Upholster the Walls
Have you ever wanted to crawl into a bed more than you do right now? The moody gray velvet walls and matching headboard bring a smokey, texturally rich allure and mystery to this bedroom by designer Alison Pickart. The best part? No artwork is needed—walls this cozy speak for themselves.
Emphasize the Fifth Wall
While the ceiling may not technically be considered a wall, many designers view it as an extension of a space and dream up ideas for it accordingly. In this Maine lake house by designer Nicola Manganello, raw wood planking on the ceiling adds visual interest and calls attention to its interesting angles.
Mount a Sculpture
Patterns and bright colors bring this bedroom designed by Kelly Hohla to life. The metallic accents really pop, especially when it comes to the brutalist brᴀss sculpture hung above the bed. It acts as the perfect balance to the whimsical and slightly feminine wallpaper covering the rest of the space.
Choose a Standout Window Treatment
When wall space is at a minimum, you’ll need to consider different ways of dressing up your bedroom walls. In this space designed by Fran Keenan, an expansive window treatment takes up most of the wall—which is totally fine, when the print is this pretty.
Add Subtle Texture
In this bedroom designed by Hecker Guthrie, slim wooden panels bring grit and dimension (especially in a rich, dark stain), while a luxe red armchair and plush cream carpet create warmth.
Showcase a Vintage Treasure
If you love the thrill of the hunt, there’s no better place to show off your treasures than a spot you enjoy every day. In his own personal home, Carson Kressley showcased numerous vintage finds, including the worn and weathered wood sign that hangs above his bed.
Lean Into Dreamland
Want to create a relaxing place to rest? Look no further than the sky for some dreamy inspiration. In this space, Studio DB opted for a painterly blue wallpaper reminiscent of a cloudy landscape to add visual interest and make for a cozy place to count sheep.
Bring Texture With a Wall Treatment
When it came to adding dimension and visual interest to the bedroom in her 900-square-foot home, designer Whitney Leigh Morris turned to a nuanced limewash paint by Color Atelier. The unique finish gives walls a velvety finish that changes with the light, creating a space that is constantly morphing from one moment to the next.
Mount Some Antlers
H๏τ take: Antlers can be surprisingly versatile—they can skew rustic, hip, or even glam (yes, seriously), all depending on how you style them. Choose a metallic version and pair them with jewel tones or opt for something with a vintage charm, as Heidi Caillier did in this eclectic bedroom.
Hang an Oversized Textile
Your bedroom should be the coziest room in your house. A great way to achieve maximum comfort? A textile wall hanging. In this eclectic bedroom designed by Janie Molster, a vintage Suzani blanket contrasts with nearby abstract wall art and traditional carpet and drapes.
Rethink Art Placement
Rather than hanging one statement piece of art above your bed, consider a more unique placement to up the visual interest in your space. Here, interior designer Tamsin Johnson stacked two small pieces in the corner and then hung one large abstract painting on the adjacent wall, bringing a modern and hip edge to the space.
Spice Up the Millwork
In this monochromatic blush pink bedroom designed by Shapeless Studio, decorative wall moldings add a touch of European character without throwing off the understated tone of the space. To keep the room from feeling too precious or formal, the rest of the bedroom was kept minimalistic, with little in the way of excess linens or artwork.
DIY a Decorative Piece
Sometimes, finding the right piece for your space can be a fruitless effort. The only solution? Creating it yourself, like designer Leanne Ford did here. “I had an old canvas lying around forever and couldn’t bring myself to throw it away because I always loved the creme color of it. One day I just nailed it to the wall, called one of my favorite artist friends, Alexandra Gracik, and asked her to come over with her charcoal to draw whatever the heck she wanted,” Ford says of the ensuing mountain scene.
Opt for a High Sheen
Bold yet timeless, this jaw-dropping bedroom designed by Brian J. McCarthy is serious goals. For a similar effect, stick to a тιԍнт two-color story, coating the walls in a show-stopping super high-gloss paint, like the cherry red seen here. “This finish feels fresh for a guest room, and the surprising pop of color is both warm and chic,” McCarthy says.
Mix Adult and Kid-Friendly Decor
To create a space that your child can grow into, mix timeless artwork with fun, youthful wall decor. In this bedroom, designer Heidi Caillier paired a gilt-framed vintage painting with a playful wall-mounted giraffe bust for a dynamic design that can grow alongside its tiny occupant.
Add Built-In Bookcases
Bedrooms, just like any other space, can always benefit from an extra bit of storage. In this room by designer Katie Lyndon, a H๏τ air balloon wallcovering brings a sense of dreaminess, while a wall of built-in shelves doubles as a “headboard” and adds a spot to display favorite trinkets and reads.
Arrange a Mini Gallery Wall
In this Scandinavian-style bedroom, an asymmetrical gallery wall warms things up, making it feel more personal and lived-in. For an affordable display of wall art, mix in framed pieces with taped-up vintage finds or your own artwork.
Hang an Ornate Mirror
Patterned wallpaper is the star of the space in this Cathy Kincaid-designed room, but the ornate, romantic mirror above the bed takes this sweet room and upgrades it to luxury status.
Hang a Single Statement Piece
You don’t need to clutter your walls with art. A single, medium-to-large-sized piece above the bed, console, or fireplace—as is the case in this master bedroom designed by Arent & Pyke—is just as impactful. Looking to add even more drama? Pull out a complementary paint hue to coat the walls.
Add Some Vintage Posters
Vintage posters create a bold alternative to a headboard in the master bedroom of a Los Angeles home by John De Bastiani. Because the room itself is grounded in neutrals, the oversized prints also serve to add a vibrant pop of color and personality.