Going no headboard.

I'm continuing the headboard-less conversation I started up in yesterday's post. In my opinion, headboards should only be used if you want your bed to be the focal point or need some visual interest within your space. This just happens to be the case in most bedrooms. Mine, not so much.

Having a wall of frames and a busy and brightly patterned duvet, I didn't want to draw any more attention to my bed then necessary. I think the end result may have been different if I could have painted the walls but, since I had to keep them white (thanks, landlord), I was forced to think of ways to add subtle forms of visual interest while keeping the room design from being overkill.  In the end, not having a headboard helped balance the dramatic features and blend the various parts of the room's design.

For those with a similar issue, here are some other images to help lead you to a solution. Please feel free to contact me with questions!

[real simple]

The brightly colored wall and layered patterns speaks for itself.

[decor8]

This room was one of my inspiration rooms. I love it to pieces.

[the love list]

The layers of pillow and color almost acts as a headboard but keeps the polka dot wall the primary focus.

[papers and packages]

Another one of my inspiration rooms. Thank you Emily Henderson for this lovely space.

[decorpad]

[tmblr]

Or you can always do the window thing (also discussed in this post).

It's a great way to accentuate structural detailing or add some height.

Must. Stop. Changing. Bedroom.

Man, bedrooms are tough. Especially when trying to stay away from that matchy-matchy bed-in-a-bag look. As it stood a few weeks ago, I made the decision to consider my bedroom complete minus a couple of big purchases I can't afford right now (hello, flat screen TV). Posted here, I thought I had nailed what should be placed above my headboard and perfected the look I was trying to hit.

And then I took another look.

I started wondering why I was so set on having a headboard.  The dark rod iron felt heavy and looked all smashed up against the corner. And, the more I thought about it, I realized that any headboard would look smashed if your bed is in a CORNER (duh).

Then I started noticing all of the square objects around the space. And suddenly grew extremely tired of chevron (it's EVERYwhere). And felt like there were enough pictures in the space (hello photo WALL).

But something still needed to be up there otherwise it looked too unfinished.

So I can up with this (hey, Ruby).

And here's the before for comparison.

See how it opens up the space and looks so much less crammed? It's simple, to-the-point and subtle. Honestly, I got really lucky with finding the accessories - the 1950's Eames-style shelves on eBay ($15) and the plate at the Goodwill on Beechmont ($3). They provide texture, balancing the busy pattern on the duvet without adding more color to the mix. Plus, I think they blend better with my wall o' frames.

 I chose to position the display off-center to avoid looking formal and making it seem more functional - almost treating the shelves like an extension of the nightstand.

You'll notice I also added two throws to create additional layers and break apart the big block of pattern. The navy adds a more masculine touch while keeping the bed grounded. I'm much happier with this end result vs. the previous one and can't wait until I save enough for a new curtains and rods.

What do you think of the change?