Ditch the Headboard: 12 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Bedroom Wall

Tired of bulky, traditional headboards that dominate your bedroom? You're not alone. An increasing number of homeowners are embracing the minimalist design trend by skipping the headboard altogether. Going headboard-free opens up new possibilities for creatively decorating the wall behind your bed in ways that express personal style.

Headboards can make small bedrooms feel cramped, obstruct windows and lighting, and trap dust. Without one, your space immediately feels airier and less cluttered. The minimalist look also fits with contemporary and modern aesthetics. So don't fret if your new platform bed came headboard-less or if you recently removed your outdated one. We've gathered gorgeous inspo and clever ideas to decorate the empty space above your bed in chic, unexpected ways.

Benefits of Going Headboard-Free

Why consider a headboard-free bedroom design? Here are some of the advantages:

• Creates a clean, streamlined aesthetic
• Allows you to highlight architectural details of your walls or windows
• Fits small bedrooms, awkward spaces, and rental units
• Makes the room feel more spacious and airy
• Saves money on headboard materials and installation

Without the bulky presence of a headboard, it's easier to appreciate the inherent beauty of your walls, crown molding, baseboards, and windows. The minimalist look also helps rooms feel more expansive. Headboards can make small bedrooms seem even more cramped. And skipping one altogether saves you money on both materials and installation or assembly.

Planning Your Headboard-Free Wall Decor

If you've already removed an existing headboard or bought a frame without one, don't rush to cover the gaping space behind your bed. Take time to plan so your headboard alternative enhances the rest of your bedroom decor.

Take Measurements

Start by carefully measuring the wall space so you can pick properly scaled pieces. Measure width from edge to edge where the headboard would sit. Measure height from where the mattress top hits up. Having exact dimensions prevents buying oversized art or other decor that appears dwarfing or oddly small.

Consider Your Decor Style

Next, think about your existing decor and color scheme. For example, bold graphic art fits modern and contemporary rooms, while boho spaces match woven wall hangings. If you lack a defined style, this headboard project is a chance to create one through your wall decor choices.

Wall-Mounted or Freestanding

Determine whether you want your focal points wall-mounted permanently or as freestanding decor you can move. Renters and those who move frequently should stick to removable items that use Command strips or hooks. Homeowners with more flexibility might install floating shelves or directly paint the wall as their headboard alternative.

Pick Colors and Themes

Finally, choose a cohesive color palette and themes for your pieces. A gallery wall with photos, art, and shelves looks best with a coordinated color story. Or go bold with contrasting hues that pop against neutrals. This planning ensures your headboard substitutions work in harmony.

Creative Alternatives for Decorating the Bedroom Wall

Ready for gorgeous inspo and clever ideas to decorate your headboard-free sleeping space? Here are 12 striking ways to draw the eye:

Oversized Wall Art

Oversized wall art behind the bed makes a major style statement. Abstract modern paintings, stretched canvas prints, or textured tapestry art immediately become the focal point. Scale is important, so measure carefully to pick pieces that fit your wall dimensions. Place centered for symmetrical beds or slightly off-center over nightstands. Lean into minimalism with a single large statement piece or layer multiple smaller prints.

Gallery Wall Display

Nothing jazzes up a blank wall like a gallery display. Cluster an eclectic mix of frames, prints, paintings, photos, mirrors, and even layered shelves or 3D objects. Play with asymmetry and negative space to avoid a cluttered look. Layer half a dozen medium-sized frames or twenty-plus mini prints for a full gallery wall vibe. Mix up subjects, colors, sizes, shapes, and frame styles for visual interest.

Bold Graphic Art

Make a modern design statement by hanging graphic art prints above your bed. Opt for abstract geometric shapes, lines, and interesting typographic designs. Black and white schemes look especially striking and sophisticated against a colorful duvet. Metallic gold, rose gold, and silver prints also complement contemporary spaces. Consider grouping three separate floating frame pieces to create a coordinated graphic display.

Painted or Removable Wallpaper Mural

Get creative with a bold wall mural centered precisely where a headboard would sit. Choose geometric patterns or wallpaper in your favorite colors to make your own headboard look. Renters can opt for removable options to avoid landlord headaches. Homeowners can paint directly onto the wall or commission a local muralist. Just size your design right for the space.

