Decorating your walls is an essential step of the interior design process, but it feels especially important in the bedroom, as no one wants to wake up in a plain white box. Indeed, if your bedroom feels unfinished, it’s likely due to a lack of wall decor. Whether you’re working on a tight budget, considering taking the plunge with some wallpaper, or looking for creative art display inspiration, these designer-approved bedroom wall decor ideas will help you liven up the space.
Have you ever wanted to crawl into a bed more than you have right now? The moody gray velvet walls and matching headboard bring a smokey, texturally rich allure and mystery to the otherwise white, bright, and airy space designed by Alison Pickart. No artwork is needed, as these walls speak for themselves.
Patterns and bright colors bring this bedroom designed by Kelly Hohla to life. The metallic accents really pop and the brutalist sculpture adds dimension while the layers of textiles keep things soft. And of course, the playful wallcovering is itself a work of art.
In this bedroom designed by Hecker Guthrie, the dark, long and lean wooden panels bring grit and polish while the luxe red armchair and plush cream carpet create warmth.
If your painting skills are lacking, enlist someone else to create a mural for you, or you could even try a cool, temporary wallpaper. Here, Studio DB opted for a painterly blue wallpaper.
Antlers can be rustic, hip, or even glam (yes, seriously) depending on how you style them. Choose a metallic version and pair with jewel tones or opt for something with a vintage charm, as Heidi Caillier did in this eclectic bedroom.
Your bedroom should be the coziest room in your house, so take it there with textile wall hanging. In this eclectic bedroom designed by Janie Molster, the Suzani contrasts with the abstract wall art and traditional carpet and drapes.
Rather than hanging one piece above the bed, consider more unique placement and surround all the walls. Interior designer Tamsin Johnson stacked two small pieces in the corner and then hung one large abstract painting on the adjacent wall in this hip space.
Rives Granade Future Fossil Painting, $870
In this monochromatic blush pink bedroom designed by Shapeless Studio, the decorative wall moldings add just a touch of character without throwing off the understated tone of the space.
“I had an old canvas laying 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 and 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,” says Leanne Ford.
High-energy yet calming, bold yet timeless, this jaw-dropping bedroom designed by Brian J. McCarthy is serious goals. For a similar effect, stick to a tight two-color story with the walls in a show-stopping super high gloss paint and then dip your ceiling in a flat white. “This finish feels fresh for a guest room, and the surprising pop of color is both warm and chic,” he says.
In a child’s bedroom, mix timeless artwork with fun, youthful wall decor. In this bedroom, Heidi Caillier opted for a gilt-framed painting and a wall-mounted giraffe bust.
This hot air balloon printed wallcovering brings a sense of dreaminess and movement to the small bedroom. It’s a beautiful way to frame the wall of built-in shelves. Designer Katie Lyndon aptly describes it as both classic but imaginative.
In this Scandinavian-style bedroom, the 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.
Patterned wallpaper is a start, but the ornate, romantic mirror above the bed takes this sweet room designed by Cathy Kinaid all the way.
You don’t have to disrupt clean, painted walls with hangings—instead, paint a pattern. You can cover your entire wall for more impact, or limit the design to a small section.
PSA: This is the new gallery wall. Line your prints up on a skinny shelf for a cleaner approach. Designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, this white bedroom incorporates plenty of earth tones to spread warmth throughout the space. The exposed wood beams, rustic bed frame, and industrial pendant ground the room.
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.
If you’re afraid of committing to a printed wallpaper, choose a neutral color. Your wall art still stands out, but the room feels much lighter.
Vintage posters create a bold alternative to a headboard in the master bedroom of a Los Angeles home. Because the room is so neutral, they also help add some color.
