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This blog post is all about the best ideas for over the bed wall decor!
Whether you are trying to refresh a guest bedroom or struggling with the design of your primary bedroom, above-bed wall decor can help elevate your space, giving you a more complete look.
However, creating beautiful and unique bedroom wall decor can be challenging. It’s one of the first things you notice in the room and it needs to balance the visual weight of large items like your bed frame and closet. On top of that, empty, large white walls tend to be difficult to fill due to proportion issues.
This is why I wanted to compile a list of above the bed wall decor ideas that can make this process less overwhelming. From accent pieces to creative use of light fixtures, we’ll explore different options to decorate your wall and transform your bedroom into a design dream!
18 Ideas To Inspire Your Over The Bed Wall Decor
1. Modern gallery wall
A modern gallery is the perfect way to bring contemporary elegance into your bedroom. Similar to what you would find in a dining room, this style of wall decor includes simple lines and minimalist frames in colors like black, light wood, and gold. You can decide to include an art print that matches your color scheme or fill the gallery with personal photography you love.
The secret to a perfect modern gallery wall is playing around with the layout. Make sure to spend enough time figuring out the best design for your composition. Personally, I always like to visualize my galleries with paper templates. I promise the initial added effort will cut down on the time and headache required for the actual setup.
2. Eclectic picture frames
If you can’t decide between different styles and your bedroom has more of an eclectic design, a composition of mismatching frames is what you need for your over the bed wall decor. Choose a collection of frames and art pieces that belong to different design styles and periods to combine them in a truly unique gallery wall. Make sure to also include several different sizes, accounting for your personal preference and headboard proportions.
While it may feel a bit overwhelming to mix and match such a huge variety of styles, it can be easier than you think. Simply make sure that your pieces share at least one characteristic in common with the others. For instance, a minimalist piece with dark green tones can be paired with a vintage watercolor in a forest green frame. Think of colors, technique, texture, and materials – these aspects can help you select the best pieces for your composition!
3. DIY wall art
Including a personalized piece of art is a fantastic way to include in your above-bed decor ideas your taste and a little creativity. Even if you are not a particularly talented artist, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to creating the right artwork for your space.
For instance, I love the idea of using Canva to design these coordinate posters. You can look up important locations for your relationship or life story and turn them into an integral part of your bedroom decor. You can also look at pieces you have in your living or dining room and re-interpret them for easy inspiration.
4. Accent wall
If you’re working with a very large, empty wall space, you may want to consider an accent room. Upgrading the wall behind your headboard can truly change the feel and look of the entire room. You can think of an accent wall as a design feature that helps create an impactful focal point and helps consolidate the room’s layout.
A basic accent wall can simply consist of a bold layer of paint. However, if you want to go the extra mile, don’t be afraid to include some texture. From wallpaper to wooden slats, there are plenty of options to make your wall come to life, filling your space with character.
5. Wall sconces
Adding unique wall sconces to your over the bed decor is an easy way to include a personal touch while keeping it functional. After all, nothing adds more value than a piece that looks beautiful while making your space more practical for daily usage.
You can opt for sconces hanging from your ceiling for a very modern addition to your decor. I also love the idea of seamlessly including them into a gallery wall to effectively transform a light fixture into a piece of design.
6. Wall decals
Wall decals are a very easy way to quickly transform a large, blank wall. They are a great fit for minimalist or boho environments as they add some texture to the space without completely overtaking the room’s design. They are also perfect if you don’t have a headboard as they provide the perfect frame for your bed.
Being easy to remove, they can be changed over time as your personal style evolves, as well as being a good option if you are renting. The only thing you’ll need to be careful of is choosing the correct size if you plan on including other wall decor above your bed. You don’t want the wall decal and other elements to sit awkwardly next to each other.
7. Plant wall
Nothing fills empty walls better than a beautiful set of green, luscious plants. All you need to create a plant wall above your bed is a set of floating shelves and a selection of your favorite hanging plants. You can also play around with pots of different sizes, materials, and colors to introduce new textures and tones to your bedroom.
Make sure to research the correct plants for your sleeping area. Depending on how much natural light your bedroom receives during the day or how these plants affect the quality of the air, you may want to prefer one over the other. Personally, I love snake plants and ferns for the bedroom.
8. Single piece accent
Sometimes all you need for the right impact is a single perfect piece. If you have found a decor piece you love and think it will make for a powerful statement piece above your bed, let it shine on its own.
This works best with a single large piece that covers at least 2/3 of your wall height. The best size should be large enough to avoid the piece looking lost on the wall. Think of the surrounding empty wall as the negative space that draws attention to the star of the show.
