Deciding what to put above your bed is one of the trickiest parts of decorating a bedroom. If you have a low headboard, leaving the space empty can make your room feel unfinished. Thankfully there are lots of great solutions to this problem, you just need to know where to look.
Before we dive in it’s important to note that you don’t always need to hang something above your bed. In many cases, the negative space can be very calming. If this is the case for you, you don’t need to feel pressured into decorating this space. However, you will notice yourself if the space feels like it needs a little something extra to finish it off, in which case, carry on reading to discover some of my favourite ways to decorate the space above your bed.
Go for an Oversized Headboard
Image: Kit Kemp
If you don’t already have a bed (or a headboard for that matter) then choosing a taller or oversized headboard can solve the problem of what to put above your bed very quickly by simply not leaving too much blank space. An oversized headboard makes a fantastic focal point for your room, lending a luxurious hotel room vibe to the space.
Kit Kemp is undoubtedly one of my favourite interior designers and the undisputed Queen of the headboard. Take a look at any of the hotel rooms Kit has designed and you will see how she frequently upholsters tall headboards in beautiful, bold fabrics to create a fabulous feature from an area that can often be forgotten.
A Large Piece of Artwork
Whether you’re a fan of abstract art, photography, or landscapes, selecting a large piece of art to put above your bed can look amazing.
Image: Soho Home
Studies have shown that simply looking at art can help our brains relax. Looking at a piece of art you love stimulates the part of the brain responsible for pleasure, and this response increases depending on how much you like the image being shown. This makes the bedroom the perfect place to hang your favourite piece of art!
If you aren’t in a positing you buy a piece of original art, there are some gorgeous prints available on sites like Etsy which you can frame yourself to save money.
Cloud Bedroom Wall Art from Etsy
Frame A Vintage Map
Image via Decor Pad
Maps aren’t just for kids’ rooms you know! A vintage map makes great bedroom wall decor for anyone with a sense of adventure. You could choose a map of your favourite place, a map of the stars, or simply a beautiful vintage map in a lovely wooden frame.
Paint a Mural
Designer: DATE Interiors, Photography: Kristen Francis
Wall murals are a beautiful way to make your room unique. A mural has the power to completely transform your space, and because the mural is a work of art in itself, you won’t usually need to hang anything else on the walls to fill the space.
I love this subtle wall mural from Etsy. It creates a wonderfully calm feeling in the room making it the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of the day.
Hang Textural Baskets
Textured basket wall hangings can look great against plain white or soft neutral walls. This is a great option for anyone who loves the boho look—check out these boho bedroom ideas for more inspiration!
Display a Fabulous Mirror
Mirror from Covet House
I don’t usually like to put mirrors above a bed. However, the exception is convex mirrors—this stunning mirror will reflect the light, brightening up your space while adding a big dose of modern glamour.
A Beautiful Gallery Wall
Gallery Wall from Poster Store
I absolutely love this pink and green gallery wall from Poster Store. This is such a simple way to create a big impact on a lower budget, and it’s a great option for renters or anyone who is unable to make drastic changes to their space. If you rent your home, you can easily hang your gallery wall using hanging strips so you don’t have any holes to fill in the walls if you move house.
Choosing What to Put Above Your Bed
Whether or not you decide to put something on the wall above your bed is completely up to you. Before you decide you can always experiment using a photo of your bedroom and Canva to try out the different options and see how they look.
One really important thing to remember is that anything you hang one the wall above your bed should be hung very securely. Remember to check the weight of everything that you hang and make sure that they screws you are using are suitable for that weight. You don’t want any nasty surprises or bumps from things falling down in the night!
If you have any other ideas or suggestions please feel free to add them in the comments below.
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