Extend the curtains behind the bed as well. This is a very gauzy, romantic option, and it solves the asymmetry problem.

I'd center it above the bed, but ditch the night stand on the right to preserve the balance

Is it possible to center the bed on the wall, and then fake a window on the other side (with *opaque* drapes)? Then all you would need is one piece of art that truly speaks to you or has personal meaning, hung above the bed. Don't totally get rid of the bedding, just work with it, layering some more pieces.

Wow mtlyorel, posts like yours always catch me off guard but they serve to remind me to never post photos here.

You do have an asymetric placement to deal with, but plenty of bedrooms posted to AT resolve that beautifully. Maybe scout around the site looking specifically for instances of that.

I don't think you can address the wall over the bed in isolation from the side tables etc. Consider also: can your bed be moved? Perhaps under a window?

I think what mtlyorel is saying is that the reason it's hard to come up with a good picture to hang over the bed is that even the perfect wall hanging will likely not bring the effect that you want.

Look at wall paint color, the lamps, the curtains, and the bedding, and the picture will be obvious. Or, find a picture you love and tailor the room's look to fit it. However, you are unlikely to find a picture or a wall hanging to make the room look good as it stands now.

I think your curtains and wall color are nice and airy, especially in a space with low(er) ceilings! I think the lamp in front of the window is what's throwing me off.

Embrace the asymmetry. Replace the nightstand on the left of the photo with a floating shelf on the window wall (super cheap at ikea or someplace similar), move the bed to the left a bit, and work on something to replace the other night stand - maybe a long, low piece of furniture that can run under the window. You could DIY something there, and it would be nice not to have anything in front of that window. A round mirror above the bed would soften the angular features of the room (wall/window/ceiling lines, your angular pillows) and wouldn't highlight the asymmetric window/bed placement.

It's hard to tell what's going on spacialy from your photo but these are my ideas:

1. Do what katzamboni suggests and extend the curtains all the way across BUT raise them all the way to the ceiling. Even if you don't extend them across, raise them all the way - it will lift the eye and make the room seem taller.

2. Find a wall screen and place it in front of the window to create an "ambient" wall. I like the "Ricci Room Divider" from Crate & Barrel. Then you can move your bed in front of the window.

Lastly, check out Ebay for bedding. I've been scoring the most amaaaaazing deals. I just received a BNIB black wool king size blanket that retailed for $600. I paid $60!

I would get rid of the nightstand by the window. Hang a single large piece centered over the bed (even though it won't be centered on the wall). Either a large print, painting or sunburst mirror (Target has a cheap one for $25- spray paint it gold or something). Doing a collage of frames, you can't see what's really in the pictures. One big colorful statement piece is the way to go.

I certainly agree with some of the gentler, more constructive comments: work with what you've got and ignore mtlyorel's edict to jettison everything. Since this isn't, presumably, the most public space in your home, I'd cut yourself some slack and concentrate on things like "Is my mattress dreamily comfortable?" Assuming a vast majority of your time is spent with your eyes closed in this room, I'll wish you a good night's sleep, inspired dreams of what to do in other rooms, and the ability to completely erase forever some of the less useful comments above. My suggestion: grab that book you've been meaning to read, turn on the bedside table lamp (aren't you glad you didn't toss it?) and read until drowsy. Sleep well.

...BTW, you can buy the screen and see if it works for you. If not, just return it.

Jeez mtlyorel, rude much?
"Wretched window coverings... lamps need to be tossed. Beside tables look like hand-me-downs..." Troll.

As for my input, I would consider getting a headboard, and THEN centering art over the bed. I think it would help make everything look a lot more balanced. Even if you are on a tight budget, second headboards can be pretty easy to find, just be willing to put a little DIY-lovin into whatever you find!

PS- I actually really like the nightstand on the left...nice and simple. Hard to see the one on the right because of the shadow, but I'm sure its lovely :)

I think if you're lost about what art to hang over your bed, then you should start with your bedding and let the bedding inspire the art. If you choose art first, your bedding choices may be overly constrained by what you hung on the wall, or you may find yourself re-arting because of bedding conflicts.

