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So you have a headboard (or at the very least, a mountain of pillows stacked against the wall), but what about the space above that? Has it been empty since you moved in? The space above the bed is a tricky one to decorate. You can very well leave it be (especially if you live in a quake-prone zone) but if you want to jazz up your walls just a bit, there are a lot of creative ideas out there for how to fill the negative space.
From cube shelving to gridded gallery walls to statement making tapestries, the options are a-plenty. Here are 60 to pull inspiration from.
1. Go for stability with shelves
Propping your bed up against a set of shelves (like in this product shot via The Wonder Forest, who sells the super cute pineapple bedding) might be a little bit of a new move for you, but if you have the space, it’s an interesting way to bring in more storage as well as something to look at above your headboard. Fill with books, picture frames and decorative objects to keep it interesting (and dust regularly!).
Take a leaf out of designers’ Kate McIntyre and Brad Huntzinger book (via Lonny) and decorate your empty wall space with wallpaper. A paper with a more sparse oversized mural pattern is daring without being dizzying. For example, while this floral and fern print is definitely bold, it also uses a lot of negative space, making it feel a little less overwhelming.
Skip the tufted headboard and instead decorate with a shelf laden with accent pieces you love. Nuevo Estilo proves that from books to old oil paintings to statement lamps, adding a floating shelf can do wonders for the room.
4. Art + sconces = beautiful utility
Designer Emily Henderson shows how great a large scale artwork flanked by two sconces (perfect for reading!) can look. Normally, we see sconces in place of table lamps, but here, she used both for a layered look.
5. Accent with abstract art
Abstract art always makes a big statement, but there’s something about an installation piece that really jumps out at you. While paintings and photographs are a fan-favorite design move when it comes to bed decor, you can color outside of the lines with an abstract grid accent like Mark Tuckey did in this room via Inside Out.
6. Open up the room with a mirror
The room will feel bigger with a few mirrors strategically placed around it, and a minimalist circle shape looks wonderful hung over a bed frame. Designer Lauren Geremia (via Architectural Digest) shows what a difference the small move could make with this Scandinavian inspired space.
8. Toss a tapestry over a curtain rod
If you don’t like the droopy look a tapestry has when you pin it to a wall, you can get cleaner lines by copying Urban Outfitters and draping the cloth over a curtain rod.
9. Add texture with a wall hanging
Give the room a ’70s feel with a vintage-inspired yarn hanging, like designer Sarah Sherman Samuel used in this room makeover. You can DIY one yourself if you’re handy with craft projects, or you can leave the weaving to an expert and buy one.
10. Make a gridded gallery wall
For those that have a neat and tidy aesthetic, showcase your favorite photographs in a strict grid like this room from Better Homes & Gardens did. It won’t feel chaotic, but it will allow you to show off your favorite memories.
11. Or try a statement gallery wall
Or if you like a more busy aesthetic, transform your whole wall into a colorful, playful gallery like former Lonny Editor-in-Chief Michelle Adams did in her New York home.
12. Add a jungle of plants
If you’re not one to collect art prints, hang up giant tapestries, or clutter your shelves with knick-knacks, then maybe plants are the way to go for you. Copy Katie & Tyler Branch of Branch Abode by installing a floating shelf above your bed, and then filling it with a tangle of potted plants. So cozy and eye catching!
13. Invest in a statement lamp
A great, sculptural way to fill up that negative space is to get a statement wall lamp that brings a lot of drama to the room. You can get an interesting industrial one that’s larger in size and brings lines into the room, like designer Amber Lewis did in this space she shared on Instagram.
14. Opt for textural baskets
Colorful, artisan baskets have been en vogue for a bit now and they’re a great option for above the bed. The round shape pairs nicely juxtaposed with a streamline headboard like the one here shot by Tessa Neusstadt for Homepolish via Style Files, while the lightweight nature makes them less worrisome (in case you’re not too handy with hanging and something comes crashing down in your sleep).
15. Construct a mini plant wall
Bring more nature into your bedroom with a collection of cute plants hanging above your bed.
16. Hang up framed wallpaper
You can afford to splurge on a favorite bold pattern when you buy only a sample of pricey wallpaper and then frame it.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a window behind your bed…you can still add the drama and softness of drapes by hanging them on the wall!
You could paint one yourself, or purchase some mural art paper, but a mural on the wall above and behind your bed makes a strong visual statement.
There are a lot of retailers that sell decorative options for faux antlers. These are especially perfect for more rustic spaces, boho bedrooms, or cabin-like sleeping quarters.
I love the mix of texture and traditional that hanging some tassels above this bed produces. This would be an easy DIY opportunity, too.
21. Work in woven baskets or plates
Add texture and 3D vibes to your bed by hanging woven baskets or plates on the wall.
22. Add interest with a wreath
It’s another simple way to add texture and sweetness to your bedroom.
Rugs aren’t just for the floor.