Macrame Wall Hanging

Channel boho vibes by hanging a textural macrame wall hanging above your bed. These woven tapestries out of natural fiber ropes and threads make an excellent headboard alternative. Look for ones with interesting patterns, dangling details, and tassels. Neutral tones work well as a backdrop in small spaces. Or pick a colorful, graphic tapestry pop against a white wall. Displaying your handmade macrame project boosts the cozy factor.

Mounted Wall Shelving

Floating wall shelves offer both form and function as a headboard substitute. They provide space to artfully display your favorite items. Style asymmetric wooden shelves with framed photos, potted succulents, candles, and art. Or try a set of sleek modern chrome shelves holding coffee table books. Symmetrical matching shelves with baskets also create a pleasing vignette behind the bed. Just avoid cluttering your new "headboard."

Repurposed Architectural Materials

For something unexpected, frame your bed with repurposed architectural materials. Old wooden shutters add charming cottage vibes on each side. Or make a bold rustic statement by mounting a weathered barn door as your headboard. Pairs of arched windows or carved trim pieces also work when grouped symmetrically. The vintage items will add loads of character with their patina and imperfections.

Patterned or Textured Fabric

No-sew fabric ideas offer effortless headboard alternatives. Buy yardage of your favorite bold printed or textured fabric. Then simply pin it up on the wall, using decorative nails or Command strips to hold up the top edge. For more texture, add lace, ribbons, tassels, pom poms, or fringe. This easy DIY "headboard" adds a pop of color and lets you change up the look whenever you want.

Design Ideas for Other Areas of the Room

Don't neglect decorating the rest of your new headboard-free bedroom. Here are ideas for pulling the space together:

Extended Window Treatments

Long curtains that extend past the window frame to the ceiling add height and softness at the head of the bed. Layer them over blinds to control privacy and light. For small rooms, hang rod-pocket curtains directly on the walls to make windows appear larger.

Nightstands and Bedding

Up your nightstand decor game with layered lighting, books, framed photos, and plants. Curate your bedding with plenty of pillows, shams, throws, and textured blankets to draw the eye. Using twin nightstands and symmetrical bedding accents creates nice visual balance.

Area Rug

An area rug underneath anchors the bed and defines the space without a headboard present. Choose a patterned rug that contrasts the wall to avoid blending into the floor. Place it so front legs sit atop the rug with equal margins all around.

Mirrored Furniture

Strategically placed mirrored furniture, like nightstands, side tables, or a dresser, makes the room feel expansive. The reflection plays up light and space. Pair mirrored pieces across from each other for stylish symmetry and proportion.

10 Unique Headboard Alternatives

Use a Floating Shelf

A floating shelf placed precisely behind the bed adds function and visual interest to the space. Style it with books, plants, candles, or any items you want to display. The ledge and decor provide a headboard look without taking up valuable floor space.

Create a Gallery Wall

Behind the bed is the perfect spot for a gallery wall display. Mix and match a collage of frames, art, photos, and prints to reflect your personality. This idea allows you to easily change up the look whenever you want.

Use a Storage Bed

For built-in functionality, consider using a storage bed in lieu of a headboard. Models with drawers, cabinets, and shelving add needed storage space. The streamlined, contemporary style also complements headboard-free designs.

Hang a Swing Chair

To add a playful, adventurous touch, install a hanging swing chair on the wall behind your bed. When not in use, it serves as a unique focal point and conversation starter. Just be sure to anchor it securely and check the weight limits before lounging.

Traditional headboards can obstruct space and light, overwhelm small bedrooms, and cost money. Skipping one altogether opens new possibilities for creative wall decor. Oversized art, gallery walls, architectural salvage, macrame, and graphic prints make artistic and alluring substitutes.

Planning your new headboard-free wall decor around your existing style and colors creates a pulled-together look. Remember to properly measure so your pieces fit proportionally. The end result is a personalized, distinctive sleeping space that feels extra spacious without the constraints of a bulky headboard.