6 New Bedrooms With Wonderful Wall Treatment Ideas
See how pros awaken these spaces with color, pattern and texture using various wall treatment strategies
The bed is obviously the most important functional element in a bedroom, but when it comes to creating style in the space, don’t sleep on the walls. Here, designers share various wall treatment ideas, including paint, paneling and paper, that elevate six bedrooms with fresh looks.
2. Paper Play
Designer: Missy Stewart Designs
Location: Seabrook, Texas
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners allowed me the creative freedom to envision and shape their space,” designer Missy Stewart says. “It’s always gratifying when clients trust my vision for their project with minimal input. The design concept resonated with them from the moment of presentation, and their appreciation only deepened upon seeing the final result.”
Wall treatment. “The back wall showcases a striking wallpaper from Graham & Brown, imbuing the bedroom with a touch of drama and setting the tone for the entire space,” Stewart says. “The dark color palette establishes a captivating ambiance. The light upholstered bed serves as an ideal contrast, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.”
Stewart uses Houzz Pro business software to create mood boards and design rooms. “The platform provides my clients with the invaluable capability to visualize all the curated products seamlessly integrated into a unified space,” she says. “Beyond design, Houzz serves as the central hub for managing invoices, procurement and meticulous tracking, streamlining essential business processes. The enduring value that Houzz brings to my business is undeniable, and I’ve relied on its versatile features for many years to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of my design endeavors.”
Other special features. “The textured wood on the nightstands contributes a nuanced dimension to the overall bedroom design, enhancing its visual appeal,” Stewart says.
Designer tip. “I have a deep appreciation for the impact of a bold, dark-colored wall in a bedroom,” Stewart says. “It effortlessly introduces a sense of drama that transforms the entire space.”
Wallpaper: Palais, Graham & Brown; bed and nightstands: Vanguard Furniture; bedding: Eastern Accents; mirrors: Uttermost; project photos: Claudia Casbarian with Julie Soefer Photography; photo stylist: Jessica Holtam
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Designer: Missy Stewart Designs
Location: Seabrook, Texas
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners allowed me the creative freedom to envision and shape their space,” designer Missy Stewart says. “It’s always gratifying when clients trust my vision for their project with minimal input. The design concept resonated with them from the moment of presentation, and their appreciation only deepened upon seeing the final result.”
Wall treatment. “The back wall showcases a striking wallpaper from Graham & Brown, imbuing the bedroom with a touch of drama and setting the tone for the entire space,” Stewart says. “The dark color palette establishes a captivating ambiance. The light upholstered bed serves as an ideal contrast, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.”
Stewart uses Houzz Pro business software to create mood boards and design rooms. “The platform provides my clients with the invaluable capability to visualize all the curated products seamlessly integrated into a unified space,” she says. “Beyond design, Houzz serves as the central hub for managing invoices, procurement and meticulous tracking, streamlining essential business processes. The enduring value that Houzz brings to my business is undeniable, and I’ve relied on its versatile features for many years to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of my design endeavors.”
Other special features. “The textured wood on the nightstands contributes a nuanced dimension to the overall bedroom design, enhancing its visual appeal,” Stewart says.
Designer tip. “I have a deep appreciation for the impact of a bold, dark-colored wall in a bedroom,” Stewart says. “It effortlessly introduces a sense of drama that transforms the entire space.”
Wallpaper: Palais, Graham & Brown; bed and nightstands: Vanguard Furniture; bedding: Eastern Accents; mirrors: Uttermost; project photos: Claudia Casbarian with Julie Soefer Photography; photo stylist: Jessica Holtam
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3. Board-and-Batten Beauty
Designers: Vanessa C. Smith and Megan Vogeler of Flourish Interiors
Location: South Bend, Indiana
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner contacted us to do a large-scale renovation on a home that was originally built and owned by her grandparents since the 1960s,” designer Vanessa C. Smith says. “The scope of work specific to this bedroom included transforming it from a basic bedroom into a primary bedroom with an en suite. We used a small neighboring bedroom as the footprint to gain square footage for adding a large walk-in closet and a full primary bathroom. Additionally, the client asked us to create visual interest to elevate the design.”
