Bed Decorating Ideas Without Headboard

I'm making plans to spruce up my bedroom a bit and one of the main things I want to target is the area above my bed head. I don't have a headboard and have been deliberating (for yyyears really…sigh overthinker much?) whether I should DIY a headboard or use large artwork or other decorative options instead as a headboard alternative.

So today, I'm rounding up some no headboard ideas for your bedroom that you can easily implement.

I'm crushing on quite a few of these ideas.

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13 Ideas for Styling a Bed with No Headboard

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13 Ideas for Styling a Bed with No Headboard
- 1. Create a Feature Wall with Wallpaper or a Wall Mural
- 2. Use a Giant Macrame Wall Hanging
- 3. Hang Tapestry behind the bed
- 4. Paint an Accent Wall in One Colour
- 5. Create a Colour-blocked Accent Wall
- 6. Frame the Bedhead with a Painted Circle
- 7. Make a Woven Headboard (using placemats and a table runner)
- 8. Use Curtains and Fairy lights for a dreamy backdrop
- 9. Use a Large Piece of Artwork
- 10. Use a couple of large framed prints
- 11. Create an entire gallery wall above the bedhead
- 12. Place a shelf (or more) above the bed
- 13. Nothing behind the bed

1. Create a Feature Wall with Wallpaper or a Wall Mural

These examples show how a full/sectioned accent wall using wallpaper, stencils or contact paper can easily replace the need for a headboard.

This wall mural would make the bedroom a calming oasis.

If you're looking for some affordable easy-to-install wallpaper options for renters, check out these peel and stick wallpapers on Amazon.

These mural wallpapers are also gorgeous but do require some type of adhesive, which may require you to be creative if you're renting.

I absolutely LOVE this stunning floral wallpaper as well as this black and white floral wallpaper a backdrop for the bed. So pretty and feminine!

4. Paint an Accent Wall in One Colour

This is not a new idea but, using just paint, you can make a bold statement like this black accent wall. I like how the stark contrast looks so if you're not afraid of high contrast looks (or a wall of black paint), this could be a great option.

5. Create a Colour-blocked Accent Wall

Take things up a notch by using two colours for a colour-blocked accent wall. This one plays off of the asymmetry in the room and is a great option if your bed isn't centered on the wall.

6. Frame the Bedhead with a Painted Circle

A can of paint and some simple materials are all that's needed to recreate this look. I really love the idea of a painted circle behind the bed. (Find an easy YouTube tutorial here)

Although this other example has a headboard, you can easily picture the room without it as the pink circle can stand on its own.

7. Make a Woven Headboard (using placemats and a table runner)

Ohhh this is a FAB idea!! Use placemats and a table runner to recreate this boho-chic look in no time at all. Check out the tutorial via the link below the pic.

8. Use Curtains and Fairy lights for a dreamy backdrop

I love the dreamy effect this look creates using some curtain fairy lights and sheer fabric. Check out the link below photo for Mr. Kate's full tutorial.

9. Use a Large Piece of Artwork

Artwork and wall decor centered above the bed head are popular options for headboard alternatives. One large framed piece of art can be used to make a statement.

Btw, if you're looking for affordable artwork but not into DIYing, Society 6 has a huge collection of art prints for under $20.

In this example from Mr. Kate, the artwork is placed above the side of the bed rather than the head. I loved the entire room makeover actually since has the popular "hygge" vibe.

10. Use a couple of large framed prints

This idea works really well for word and typography prints.

11. Create an entire gallery wall above the bedhead

Dig out some prints buried in your phone or laptop or DIY some simple art and create a gorgeous gallery wall like this.

12. Place a shelf (or more) above the bed

In a small space, this is also a great storage hack since the shelf can be used to display and store personal items. Add some hanging plants for a chic boho vibe.

I'm not fully comfortable with the idea of a shelf above my head (or the picture frames), particularly since I live in an earthquake-prone country, but I do like how they look.

13. Nothing behind the bed

This final example shows that depending on how you decorate the rest of the room, having nothing at the head of your bed actually works.

In this photo, the artwork placed above the side table rather than above the centre of the bed provides enough visual interest in the space. The minimalistic look of the room is also amplified.