Guest Author - Donna Coogan

The bed is often the focal point of the bedroom. It doesn't have to be expensive to create one that looks great. For simple decorating ideas on a tight budget, read on to learn how to make your bed look fantastic.

The Headboard

If you have a headboard then you may just want to just work on creating art above your bed and choosing linens like described later on in this article. But, if you don't have a headboard, here are some ideas to create one or at least the illusion of one:

• Use a paneled door either upright or on its side. Paint or rough it up to give it personality.
  
• Cut mdf into any shape you want and paint, decoupage, and mosaic or cover it with padding and fabric.
  
• Use pretty dividing screens behind the bed.
  
• Hang an old window. Go for a stained glass window or one framed with mirrored panels. Or just use a plain window. One with or without the glass works fine for an architectural statement.
  
• Use fencing such as picket or iron.
  
• Line up tall bookcases behind your bed. Fill the nooks with a mix of art, photos and books.
  
• Simply hang a beautiful large mirror.
  
• Create a canopy by attaching wooden fixtures to the ceiling and stapling fabric to it.
  

Space Above The Bed

If your headboard is small or you don't have one at all, use these artistic ideas to create a pretty statement above your bed:

• Hang framed photographs or prints. Mat the frames in colors that coordinate with the rest of the room.
  
• Display decorative plates or platters. If your room has a floral theme, choose floral plates. For a more retro or modern theme, choose solid colored plates.
  
• Paint a large piece of canvas in abstract patterns or colors.
  
• Using a projector, enlarge a flower or other object and paint directly on the wall.
  
• Install rods above your bed and let several layers of curtains drape down behind the mattress.
  
• Hang a fabulous piece of 3-d art or sculpture.
  
• Display pretty empty frames in all shapes and sizes.
  
• Group a collage of anything you like.
  

The Bedding

For very basic, yet attractive bedding think in terms of layers.

• Start with the sheets.
  
• Add a comforter and perhaps a dust ruffle.
  
• Add a quilt or 2nd comforter folded over the end of the bed.
  
• Place some throw pillows at the top of the bed.
  

Use coordinating colors, but different fabrics for an eye-catching design. The decorative advantage to layers is that it provides texture and interest to your bedding. You can still dress it up as fancy and frilly as you want or keep it sleek and modern.

As you can see in the lists above, it's easy to make your bed stand out even on a decorating budget. You can create your own art or display things above your bed that you already own. Many items can be found in cheap places like discount stores and antique shops. Buy linens when they go on sale and don't be afraid to mix and match colors and textures.

Overall, create a bed that you love and can't wait to snuggle into. It is a piece of furniture that should be comfortable, inviting and makes you say, "Wow - what a fantastic bed!"