When it comes to bedroom design, the wall space above the headboard is often overlooked.
However, this area provides the perfect opportunity to make a stylish statement and showcase your personal taste.
The right above-bed decor can transform the entire look and feel of your bedroom.
Today I will provide plenty of tips, examples, and inspiration to help you find the perfect look for your space.
Find sensational above-bed decorating ideas that will make you want to redesign your bedroom today!
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Statement Wallpaper
One of the most dramatic ways to decorate the wall over your bed is with eye-catching wallpaper.
From floral prints to geometric patterns, wallpaper offers so many options to personalize your space.
When choosing wallpaper for above your bed, opt for a print that complements your bedroom’s color palette without competing too much with other decor and furnishings.
Neutral wallpaper with a subtle pattern is ideal for small spaces, as the light colors won’t make the room feel closed in.
For a bold look, choose a dark wallpaper with a vibrant print.
This creates real drama and makes the bed the focus of the room.
Consider a chic grass cloth or faux crocodile print wallpaper in black or navy blue for a glamorous bedroom accent wall.
If your style is more bohemian, try a free-spirited floral print or live green wallpaper with cascading ferns or vines.
The possibilities are endless!
Textured Wall Panels
For a three-dimensional look that adds visual interest, install textured wall panels above your bed.
Options like embossed tin tiles, decorative wood planks, concrete panels, and shiplap boards create noticeable shadows and dimension.
This is an easy way to create the illusion of an accent wall without the commitment of paint or wallpaper.
Textured wood wall panels are a great choice for a rustic, natural look.
Match wider planks with your bed frame for a cohesive design.
For boho or modern bedrooms, sleek interlocking wood tiles have lots of contemporary appeal.
Concrete-style wall panels in soft greys add subtle industrial edge, while embossed tin tiles give a metallic shine.
There are so many ways to add eye-catching textures that complement your decor!
Gallery Photo Collage
An above-bed photo gallery is a meaningful way to decorate while showcasing your favorite snapshots.
Arrange a symmetrical grid of framed photos of various sizes for lots of visual appeal.
Stick to uniform black, silver, or white frames or mix and match colors for an eclectic display.
Include photos of loved ones, favorite travel memories, or beautiful scenery.
To amp up the interest, hang photos on the diagonal or at varying heights for an artful salon-style display.
You can also opt for same-sized prints or Polaroids lined up in neat rows or columns over the bed.
For a personalized touch, have your photos printed directly on metal, acrylic, or wood blocks – no framing required.
The right photo collage can make your bedroom feel more personal and lived-in.
Floating Shelves
Floating wall shelves mounted over the bed create the perfect spot to display cherished books, decor pieces, plants, or other curated bedroom items.
Shelving helps utilize the vertical wall space while keeping items off the nightstands to prevent clutter on the sides of the bed.
Opt for sleek, modern glass or metal shelves if your style is more minimalist.
Or match wooden shelves to your bed frame and other natural elements in the room.
Once your shelves are up, style them with decorative objects, bundled greenery, photographs in frames, ceramics, and leaning books.
The items you choose to display will showcase your personality.
Just be sure not to overload the shelves or the wall can start to look busy.
Floating shelves are an easy way to create a focal point without overdoing it.
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Mirrors
Hanging an above-bed mirror is a smart design choice that makes the room feel more spacious while adding decorative flair.
Lean a full-length mirror against the wall behind the bed to create the illusion of a larger room.
The mirror also reflects light from windows and accent lighting to brighten up the whole space.
For safety and stability, choose a lightweight mirror with a wide base that can securely lean against the wall without tipping.
If you prefer a mounted mirror, opt for a rectangular shape sized to fit nicely above your headboard.
An ornate antique-style mirror frame adds a glamorous statement.
But a simple black frame recedes against the wall for an understated look.
Consider positioning sconce lights on each side of the mirror for dramatic up lighting at night.
The mirror will double the sconce glow!
Sculptural Lighting
Make a striking style statement by hanging a sculptural pendant light or chandelier above your bed.
This makes a stunning alternative to a basic ceiling fixture, drawing attention upwards with its eye-catching design.
Choose a size and shape that complements your headboard and wall space without overwhelming the bed.
For drama, look for iron or brass chandeliers with cascading strings of beads.
Or try a grouping of vintage-inspired Edison bulbs on a metal frame.
If your bedroom is more zen, try a paper lantern-style pendant in a tranquil color like white, light blue, or soft green.
You can also hang bare-bulb pendants at varying heights above the bed for an industrial edge.
Just be sure there’s enough clearance so the fixture doesn’t hit your head when standing up.
Drawing focus upwards, statement lighting takes any bedroom to the next level of sophistication.
Natural Wood Beams
Add a touch of architecture by installing rustic wood beams on the wall over your bed.
Faux wood beams are lightweight and easy to mount, giving the illusion of a countryside cottage or ski lodge right in your own home.
Leaving the surrounding walls white keeps the room feeling spacious and airy.
For a sun-splashed look, finish the beams in a whitewashed driftwood grey.
Or opt for a rich walnut stain for striking contrast.
Wood planks mounted vertically on the wall work nicely too, especially when matched with other natural materials like a woven headboard, jute rug, or linen bedding.
