9 Above Bed Decorating Ideas to Get You Inspired
Personalize your sanctuary with bedroom decor.
One of the trickier spots to decorate in your bedroom is the open wall above your bed – but once you find that perfect piece, it brings the whole space together. There are so many decor options to choose from, so we created a list of the best above bed decorating ideas that give your space that personalized touch you've been looking for. Keep reading to see which ideas speak to you and suit your space!
1. Place Decorative Items on Floating Shelves
Place a floating shelf over your bed for a dynamic focal point. Shelves are perfect for vases, framed artwork, sculptures, and other personal accent pieces. Plus, shelves make it easy to swap pieces as the seasons change or if you spot a new trend you want to try. Keep the amount of decor at three to four pieces on a shelf that extends the length of your headboard to avoid overwhelming the space. For a layered look that plays with height, opt for two shorter shelves hung at slightly different levels. This gives you the space to experiment with an array of color and texture, creating an eye-catching display above the bed.
Add a touch of glam with a mirror over your bed. Have fun selecting a statement-making shape and frame to fit your aesthetic. Our top mirror shape recommendations: round, octagon, or rectangle. We love the luxe feel of this round mirror with a gold metal frame that's reminiscent of the sun – it adds color, movement, and matches the tones of the rest of this bedroom perfectly.
Keep your bedroom decor timeless with a classic landscape painting. We love the escapism that scenic paintings offer and they bring just the right amount of style to a traditional bedroom. Choose a large painting with a calming lake scene or mountainview as a statement piece or pair a couple smaller paintings with similar subjects if you can't decide on just one.
If hanging decor over your bed isn't part of your vision, then go with an above bed decorating idea that doesn't require any extra steps for finding the perfect wall art arrangement. Make a statement with patterned wallpaper as an accent wall behind your bed instead. Wallpaper can bring a splash of bright color or a wash of rich texture that complements the style of your bedroom. Before choosing a pattern, think about the shape of your headboard and the design motifs throughout the space. We love how the scrolling leaf pattern matches the organic shape of the rounded headboard.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a DIY project? Choose a peel and stick wallpaper that you can put up over the weekend – they're also easily removable for when you want to switch things up.
Create a sense of movement by staggering framed pictures in a gallery wall above your bed. A statement gallery that utilizes different frame positions and sizes adds visual interest and creates a more casual feel. We love how this gallery plays with size and color – it's another great way to build on your style and create a look that's unique to your space.
Pro Tip:
Learn more about curating a gallery with Our Most Inspiring Gallery Wall Ideas Yet.
6. Install Task Lighting Like Wall Sconces
Illuminate your bedroom space with the help of statement wall sconces. Not only are these great for reading in bed or keeping on as your last light before bedtime, but they also make for great decor. Get the most out of your bedside lighting by choosing fixtures that are dimmable or adjustable, so you can get the exact brightness you need. We love the shape and movement added by these glass and metal arm lamps – this style wall sconce is perfect for any transitional space.
Hanging abstract art is one of the more popular bedroom decorating ideas, and it's easy to see why. Choose an abstract accent piece with the colors, textures, and shapes that best fit your bedroom's style. We love pieces that play with bold patterns and geometric shapes – especially when paired with a structured headboard or a set of matching swing-arm sconces. For a traditional space, consider hanging wicker or rattan decorative trays; modern and contemporary bedrooms look sleek and elegant with a metal shadow box or decorative hanging.
Working with a window behind your bed instead of a wall? Go a step further than your standard blinds and add some color and texture with curtains or drapes. Consider your light filtration needs when choosing curtains: blackout or room-darkening curtains are great at blocking out the sun, or you can go for a sheer finish if you have shades to keep the light out.
For a clean and curated look, choose a set of framed art pieces and place them next to each other or create a grid. We love buying our pieces in sets if we know there's a large space to fill, and we’ve found a pattern or picture that fits the room just right. Bonus: Add your own personal touch by filling your frames with family photos from a special event.
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