Step Aside, Wall Art: Joanna Gaines Has A Better Idea For The Space Behind Your Bed

Choosing large wall decor ideas to fill an empty space makes so much sense. Not only is it a great way to break up a void, but it also creates a beautiful focal point for the eye to rest on. If you're looking for a chic, elegant way to elevate the area behind your bed, Joanna Gaines has a great trick up her sleeve. The bedroom in question features in the second part of Gaines' spin-off series, "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse". Instead of choosing a large canvas print or a framed photo for the space above the bed, she added a built-in bed frame with a green velvet headboard, cherry wood millwork and cabinetry, and vintage sconces on either side. If you're searching for gallery wall alternatives, this is an idea that can fill a spacious wall. And it proves that you don't need wall art to make the space behind your bed feel complete.  

With the textured wallpaper, the dark wooden millwork, and the corduroy fabric headboard, Gaines creates a moody layered look. "I wanted the interior to play off the natural setting you see when you look out the windows," she wrote in her Instagram caption. "We incorporated natural textures and colors that made the exterior view and the interior design feel as seamless as possible."

To create a focal point, Gaines opts for a wooden headboard surround made of cherry wood. This acts like a frame for the bed and allows for built-in nightstands on either side. The rounded corners also mirror the shape of the headboard, creating a polished look.

The dark green upholstery complements the millwork, adding depth that draws the eye. The difference in textures between the velvet corduroy headboard and natural wood creates contrast, too. Typical of Gaines, the well-thought-out design choices come together and make a focal point behind the bed that anchors the space.

Gaines' design is a classic Midcentury Modern style, but you don't have to choose dark woods and a moody palette to create a similar effect in your own bedroom. For example, you could choose a lighter palette with white painted walls and light oak panelling or wainscoting. It's worth noting, however, that adding these design elements is a big undertaking that won't be cheap. To achieve a similar effect on a budget, you could get creative with paint and color block part of the wall to mimic a built in headboard surround that frames your bed. This will achieve a similar effect by adding depth to the wall that draws the eye.