White Wall Bedroom Decorating Ideas

19 Ways to Animate Your Bedroom Walls

Smile the moment you wake up.

Tamsin Johnson

Decorating your walls is an essential step of the interior design process, but it feels especially important in the bedroom, as no one wants to wake up in a plain white box. Indeed, if your bedroom feels unfinished, it's likely due to a lack of wall decor. Whether you're working on a tight budget, considering taking the plunge with some wallpaper, or looking for creative art display inspiration, these designer-approved bedroom wall decor ideas will help you liven up the space.

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Upholster the Walls

Have you ever wanted to crawl into a bed more than you have right now? The moody gray velvet walls and matching headboard bring a smokey, texturally rich allure and mystery to the otherwise white, bright, and airy space designed by Alison Pickart. No artwork is needed, as these walls speak for themselves.

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Mount a Sculpture

Patterns and bright colors bring this bedroom designed by Kelly Hohla to life. The metallic accents really pop and the brutalist sculpture adds dimension while the layers of textiles keep things soft. And of course, the playful wallcovering is itself a work of art.

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Add Texture

In this bedroom designed by Hecker Guthrie, the dark, long and lean wooden panels bring grit and polish while the luxe red armchair and plush cream carpet create warmth.

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Mimic a Mural

If your painting skills are lacking, enlist someone else to create a mural for you, or you could even try a cool, temporary wallpaper. Here, Studio DB opted for a painterly blue wallpaper.

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Mount Some Antlers

Antlers can be rustic, hip, or even glam (yes, seriously) depending on how you style them. Choose a metallic version and pair with jewel tones or opt for something with a vintage charm, as Heidi Caillier did in this eclectic bedroom.

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Hang a Textile

Your bedroom should be the coziest room in your house, so take it there with textile wall hanging. In this eclectic bedroom designed by Janie Molster, the Suzani contrasts with the abstract wall art and traditional carpet and drapes.

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Rethink Placement

Rather than hanging one piece above the bed, consider more unique placement and surround all the walls. Interior designer Tamsin Johnson stacked two small pieces in the corner and then hung one large abstract painting on the adjacent wall in this hip space.

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Spice Up the Millwork

In this monochromatic blush pink bedroom designed by Shapeless Studio, the decorative wall moldings add just a touch of character without throwing off the understated tone of the space.

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DIY a Tarp

"I had an old canvas laying around forever and couldn't bring myself to throw it away because I always loved the creme color of it. One day I just nailed it to the wall and called one of my favorite artist friends Alexandra Gracik and asked her to come over with her charcoal to draw whatever the heck she wanted," says Leanne Ford.

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Use Lacquer

High-energy yet calming, bold yet timeless, this jaw-dropping bedroom designed by Brian J. McCarthy is serious goals. For a similar effect, stick to a tight two-color story with the walls in a show-stopping super high gloss paint and then dip your ceiling in a flat white. "This finish feels fresh for a guest room, and the surprising pop of color is both warm and chic," he says.

BUY NOW Glidden Red High Gloss Paint, $14

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Mix Adult and Kid-Friendly Decor

In a child's bedroom, mix timeless artwork with fun, youthful wall decor. In this bedroom, Heidi Caillier opted for a gilt-framed painting and a wall-mounted giraffe bust.

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Built-In Bookcases

This hot air balloon printed wallcovering brings a sense of dreaminess and movement to the small bedroom. It's a beautiful way to frame the wall of built-in shelves. Designer Katie Lyndon aptly describes it as both classic but imaginative.

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Arrange a Gallery Wall

In this Scandinavian-style bedroom, the asymmetrical gallery wall warms things up, making it feel more personal and lived-in. For an affordable display of wall art, mix in framed pieces with taped up vintage finds or your own artwork.

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Hang a Mirror

Patterned wallpaper is a start, but the ornate, romantic mirror above the bed takes this sweet room designed by Cathy Kinaid all the way.

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Paint a Pattern

You don't have to disrupt clean, painted walls with hangings—instead, paint a pattern. You can cover your entire wall for more impact, or limit the design to a small section.

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Create a Trio

PSA: This is the new gallery wall. Line your prints up on a skinny shelf for a cleaner approach. Designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, this white bedroom incorporates plenty of earth tones to spread warmth throughout the space. The exposed wood beams, rustic bed frame, and industrial pendant ground the room.

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Hang One Statement Piece

You don't need to clutter your walls with art—a single, medium-to-large-sized piece above the bed, console, or fireplace, as is the case in this master bedroom designed by Arent & Pyke, is just as impactful.

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Go Bold With Wallpaper

If you're afraid of committing to a printed wallpaper, choose a neutral color. Your wall art still stands out, but the room feels much lighter.

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Add Some Vintage Posters

Vintage posters create a bold alternative to a headboard in the master bedroom of a Los Angeles home. Because the room is so neutral, they also help add some color.

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Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.

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