19 Ways To Decorate Your Bed Without A Headboard

Whether you're limited on space, short on cash, or you just can't find one you love, here's some ideas to make all your #roomgoals come true without a headboard.

1. Add some magic with string lights:

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Use your leftover Christmas lights to add a touch of whimsy to the space above your bed. Clip pictures and other mementos onto the wires with clothespins or paperclips, or shape the lights into something really cool and artsy, like your favorite word or a giant tree.

2. Use the window to your advantage:

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Short on space? A window makes the perfect substitution for a headboard. As long as it's insulated correctly, there'll be no pesky draft AND you can maximize storage space by treating your windowsill as a night stand. It's a win-win.

3. Try a statement mirror:

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If your room is on the small side, throwing a mirror above your bed instead of a headboard will not only make your room appear much bigger, it'll reflect all the natural light in your room, too. You can find them for cheap at local thrift stores or yard sales, and of course, there's always Ikea.

4. Get in touch with your Bohemian side:

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Hanging a colorful tapestry above your bed is such an easy way to decorate an otherwise plain wall. Everybody will be so drawn in by the crazy print and the overall cool vibes of your room that they won't even care that a headboard is missing. They're super easy to come by if you don't already have one, and they're usually super cheap. Try rummaging around your local thrift store, and if that doesn't work out, sites like Urban Outfitters, and surprisingly, Ebay, have tons to choose from.

5. Or use lace instead:

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If a tapestry is a little too loud for you, try hanging a lace panel instead. It adds some subtle texture to the wall and provides a lovely but simple canvas. It's the perfect option for all the minimalists out there who love the idea of a tapestry, but can't bear to stray from their beloved neutrals.

6. Similarly, hang a curtain:

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There doesn't have to be a window in order to hang curtains at the head of your bed. In fact, you can attach a curtain rod to a few Command strips, and viola! You have a really cool headboard that's also interchangeable. Try fastening the fabric to the sides and putting a mirror in the middle to create a nice effect that mimics a window, or let them hang down like a backdrop (the one above is actually a shower curtain!). Either way, this is an easy and airy alternative to the usual heavy headboard. Not to mention that it's super cost effective.

7. Get the royal treatment:

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Yes, canopy beds were all the rage when we were little, but who doesn't want to feel like a prince or princess with a hanging canopy? They're a great way to add a touch of privacy to an open room, and they can turn even the smallest of spaces into your own personal sanctuary. Try adding some twinkle lights to make it look really magical.

8. Push your bed into the corner:

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Putting my own bed in the corner of the room was the best decision I ever made. It opened up so much floor space, and it made it virtually impossible for a headboard to fit. Having a bed rest against two walls really maximizes coziness, and it makes a headboard completely unnecessary.

9. Paint an accent wall:

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If there's anything I've learned from my endless HGTV bingewatching, it's that accent walls are an absolute must-have. Instead of painting one whole bedroom wall, try just emphasizing the section above your bed. It will look gorgeous and provide a nice pop of color. Who needs a headboard when you can have a whole wall?

10. Install a floating shelf:

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If possible, opt for a shelf instead of a headboard. It provides so many more options, and it's super easy to customize. Use it to stack books, display your favorite pictures, or store your favorite knick-knacks. It's versatile, too, so it can change with the seasons. If you're feeling brave, you can save some money and DIY with this simple tutorial — just double-check with your landlord before you start hammering away.

11. Break out the Washi Tape:

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Washi Tape is every crafters dream, and for good reason. With so many patterns and colors, plus an easy clean up, it's hard not to fall in love with it. From city skylines and geometric shapes to actual headboard inspired designs, it's hard not to get carried away and tape everything in sight.

12. Make a giant photo wall:

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Print out your favorite pictures and hang them above your bed in leu of a headboard. If you want to make them a little more uniform, try opting for one color palette instead, like black and white or more neutral tones. Spice it up and add graphics or a map, too! But if you're feeling a little retro, give Polaroids a try! This site prints your favorite Instagram pics Polaroid style for cheap. They'll add a personal touch to the space over your bed that a headboard never could.

13. Buy a funky piece of art:

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Art is cool. Art above your bed is even cooler. Find a piece you love (Etsy has fabulous graphic prints for cheap) and hang it over your bed. It can be canvas, it can be framed, whatever it is, display it with pride. Use the colors in the piece throughout the room, and everyone will be so impressed with your taste, they won't even notice that there's no headboard in sight.

14. Or just frame your favorite prints:

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This one is super easy to DIY. Just print out your favorite graphics and printables (you can find a bunch of cute ones for FREE here) and frame them. Use different frames and varying sizes, plus a combination of typography and illustrations, and before you know it, you'll have a gallery-inspired headboard wall that would make any Pinner proud.

15. Remember that old bulletin board?

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When I was living in my college dorm, I used a cork board as my headboard. I loved it because I could keep adding pictures and ticket stubs to it, while keeping it all in one place without having to put a million tacks in my wall. Use it as a dream board or to hang up your favorite memories. For a more industrial look, try pegboard. Just make sure it's safely secured because it really sucks when it falls on you in the middle of the night. Trust me.

16. Wall decals are your friend:

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No headboard? No problem. Vinyl wall decals are a great substitution. They come off easily, which makes it perfect for those who are always changing their minds (e.g. ME). They won't break the bank, either. From maps to Disney characters to giant elephants, you'll be able to find whatever style you're looking for.

17. Or just create your own wall art:

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If you've got magazines laying around and some spare time on your hands, then you can easily make your own wall art for next-to-nothing. All you have to do is cut out a bunch of cool shapes (you can even try making letters) and throw them together on your wall. You'll have a new headboard by bedtime.

18. Invest in some cute pillows:

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Not having a headboard means that you'll need extra pillows to amp up the coziness. Invest in some cute throw ones that add character, like these eyelash pillows from Amazon or these feather shams from ModCloth. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and colors!

19. Embrace the space:

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Last but not least, embrace all that empty space above your bed. After all, less is more. There's tons of gorgeous and super minimal #decorinspo out there, and plenty of it doesn't include headboards.