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12 Easy & Stylish Over the Bed Wall Decor Ideas

I never realized why my room looked so bland—until one day, I saw a freaking awesome way to decorate the space above my bed. It was a total game-changer!

That blank wall wasn’t just empty; it was a missed opportunity.

Whether you love a modern, farmhouse, boho, or vintage vibe, decorating this area can instantly make your bedroom feel stylish and complete. Check these ideas below to bring that blank wall to life!

How to Choose the Best Over-the-Bed Wall Decor

Before you grab a hammer and start hanging things up, here are some things to consider to make sure your decor looks balanced, stylish, and personal.

1. Pick a Style That Matches Your Room

Your over-the-bed decor should blend with your room’s overall theme. Here are a few ideas based on popular styles:

  • Modern: Sleek framed artwork, abstract painting, or simple black-and-white photos.
  • Farmhouse: A rustic wooden sign, distressed picture frames, or neutral-toned art.
  • Boho: A large macramé wall hanging, woven photo display, or layered collage.

2. Get the Right Size

A tiny photo in a huge space will look awkward, while a massive piece in a small room can feel overwhelming. A good rule of thumb? The decor should be about two-thirds the width of your bed for a balanced look.

3. Mix & Match Decor Elements

Instead of just one piece, try layering different decor ideas:

  • Shelf + Artwork: A floating shelf with framed artwork, plants, or candles.
  • Lights + Photos: Soft fairy lights with a photo display for a cozy feel.
  • Headboard + Wall Art: Extend your headboard visually by adding framed pictures above it.
  • Collage Wall: A mix of photos, artwork, and vintage frames in a creative layout.

4. Add the Right Lighting

Good lighting can take your decor to the next level:

  • Wall sconces or mounted lamps for a modern touch.
  • Fairy lights or LED strips for a dreamy, cozy glow.
  • Pendant lights for a sleek, stylish look.

5. Make It Functional

If you want more than just decoration, try these ideas:

  • Install a shelf to hold books, plants, or framed photos.
  • Use a photo display with clips or wire grids so you can swap out pictures easily.
  • Choose a headboard with built-in lights or storage for a practical yet stylish touch.

12 Inspiring Over-the-Bed Wall Decor Ideas

Now that you know how to style it, here are some great ideas to get inspired:

1. Simple Elegance

Here’s a neutral-toned bedroom from Katie with a few paintings hung on the wall, still stylish and stunning.

a neutral bedroom with wall paintings

2. Gallery Wall

Ronja has a modern take on creating a gallery wall with abstract art. They use an image collage approach, allowing you to mix and match frames—whether all the same size for a clean look or varied sizes for a more dynamic effect.

gallery wall above a brown bed

And here are several more ideas from Thomas.

a big painting above a brown bed

3. Baskets

I never thought of hanging a basket on the wall, but this bedroom from Kristina Evans really brings this idea to life.

hanging a basket over a bed

4. Vintage Charm with a Green Headboard

Give your bedroom a timeless yet fresh feel with a rich green headboard paired with classic prints and vibrant sorbet tones like this one from Sean. I mean just look at the mix of patterns and colors!

A bed with a Green Headboard

5. Over-the-Bed Tents for Kids

Becky designed this for her son, and honestly, I’m obsessed! She turned his bed into a mini adventure zone with an over-the-bed tent.

Over-the-Bed Tent

Whether it’s a playful canopy, a mini indoor camping setup, or a whimsical fort, this idea adds a sense of adventure while making bedtime extra exciting!

Over-the-Bed Tent

6. Boho Headboard Magic

Heather nailed this design! She added a relaxed, free-spirited touch to her bedroom with a boho-inspired headboard. Think rattan, woven textures, or even a DIY macramé design that brings warmth and personality to your space.

Boho Headboard

7. Striped Wallpaper & Fairy Lights

Chloe did this dreamy setup for her daughter! She combined soft striped wallpaper with twinkling fairy lights to create a cozy, magical atmosphere.

The mix of patterns and warm lighting makes the space feel whimsical, inviting, and just perfect for a little one’s room.

Striped Wallpaper & Fairy Lights for over the bed decor

8. Artwork with Lighting for a Bold Statement

I’ve never thought a disco ball would be a nice decor piece, but then I saw this post by Channy and it’s truly an eye-opener. It creates such nice effects during daytime.

Artwork with Lighting Over a Bed

Make an impact with a large abstract painting featuring a textured, rock-like surface and sleek lighting strips along the edge, like this bedroom.

This combination creates depth, contrast, and a modern, high-end look, perfect for elevating any bedroom space.

Backlit Wall Above Bed

9.  Shelf with Decorative Accents

A floating shelf with books, framed photos, and potted plants. Bonnie did a wonderful job putting them together.

Shelf with Decorative Accents

10. Cottage Bedroom Aesthetic

Arthy created a guest bedroom that truly feels like it belongs in the coziest country cottage. Look how the wallpaper completely transformed the space, making it far more welcoming and charming.

Cottage Bedroom

11. Rustic Farmhouse Theme

Raftyn designed a bedroom for her son with a rustic theme that strikes the perfect balance between cozy and mature.

The space features a bold brown leather headboard and deer antler decor hanging on the wall, adding a rugged yet stylish charm.

I’ve never expected a boy’s bedroom to be so mature, it feels just right for both teens and adults.

There you have it! With the right mix of art, lighting, shelves, and photos, you can turn that empty space into a stunning focal point. Which idea do you love the most? Let me know or save this to your Pinterest board for later!

Rustic Farmhouse Theme Bed

12. Ditch the Wall

Honestly, if you’re building or redoing your room, maybe skip the whole “what should I hang above the bed” thing.

Just… put a window there, like what a Reddit user did right here. Let some light in, get a view, and you don’t have to stare at some random art piece you bought in a rush.

A Bed with Plain Wall