Style matters - both in art and in feedback.

P.S. "I would stay away from centering. That will make the space more obtrusive and awkward."

along with other advice in line with "align left / rag right" (typography terminology) which would counter-balance the windows.

I agree with the comments about trying a wall of opaque drapes behind the bed. I also think that you could try a grouping of pictures, centered over the bed, with a larger frame on the left side to balance the window. You could even try some sort of arrangement with sculptural elements like these flowers from Umbra (http://www.umbra.com/ustore/product/wallflowerwallflower-wall-decor.store) in an irregular pattern that sort of flows across the wall. Just out of curiosity, I know that you said that's the only place your bed could go -- but are both your window sill heights the same? If one is higher, sometimes that's an indicator that the architect intended a headboard to fit underneath.

That's a very cool idea for this kind of arrangement, Lauren.

Erica, people have shared a lot of great ideas here. Do whatever looks good to you. I hope you have fun, and find a thrifty, creative solution that you love.

mtlyorel, there is a difference between feedback and criticism, and between objective and pejorative language. Also, not all of us can afford to toss what others deem "wretched" or dismiss as a "hand-me-downs." I would be uncomfortable sharing photos if I got such a response.

Hi, I'm actually suffering from the same problem and just posted it about it on my blog recently. I'm thinking of maybe doing this DIY: http://moseyblog.wordpress.com/2011/02/26/diy-headboard/

Good luck!

It looks like there is maybe a headboard behind those pillows? Is there any way you can raise it up so it's more prominent behind the bed? I agree that the window coverings could be replaced. If you like the light weight/white feel of the ones you have now these ones might be a good replacement:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/drape-shade/?pkey=cdrapes

Also rather than tossing the lamps, I would switch out the shades for a more modern and larger drum shade in a color that works with what you have going on in the room.

As for your question...it's hard to say without knowing you and your style. You could do a grouping of smaller pictures, a nice big oil painting of some heirloom roses, or a snowy egret along the waters edge, or a decorative mirror of some kind.

I like the wall color and it's so neutral it would work many different colors that you might choose for your bedding so I don't see any need to change it.

I was also thinking that something at the end of your bed, a bench or some low stools (if you have space) would look cute.

http://www.darlingdexter.com/darling-dexter/2009/6/22/small-gray.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_82GHnzLtE1o/S94sncqKrfI/AAAAAAAAAH8/qh6fm13FVFI/s1600/193692-9-07-copy.jpg

http://www.houzz.com/photos/39951/Suzanne-s-Bedroom-Makeover-Win--bedroom-philadelphia

http://www.janicebuck.com/wp-content/gallery/designer-photos/oval-gilded-mirror.jpg

Forget mtlyorel. Sheesh. Some people have no tact.

Anyway, I too have a difficult bedroom space, with 'low' ceilings (which to me are normal, by the way), so this question is very timely for me.

I'm of the mind that your space should make itself over time. Look for things you love to give you the inspiration to pull the space together, perhaps a pillow, duvet, wallpaper, photo from AT, etc.

This is so non-committal, but I would suggest focusing less on the wall behind the bed, and give yourself time to identify the vibe you want to create in your room. I find that once I know what I want to feel in a space, choosing colors, and objects becomes much easier.

As the room starts coming together, you reach a critical mass and everything falls into place.

Don't be afraid to move your furniture around in there, you may be pleasantly surprised by something you thought wouldn't work.

Best of luck!

I agree with other posters who said (if you can afford to do it): bring the curtains all the way across the wall behind the bed as well.

Then maybe, also hang a round or starburst-type mirror over the drapes. Wasn't there a post recently on AT about hanging art/mirrors over a drapery? (Too lazy to search for link!)

Agree with extending curtains and raising them to the ceiling.

Instead of hanging up artwork on the wall, why not switch to using some pretty hanging lamps instead? They'll fulfill the functions of beautifying the room, drawing the eye upwards and away from the asymmetry, and you could replace the bedside lamps that look so uneven right now because of the uneven height of the bedside tables. (not knocking ya, I have uneven bedside tables too.. lol)

E.g.
Hemp Pendant Lamps: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/5-inspirational-diy-lighting-ideas-139588
Bubble Lamps:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/retrospect/quick-history-george-nelsons-bubble-lampretrospect-139980
Or one of those ubiquitous but pretty hanging lamps from IKEA.

