What to put above the beds in your vacation rental guestrooms is one of those decisions that shouldn’t be difficult, yet can be a real stumper! It’s an inherently awkward space, especially if you have a headboard (you should) and 8-foot ceilings.
Not every space needs something above the bed. If you’ve got a high headboard, it might be better to skip it. But if you feel like the wall needs a little something, it probably does.
Framed art is a natural choice, but you’ve got way more choices than long horizontal paintings. In fact, you’re not limited to rectangular art at all!
You’re in luck if you’re struggling with what to put above the beds. I’ve been researching this very thing, and I’m sharing some of the awesome options I’ve found. Best of all, they’re all reasonably priced.
Note: All content is our own (that is, not sponsored), but if you buy something through our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Bold, Black & White Over-the-Bed Options
For interiors, a light neutral color palette with black accents is hot, and I am here for it. I’ve found some excellent black-and-white art that looks way more expensive than it is. Any of these would go far in updating your guest room decor.
- Abstract Art Digital Download Set, $12.35. This bold set would be great in a Scandi-modern interior.
- Wal Hanging Set $299.97 sold out Find similar here These textiles from Oaxaca are a great alternative to framed art.
- Tree Rings set of 3 digital downloads, $10.40 Organic and unique.
- Set of 6 Watercolor digital downloads $12.35. A softer option with lots of texture.
- Set of 6 Bold digital downloads. $27.31 This set makes a bold statement.
- Set of 3 Moon Print digital downloads $6.20 (on sale at the time of publishing) Simple and lovely.
- Set of 3 Minimal Abstract Prints digital download $11.70. I love the texture of these.
Geometric Art for Over (and Behind) the Bed
Playful geometric shapes are a fun way to add interest to a bedroom wall, and thanks to large-scale decals, you’ll never have to lift a paintbrush.
- Preserved Moss Mid-Century style art $990 This is a very cool version of a green wall that requires zero maintenance.
- San Cristobal Wall Hanging Set $449 (on sale at the time of publishing) An unexpected and cool accent that’s sure to add interest.
- Antique Pink Arch Wall Decal $120 as shown, multiple sizes and colors available. This wall decal is removable and repositionable. and would look great behind a plain headboard.
Use Lighting as Art Above the Bed
You may not need to add anything else if you’ve got the space and wiring for a dramatic pendant light fixture. Make sure pendants aren’t so low that guests will bump into them or so high that they don’t show up in photos.
Alternately, you can add dramatic lighting with wall sconces, either plug-in or hardwired.
Psst, want more lighting ideas? Check out these posts about wall lights, ceiling lights, and table and floor lamps.
- Vertigo Pendant Light starts at $270, multiple sizes available. This dramatic fixture will look amazing in your listing photos. Quite a statement.
- Japanese Handmade Lamp, starts at $393.64, multiple sizes and color combinations available. This pendant is a work of art all by itself.
- Handmade Brass Wall Lamp $276, multiple metal finishes available. These vintage-inspired sconces are both functional and cool.
- Scandanavian Sconce. $135, multiple finishes available. These Edison-type lights look great flanking a piece of art or all by themselves.
- Simple Sconce $209, multiple finishes and colors available. I love these simple sconces, especially because they’re available in a number of interesting colors. They work as either a small ceiling fixture or a sconce.
- Vintage Fabric Pendant starts at $250, multiple sizes available. These are inexpensive versions of some expensive lights, and they add plenty of drama to a room.
- Designer Dupe 2-Arm Swing Lamp $156.99 This inexpensive replica of the iconic Serge Mouille lamp is an attention grabber that can work as a focal point all on its own above a bed. The arms swivel as well as the shades so there are multiple ways to configure it.
Classic, Nature-Inspired Above the Bed Decor
Groups of prints are a great way to fill the space over the bed, especially because you can arrange the grid in whatever way that fits best. Botanical prints are a great choice for this. You can also frame hand-painted Chinoiserie silk panels for a dramatic grouping (be sure to click the link – I have a great, affordable source for these.). Since they’re meant to be wallcovering there’s the added advantage that they don’t need glass to protect them when they’re framed.
