How To: 13 Ways to Decorate Above Your Bed

The space above your bed is an area everyone has, and most wonder how to decorate it. This is a design dilemma I have pondered before too! Below, I’ve outlined 13 great solutions to help you decorate above your bed.

As part of my design dilemma series, I have shared:

– 12 ways to decorate living room shelves 

– 7 ideas to help you decorate above your kitchen sink

– 9 ways to decorate above your toilet

–7 elements to balanced dresser top design

This got me thinking- what other tricky household spaces does everyone have that need decorating? And just as I was looking at the still empty space above my bed, my gears started turning. 

Source: @theGoodWrench – This beautiful bedroom remodel was completed by my friend Jessi in just 8 weeks!

I turned to my Instagram community to see how everyone has decorated above the bed to gather ideas and inspiration. Stay with me as I share 13 of the best solutions to decorate the space above your bed.

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This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience which might reward me in the event of a sale. Note that I only recommend tools and products I have personally used and loved.

1. Decorate Above your Bed with: Art

The possibilities here are truly endless. You can bring color and personal style into your bedroom by hanging art above your bed. Single, multiple, horizontal, and vertical alignments are all options.

Sources (left to right, top to bottom): Heidi Caillier Design, @JonathanandJenna, @WonderfullyMadeByLeslie, @SixVintageRugs

My personal favorite source for art is Collection Prints. You can buy the downloadable image and print it yourself at a big box store, a local print shop, or buy the print matted and framed already. They have a great selection that changes seasonally, and is such an affordable option for both on trend and classic prints. Check it out here. They are offering a 20% off sale on your first purchase right now.

Don’t have the budget to spend money on art at the moment? No problem! Try your hand at DIY textured art following an easy step by step tutorial, DIY Intaglio art, or large scale art printed and shipped on a budget!

2. Shelf

I think shelving can be a great option to not only to add eye catching decor, but also add functionality and storage. To decorate your shelves, you could keep the decor clean and simple, or mix in pops of color with candles or greenery. Shelves make it easy to add your personality to the space.

Source: @Kirsten.Diane

The possibilities are endless but I’m confident you can style your way to the perfect #shelfie.

3. Basket

I’m sure you have seen the “basket wall” before, but have you ever thought of hanging one or a group of them above your bed? This is a great solution if you want to bring some texture or vintage flare into your space.

Source: MyDesignChic.com

Speaking of vintage, baskets are something I ALWAYS look for when thrifting at my favorite antique shops or Estate sales! Here’s a list of 10 things I always buy when thrifting if you’re curious.

Never shopped an estate sale? Or wondering how to find them? I spill all my shopping tips and tricks here to help you score amazing secondhand finds.

4. Decorate Above your Bed with: Mirrors

Mirrors are historically a great way to make a space feel larger. They are possibly the second best option behind a window to visually add square footage. They reflect light and will open up your room. Mirrors are a great idea, especially if you have a smaller bedroom with minimal natural light.

Sources (left to right): Liz Marie, Little Glass Jar, Kipling House

Mirrors are another find I love thrifting! These vintage finds are often more unique, affordable, and sustainable when discovered. Still need convincing that you should be shopping secondhand? I outline 5 reasons to thrift home decor here to fight the fast furniture trend. Your home, pocketbook, and the planet will thank you.

5. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is such a fun and easy way to add color and interest to the wall and space above your bed. You can do traditional wallpaper, peel and stick, or even use wall decals. It can be as temporary or permanent as you like.

Add color, pattern, or texture and let the wall behind your bed make a statement. If you don’t want to commit to wallpapering the entire wall, you can also wallpaper inside a designated picture frame box to create a makeshift headboard or large scale art.

Source: Martha Stewart

6. Wreath

I was once told that the color every room needs is black, and I think the same could be said for a pop of green. Whether greenery or floral, faux or real, adding a wreath can breathe life into any space.

Source: DecorSteals.com, Eye for Pretty

Bonus! A round wreath can also help to offset the rectangular angles of your bed and nightstands. Or instead of a wreath, you can use anything round with texture to decorate above your bed.

7. Decorate Above your Bed with: Wall Treatments

Sometimes, simplicity is best. Moving into a new empty home, you may feel tempted to fill every empty space and cover every wall with decor. But this isn’t always necessary! I have found so many beautiful examples of spaces with nothing above the bed, and it doesn’t look like anything is missing at all.

Although you may not hang anything or add decor, wall treatments can add color, texture and visual interest. Wall treatments can include wainscoting, wallpaper, tile or a combination. I think adding a wall treatment is great to keep the space above your bed feeling clean, simple, yet anything but boring.

Source: Design Loves Detail

Personally, I have completed a board and batten style wall treatment, and picture frame molding. I have great tutorials for both of those, but know you can get creative from there and try something with more depth like in the photo above!

8. Canopy

This brings me back to my childhood, and would make a fun DIY. A canopy can add softness and whimsical fun to your bed, drawing the eye up to add height.

You can keep it light and white or colorful and patterned. I like how the round canopy offsets the other square lines in the room too!

Source: Cococozy.com, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle, Southern Hospitality Blog

9. Painted Wall Arch

For just the price of paint, you can add visual interest and a makeshift headboard by painting a wall arch. This project would take no more than an afternoon, and is a great cost effective solution to decorate above your bed.

Sources: Casa Vogue, @KyleDidIt

10. Quote

Quotes can go one of two ways in my opinion, but I think it’s possible to tastefully hang them above your bed.

For whatever reason, I traditionally view all quote walls as overdone (i.e. “live laugh love). But when done well, they can bring personalized sentiment to your space.

I love how Hailey has used these chalkboard style words to decorate above her bed. What do you think?

Source: @HaisHouseProjects

Notice the terrazzo peel and stick decals on the wall? I love terrazzo, and have used it for DIY countertops in my garage, and floors in my camper. It is such an easy look to DIY, and looks colorful and unique on so many different surfaces.

11. Window

Ever thought of positioning your bed in front of the window? Instead of trying to work around it, a window can be a great existing piece to feature above your bed.

Sources: @sixvintagerugs, @shelleybateshome

12. A Rug or Tapestry

Got a favorite rug you don’t have floor space for? Try hanging it above your bed! I frequently share my love for Turkish vintage rugs, and think there is no better place for one than over the bed.

I love vintage rugs so much, I’ve even put together a blog post and rug buying guide E-book to make you feel like a pro if this is something you are interested in investing in.

Source: Magic Dream Life

13. Plates

Using vintage plates can help achieve a grandmillenial style bedroom, which is definitely trending. Take what is old, and make it new again!

Blue and white is classic, but I also like clean white plates in different shapes and sizes. It’s like creating a gallery wall, but with plates!

Source: Miss Mustard Seed, James Farmer Designs

So there are 13 neat solutions to decorate the space above your bed, along with plenty of photo inspiration! I hope these are good options for you, and help make your house feel more like home. 

Enjoy the process,