24. Jazz it up with macramé
Macramé has made a huge resurgence in interiors, and above the bed is a perfect spot to play with this trend.
Not just for kids or sports fans, pennants can be a fun way to show off your love of your home state or of witty sayings.
26. Reclaim architectural elements
If your home doesn’t have a lot of architectural interest baked in, you can infuse your bedroom with some by hanging a reclaimed architectural element above your bed as a focal point.
27. Throw in a metal tray
The metallic finish will add a bit of global glam above your bed.
28. Display a mini art installation
Any collection of small options attached to the wall will become a little art installation.
29. Commission absurdly-oversized pet portraits
They’re the light of your life, so highlight them with a focal point above your bed.
With all the chalkboard paint options available, you can splash some above the bed and then have a canvas you can change and update as often as you’d like.
31. DIY vinyl cross pattern
If you can’t paint your wall or add wallpaper, consider creating a pattern yourself with washi tape or vinyl stickers.
32. Upcycle a window frame
With or with glass, hanging an old window above your bed is another great way to add architectural interest.
33. Include a bunch of small, framed items
The 32 frames behind the bed above are filled with veterinarian pathology specimen cards.
34. Grab some tennis rackets
It’s fun and sporty, and the more vintage, the better.
35. Focus on one piece of art
Does it get much simpler than hanging one piece of art above your bed? For the ultimate look of sophistication, consider the art as a composition with your bed frame and nightstands—choose a proportional piece of art and coordinate the color palette.
Two pieces of art hung side by side above your bed’s headboard will immediately add a shot of symmetry to your bedroom’s design.
37. Opt for three pieces of art
Want to add a uniform vibe to your bedroom? Incorporate a calming visual rhythm? Opt for three pieces of art hung in a tight row.
38. Go for art that says something
When you choose art with text as the primary element, you infuse a huge dose of graphic vibes to your bedroom.
Not impressed so far with the hanging suggestions above? Grab your paint brush and splash some color on the wall behind your bed in a dynamic shape, then hang some art.
40. Find a vintage brass sculpture
Opting for a 3D element above your bed will make the decor visually jump off the wall in your bedroom. Just be careful not to hang it too low where you bump your head on it!
41. Select a wood accent wall
When you need added warmth and a bit of nature in your bedroom, hang a wood accent wall. You can do it with reclaimed wood, faux wood, or even wood flooring. In the above room, the wood paneling is from Lowe’s.
42. Try an oversized mirror
An oversized mirror hanging above your bed (hopefully properly anchored to the wall) or leaning against the wall behind your bed can make for an instant boost of light in your sleep space.
43. Shed some light on the subject
Don’t be afraid to mix a combo of elements above your bed to up your design game. I like that in this bedroom the sconces become a part of the art composition, rather than just placed on either side of the bed.
44. Highlight a wooden map
Part-art, part-sculpture, a wooden map like the one above is both worldly and warm. The one shown above is from Wooden Amsterdam.
45. Experiment with a wallpaper-paneled accent
Need instant architectural gravitas? Hang some wallpaper up behind your bed and frame with wood to create faux wall panels.
46. Lights, wallpaper, action
This look is a three-fer, but it really wows. A tight collage of abstract paintings pop on top of a bold wallpaper, which are both accentuated thanks to hanging pendants on either side of the bed.
47. Build a wall of shelves
Don’t live in earthquake country? Consider shelves above your bed. It adds an architectural element and extra storage. (Or if you do live in an earthquake-prone area, just make sure they’re really sturdy and not directly over your bed.)
48. Get a trompe l’oeil feature wall
Did your rental not come with a charmingly crumbly brick wall in the bedroom? Fool your eye with a faux wallpaper instead.
49. Hang up a vintage map or chart
Simple, affordable, and educational.
50. Stick to vinyl lettering
Sometimes words on the wall are corny, but also sometimes they’re incredibly sweet.
If an entire wall of shelves above your bed doesn’t feel quite right, consider swapping a piece of art with a small shelf/ledge for decor display.
52. Tie in a little collection box
This makes the list because it’s just so cute.
What makes this gallery collage so unique is the oversized, long hanging strings that are visible.
54. Set up a casual, random gallery wall
If you have a bunch of small pieces of art and want to create a casual, bohemian energy in the bedroom, create a randomly arranged art collage.
55. Embrace a uniform gallery wall
If you like the idea of a wall collage but want something more controlled and uniform, line all of your art up and make sure the frames match.
Have something to say? Say it in light and hang it above your bed.
57. Or go with neon shapes
If you’re not keen on words but do like neon, choose a fun shape like a heart instead.
58. Ogle over a solid-color canvas
Grab a fresh canvas (or reuse an old vintage piece of art) and coat it in one bright, bold solid color.
59. Create a bookworm’s dream sanctuary
Can’t get enough of your novels? Try this idea out. It’s like shelves above your bed, but much more substantial.
60. Choose ornately framed art
When in doubt, take any piece of art and put an ornate frame around it!