, metallic frames, mirrors, and wall sconces, are more popular than the pop art posters, single marquee letters, and outdated word signs of the 2010s.
Try a statement piece
Fine art may not suit everyone’s design style or personal taste. If that’s not your thing, don’t fret. To adorn the space above your bed, consider adding a statement piece.
Use a vintage wall sculpture
Vintage wall sculptures, such as metalworks, ornate mirrors, or light faux stone reliefs, are trendy ways to add a dynamic touch. By adding a three-dimensional wall decor piece to the room, you invite in new colors, textures, and visual appeal.
Hang some macrame art
Macrame art can appear a little outdated in some designs, but Gen Z and maximalists are reclaiming this once-beloved feature. Macrame art, particularly handwoven and ethically sourced pieces, is gaining new life in today’s home design.
To source the perfect macrame decoration, avoid purchasing your piece from big-box and mass-manufacturing stores and instead, find a local or online artisan using high-quality materials. This will prevent your space from feeling cheap and instead give you a gorgeous, organic, and quality decor item.
Wall tapestries are still a favorite
Boho, minimalist, and Mediterranean styles still favor wall tapestries. If the space above your bed needs attention, you might consider adding a textile like a wall tapestry to fill the room. With so many patterns and colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
Give the wall a facelift
Many interior designers today encourage homeowners to attempt more DIYs, especially when it comes to sprucing up their plain walls. Instead of hanging art to hide your plain or dull wall, many choose to update the entire wall to give it more visual appeal.
Add a wall mural
One way you can DIY a wall facelift is by adding a mural. While this can require a more artistic touch, some wallpaper also gives you this mural-like effect. But, if you’re feeling crafty, consider painting your own mural behind your bed with anything you like. From bright shapes and waves to quaint mountain or pastoral settings, there are several designs to choose from.
Choose a statement wallpaper
As mentioned above, wallpaper is a great choice for updating your walls. Thankfully, you’re not limited to wallpaper murals that have to be placed in a specific order. Instead, you can opt for a lovely pattern to add more visual appeal to your room. Choose to wallpaper the whole room or a single wall to create a feature.
Opt for wainscoting
Wainscoting is a wonderful design choice for adding texture, dimension, and visual appeal to your bedroom. Wainscoting panels are an easy way to DIY a fancy room, giving your space a facelift. Alternatively, you can use trim pieces to create your own unique pattern in any shape you design. Some homeowners have even created wallpapered panels with trim for a more unique touch.
Add some storage to your space
Adding storage to your space is another timeless classic. From built-ins to wall shelves, there are plenty of methods for adding storage above the bed. One great idea is to create a custom headboard with a shelf about 4 to 6 inches between the wall and the bed. You can paint this shelf to give a crisp finish to make what appears to be a built-in. Staggering shelves, a single long shelf spanning the space, or metallic shelving are also fantastic choices.
The space above the bed can appear awkward and forgotten, especially if it is left blank. While some minimalist designs may find no issue with this, and others may have a window that provides a visual break in the space, many homeowners struggle to know what to do. If you have empty space above your headboard, be sure to try one of these tricks to uplift your bedroom.
