How to Decorate a Tall Bed

Make your own headboard if you do not already have one. Paint three doors the same color and place them behind your bed for a quick refurbished headboard. Cut plywood in squares, upholster them and affix behind the bed. Add beadboard paneling behind the bed for a stylish headboard.

Paint your bed if you desire. Paint the bed in a contrasting color from the wall behind it. A neutral color such as black or white will also allow the other decorations on and around the bed to pop.

Hang draperies around the bed. Install a cornice box several feet above your bed and hang draperies from it. Hooks to each side of the bed hold the fabric in place and frame the bed. Drape curtains around the posts and tie at the sides if you have a four poster bed.

Add stairs to the side of the bed. Paint or stain the stairs in a color that matches the bed frame and headboard. The stairs are both a decorative and functional piece, since they help add to the regal feel of the bed while also allowing you to step up into your bed.

Add bottom linens to the bed. Place a bed skirt in between your box spring and mattress. Add sheets.

Place a comforter, duvet or coverlet on top of the sheets. A patterned cover contains a busier design that draws more attention to it while a solid-colored cover will allow the other accent pieces to pop against a more neutral background.

Add large pillows and accent pillows. Use pillows in the same pattern or complementary colors to have a coordinating design scheme. Use contrasting colors, like red pillows on a blue coverlet or yellow pillows on top of a purple comforter, for a bold attention-grabbing contrast.

Hang a prominent painting over your bed. A prominent painting will draw the eye to the bed to make it a more noticeable feature in your room.

Decorate near the foot of your bed. Drape a sofa throw or favorite quilt on the bottom of the bed. Place an old trunk or bench by the foot of the bed to store extra linens and to provide extra seating.