Ever look at that blank wall above your bed and think, What the heck do I put there? Trust me, you’re not alone. The space above a headboard is one of the trickiest spots to decorate—it’s big, empty, and the wrong piece of décor can throw off the whole vibe of your bedroom. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some creative, easy, and downright stunning above bed decor ideas that will turn that space from “blah” to “wow.”
1. Gallery Wall Above Bed
A gallery wall bedroom setup is always a win. It adds personality, color, and a cozy, collected feel. Mix and match frames in different sizes and shapes, or keep it sleek with a symmetrical layout. A good rule of thumb? The total width should be about ⅔ the width of your bed for a balanced look.
Planning the Layout
A common mistake in gallery wall design is hanging pieces randomly, which can result in an unbalanced look. To avoid this, laying everything out on the floor first helps visualize the final design before putting holes in the wall. A few essential guidelines for planning a gallery wall layout include:
Start with the largest piece in the center and arrange smaller pieces around it for a balanced composition.
Maintain consistent spacing between frames—usually 2-3 inches works well.
Use painter’s tape to outline the frames on the wall before committing to nails or hooks.
Ensure the lowest frame is at least 6–8 inches above the headboard to avoid a crowded look.
For a modern, structured feel, a symmetrical layout works best. For a more eclectic and collected-over-time appearance, staggered and asymmetrical arrangements add character.
2. DIY Hanging Gallery Wall
I used to think the space above my bed was just… well, there. Empty, boring, and a little too plain for my taste. I tried a simple canvas print at first, but it felt lonely up there. Then I thought, what about a DIY hanging gallery wall? It seemed like the perfect way to bring personality into my bedroom without committing to wallpaper or a bold paint color. Let me tell you—best decision ever.
Instead of traditional frames, use hanging rods or wire with clips to display prints, postcards, or even fabric art. It’s an easy way to swap out pieces whenever you’re in the mood for a change.
When it comes to artwork, variety is key. A successful gallery wall layout typically includes a mix of:
Framed prints – Abstract designs, landscapes, or line art work well.
Personal photographs – Keeping them in black and white creates a sophisticated, timeless feel.
Textural pieces – Woven hangings, small mirrors, or decorative plates add depth.
Typography or quotes – Simple phrases in elegant fonts can tie everything together.
For those who like to change up their decor frequently, opting for an above bed shelf instead of hanging frames directly on the wall allows for easy swapping of artwork.
3. Floating Shelves for Art and Decor
An above bed shelf is perfect for those who love a layered, curated look. Use it to display framed art, small sculptures, or even a collection of your favorite books. Bonus tip: Stick to a consistent color palette so it looks intentional rather than cluttered.
4. Statement Art Piece
If you prefer a more minimalist look, one large piece of art can do wonders. Wondering about the ideal art size above a queen bed? A piece that’s at least 36-48 inches wide usually works best, so it doesn’t look too small in proportion to the bed.
What Are the Rules for Art Over the Bed?
The best advice I’ve ever been given with art is to go with your gut. That being said, selecting the right frames and artwork is the foundation of any great gallery wall above the bed. To create a cohesive look, frames should follow a consistent theme—either all black, all white, natural wood, or a mix of complementary finishes. This prevents the arrangement from looking cluttered or unorganized.
Consider checking out local (to you) artists on Etsy (you can search by location), or similar! Local artists always need business and it’s more personal than a mass-manufactured print.
5. Wall Art as a Headboard
No headboard? No problem. Oversized artwork or a large textile piece can function as a wall art headboard, giving your bed a focal point without the bulk of actual furniture. Try a framed canvas, macramé wall hanging, or even a painted mural!
6. Over Bed Floating Shelf
Shelves aren’t just for books—try a master bedroom shelf over the bed for a chic and practical solution. Keep it minimal with just a few key pieces, like a vase, candle, and small artwork, to avoid it feeling too heavy.
7. Soft and Dreamy Fairy Lights
Looking for cozy lights for headboard style decor? String up some warm-toned fairy lights for an effortless, dreamy ambiance. Drape them loosely or hang them behind sheer fabric for an ethereal glow.
8. Plants for a Natural Touch
A plant shelf bedroom idea is perfect for adding greenery and life to your space.
Use trailing plants like pothos or ivy for that effortlessly lush look. Just make sure they get enough light—or go faux if you don’t have a green thumb!
9. Vintage Mirrors for a Luxe Touch
Mirrors above the bed can make a room feel bigger and reflect light beautifully. Go for a single oversized mirror or a collection of smaller, vintage-style mirrors for a Parisian feel.
10. Woven Wall Hangings for Texture
If your bedroom leans boho, woven wall hangings add the perfect amount of texture. These soft, handwoven pieces bring warmth and depth to your above bed wall decor.
11. Above Bed Decor: Beautiful Wood Art
A wooden art piece over the bed with a slightly distressed finish brings a cozy farmhouse vibe. Stack a couple of wooden art to display a unique framed art.
12. Minimalist Line Art Prints
If you love a clean, modern aesthetic, consider a set of simple black-and-white line art prints. They add interest without overwhelming the space and work beautifully as over headboard decor ideas.
13. Layered Framed Art on a Picture Ledge
Instead of hanging art, try leaning frames on a picture ledge for a relaxed, curated feel. This is a great way to switch up your bed wall decor ideas without committing to nail holes.
14. Tapestry or Fabric Wall Hanging
A large tapestry is an easy and affordable way to fill the space above your bed. It’s lightweight, easy to swap out, and can instantly transform your bedroom wall decor.
15. Sculptural or 3D Above Bed Decor
Think outside the box with unique above headboard decor like metal sculptures, wooden carvings, or textured wall panels. These add dimension and make your bedroom feel truly one-of-a-kind. Like this Large Mandala Wall Art.
Figuring out how to decorate above bed doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you love a simple art piece, a full gallery wall bedroom setup, or a cozy over headboard decor idea like lights and plants, there’s something for every style. Play around, experiment, and most importantly—choose something that makes you smile every time you walk into your bedroom!
Leave a Reply