The area above the bed is often overlooked, but it can significantly impact the room’s overall aesthetic. This space offers a unique opportunity to add charm, personality, and balance to your bedroom design. Decorating above the bed helps tie the room together and creates a focal point that enhances the bedroom’s ambiance, offering a more harmonious and visually appealing environment.
Decorating above the bed serves as a visual anchor, balancing the space and giving the room a more complete, inviting feel. It’s also a wonderful way to reflect your personal style, whether through artwork, shelving, or creative design elements. Proper decoration can set the mood for relaxation while making your bedroom reflect your personality.
This guide aims to provide creative ideas and practical tips on how to decorate above a bed to achieve a cohesive and stylish look. Whether you prefer modern minimalism, rustic charm, or bold statement pieces, we’ll help you transform the space above your bed into something special.
Understanding the Space Above the Bed
Assess the Size of the Wall
Wall Size and Proportion:
Begin by evaluating the dimensions of the wall space above your bed. For larger walls, you can incorporate bold, oversized artwork, a gallery of smaller frames, or even statement shelving. On the other hand, smaller walls benefit from more understated decor like a single piece of art or a compact feature, ensuring the space doesn’t feel overcrowded.
Ceiling Height:
Ceiling height also plays a significant role in the decor decisions. High ceilings encourage the use of tall, dramatic elements such as elongated mirrors, fabric drapings, or vertical artwork. Conversely, lower ceilings necessitate a minimalist approach—narrower decor with horizontal lines can help the space feel more open and less compressed.
Consider the Room’s Style and Color Scheme
Match the Room’s Vibe:
To maintain cohesiveness, select decorations that align with your bedroom’s current style and theme. For example, a modern room might call for geometric shapes and neutral tones, while a bohemian space could benefit from eclectic pieces like macramé or woven wall hangings.
Create a Harmonious Look:
The ultimate goal is to design a visually pleasing arrangement that flows seamlessly with the room’s overall ambiance. Thoughtful coordination of color schemes, patterns, and textures can unify the decor while still allowing the area above the bed to stand out as a unique focal point.
How to Decorate Above a Bed Choosing the Right Decorative Elements
Step 1: Artwork and Wall Hangings
Large Framed Art:
A big statement piece, such as a large framed artwork or a curated gallery wall, can serve as a bold and captivating centerpiece for the area above the bed. It anchors the space and draws immediate attention, creating a sense of drama and elegance.
Canvas Prints or Paintings:
Opt for calming themes like abstract designs, minimalistic strokes, or nature-inspired imagery to evoke serenity and relaxation. This choice can effortlessly complement the tranquil atmosphere of the bedroom while adding a touch of sophistication.
Step 2: Mirrors
Framed Mirrors:
Installing a large, beautifully framed mirror above the bed not only enhances the visual appeal but also creates the illusion of a more open and brighter space—perfect for smaller bedrooms.
Mirrored Accents:
Decorative mirrors with intriguing frame designs, such as sunburst or geometric patterns, can add a touch of flair while serving as functional reflective elements that distribute light evenly throughout the room.
Step 3: Shelves and Floating Furniture
Floating Shelves:
Narrow floating shelves above the bed can be a stylish way to combine functionality with personal expression. Use them to display cherished items, small plants, or an arrangement of books to add personality to the space.
Wall-Mounted Furniture:
Consider innovative solutions like wall-mounted sconces, compact nightstands, or a headboard integrated with storage. These pieces not only enhance aesthetics but also offer practical utility, making them an excellent choice for maximizing both style and function above the bed.
Framing the Bed with Symmetry
Step 1: Use Symmetrical Wall Decor
Matching Pieces:
For a balanced, harmonious look, hang two identical pieces of art or mirrors on either side of the bed. These elements create a sense of structure and visual harmony, especially in bedrooms where symmetry enhances the aesthetic.
Centered Alignment:
Ensure that the artwork or decorations are centered above the bed, maintaining equal space between each piece and the centerline of the bed. A well-centered arrangement helps tie the layout together, creating a cohesive and polished focal point.
Step 2: Experiment with Vertical Symmetry
Vertical Lines:
If your wall space is tall, experiment with decor that emphasizes vertical symmetry for a more elongated and balanced appearance. Vertical arrangements can create a sense of spaciousness and elegance, ideal for high-ceiling bedrooms.
Tall Art or Sculptures:
Opt for tall artwork, such as framed prints or sculptural wall hangings, to draw the eye upward, accentuating the height of the space. These pieces add a sophisticated flair while preserving symmetry, making the bedroom feel thoughtfully designed and visually appealing.
