And your bedroom walls are looking at you, are they, right now? Blank, dull, perhaps with that single nail-hole of three apartments previous. I understand it, because I have been in that situation as well, when I am standing in my bedroom and asking myself why it is more a beige prison cell than a home.
The point is that you do not need a design degree or a fortune to change the walls in the bedroom. I have years of trial and error of DIY messes, and Pinterest successes, and I have come to tell you what really works. Ready to transform those droopy walls into something you are eager to be excited to wake up each morning?
Gallery Walls That Don’t Look Like Chaos
The Mix-and-Match Magic
What I love about gallery walls is? They are the bedroom version of the impeccably disheveled bun – they appear to be effortless but there is strategy to them.
Begin with three anchor pieces, which are your largest frames or art piece. This I did the very hard way when I produced what my sister affectionately referred to as my wall vomit during my first try:
The secret sauce? Change the frame sizes, but use the same palette of colors. Think of it like this:
| Frame Size | Quantity | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Large (16×20″) | 2-3 pieces | Anchor points |
| Medium (11×14″) | 4-5 pieces | Fill major gaps |
| Small (8×10″) | 6-8 pieces | Details & balance |
Personal Photos with Professional Flair
Bypass the usual family snapshots. Use images that are storytelling in nature, whether it be your coffee shop adventures, the sunset in your last vacation or your pet being ridiculously photogenic. Print and make them in black-and-white or sepia and be fancy immediately.
Pro reminder I would have told me previously: Space between frames by 2-3 inches. Any nearer and it seems to be crowded, any farther and it is disintegrating.
Statement Art That Actually Makes Statements
Large-Scale Photography
A single huge work is capable of changing your whole room in less time than it takes you to utter the words interior designer. I mean photography at least 30×40 inches.
Wonders are performed by nature photography there is something about a forest canopy or ocean waves that make a space more zen. Besides, it is significantly less expensive than having original work commissioned (unless that is your thing, then do it!).
Abstract Art for Emotional Impact
Abstract works are ideal when you need to have color without being attached. The pillows, throws, or even that lamp you’ve been coveting can be pulled using accent colors of an abstract painting.
Have you ever realized how abstract work of art makes one feel refined? That’s not an accident. Select the pieces that create the mood you desire, serene blues to relax, warm oranges to energize and soft pastels to romance.
Textural Elements That Add Depth
Woven Wall Hangings
Macrame is no longer the province of your big-sister hippie. New weavers make their work less oppressive to your space. I did not trust it until I hung one on my headboard, all of a sudden, my bedroom seemed like it was in a 5-star hotel.
Seek out clothes that are in a neutral color such as cream, beige or soft gray. They can work with any color scheme literally and will not become outdated in five years.
Floating Shelves as Decor
Floating shelves are not merely storage but prospects. Dress them up in books, small plants, candles and personal trinkets. This is the rule of three: arrange objects in three to make them look good.
I make it bare and only with few well selected objects. Excess stuff and it begins to look like a garage sale vomited on your wall.
Mirror Magic for Light and Space
Oversized Mirrors as Focal Points
Feel like turning your bedroom twice the size? The placement of mirrors strategically is your friend. Place a big mirror facing or next to your window to reflect natural light in the room.
Round mirrors are a big trend at the moment and to be honest I am enjoying the trend. They also cushion hard lines of furniture and are not too dramatic.
Mirror Gallery Walls
Combine various sizes of mirrors of various shapes- circles, rectangles, perhaps even a sunburst pattern. You can leave the frames the same finish (all gold or all black or all natural wood) to preserve cohesion.
The method is particularly effective in small rooms with bedrooms where you wish to gain as much light reflections as possible.
Color and Pattern Play
Removable Wallpaper Accents
Problems with wallpaper commitment? Game-changers are peel-and-stick. Make an accent wall behind your headboard or an alcove without the long-term effects.
I have experimented with likely half a dozen designs in my bedroom over the years (don’t judge), and botanical prints have always provided that lived in homey feel that everyone is seeking.