As far as the style is concerned, you can opt for a high-contrast piece to play against the color scheme of the space or use your statement art to further drive the theme of your bedroom.
9. Abstract painting
If you want the feel of your bedroom to be calming and minimalist, your over the bed wall decor should include an abstract painting. Abstract art contains elegant lines and can be easy to source in neutral colors to match more contemporary rooms.
This option is also great if you are concerned that your decor may make your sleeping space too overwhelming. One of the key principles of design when it comes to a bedroom is creating a space where you feel like you can fully unwind and relax.
10. Botanical prints
For a a vintage-inspired gallery wall and a touch of organic decor, consider including some botanical prints on your wall. These prints often come in delicate colors and stunning designs, especially if you opt for retro watercolor reproductions.
Botanical prints are a good match to a big selection of design styles, from cottage core and farmhouse to boho and maximalism. This means that even if your bedroom design changes over time, you’ll be able to reuse your over the bed decor. I love ideas that can stand the test of time and changing trends!
11. Textured accent
You don’t always need bold colors, to create visual interest when it comes to wall decor. For an understated but bold focal point, consider playing with texture instead.
A textured piece in an interesting material can help you introduce variety into your design without straying from the main color palette of your bedroom. The right textured piece can also be enhanced by the lighting in your bedroom, making it a dynamic item to include in your decor.
12. Tapestry
Tapestry is a part of bedroom decor that can make a big impact. It’s filled with color, adds texture and layers to your decor, and brings an element of warmth and cozyness to the space. Think of it as a vertical version of area rugs.
When investing in tapestry, it’s important to choose a piece of the highest quality. While it may be more expensive, you want to make sure to avoid a cheap look as tapestry will tend to become a strong focal point in your space. I recommend you to check out Etsy for a great selection of hand-made tapestries that look beautiful without breaking the bank!
13. Textile art piece
Textiles are a great option for a creative composition that takes center stage in your over the bed wall decor. All you need is a set of silk scarves with beautiful, colorful designs and a selection of simple frames. The result will be a gorgeous composition that is entirely representative of your style and taste.
The perfect idea for a high-end bedroom for a fashion enthusiast.
14. Black & white photography
If you’re trying to create a cohesive look with a neutral bedroom, black and white photography is your best bet for above bed wall decor. The neutral colors, especially when paired with matte, black frames give you a classic but modern look that can stand changing trends.
You can opt for personal photos to make your decor feel more special or scour online stores for the perfect professional photography. Fashion and landscape photography look particularly stunning in black and white!
15. Large statement mirror
Including a mirror in your over the bed decor is a great way to help your space feel larger. A mirror will reflect natural light and make even smaller rooms appear brighter and more airy. Overall, it’s a must-have if you are trying to design an open space no matter your room layout.
This is also one of the decorative items that can be adapted to all interior style designs. You can choose an antique mirror as a contrast to contemporary furniture or go oversized with a curved design for a more minimalist look. The options are truly endless.
16. Word art
Word art is an essential part of several home decor styles. For instance, if you have a farmhouse bedroom, you should definitely consider including a word sign above your headboard. These items of decor are not only a way to include phrases or sayings that hold special meaning to you, but can also give more personality to your space than an impersonal gallery wall.
Bonus tip: if you’re struggling to find a sign you love but are determined to have some word art on your wall, consider creating your own. Canva and a print shop are all you need to make your customized dreams come true even on a budget!
17. Display shelves
Display shelves are a good way to provide some additional storage space and surface for decor pieces if you’re not a fan of flat wall decor. I especially like to see them above a guest bed as they can be extremely functional and easy to set up.
Floating shelves are the obvious choice if you love a sleek, modern look. Wooden shelves with steel supports are instead more rustic and traditional, making them perfect for boho and farmhouse spaces. The one thing you’ll want to be mindful of in this case is height and proportion. A good rule of thumb is to place them at least 15/16 inches above your bed.
18. Bold focal point
A neon sign makes for the perfect bold focal point for your over the bed decor. Whether you opt for a commercial sign or a fully customizable one, this pop of light and color makes for a fun addition to modern or industrial bedrooms.
Bonus tip: for a more refined look invest in some cable covers. They will help you keep the design clean and make sure your cable is protected and does not interfere with your sleeping area.
To Conclude
This post showed you 18 ideas for stunning over the bed wall decor!
Above-bed decor ideas are essential finishing touches to make your bedroom design feel curated and complete. From accent wall features to textured accent pieces, there are plenty of bedroom wall decor ideas you can choose from to refresh your bedroom and make your room feel more unique!