The Ultimate Guide to Hanging Art Above Your Bed
Are you tired of staring at that bare wall above your bed?
You’re not alone. Empty walls make bedrooms look unfinished and dull. Many homeowners find themselves stuck when trying to fill this key space in their bedroom design.
I know how hard it can be to find the right piece and place it correctly. That empty space affects how your entire room feels at the end of a long day.
I’ll help you turn that plain wall into the standout feature of your bedroom. With smart art choices and proper placement, your bedroom can become the cozy retreat you’ve wanted.
This blog covers everything you need – finding the right size art, hanging at the perfect height, and creating a look that matches your style.
Why Hang Art Above Your Bed?
Adding art above your bed creates a focal point in your bedroom. It draws the eye and gives the room a finished look. Without art, your walls might seem bare and incomplete.
Art above your bed can set the mood for your entire room. Calm landscapes might help you relax, while bright colors can add energy. The right piece can change how your whole bedroom feels.
It’s also a simple way to show your personal taste. Your art choices tell guests about you without saying a word. This small addition makes a big impact on the overall look of your bedroom.
Key Considerations Before Hanging Art
Before putting holes in your wall, think about these important factors:
The wall space is your first concern. Measure the width of your bed and the height from the bed to the ceiling. These measurements will guide you in choosing art that fits the space well.
Your bed style matters too. A tall headboard needs different art placement than a bed without a headboard. Look at your bed as part of the whole picture when planning your wall art.
Other important considerations include:
- Wall type: Different walls need different hanging hardware
- Weight of art: Heavier pieces require stronger supports
- Room lighting: How natural and artificial light affect your art
- Safety: Secure mounting is crucial, especially in earthquake zones
Choosing Art Styles That Match Your Bedroom Decor
The art you pick for above your bed should work with your bedroom’s style. Here’s how to match them well:
For modern bedrooms with clean lines, look for simple art with bold colors or black and white pieces. Abstract art or large photos with minimal framing fit this style perfectly.
In traditional bedrooms, choose art with classic themes like landscapes or floral prints. Wood frames in warm tones help tie these pieces to wooden furniture.
For rustic or farmhouse bedrooms, try nature-inspired pieces, vintage maps, or black and white photos in distressed frames. These add character without looking too fancy.
Match your art’s color to items already in your room—maybe pull colors from your bedding or rug. This creates a pulled-together look without being too matched.
Remember, the art should make you happy when you see it. The best bedroom art fits your style and creates the feeling you want when you’re in your most personal space.
How to Choose the Right Size of Art for Above Your Bed?
Finding the perfect size of art for your bed wall doesn’t need to be hard. The main rule is simple: your art should be about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of your bed. This creates good visual balance.
Bed Size to Art Width Guide
- Queen bed (60″ wide): Art should be 40-45″ wide
- King bed (76″ wide): Art should be 50-57″ wide
- Twin bed (38″ wide): Art should be 25-29″ wide
What if you love a piece that’s too small? You can group smaller works together to reach the right overall width. Just arrange them so they act as one visual unit above your bed.
The height of your art matters too. It should fill a good portion of the wall space without crowding the ceiling. Step back across the room to check if your art looks right from a distance.
The Ideal Height for Hanging Art Above Your Bed
The right height makes all the difference when hanging art above your bed. This small detail can make or break your bedroom’s look.
| Bed Type | Minimum Space | Ideal Space | Maximum Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| With a tall headboard | 4 inches | 5-6 inches | 8 inches |
| With a low headboard | 6 inches | 7-8 inches | 10 inches |
| No headboard | 8 inches | 10-12 inches | 14 inches |
For beds with tall headboards, keep art 4-6 inches above the headboard. This close spacing creates a unified look where the bed and artwork together as one design element. It feels intentional and put-together.
Beds with low headboards need slightly more space—about 7-8 inches is ideal. This extra room helps both pieces stand out while still relating to each other.
