Why Nate Berkus Ditches The Bedroom Headboard For Something Much More Personal

The bedroom is a comforting place where we can retreat to after a long day. Since we spend hours in this space every night, the ambiance should be calming and a reflection of our own individual taste. Bedroom design can extend far beyond the choice of bedspread and pillow arrangement. To make the room extra cozy, utilize the walls as a place to display creative elements that speak to you. Interior design expert Nate Berkus recommends using the space above the bed not for a headboard, but to feature artwork. 

Instead of oversized decor or a bulky headboard, art adds a personal touch by reflecting the person who sleeps there. The right art allows you to customize your bedroom design to your preferences, which makes the space feel intentional and purposeful. A large panel painting or multiple small prints of the same height will draw the eye without overpowering the room. Berkus favors rectangular panels and notes how artwork draws the eye and helps keep the room anchored. Whether or not to cover the entire perimeter of the wall is entirely up to you. Remember, choosing the right-sized art to hang above your bed is key to keeping the room balanced.  

Artwork is a quick and poignant way to make a bedroom feel unique. Nate Berkus frequently uses art to establish different color preferences, patterns, and aesthetics that complete the room. The wall space overlooking the bed is the ideal place for a custom painting to really shine. Travel lovers can dream of vacationing by displaying a landscape portrait over their heads as they sleep. Or an abstract painting can be hung to give off a hint of whimsy and stylish contrast from other elements in the space. Be sure to use this easy measuring rule for expertly scaled artwork above your bed.

The wall space above the bed doesn't have to be limited to paintings. An elegant hanging tapestry can be displayed over the bed to add a pop of color and texture. Wood panels, shiplap, or even wainscoting will add texture and visual appeal without stealing focus. Framed personal photos warm the heart by allowing you to relive memorable moments again every morning. Plus, pairing pictures with a chic wood frame will add a subtle organic touch to the bedroom. Even wallpaper can be used to accent the wall space behind a bed, introducing a bold pattern and creating visual symmetry in the space.