Incorporating Lighting Above the Bed
Lighting plays a crucial role in a bedroom’s aesthetic and functionality. Incorporating lighting above the bed can enhance the ambiance while adding a stylish focal point to the room. Below are steps to effectively achieve this.
Step 1: Wall Sconces and Pendant Lights
Wall Sconces:
Wall sconces or lamps installed above the bed serve as both functional and decorative elements. These fixtures offer focused lighting, perfect for reading or creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. Choose designs that complement the room’s theme for a cohesive look.
Pendant Lights:
Pendant lights or chandeliers suspended from the ceiling above the bed can add drama and sophistication. These statement pieces also help draw the eye upward, balancing the bedroom’s vertical space while emphasizing the ceiling height.
Step 2: LED Strip Lights and Backlighting
Backlighting Your Headboard:
Installing LED strip lights behind the headboard can create a soft, ambient glow, adding depth and a luxurious feel to the room. This subtle lighting effect works particularly well in modern or minimalist spaces.
String Lights:
For a cozy and relaxed vibe, string fairy lights or LED string lights across the wall above your bed. This is an affordable and versatile option that contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for casual or bohemian-style bedrooms.
Step 3: Consider Dimmer Switches
Adjustable Lighting:
To maximize flexibility, install dimmer switches to control the brightness of your lighting. Alternatively, use lights with adjustable brightness settings to tailor the ambiance to your mood. This customization allows you to shift from a functional workspace to a serene retreat effortlessly.
Adding Personal Touches and Decor Items
Step 1: Family Photos or Personal Artwork
Gallery Wall:
Create a gallery wall featuring a curated collection of family photos, personal artwork, or framed memorabilia that reflects your unique personality and style. This can serve as a beautiful focal point and spark nostalgic memories each time you observe it.
Personalized Wall Decals:
Custom vinyl wall decals or a monogram are a fantastic way to add a personal touch. Placing these decals above the bed can help create a space that feels both intimate and tailored to you.
Step 2: Plants and Greenery
Hanging Plants:
Introduce nature into your bedroom by hanging plants in decorative planters above the bed. The greenery not only enhances the aesthetics but also helps to create a calming, stress-free environment.
Wall-Mounted Planters:
Consider installing wall-mounted planters or even a vertical garden feature above the bed. These can add depth and dimension to the space while bringing in the benefits of natural elements.
Step 3: Decorative Textiles
Tapestries:
A large, woven tapestry hung above the bed can act as a standout decor piece. It adds texture and visual interest while enhancing the coziness of the room.
Wall Hangings or Quilts:
Decorative quilts or woven wall hangings can be used to elevate a bohemian or rustic vibe. These textiles bring warmth and a handmade charm to your space, making it feel even more inviting.
Ensuring Practicality and Safety
Step 1: Avoid Overcrowding the Space
Balance Decor with Function:
While it’s tempting to fill the wall above your bed with decorative pieces, it’s essential to maintain a sense of balance. Overcrowding can make the room feel cramped or overwhelming, detracting from its ability to provide a relaxing atmosphere. Focus on a cohesive design that complements the rest of the room, ensuring an inviting yet uncluttered aesthetic.
Use Scale Wisely:
When choosing decor for this area, keep the size of your bed and the room’s overall dimensions in mind. Large pieces can be stunning but should be used sparingly to maintain proportionality. Avoid decor that overwhelms the space, aiming for harmony instead.
Step 2: Secure Wall Hangings Properly
Avoid Falling Objects:
To promote safety, ensure that any decorative items above your bed are securely mounted. The risk of decor falling can not only lead to room damage but could also cause injury, so extra care is crucial when planning this area.
Use Proper Mounting Hardware:
Select mounting hardware that suits the weight and type of your decor. Heavy artwork or mirrors, for instance, often require wall anchors or specialized hooks to remain safely in place. Double-check the stability of each piece to enjoy your room’s design worry-free.
Conclusion
Decorating above the bed enhances the room’s overall aesthetic, creating a focal point that ties the space together. By implementing thoughtful design techniques, you can transform this area into an inviting and visually appealing component of your bedroom. Adding personal touches like artwork, photos, or plants makes the space feel uniquely yours, fostering a sense of comfort and individuality. Don’t be afraid to experiment with styles, arrangements, and materials to craft a look that reflects your personality. Learning how to decorate above a bed allows you to maximize creativity and bring balance to your room with confidence.