Looking that blank wall over your bed? The one you know- that horrible gap that says “I must have something here! but gets you thoroughly perplexed as to what is supposed to be there. I know, I have had experience and I have found myself in my bedroom with a measuring tape in my hand, unsure whether I should be bold or be safe.
The point is that above bed decor is not only concerned with a filler of the blank wall space (although, to be fair, that is an aspect of it). It is all about coming up with a focal point that will make your bedroom appear purposeful and, quite possibly, Instagram worthy. Following the years of experimenting and failing, and not to mention failures I had on Pinterest, I have found out five stylish inspirational concepts that not only work in magazines but work in real bedrooms as well.
Statement Art That Commands Attention
We might begin with the apparent option that nevertheless makes people slip: statement pieces. I do not mean the generic hotel prints that scream to me of lack of decorating effort. I refer to works that make you go and stand up, and say, “Wow, that person has taste.
Choosing the Right Size and Scale
This is where the majority of us end up going wrong- we end up being too small. The width of your headboard should be occupied by your art covering a third of two-thirds. In case you do not have a headboard, I will use your mattress as your reference.
Making things smaller renders everything detached as if the art is in space with commitment problems. This was my own experience when I tacked a small 16x 20 print on my king-size bed. Like a postage stamp it appeared :/
Art Styles That Actually Work
Abstract artwork is great since it provides color and motion but is not overly literal. Black and white photography will provide the feel of a fancy gallery, whereas botanical prints will transform nature and bring it to your home without planting it.
Bonus hint: Leave out the matching sets unless you are aiming at that hotel chain look. Instead, either pick a bigger piece or an asymmetrical gallery wall that is curated, rather than calculated.
| Art Type | Best For | Size Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Single Large Piece | Minimalist bedrooms | 60-80% of headboard width |
| Gallery Wall | Eclectic or modern spaces | Multiple pieces, largest 40% of width |
| Photography Series | Contemporary bedrooms | 3 matching frames, equal spacing |
Floating Shelves for Function Meets Style
Who ever tells you that above bed decor can not be practical? Shelves that are floating above your bed provide storage and display space as well as giving architectural interest. Don’t get into a panic about having things falling on your head when you are asleep (it is a legitimate concern!).
Strategic Shelf Placement
Mount your shelves at least 24 inches above your headboard. This provides you with adequate space to sit and lean up without bumping your head on the wall, as well as, provides a better visual scale. I also place there books that I really read, tiny plants that can grow in bedroom light, and other objects that make me happy.
The key is restraint. Do not make your shelves a storage facility where you keep all types of things. You know you are styling a magazine shoot, curate what goes up there.
What Goes on Bedroom Shelves
Small potted plants make it living and enhance the air quality. Books (spine-out for color, spine-in for a cleaner look) create texture and show personality. Small decorative objects and candles make it warmer and you can reflect your style.
Anything too personal such as a family photo should be avoided as should be kept out of view unless on a dresser top where the visitor will not have to point their neck trying to see them.
Mirror Magic for Light and Space
Bed mirrors are having a huge moment and to be honest? It’s about time. The right mirror does not merely reflect the light: it triples the aesthetic effect of your whole bedroom arrangement.
Choosing Mirror Shapes and Styles
The rectangular outlines of the majority of bedrooms and headboards are softened in order by round mirrors. The mirrors that have sunbursts cast drama and are particularly effective with eclectic or bohemian decor. Mirrors with ornate frames are vintage-inspired and turn into art.
My bedroom also has an oversized round mirror that has a brass frame that fully changed the room. It catches the light of the window when it is day and casts this dreamy light of my bedside lamps in the night.
Size and Positioning Considerations
Your headboard should have a proportionate mirror to the rest of your body- not too large to look out of place, or too small to appear dropped in. It should be high enough that you will check yourself in the mirror when you sit up in bed, but not so low that it seems like you are being spied on while you sleep (creepy factor = zero, please).
Safety first: Have appropriate wall anchors that are of appropriate weight of a mirror. No one desires a midnights mirror avalanche.
Textile Art and Tapestries
There you have a chance to be quite creative and demonstrate some personality. Textile art adds texture, warmth and softness to the bedroom walls in a manner traditional artwork fails to do.
Modern Tapestry Options
Put all that you know about tapestries out of your mind. The current trends are available in geometrical designs, abstract style and minimalism compositions that are quite effective in the modern bedroom.
Wall hangings in macramé provide bohemian texture without overloading. Neutral woven tapestries add a little flair, and fabric art pieces can add color and pattern that can go hand in hand with your bedding.
Hanging and Styling Tips
Mount textile art on thin wooden dowels or copper pipes for a clean, intentional look. The trick is to have it look intentional, not as though you were out of wall space and any old thing you saw was useful.
Combining textures of various kinds – perhaps a woven item with some dried pampas grass or eucalyptus – adds depth and visual interest and photographs beautifully (hello, social media!).
In my opinion, textile art would best suit bedrooms since the art provides that lived-in effect that turns a room into a home, instead of a display area.
Creative Lighting Solutions
Pendant lights and sconces above the bed? Yes, please! This is where decor above the bed comes into play and comes seriously handy and highly stylish.
Pendant Lights as Decor
The use of hanging pendant lights makes available space on top of the nightstand and produces dramatic effects. Select lights, which are suspended 6-8 inches off the wall and 18-24 inches over the headboard.
Last year I replaced my table lamps with pendants hanging and the difference is unbelievable. My nightstands are tidier, there is more space on the surface, and the lighting gives this fantastic feeling that the entire room is a boutique hotel.
Sconce Placement Strategy
Simmetric lighting on both sides of your bed by Wall sconces is convenient and attractive. Install at a distance of 60-66 inches above the floor to ensure that the light falls into the right positions to read without producing a severe shadow.
Swing-arm sconces provide the versatility of table lamps and the neat appearance of wall-mounted lamps. Hardwired versions are more refined, whereas plug-in versions are ideal when you are not ready to do electrical work.
Lighting Style Options
Black metal fixtures are compatible with nearly every decor style and will not compete with the other items in the bedroom. Finishes are done in brass or gold, and make it warm and luxurious. Glass or crystal reflective elements are very good light catchers.
The keynote is to ensure that you select fixtures that work with your general bedroom style and not against it.
Making It All Work Together
The above bed decor is not in a vacuum as it interacts with your whole bedroom design. When selecting your approach, consider your headboard style, wall color and available decor.
Simple wall decorations are well matched to bold headboards and minimal headboards can deal with larger above-bed statements. Light-colored walls can be used to support the bold and subtle decor choices, whereas dark walls can make light-colored art pop.
Don’t forget that your bedroom must feel like you. These concepts are effective since they are adaptable, yet effective enough to not regret in six months when it comes to your individual style.
The space above your bed is prime space in your bedroom. Keep it smart, pretty it up and do not fear to take chances. Why, don’t you have to get to wake up to it every morning yourself, might as well make it something worth looking at! 🙂