Wall treatment. “The board-and-batten feature wall is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog, which is a sage green,” Smith says. “It’s a soft, organic hue that mimics the natural and soothing tones found in nature. It was chosen to add visual interest and color. We wanted to create a strong focal point upon entering the room. We chose to accentuate the bed wall to enhance the view of the pretty cane-style headboard as soon as you enter the room.”
Designer tip: “While this room did not have a huge footprint, we were able to feature a king bed, nightstands on either side and even an accent chair through proper space planning,” Smith says. “We recommend using a professional interior designer to maximize your layout.”
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Designers: Vanessa C. Smith and Megan Vogeler of Flourish Interiors
Location: South Bend, Indiana
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner contacted us to do a large-scale renovation on a home that was originally built and owned by her grandparents since the 1960s,” designer Vanessa C. Smith says. “The scope of work specific to this bedroom included transforming it from a basic bedroom into a primary bedroom with an en suite. We used a small neighboring bedroom as the footprint to gain square footage for adding a large walk-in closet and a full primary bathroom. Additionally, the client asked us to create visual interest to elevate the design.”
Wall treatment. “The board-and-batten feature wall is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog, which is a sage green,” Smith says. “It’s a soft, organic hue that mimics the natural and soothing tones found in nature. It was chosen to add visual interest and color. We wanted to create a strong focal point upon entering the room. We chose to accentuate the bed wall to enhance the view of the pretty cane-style headboard as soon as you enter the room.”
Designer tip: “While this room did not have a huge footprint, we were able to feature a king bed, nightstands on either side and even an accent chair through proper space planning,” Smith says. “We recommend using a professional interior designer to maximize your layout.”
The Top 10 Bedrooms of 2023
4. Paneling Perfection
Designer: Kelly Hinchman of Studio H Design Group
Location: Coronado, California
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters); 20 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “We wanted to keep the 1910 Tudor details of the home,” designer Kelly Hinchman says. “The vision was a balancing act of refined yet relaxed styles. We used a color palette that seamlessly flowed into the beach setting to not distract from the oceanfront views. Choosing colors inspired by sand dunes and rock formations added to the atmosphere of the room and transformed it into exactly what we were going for.”
Wall treatment. “We wanted the materials and furnishings to be quiet in this room but still offer a soft richness to the space,” Hinchman says. “The wood paneling is painted in Wimborne White from Farrow & Ball. We had custom drapes made not only for the windows but also to line the eaves around the bed. This helped add drama to the space without it feeling overpowering.”
Designer tip. “If you are doing a remodel, look for the elevated architectural details that you can play off of,” Hinchman says. “It adds so much to a space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The ceilings in this space were originally capped by flat 8-foot-ceilings,” Hinchman says. “We eliminated the attic space and exposed the full potential height of the original architecture. It was a lot of work to bring them back but worth it.”
Chair: custom, Studio H Collection
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Designer: Kelly Hinchman of Studio H Design Group
Location: Coronado, California
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters); 20 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “We wanted to keep the 1910 Tudor details of the home,” designer Kelly Hinchman says. “The vision was a balancing act of refined yet relaxed styles. We used a color palette that seamlessly flowed into the beach setting to not distract from the oceanfront views. Choosing colors inspired by sand dunes and rock formations added to the atmosphere of the room and transformed it into exactly what we were going for.”
Wall treatment. “We wanted the materials and furnishings to be quiet in this room but still offer a soft richness to the space,” Hinchman says. “The wood paneling is painted in Wimborne White from Farrow & Ball. We had custom drapes made not only for the windows but also to line the eaves around the bed. This helped add drama to the space without it feeling overpowering.”