Paint Techniques That Wow
Color blocking- applying a geometric shape in varying colors- brings about visual stimulation without necessarily having to be an artist. To create crisp lines use painter tape and to ensure subtle sophistication is achieved select colors that have a difference of 2-3 shades.
It may seem that ombre walls are intimidating, but they are actually forgiving. Although your blending does not have to be flawless, it provides character. IMO, perfection of perfect imperfection is much more interesting than sterile perfection.
Natural Elements for Organic Appeal
Living Plant Walls
Planters that are attached on the wall contribute to life in your space literally. Select plants that do not require a lot of maintenance such as pothos or snake plants in case you are not really a gardener.
The trend of vertical gardening is particularly suitable in small bedrooms where floor spacing is a luxury. On top of that, plants will increase the air quality as you sleep. Win-win!
Wood Accents for Warmth
Wood panels that have been reused add texture and coziness that do not overpower the room. You do not have to cover a whole wall – a little space behind your headboard has tremendous effect.
Organic shapes are introduced by driftwood art pieces or carved wooden sculptures, which contrast with the straight lines of modern furniture in an excellent manner.
Lighting as Decor
String Lights Done Right
Yes, string lights may be elegant in adult bedrooms all it takes is to select the appropriate style and positioning. Instead of the college dorm fairy lights, use larger and bright bulbs with warm color.
Draw on your wall or sketch architectural details. Dimmer lights are necessary – you would like natural light, not the interrogation room light.
Wall Sconces for Ambiance
Swing-arm sconces on either side of your bed free up nightstand space and offer task-lighting to read. Select styles that will add to your general aesthetic – industrial in modern rooms, brass in old-fashioned rooms.
Personal Collections as Art
Vintage Finds Display
There was that box of old cameras or old books? Turn it into wall art. Floating shelves or shadow boxes present collections and preserve them.
One of my friends has the teacup collection of her grandmother on floating shelves, it is beautiful and even significant. Your collections speak volumes of you and no generic work of art could and would do so.
Musical Instruments as Decor
Guitars, violins or even the old fashioned drums are great eye-catching wall decorations. They are a conversation starter and they say a lot about your personality in such a way that mass-produced art never does.
Maximizing Small Spaces
Vertical Storage Solutions
Employ the wall space not only to store but to be stylish. Nightstands mounted on the wall, floating desks or even a wall-mounted television will provide space on the floor and visual appeal.
When designing the layout, think in a vertical way- attract the eyes upwards to give the impression of higher ceilings.
Corner Solutions
Often wasted space is used on corner shelves and hanging planters. These spaces are ideal to make comfortable reading spots or meditation spaces.
Budget-Friendly DIY Options
Fabric Wall Art
Custom art is made in canvass stretchers and exquisite textiles at a fraction the gallery rates. Co-ordinate the fabrics with your bedding or curtains.
It is particularly effective with old scarves or pieces of upholstery store scraps. You will possess special pieces which no one else has.
Photo Canvas Printing
Make your favorite pictures huge on a canvas. This is available at moderate cost in many online services and the effects are dramatic.
Use high resolution pictures to ensure maximum results. Low-resolution phone photographs are not easily transferable to surface area- are you with me on this one?
Creating Cohesive Themes
Bohemian Vibes
Add layer textures, patterns and warm colours to that lived-in boho. Catherine, meditate on tapestries, macrame, and plenty of greenery. The trick is structured disorder – all must be purposeful no matter how eclectic.
Minimalist Elegance
Minimalist design is less is more. Select one or two statement items and allow them to shine. Unicolored, unbusy and ample supply of white space bring about calmness.
Industrial Chic
Industrial style is characterized by metal, wood and exposed elements. Imagine metal pipe shelving, old signs and Edison bulb lamp. It is macho without being hard.
What you are and not what a magazine claims to be fashionable should be in your bedroom. Begin with what you really like, and base up. Beautiful rooms have a story to tell– see that yours does also.
Be it a statement wall or something subtle in the form of a well-planned gallery, it should always be remembered that good design has something to do with the way a space feels. This is after all where you begin and end your day. Make it count! 🙂