For a modern twist, try wide horizontal slats spaced evenly across the wall in black for a sleek statement.
Wood accents complement both traditional farmhouse decor as well as contemporary spaces.
Wake up each morning feeling a little more at home under the cozy appeal of wood beams.
Wallpaper Accent
Here’s an easy way to spice up your bedroom wall without the commitment of floor-to-ceiling statement wallpaper.
Try a wallpaper accent!
This could be a strip of patterned or textured wallpaper hung horizontally above the headboard.
Or make a bold diamond, square, or rectangle focal point behind the bed with an eye-catching wallpaper inside the shape.
Some fun wallpaper options include grasscloth, faux crocodile, embossed damask, or foil patterns.
Black and white graphic prints or watercolor florals also make chic accent walls.
The small splashes of pattern add interest without going overboard.
Finish off the look by layering in some artwork within the same color story as the wallpaper.
With just a touch of wallpaper, you can transform the whole feel of your restful retreat.
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Woven Tapestry
For gorgeous texture and dimension above your bed, hang up a woven wall tapestry.
Unlike flat art and prints, a tapestry’s intricate woven pattern casts tiny shadows that make it more visually interesting.
Tapestries often depict floral designs, nature landscapes, or abstract shapes.
With so many colors and patterns available, it’s easy to find a tapestry to complement your existing decor.
Try a Southwest-inspired tapestry in earthy reds, oranges and blues.
For a peaceful vibe, look for tapestries with calming nature motifs like leaves, vines, or water scenes.
You can also find tapestries embellished with gemstones, tassels, and metallic threads for extra texture and shine.
Hang your tapestry on the wall above the headboard, centered horizontally.
Then style the bed with coordinating pillows, throws, and accent colors that pull the whole look together beautifully.
Vertical Greenery
Bring the revitalizing power of nature to your bedroom with a living green wall above your bed!
Vertical gardens help purify the air while adding natural beauty and visual interest.
To DIY your own green wall, mount wood slats to the wall spaced 2-3 inches apart.
Use these slats to hold small potted succulents and trailing vines.
Or fill the whole wall with a panel of leafy green moss or low-maintenance perennial plants.
For a no-fuss option, attach a pre-made vertical garden mat or pocket planter packed with greenery.
Focus on hardy plants like philodendrons, pothos, ferns, ivy, and dracaena that thrive with low light.
Set up an auto-drip irrigation system to keep your plants hydrated with minimal effort.
Waking up surrounded by living plants fosters a relaxing and rejuvenating environment.
It brings the outdoors inside!
Crown Molding
Installing crown molding is a simple way to add attractive architectural detail above your bed.
Crown molding is the border that connects the wall to the ceiling.
It consist of decorative strips of trim that add lovely visual interest to a room.
Paint the molding white for a bright, spacious look.
Or match it to wall color for subtle definition.
For drama, opt for crown molding with built-in LED lights to create a soft glow overhead.
Crown molding works well with all different decor styles to provide a finished, upscale look.
For farmhouse bedrooms, try wide reclaimed wood planks or rustic carved details.
In glam spaces, look for crown molding with crystal embellishments.
For a budget option, foam crown molding sticks right to the wall and looks surprisingly realistic.
With just the addition of trim, you can transform your bedroom from basic to beautiful.
Geometric Patterns
Make your wall pops with bold geometric shapes!
There are so many creative ways to incorporate geometric pattern above your bed.
Use decorative wall decals to spell out your initials, a favorite word, or an inspiring quote.
Try peel-and-stick hexagon tiles, 3D cubes, or glossy patterned triangles.
Another idea is to stencil on geometric wall art, like abstract circles radiating from the center.
Look for removable options so you can switch up the pattern down the road.
Keep the surrounding walls, bedding, and decor simple and neutral to let the shapes stand out.
Black and white patterns have high graphic impact.
But you can also echo accent colors from pillows or artwork.
Geometric shapes bring movement and modern edge to any blank wall space.
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Wainscoting
For a traditional touch of refinement, install classic wainscoting panels on the lower half of the bedroom wall.
Wainscoting is paneling, usually made from wood, set against the lower part of a wall.
Decorative trim separates the wainscoting from the upper wall.
This style element structure to blank walls while nodding to old-world sophistication.
White wainscoting with crisp molding has a stately charm.
Match wider wood panels to your farmhouse bed frame for a cohesive country look.
You can also paint wainscoting an accent color that complements your bedding and decor.
Try soft blue for a soothing vibe or deep green for an elegant study feel.
Wainscoting frames the bed in understated tradition.
Simply hang some artwork above and enjoy the classic charm!
The wall space above your bed offers so many possibilities to reflect your personal style!
With options like dramatic wallpaper prints, inspiring photo collections, nature-inspired accents, and architectural details, you’re sure to find an above-bed decor idea that makes your heart sing.
Use these wall areas to create visual interest, showcase meaningful keepsakes, or set the overall aesthetic mood of your bedroom retreat.
Of course, your decor possibilities go far beyond the ideas covered here too.
Get creative with lofty ideas that excite you!
Just be sure to keep scale and balance in mind; you don’t want the wall competing too much with the other furnishings and features in your restful retreat.
Bring your design dreams to life and stay motivated by the tranquil feeling you’ll have each night before drifting off to sleep.
Sweet dreams!
