Wallpapering behind the headboard of your bed can mean more than just the classic “floor to ceiling approach”. Each bedroom offers unique challenges that sometimes require thinking outside the box and using creative and unconventional design ideas. Here are some of them:
- Create a “virtual” headboard with wallpaper for beds without one
Do you own a minimalist bed without a physical headboard? Why not use this as an opportunity to create a "virtual" headboard that brings focus to the bed but also adds a distinctive design element to the room? Measure the width of the bed and choose a wallpaper with a bold and eye-catching pattern to create a visual focal point. Create a virtual headboard that is just as large as the bed, extending it to whatever height you deem appropriate. Remember to consider the overall symmetry of the room. To avoid an unsightly seam in the middle, you could opt for a wallpaper with a pattern that doesn’t need to be put up in a specific direction and install a single strip horizontally. Complete the look by incorporating wall art or mirrors or enhance the tactile experience by layering textiles such as throw pillows and a plush headboard cushion against the wallpapered surface to simulate the feel of a traditional headboard. - Frame wallpaper panels and use them as artwork
Turn wallpaper into a work of art by framing different panels and hanging them above the bed. Mix and match different wall décor motifs to create an eclectic and personalised gallery. You could, for instance, re-use leftover wallpaper from previous projects. Remember that the proper installation of the panels is crucial for a polished look. Arrange the framed panels symmetrically or asymmetrically, opting for either a grid-like pattern or a more organic arrangement. Always ensure that there is adequate spacing between the panels to create a cohesive and visually pleasing composition. Use a spirit level to align them accurately. To make the display more unique, create an artwork within the artwork by adding small photos or prints within the framed wallpaper arrangement, creating a layered approach that will feel even more personal. - Incorporate wallpaper as a backdrop for wall-mounted nightstands or shelves
If you already have wall-mounted nightstands, lights or shelves, you could go for a headboard wallpaper design that complements them. While it is quite common to choose understated wall décor designs that remain in the background, there is no reason why you should adopt this approach. Go for a bolder graphic design if you feel like it! Just make sure that the main colour fits within the chromatic scheme of the rest of the décor. Try to stay away from very large motifs as they might end up being partially hidden by the wall-mounted furnishings. - Incorporate wallpaper into the headboard design
The headboard of your bed is a large, blank slate that looks a bit boring? Why not spruce it up by decorating its surface with an unusual wallpaper? You can treat your otherwise uninspiring bedhead as a canvas and personalise it to your heart’s delight. Please note: you might need to do some prep work and choose the right wallpapering paste depending on whether your headboard is made of wood [LINK TO ASK THE EXPERT WOOD] or glass [LINK TO ASK THE EXPERT GLASS].
- Create a picture rail above your headboard wallpaper
If you are keen on a headboard wallpaper but feel that a wall-to-wall solution might be too bold, why not wallpaper just the lower portion of the wall with a bold wall décor that provides a character boost without dominating the bedroom? Complete this design by installing a narrow ledge above the bed where you can display your favourite pictures and ornaments. As you won’t have to put them up on the wall, this type of arrangement is much easier to change whenever you feel like.
- Turn your wall into a quilt with a patchwork of wallpapers
Creating a patchwork effect by combining different patterned and plain wallpapers is an excellent way to recycle unused wallpaper rolls from a previous project. In addition, it will only require a limited budget, as you won’t have to buy more than a couple of extra rolls at the most. For the “plain” areas, you can use panels of lining paper painted in different hues. If done with care and attention, the end-result will look chic and high-end. You can dial up the boldness of this design by using brighter colours and clashing patterns for a really eye-catching effect. - Stretch the headboard wallpaper to the ceiling
In some bedrooms, the ceiling is decorated with a contrasting hue to the walls, creating a dividing line that makes rooms with low ceilings appear even lower. A solution to overcome this issue is to extend the headboard wallpaper to the ceiling. The eye will be naturally drawn upwards, and the visual continuity and lack of dividing lines that would otherwise interrupt the sightline add a sense of height. For this approach it is a good idea to opt for wallpapers on the lighter side of the colour palette.
These are of course just some of the design options available to you. We always advice our customers to treat the headboard wall as a blank canvas, take a step back and consider the bedroom as a whole. Think what it is required to make it truly yours. If you are willing to keep an open mind and transcend the traditional boundaries of bedroom design, a world of innovative and exciting design possibilities awaits you!