- Horizontal Vintage Landscape Painting, price as shown $76.99. This print of a vintage oil painting is available in several sizes and as a paper or canvas print. The canvas option will need to be stretched, as it’s shipped rolled, but it’s a good option for above-the-bed art because it can be framed without glass.
- Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Panels on Silk (unframed) $225. This is one of my favorite sellers on Etsy for hand-painted chinoiserie-style wallcoverings at a fraction of the price of designer brands. These panels will need to be framed, but since they’re meant to be wallcoverings they don’t need glass.
- Landscape Canvas Tapestry, price varies, 60×40 inches $142.40 at time of publishing. This wall hanging is another nice option for art over the bed without glass. It’s available in multiple sizes and wood stains.
- Set of 12 Antique Botanical Prints, $145.53 for all 12, size 8×10. Individual prints and smaller sets are available, and multiple sizes are available. When combined with inexpensive big-box store frames (like these), this set of botanical prints could make for a stunning and expensive-looking bedroom wall.
- Set of 3 Wildflower Prints, $360.79 18×24, framed. Multiple frame and size options are available. These pretty prints are a great choice if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of framing.
- Coastal Landscape Painting Digital Download, $10.40. Artist Dan Hobday has lots of great stuff in his Etsy shop, you’ll see several of my favorites in this post. Digital downloads are an excellent choice for the host who doesn’t mind a little extra legwork. See the resources at the bottom of this post for printing options.
Adorn Your Bed Wall with Boho Accessories
Boho style seems to cover a lot of ground these days. Still, the modern version of hippie couture is an excellent choice for vacation rental bedroom design because it gives lots of options for over-the-bed decor that are interesting, inexpensive, and easy to hang on a wall safely.
- Feathers Wall Mirror $287.62 as shown (36”), multiple sizes and colors available. A fun, soft, updated version of the classic sunburst mirror.
- Lomas Wall Hanging $899 (on sale at time of publishing). This wall hanging is a unique, sculptural take on trendy macrame wall hangings.
- Azibo Woven Wall Hanging $476 (on sale at time of publishing) The detailed open weave of this rattan wall hanging makes it an elegant and textural piece of wall art. Available in two sizes, hang it over the bed as art or flip it over and use it as a headboard.
- Bolga Fans (Set of 2) $358 (on sale at time of publishing) Hang these by themselves or as part of a gallery wall.
- Handmade Woven Basket Plates (Set of 3) $130.61 You’d never guess this collection is from Home Depot! A nice collection to use as a grouping alone or mixed with others for a larger set.
- Wood Moon Phase Wall Hanging $39.90 (on sale at time of publishing) This charming wall hanging is available in multiple wood stains and colors to work with your design plan.
Sculptural Objects for Over the Bed
Round objects like mirrors and baskets are a popular choice for over-the-bed decor because they often add a nice counterpoint to the straight lines of the other bedroom furniture. Consider sculptural objects in metal and wood for your guest room, especially if you want to avoid hanging art with glass above a bed. Just be sure heavier objects are well-anchored to the wall.
- Carved Whitewashed Wood Wall Decor $276.49. This large wall hanging makes a subtle focal point in a neutral decorating scheme.
- Ginko Leaf Wall Sculpture $69.99 A nice option for adding a bit of sparkle and a freeform organic shape to your guestroom decor.
- Cement and Gold Leaf Decor (set of 4) $117.40. Hang these in a straight line over the headboard or mix them in with gallery wall arrangements for a bit of texture and sparkle.
- Bronze Disk $115.78 (on sale at time of publishing) Although this pieced bronze disk from India might usually be classified as “boho,” it can look strikingly contemporary in the right context. Use over a bed to evoke the moon.
- Caesar Wall Decor $128 (on sale at time of publishing) A wreath made of butterflies, what could be more charming?
