What to Hang Above a Headboard

Mirrors

• From a trio of sea grass-framed mirrors to a lone sunburst design, the right mirror will add a glint of light above your headboard. If your other walls display a variety of art prints, a mirror will give the eye respite from a slew of busy pieces. Decorative mirrors won't clash with the pattern on your comforter, and an antique style will offer extra charm.

Candle Sconces

• All bedrooms need a hint of metal for contrast against the sea of soft fabrics, wood furnishings and carpet. Whether you opt for an electric or real candle sconce, the fixture serves the practical purpose of providing extra light. To prevent glare, avoid bare bulbs that extend downward. Choose fixtures that match the scale of the other objects in your room.

Maps

• Whether your bedroom reflects a coastal, Americana, Moroccan, or rustic theme, a map of your favorite destination will lend your bedroom a sense of travel and adventure. Once relegated to classrooms and home offices, oversize drawings of islands or cities add an air of excitement. A map of the West Indies inspires a tropical feel, while an antique sketch of early America captures the essence of yesterday. Choose a colored frame to match another hue in the room.

Drapes

• Drapes aren't just for windows and four-poster beds. To add height to the room, create your own overhead canopy with panels suspended on a curtain rod or wire. The layers of fabric behind your bed will impart a sense of luxury and comfort. Choose heavier fabrics for a regal vibe and mesh or lightweight fabrics for a coastal feel.

Wallpaper

• Hanging wallpaper on just one wall ensures that the design won't overpower the room. When you're ready for a change, you won't have to strip paper from four walls. From contemporary circles to French country designs, your style choices can range the gamut. No matter what kind of statement you want to make, you'll find a neutral or solid-color comforter to match. Too many different patterns in a room can overwhelm the eye, but small quantities of pattern on your lampshades and pillows will add an extra punch of style.

Nature

• For an organic, serene ambiance, display pieces from Mother Nature above your headboard. Gather and dry your favorite leaves, ferns or flowers. Glue and seal your selections to decorative craft paper, mount in frames and hang. This budget friendly option will work with any decor.