18 Inspiring Bedroom Wall Decor Ideas for Above Bed
For the longest time, the wall above my bed stayed completely bare.
I kept telling myself I’d get to it, but it always felt tricky, too high, too wide, too… something.
Once I finally started adding some personality up there, my whole bedroom felt warmer, more “me.”
So if you’re staring at that blank space wondering what to do, here’s what worked for me, easy, no-fuss ideas that anyone can try.
1. Hang a Long Horizontal Art Piece
I used to think I needed a huge gallery wall, but honestly, one long art piece worked even better. It stretches across the bed nicely and feels clean and calm.
Pick something you enjoy seeing daily, maybe a beach scene, abstract print, or even a framed fabric. Mine’s just a printed canvas I found online.
Keep it low, around 6 to 10 inches above the headboard. That way it feels like part of the bed and doesn’t float weirdly high.
2. Try a Set of Three Matching Frames
This was one of my first experiments, and I loved how it turned out. Three simple frames, same size, same color, hung in a neat row. It adds structure without being busy.
I went with soft botanical prints because they fit the vibe of my bedding. But honestly, you could use family photos or even kids’ drawings.
Measure your spacing evenly. I used a ruler and painter’s tape to line things up. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
3. Add a Shelf (But Keep It Simple)
Floating shelves saved me. I added one narrow wood shelf above the bed and suddenly had room for small decor. It felt cozy but not cluttered.
I keep a few framed photos, a faux plant, and one scented candle (battery-powered for safety). It’s simple, but makes the space feel lived-in.
Make sure your shelf isn’t too deep. Mine’s just 4 inches, enough to decorate but not big enough to knock things off in my sleep.
4. Use a Large, Woven Wall Hanging
I’m a sucker for anything textured. I found a big cotton wall hanging that added softness above the bed without needing nails and frames everywhere.
It took two command hooks and five minutes to put up. No tools, no stress. That’s my kind of project.
Choose something that brings warmth to your space, macramé, yarn, even something with fringe. It makes a bedroom feel less cold and more restful.
5. Hang a Row of Decorative Baskets
I didn’t think I’d be into baskets until I tried this. A row of three woven wall baskets added some nice texture above the bed, super affordable, too.
I grabbed a mix of round and oval shapes in natural tones. No matching required. Just spread them out and adjust by eye.
It’s especially cute if your bedding’s neutral. The baskets stand out without being loud, and it adds interest without needing much.
6. Add a Statement Mirror
My bedroom is small, so adding a mirror was a sneaky way to make it feel bigger and brighter. I went with a soft-edged wooden frame to keep it cozy.
It reflects light from my window during the day and even makes the space look taller. That’s a bonus I didn’t expect.
Make sure it’s securely hung, especially if your headboard’s low. I used strong anchors and kept it simple with no heavy extras.
7. Paint a Bold Arch or Rectangle
This was my boldest move, but it paid off. I skipped buying a headboard and painted a soft clay-colored arch behind the pillows.
All I used was painter’s tape and a small roller. It cost less than $10. Best part, it made the whole room feel pulled together.
Pick a color that’s a bit darker than your wall but still calming. Think sage, dusty blue, or warm beige. It doesn’t have to scream.
8. Create a Mini Gallery Wall
I’ve always loved the look of gallery walls but worried about messing it up. Turns out, a small version above the bed is way less stressful.
Start with just 4–6 pieces. I mixed photos, a small mirror, and a quote print. I laid them out on the bed first before hanging.
Stick to two or three colors so it feels calm, not messy. Don’t worry about perfection, it’s supposed to feel relaxed and personal.
9. Mount a Pair of Matching Sconces
I love the look of wall sconces above the bed, especially when space is tight on the nightstands. It frees up surface space while still adding that warm evening glow.
I installed mine on either side of the bed, just slightly above headboard level. Nothing fancy, just clean and simple.
Make sure the switch is easy to reach. You’ll thank yourself when you’re cozy in bed and don’t want to get up just to hit the light.
10. Try a Framed Fabric Panel
One day, I had leftover curtain fabric and an old frame. I popped the fabric inside, hung it above the bed, instant art. It added softness and color without costing a thing.
You can use vintage scarves, old curtains, or even table runners. Just something with texture and a pattern you love.
It’s especially helpful if your bedding is plain. A little framed fabric pulls the colors together and adds comfort to the wall.
11. Use Removable Wallpaper
I was scared to commit to wallpaper, until I tried the peel-and-stick kind. I added a soft floral strip just above the headboard and it changed the whole vibe.
You don’t have to cover the whole wall. Just a horizontal panel works. It’s like a soft “headboard” effect, even if you don’t have one.
Plus, it peels off clean when you’re ready to change things up. Great for renters or commitment-phobes like me.
12. Hang a Decorative Quilt or Blanket
My grandmother’s old quilt sat in storage for years. One day, I hung it above the bed and it instantly made the space feel more personal.
If you’ve got a pretty throw or handmade blanket, show it off. Just fold it neatly and hang it from a curtain rod or quilt hanger.
It adds texture, color, and warmth. And best of all, it tells a story. Every time I look at mine, I think of her.
13. Use a Wall Decal or Stencil
When I was on a tight budget, wall decals came to the rescue. I picked a leafy branch design and arranged it like it was growing above the bed.
It looked painted, but took minutes to apply. And when I got bored? Peeled it off, no mess.
You can also try stencils and just dab with a sponge. It’s a great weekend project if you’re itching to change things up.
14. Hang a Curtain Rod with Drapes
I once saw this in a boutique hotel and had to try it. Instead of art, I hung a slim curtain rod and added light, gauzy drapes. It felt like a bed canopy, without the bulk.
It softens the wall, adds height, and makes the bed feel cozier.
Just be sure the fabric is lightweight and sits flat. You don’t want heavy curtains falling down or blocking airflow.
15. Add a Wooden or Rattan Panel
I grabbed an old room divider panel from a thrift shop, cut it in half, and hung it horizontally above my bed. It looked like a custom piece.
You can use old shutters, fencing, or anything with texture. Wood warms up a space in a way that’s hard to beat.
If you’re nervous about drilling, try using those strong adhesive strips. I’ve done it, they hold surprisingly well.
16. Hang a Plant Shelf or Hooks for Hanging Plants
If you’re anything like me, you love plants but run out of surfaces. I hung a small shelf with two trailing plants and it instantly brightened the space.
You can also try ceiling hooks with macramé plant hangers if the shelf feels risky.
Just pick plants that handle low light and don’t drop too much dirt or water. Pothos is my go-to, it’s nearly impossible to kill.
17. Install a Peg Rail or Decorative Hook Strip
I needed something practical but cute. So I mounted a peg rail above the bed and used it to hang dried flowers, a tiny basket, and even a sunhat.
It added just enough charm without being fussy. Plus, I can change things out whenever I want a new look.
If you’re short on art ideas, go with useful pieces. It doubles as storage and decor in one go.
18. Frame a Collection of Empty Vintage Frames
One of my favorite flea market finds? A pile of mismatched empty frames. I grouped them above my bed and created a layered look without needing any artwork.
Mixing gold, wood, and painted frames gave it texture. Just play with arrangement until it feels right.
It’s great when you want something artsy but don’t want to commit to photos or prints. It’s unexpected, and surprisingly pretty.
Conclusion
Decorating the wall above your bed doesn’t have to be some big, overwhelming project. I used to overthink it, afraid of getting it wrong or making too many holes.
But the truth is, once you start, it’s kind of fun. Whether you go with one big piece or a few smaller accents, just make it feel like you.
After all, it’s the first thing you see in the morning, might as well make it something you love.
