12 Things To Hang Over Your Bed That Aren't Artwork

Figuring out what to hang above your bed can be a bit of a conundrum. You could, of course, choose not to hang anything — a minimalist approach that's totally valid. Or if you're itching to fill that space somehow, you could take the conventional approach and hang a painting or other piece of artwork, and if you go this route, there are lots of places to buy incredibly affordable art for your home. But if you want to do something a little less cliché, there are lots of beautiful and even functional items you can hang above your bed that aren't just the same old oil or watercolor painting. From lighting and clocks to wreaths and drapes, the options are honestly endless.

Just a quick piece of advice before you start hammering away. No matter what you choose to grace the space above your bed, always ensure that anything hanging there can be securely fastened. Some common best practices include first identifying what kind of wall you're dealing with (is it drywall, brick, or stud?) to make sure that the wall is sturdy enough and that you're using the correct drill, and in some cases using a wall plug or other anchoring device to ensure you have a firm hold. You don't want any potentially dangerous accidents waking you up in the middle of the night!

Mirrors are incredibly diverse decor, with lots of different shapes and frames to choose from. And in addition to looking lovely in your bedroom, they can also pull double-duty as functional and practical items. They're a clever visual trick to easily make your small space seem bigger, and they reflect light to make your bedroom feel brighter and more welcoming. Plus, from your mirror's handy spot above your bed, it's easy to give yourself a quick once-over to make sure you're looking good before heading out for the day!

Back in the day, sconces served a very practical purpose for holding torches and candles in the dark halls of castles and churches. Today, you can bring some of that old-world ambience to your bedside with LED-lit sconces that can provide subtle lighting and set a cozy mood in your room — and they don't need to have a vintage look, either; sconces come in all sorts of styles to fit your taste and bedroom decor. They also come in handy by providing easy-to-access bedside lighting for reading, crosswords, or whatever your nighttime relaxation ritual may be.

When it's time for a home decor upgrade, you could reach for a stylistic element that has withstood the test of time. Clocks make great bedroom decor because they are practical (no more excuses for being late out the door in the morning!) and can also be beautiful, with any number of designs and sizes to fit whatever look you're going for in your bedroom.

Few things are more relaxing than sitting in a library filled to the brim with books — especially if it's a collection of your favorites. So for some cozy academia vibes, try hanging shelves stacked with your most treasured books above your bed. Bonus: Your most-loved stories will be easily on hand whenever you have an inclination to do a bit of reading before bed. If you're in the mood for a more neutral (albeit controversial!) look, you can try positioning the books with the spines facing inward so that only the beige pages are visible.

Looking at photos of those who are nearest and dearest to you is sure to bring a smile to your face even on the crummiest of days. In fact, seeing pictures of loved ones doesn't just feel good; it may have mental and physical health benefits, too! Try hanging some large prints or installing a shelf with a few framed favorites of your children, wedding photos of you and your spouse, or pictures of whomever brings you joy. For a timeless look that complements almost any bedroom style, you could incorporate all-black and white photographs.

Ever heard the expression "good things grow here"? Seeing lovely green plants thriving above your bed brings a touch of nature to your safe space that looks good and makes you feel good, too. You can incorporate plants above your bed by installing wall-mounted baskets, adding shelves for little potted plants, or even try creating a vertical moss wall. (Just make sure you're using drip trays or other methods to keep plant water from draining onto you and your bed!)

What could be more dreamy than a canopy bed? This lux bedroom style has been in use for centuries — not only as a means of providing privacy and keeping bed occupants protected from the chilly night air, but also as a fashionable home decor trend amongst the noble elite. But you don't need to buy a whole new four-poster bed; incorporate some of that classic style into your room with a modern twist by hanging curtains or drapes on the wall behind your bed.

While we might be stretching the 'hang' part here, an accent wall behind your bed with wallpaper can be a lot better than hanging art. With lots of different colors, patterns, and styles to choose from, you can make as much or as little a statement as you like — from peaceful botanical prints to bold metallic to quirky patterns. If you aren't ready for the commitment of traditional wallpaper, try opting for peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is easy to take down when you feel like mixing things up.

Neon signs reached peak popularity in the U.S. from the 1930s to 1950s, but you can revive this retro trend by displaying one above your bed. Most of the "neon" signs you see today are actually faux-neon made from LED lights — which is both safer and more environmentally friendly — and there are any number of cool neon signs to display in your home. Show off your personality with a favorite saying, logo or icon, or peruse shops such as Etsy or Pottery Barn for a custom-made neon sign.

As any Martha Stewart fan will tell you, wreaths aren't just for the holidays! Whether it's made of real dried flowers or faux foliage, hang a circlet or garland above your bed containing some favorite florals or greenery. For a homey, festive feel, you could even swap out the wreath a few times a year to correlate with the seasons — incorporating fall leaves in deep burgundies, oranges, and browns during the autumn months, and a wreath full of colorful blossoms in the spring.

Do you have a penchant for collecting beautiful pottery or porcelain from antique shops or flea markets? Or have you inherited some stunning china from your grandparents? Rather than keeping them stored away in a cupboard, show them off by displaying your decorative plates on the wall above your bed! In order to perfectly hang decorative plates, you'll just want to do some experimenting and figure out how you'd like your arrangement to look before you start hammering away or drilling holes in the wall.

Headboards do serve a purpose; they provide neck and back support while you're sitting up in bed, and they protect the wall behind your bed from too much wear and tear. But headboards don't need to be merely functional; they can also be pieces of art in and of themselves. So instead of a painting hanging over your bed, why not try using a statement headboard for your bedroom accent piece? Be creative with different textures and shapes, and you can really lean into the drama by incorporating an extra-tall headboard that reaches the ceiling.