Design 101

Above the Bed Decorating Ideas

October 31, 2024

As the focal point of your bedroom, you may have already perfectly decorated your bed — a stylish headboard and a selection of pillows. But what about the blank space above the bed?

The negative space above your bed has powerful potential for adding style and charm to your bedroom. From rustic antlers to woven tapestries, there are limitless ways to let your personality shine through.

Whether you’re looking to make a statement or you just want to round out the room's look, let’s explore above the bed decorating ideas to make your bedroom feel complete.

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What Decor to Put Above My Bed?

There are a lot of above the bed decorating ideas to choose from. You could go for a single piece of artwork as a statement piece, or hang an entire gallery wall of photos, prints, or artwork. You could also choose a soft, flowy tapestry, or a bright mirror to add some light and depth to the space. And one of the latest bedroom decor trends is the vine wall, where plastic vines are draped from the ceiling to create a cozy, natural vibe.

The decor you choose depends on a combination of your personal aesthetic, the space you have, and the atmosphere you’re trying to create. While much of this is based on personal preference, there are a few guidelines when it comes to your choice of art. One of the most important guidelines to keep in mind is size. If you choose wall decor that’s too big, it will overwhelm your bed and feel cluttered or unbalanced. Too small, and the decor will seem dwarfed and out of place. A good rule of thumb is that your art should be about one hand’s width narrower than the headboard on either side. This ensures there’s a little bit of blank space between your art and the walls or your other wall decor so it doesn’t feel too cramped.

1. Make a Vine Wall 

To add a dreamy, tranquil touch of nature to your sleeping space, try making your own vine wall. Hang plastic vines straight down for a clean look, or drape them from the ceiling for a whimsical feel. Combine with string lights to add even more warmth to this above the bed decorating idea.

2. Floating Shelves 

Floating shelves are the perfect place to feature your personal accent pieces — vases, flowers, sculptures, artwork, and more. For a layered look, choose shorter shelves and place them at different levels. This gives you even more space to experiment with color and texture.

Shelves also make it easy to mix up your decor. As the seasons change, you can swap your accents out with new pieces to keep this above the bed design looking fresh.

3. Oversized Artwork

A piece of statement artwork over the bed does more than balance your wall decor and fill the empty space. It also draws the eye right away, adding a new layer of dimension and character to your bedroom space. To energize the space, pick out something vibrant and colorful. If you prefer a laid-back, quiet atmosphere, look for calm vibes and softer hues. 

If you don’t have the perfect oversized piece, you can still make a statement by creating a gallery. Mix up your artwork size and stagger them in different positions to add visual interest.

4. Add a Mirror 

Centering a decorative mirror right above the bed adds a touch of glam, while also reflecting the light. This makes your bedroom feel larger and lighter. You can embrace the classic look by picking a simple round mirror with a metal or wood frame. 

To mix things up, select something more creative and statement-making. Think about what kind of shape or frame will fit your personal aesthetic: round, rectangle, octagon, or even something completely abstract. A metallic color will bring a luxe feel, while other bright colors can add vibrancy to the room. 

5. Woven Tapestries 

With the right woven tapestry, you can create an effortlessly cozy and laid back look. Woven textiles create a simple textured effect, bringing softness and comfort to your space. Rich colors can make for a bold, eye-catching look, while muted neutral tones keep the design calm and soothing. 

To enhance the cozy feel, look for a larger tapestry that takes up most of your above-bed space. If you’d rather choose something smaller, a moderate-sized tapestry or woven hanging can still add texture and color, without claiming the entirety of your wall space. 

6. Put Up Wallpaper 

Hanging decor over the bed isn’t the only way to style your space. Adding your favorite patterned wallpaper can turn the wall behind your bed into an accent wall. From rich textures to a splash of color, the right wallpaper should complement the style of your bedroom and align with your personal aesthetic.

Before picking out a pattern, think about how the design will mix with your headboard, bedspread, and other furniture items. If your existing decor and furniture are already crowded, a complex pattern might be too overpowering. On the other hand, a complex pattern might be the perfect backdrop for a simple and minimalist room design.

How To Hang Art Above Your Bed

When hanging art above your bed, the arrangement depends on how many pieces you have and where you want the focus to be. A gallery wall will be hung differently than a single conversation piece or some decor-filled floating shelves.

When hanging a single item, such as a framed photo, canvas art, or a mirror, the first step is to make sure the piece is centered. Find the center of the bed or headboard by measuring its width and dividing it by two, marking the wall at that point. Line up the center of your artwork with that point and measure out your hanging hardware accordingly.

To determine the right height to hang your art, interior designers recommend measuring about one hand-width, or roughly seven inches, above your headboard. This is where the base of the artwork should fall. It should also sit at least that distance from the ceiling, or else it will feel too large.

Gallery walls should be similarly oriented. But you’ll also need to consider the distance between the individual photos or artwork. Try to keep them evenly spaced and mix up the sizes for the best results.

Transforming Your Bedroom With These Above-the-Bed Decorating Ideas

The wall above your bed is often overlooked, but this blank canvas can be transformed into a stunning focal point. It may be one of the more challenging spots to decorate. But once you find the perfect piece, it can pull your bedroom decor together. 

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