Designer tip. “If you are doing a remodel, look for the elevated architectural details that you can play off of,” Hinchman says. “It adds so much to a space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The ceilings in this space were originally capped by flat 8-foot-ceilings,” Hinchman says. “We eliminated the attic space and exposed the full potential height of the original architecture. It was a lot of work to bring them back but worth it.”
Chair: custom, Studio H Collection
7 Tips for Designing Your Bedroom
5. Reeded Refinement
Designer: Deidre Remtema of Deidre Interiors
Location: East Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 240 square feet (22 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Our client was looking for a layered, textural modern space that felt restful,” designer Deidre Remtema says. “They love warm wood tones and wanted a space that brought in a connection to the outside.”
Wall treatment. “One of the first design ideas our client shared with us for their bedroom was incorporating a wood wall treatment, and we all loved the small scale of this reeded oak panel,” Remtema says. “The reed dimensions fit the room size and ceiling height perfectly. A larger size would have been trendier, but we were going for a more timeless and sophisticated vibe. We complemented the wood panel with handcrafted wallpaper woven from banana leaf and cotton grasscloth. The banana leaf color coordinates perfectly with the wood panel.”
Other special features. “The bed is custom with performance fabric and a wood base,” Remtema says. “The nightstands are metal and glass and the rug and draperies both have a heavy nap. We kept the nightstands clear by mounting wall sconces on the perpendicular wall, and all the lighting is a dark bronze finish to add contrast.”
Designer tip. “The design trick I used in this room was to mix several different materials in a similar color palette,” Remtema says. “It exudes sophistication.”
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Designer: Deidre Remtema of Deidre Interiors
Location: East Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 240 square feet (22 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Our client was looking for a layered, textural modern space that felt restful,” designer Deidre Remtema says. “They love warm wood tones and wanted a space that brought in a connection to the outside.”
Wall treatment. “One of the first design ideas our client shared with us for their bedroom was incorporating a wood wall treatment, and we all loved the small scale of this reeded oak panel,” Remtema says. “The reed dimensions fit the room size and ceiling height perfectly. A larger size would have been trendier, but we were going for a more timeless and sophisticated vibe. We complemented the wood panel with handcrafted wallpaper woven from banana leaf and cotton grasscloth. The banana leaf color coordinates perfectly with the wood panel.”
Other special features. “The bed is custom with performance fabric and a wood base,” Remtema says. “The nightstands are metal and glass and the rug and draperies both have a heavy nap. We kept the nightstands clear by mounting wall sconces on the perpendicular wall, and all the lighting is a dark bronze finish to add contrast.”
Designer tip. “The design trick I used in this room was to mix several different materials in a similar color palette,” Remtema says. “It exudes sophistication.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Silky Style
Designer: Lisa Tharp Design
General contractor: FBN Construction
Location: Boston
Size: 185 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “These clients dreamed of a modern yet timeless city escape for date nights and entertaining,” designer Lisa Tharp says. “Their goal was to fully enjoy and then privately retreat from the vibrancy of the city. They requested the luxury and convenience of a boutique hotel yet translated into a private residence made personal with custom furnishings and a curated art collection. Inspiration was derived equally from swanky Art Deco supper clubs, historic Beacon Hill and the dynamic personalities of the clients themselves.”
Wall treatment. “The silk and abaca wallcovering elevates with rich immersive color that glows beautifully in both natural and evening light,” Tharp says. “We kept the bold palette monochromatic to create a calm, cocooning environment. Fine wool in a similar hue dresses the windows (with heavily lined drapery for sound insulation), custom bed and upholstered headboard. All add up to quiet, pampering luxury.”
Other special features. “The vision for furnishings was custom and sculptural, even sensual,” Tharp says. “We designed every element to be soft or smooth to the touch or both — the bed, headboard, floating nightstands and our own collection’s LT Signature Bench — thereby delighting the senses. An Art Deco-inspired lounge chair was handcrafted in polished rosewood. The 1970s tulip-base floor-and-table lamp blends in a midcentury vibe. We also installed a 1960s Italian Murano tube chandelier by Carlo Nason for Mazzega. Its verticality draws the eye into the main volume of space.”