I like the idea of abandoning symmetry - the room simply isn't condusive to it. Play around with different lamps and bedside tables, off-centre pictures and feature pillows. With the very plain, neutral background you can afford to be quite creative and eclectic.

I like your room the way it is. The only thing you need to do is remove some of the pillows.

While I don't much care for the colors of this example it offers a different take on your situation. If you don't want to use a real branch, then maybe a subtle painting of one over your bed?
http://tinyurl.com/67wkkuy

If you place a large piece of artwork centered over the bed, it will give the bed location more prominence on the wall, which will allow the curtain placement to recede.

I think you should abandon all pretext of symmetry and think instead in terms of balance. I really like urbancricket's type analogy. If you can swing it, maybe with some thrift store finds, you should find a way to replace some of your matching bedside set. Because of the vertical presence of the window, I think you need strong furniture on the left hand side, like a low dresser that goes all the way to the adjacent wall. Top it with a large lamp and maybe piece of art or a mirror. Inspiration here, here, here and even here. Then on the right, try to lighten it up, and find a lamp that will work better with the curtain. See ideas here and here. If your layout allows, the right side in front of the window would be a nice place for a chair.

I agree to move the bed over to the left more and if possible ditch the tables- not because there's anything wrong with them but I think they are emphasizing the asymetry. Maybe think of alternatives to the bedside table- maybe a shelf above or even behind the headboard, or built into a headboard (I think Martha Stewart did this years ago with a bookshelf turned around somehow.) ? Or a low table or vintage trunk under the window on the right, and a wall sconce for your light.

But I also whole heartedly agree with the comments about waiting a bit and trying different furniture arrangements before committing to wall hangings or even bedding, let it evolve slowly and it will come to you.

I say, hang an interesting light fixture from above (off center near corner) and a collage in either sleek modern mix matched frames (use larger & dark ones to balance) or, a mix of very ornate over sized frames with an array of art, photos, maybe throw an object in that can be hung among the collage. I would personally go for wooden blinds and modern/mid. cent. with your furniture. Another idea, go HUGE with one colorful oversized photo or painting.

@Honest day, your suggestion was spoken like a true zen master.

The Jolie Papier "Bonzai Panel" of course! I found it on DecoratorsBest - check it out...

http://www.decoratorsbest.com/detail.aspx?ID=217347

I was thinking about the best way to handle this space. Here is an idea, though more minimalist in nature.

Use color to unify the wall…..paint the whole wall behind your bed a bright/deep impactful color, and hang a roman shade, honeycomb shade, or something similar inside of the window opening– only catch is that it would be the same color as the wall. Obviously choose the shade first and paint to match it. Next, replace the nightstand on the right side of the bed with a console table/bench that just fits under the window sill to balance the weight on that side of the room. Maybe a basket underneath for storage? You can use the console table as a nightstand on that side of the bed. The nightstand on the left of the bed would likely need to be replaced too, to match the height of the console table.

Maybe a long shelf across the top of the wall. Or some floating shelves asymmetrically placed above the bed with some horizontal stacks of books…..

A patterned bedspread/duvet, drawing in the wall color would be super nice.

Just an idea.

Put a tall mirror on the other side of the bed to balance the window. Then that'll make it easier to place something above your bed.

Erica, a home is so personal but especially your bedroom so make it as cozy and inviting as possible. I LOVE white but sometimes even a cream shade makes a room warmer and it's a quick, cheap and easy fix. Either way, I've been in a weird bedroom scenario as well and short, wall-mounted shelves were a great solution for me so I had something for my lamps and water at night, etc. but could condense the space giving myself a lot more room to work with (west elm has them). In terms of above your bed; a bedroom should be a cozy, personal space...make it something you love. A painting, a print, family black and white photos. Something that soothes you or motivates you when you wake up.
keepcalmgallery.com has fun motivational prints
Or
black and white family pics are all over my apt.
Good Luck and have fun!