Think about what the bedroom is for
A bedroom is mainly for rest, so artwork here usually plays a different role than in a living room. Most design advice points toward creating a calm, comfortable mood while still reflecting your taste. That does not mean the art has to be dull. It means choosing subjects, colours and scale that help the room feel settled.
What kind of artwork suits a bedroom
Subjects commonly recommended for bedrooms include:
- Soft landscapes and seascapes, which tend to feel peaceful
- Botanical prints, from delicate line drawings to pressed-plant styles
- Muted or tonal abstracts, with gentle shapes and colours
- Black-and-white or soft-toned photography
- Personal or sentimental pieces, such as family photographs, a child’s drawing or a souvenir print
- Textiles and tapestries, which can also add softness and warmth (see fabrics and textiles in interior design)
Many designers suggest being cautious with very busy, high-contrast, dark or dramatic imagery above the bed, since it may feel stimulating when you are trying to wind down. This is a matter of taste: some people sleep well under bold art, so go with what feels right for you.
Art above the bed: size and placement
The wall above the headboard is the natural focal point, so settle the bed first; our guide to choosing bedroom furniture covers that.
- Width. A widely used guideline is for a single piece or a group to span roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the headboard or bed. Narrower than the bed generally looks balanced.
- Gap. Leave a modest space above the headboard, often around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm), so the art feels connected to it.
- Height. On walls without furniture, a common suggestion is to centre the piece at about 57 to 60 inches (145 to 150 cm) from the floor.
- Options. One large piece, a pair of matching prints on either side of the centre, or a small group all work. Try paper templates taped to the wall first.
Other walls to consider
- Opposite the bed, which you see on waking and before sleep, so choose something you enjoy looking at.
- Above a dresser or chest, where a mirror or art can share the space with lamps and objects. See our overview of accessories in interior design for styling the surface below.
- Above bedside tables, using small framed pieces or a pair of sconces and prints.
- Wardrobe or dressing areas, where a mirror is practical.
Colours and bedding
Look at your bedding, curtains, rug and wall colour, then choose art that picks up one or two of those tones. Repeating a colour is often enough to make the room feel cohesive without everything matching. If the bedding is patterned, calmer art usually works better; with plain bedding, art can carry more pattern or colour.
Frames and finishes
Simple wood or slim metal frames keep the look light. Consistent frames help a group feel unified. A white or off-white mat can make a piece feel calmer. Over a bed, consider lighter frames and, where there is any risk of breakage, acrylic glazing instead of glass.
Hanging safely
Because artwork may sit above where you sleep, secure fixing matters. Use hooks or anchors rated for the weight and suited to your wall type, fix into studs or use appropriate wall anchors for heavy pieces, and avoid placing very heavy framed items directly above a pillow where possible. Renters can look at low-damage hanging options or lean art on a shelf or dresser. If you are unsure, ask a professional.
Practical rules of thumb
You may come across several “rules” in decorating advice. They are informal guides, not standards.
- 3-5-7 rule: group items in odd numbers for a relaxed, natural look. In a bedroom, it might apply to a small cluster of frames or the objects on a dresser.
- 70/30 rule: commonly used as a balance guide, such as most of the scheme in calm tones with a smaller share for accents. It is applied differently by different writers, so use it as a prompt to keep things restrained.
- Golden rules for bedroom design: these vary by source, but typically include a calm palette, good lighting, comfortable textiles, limited clutter and personal touches.
Common mistakes
- Art too small for the wall above the bed (see bad scale in interior design).
- Hanging too high, so it feels disconnected from the furniture.
- Overly stimulating imagery for a restful room.
- Matching art too exactly to the bedding.
- Insecure fixing for heavy pieces.
FAQ
What kind of artwork should be in a bedroom?
Calming subjects such as landscapes, botanicals or soft abstracts are popular, along with personal pieces that mean something to you.
How big should art be above a bed?
A common guideline is about two-thirds to three-quarters of the headboard or bed width.
Can I use the same style as the living room?
Yes, and it can help the home feel consistent. See our guide to choosing wall art for a living room for a comparison of scale and layout options.
Should bedroom art match the bedding?
It should relate through one or two shared colours, rather than match exactly.