Designer tip. “If you have tall ceilings, you can easily add even more perceived height to crown molding,” Tharp says. “First, install crown molding as usual. Then drop down the wall a few inches and install additional trim, such as shallow crown molding, picture rail or decorative baseboard trim. Ensure that the profiles — the projected shape, curves and ridges — of both crown and lower trim complement one another. Then paint the crown, wall section between and lower trim all in the same sheen so they read as one single millwork unit.”
Wallpaper: Silk and abaca, Phillip Jeffries; art: Timothy Kadish; project photos: Jared Kuzia
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Designer: Lisa Tharp Design
General contractor: FBN Construction
Location: Boston
Size: 185 square feet (17 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “These clients dreamed of a modern yet timeless city escape for date nights and entertaining,” designer Lisa Tharp says. “Their goal was to fully enjoy and then privately retreat from the vibrancy of the city. They requested the luxury and convenience of a boutique hotel yet translated into a private residence made personal with custom furnishings and a curated art collection. Inspiration was derived equally from swanky Art Deco supper clubs, historic Beacon Hill and the dynamic personalities of the clients themselves.”
Wall treatment. “The silk and abaca wallcovering elevates with rich immersive color that glows beautifully in both natural and evening light,” Tharp says. “We kept the bold palette monochromatic to create a calm, cocooning environment. Fine wool in a similar hue dresses the windows (with heavily lined drapery for sound insulation), custom bed and upholstered headboard. All add up to quiet, pampering luxury.”
Other special features. “The vision for furnishings was custom and sculptural, even sensual,” Tharp says. “We designed every element to be soft or smooth to the touch or both — the bed, headboard, floating nightstands and our own collection’s LT Signature Bench — thereby delighting the senses. An Art Deco-inspired lounge chair was handcrafted in polished rosewood. The 1970s tulip-base floor-and-table lamp blends in a midcentury vibe. We also installed a 1960s Italian Murano tube chandelier by Carlo Nason for Mazzega. Its verticality draws the eye into the main volume of space.”
Designer tip. “If you have tall ceilings, you can easily add even more perceived height to crown molding,” Tharp says. “First, install crown molding as usual. Then drop down the wall a few inches and install additional trim, such as shallow crown molding, picture rail or decorative baseboard trim. Ensure that the profiles — the projected shape, curves and ridges — of both crown and lower trim complement one another. Then paint the crown, wall section between and lower trim all in the same sheen so they read as one single millwork unit.”
Wallpaper: Silk and abaca, Phillip Jeffries; art: Timothy Kadish; project photos: Jared Kuzia
More on Houzz
Read more stories about bedroom design
Browse bedroom photos
Find a pro near you
Shop for bedroom products
Designer: Sara Swabb of Storie Collective
Location: Washington, D.C.
Size: 130 square feet (12 square meters); 10 by 13 feet
Homeowners’ request. Add sophisticated style and ambiance to the primary bedroom suite inside a Tudor home. “The space felt sterile and unfinished, a bit like an afterthought,” designer Sara Swabb says.
Wall treatment. “We used Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe for a dramatic backdrop to beautiful art,” Swabb says. “By painting the trim, doors and baseboard in the same color with more sheen, we scale back on the traditional nature of the space while still honoring the timeless details of the home. Through the use of paint, immediately the tone is set for this global, timeless retreat.”
Other special features. “By leaning into ocher linens and wood tones, along with the warm brown-and-brass sconces, our paint no longer feels too cool,” Swabb says. “Functionally, the sconces work perfectly for a room with minimal space for bedside table lamps.”
Designer tip. “While dark paint can feel scary, there are ways to lighten it through art, window treatments and well-placed lighting,” Swabb says.
Art: Teal Vines Suzani Sublime, St. Frank; sconces: Allegheny, Schoolhouse; pillow: Modern Marigold in olive, Filling Spaces
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