Fine Art for Above the Bed
I’m calling this category fine art because what these selections have in common is that they look expensive. Hang them alone to make them the center of attention, or use them as part of a collection.
- Abstract Art Set Download $15.60. This is one of my favorite sets from artist Dan Hobday. The textured background adds an extra dimension.
- Flight Vintage Print $99 for 24×36 printed on paper. This sweet pencil drawing is available printed on paper or canvas, or as a digital download. Framing is available but it looks like many of the frame choices are currently out of stock. I love this hung off-center above a headboard.
- Gallery Set of 5 Digital Download $32.03 A done-for-you gallery wall in fashionable colors.
- Cloud Painting 24×24, framed $76. A dreamy piece of art perfect for a bedroom.
- Abstract Drawing Set Digital Download $14.30. These would look great printed on either canvas or paper.
Fiber Art for Over the Bed
Macrame wall hangings are all the rage, but fiber art comes in many forms, some of which can look quite contemporary.
Don’t overlook fiber art in your search for above-the-bed decor. It can add dimension to a room and is easy to hang to boot.
- Dip Dyed Wall Hanging $269.70 for 59”W x 30”H. Multiple sizes and colors available. Bring on the drama with this swoopy piece of art.
- Modern Tapestry Set $992.56 If you’re interested in this textural set, you should probably act fast because it inches closer to my shopping cart every time I look at it.
- Indigo Tie Dyed Mudcloth $98 (one of a kind). This throw, made of hand-sewn strips, has a lovely vintage appearance and would look great hung on a wall behind a bed.
Vintage Looks for Above the Bed
Antique skis, snowshoes, tennis rackets, or surfboards can make for interesting wall displays with character. Look for items with tell-tale wear and tear or those made into decor with the judicious application of paint.
- Hand Painted Canoe Paddles $95 and up, with multiple patterns and sets available. Great patterns in interesting colors.
- Set of 2 Campervan Prints Download $10.40 Fun and cheeky decor perfect for a beach house.
- Antique Skis $277 These vintage skis from the 1940s are one of a kind, so act fast if you like them (if you miss it, never fear, the seller has others.)
How to Print and Frame Your Favorite Over-the-Bed Art
Printing Tips
If your digitally downloaded artwork can pass as a painting, having it printed on canvas will allow you to hang it without glass. Not every piece of art looks good on canvas, however, so if you have your art printed on paper choose a matte or textured finish for paintings and drawings and glossy photo paper for photos. If you’re in doubt, the print shop may be able to offer some guidance.
Where to Get Downloaded Art Printed
Your local frame shop. Many shops have invested in large-format printers, and going to them will make it easy to have canvases stretched and framed. Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy custom frames for your affordable artwork. One of my favorite ways to save money on framing is to buy big-box store frames and have the frame shop cut custom mats for them for an expensive look.
EH Company (on Etsy) After you download your art on Etsy, click on over to this shop to have it printed. They print on canvas and several types of paper, and offer several types of hanging styles and framing for canvases. They have a nice selection of artwork, too.
Artifact Uprising Lots of printing and frame options, including floating frames, nicely framed canvas, and gallery wall sets.
Framing Options
Big box store frames. If you’re looking for something simple, this can be a cost-effective way to go. Have custom mats cut to make your art look expensive.
Framebridge I normally don’t love online framing because it’s done with acrylic instead of glass. However, art hanging over the bed is the exception – it should be framed with acrylic. Framebridge is a well-known and recommended online framing company with lots of options for frames and framing styles. They can print the art, too, making it a one-stop shop if you’ve purchased a digital download.
American Frame is a great choice for the DIY-er. You can buy frames and framing supplies and assemble them yourself, or upload your artwork and have them print and frame it. This is my go-to when I want a custom size or better quality frame than the big box options.
Whew! There you have it – 45 ideas for stuff to hang over a bed. Bookmark this post to reference as your vacation rental empire grows!