Grouping Multiple Art Pieces: Symmetry vs. Asymmetry
When using multiple art pieces above your bed, you have two main style options to consider: symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements.
Symmetrical Arrangements
Symmetrical layouts provide a sense of order and calm. This style works well in traditional or formal bedrooms where balance is key.
To create this look:
- Use an even number of same-sized frames
- Line them up in a straight row
- Keep equal spacing between all pieces
The result is peaceful and organized—perfect for a restful bedroom.
Asymmetrical Groupings
Asymmetrical groupings offer more visual interest and energy. This approach suits modern and casual bedroom styles.
For this style:
- Use odd numbers of pieces in varied sizes
- Play with different heights and widths
- Ensure the arrangement feels balanced overall
One larger piece might be offset by two smaller ones, creating a layout that feels fresh and lived-in.
Before hanging anything, lay out your arrangement on the floor. Take a photo to see how it looks from a distance. This simple step saves you from making unwanted holes in your wall.
Lighting Your Art Above the Bed
Good lighting brings your art to life and sets the right mood in your bedroom. How light hits your art can change its colors and impact.
Natural light shifts throughout the day, so notice how sunlight affects your wall at different hours. Morning light might warm up colors, while afternoon sun could create glare on glass frames.
For artificial lighting, consider these options:
- Picture lights attached to the wall or frame
- Wall sconces on either side of the art
- Recessed ceiling lights angled toward the wall
Always aim for soft, warm lighting (2700K-3000K) that creates a cozy feel while showing true colors. Avoid harsh direct light and consider dimmers for more control.
Matching Art with Your Bedroom’s Color Scheme
Your art should work with your existing bedroom colors to create a unified look. Think of art as the bridge that can bring different color elements in your room together.
Look at your current bedroom colors before selecting art. Pull out your existing color palette from bedding, rugs, curtains, and other key items. The best art pieces contain at least one or two colors already present in your room.
Color Tips Based on Your Bedroom
For neutral bedrooms(whites, grays, beiges): Art with subtle color adds interest without overwhelming the calm feel. The neutral background lets the art stand out while keeping the restful mood intact.
For colorful bedrooms: Consider art that complements rather than competes. If your room features blue tones, art with similar blues can reinforce the color scheme. For contrast, look to colors opposite on the color wheel.
For sleep-friendly moods: Blues and greens promote calm and sleep, while soft purples feel restful yet warm. Muted tones work well in sleep spaces, creating a gentle backdrop for rest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When hanging art above your bed, watch out for these common errors that can throw off your whole bedroom look:
- Going Too Small: Small art gets lost above a bed. If your piece feels tiny against your wall, either group it with other items or look for something larger. A small piece floating in a sea of empty wall creates an unbalanced look.
- Hanging Too High: Many people hang art far too high above the bed. This breaks the visual connection between your bed and the art. Remember the spacing guidelines: 4-6 inches above a headboard or 8-10 inches above pillows.
- Poor Centering: Art should be centered over your bed, not over the wall. Measure from the edges of your bed, not the wall edges. This mistake is especially common when beds aren’t centered on walls.
- Ignoring Weight Safety: Using the wrong hanging hardware is both a design and a safety issue. Always check weight ratings on hanging hooks and use wall anchors for heavy pieces. No one wants to be woken by falling art!
- Forgetting to Level: A crooked art piece is instantly noticeable and looks sloppy. Take time to use a level when hanging. If you don’t own one, most smartphones have level apps you can use instead.
Conclusion
Hanging art above your bed is a simple way to finish your bedroom. The main goal is to pick pieces that match your style and make you happy.
Remember to measure first and follow the basic rules for height and width. This helps the art look like it truly belongs with your bed.
Your bedroom should feel like a place where you can relax. The right art helps create this feeling when you choose pieces that speak to you.
What art will you hang above your bed? Try these tips, and you’ll soon have a bedroom that feels complete and shows off your style. The perfect spot is waiting for your special touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Hang Art Above Beds in Children’s Rooms without Safety Concerns?
Use lightweight art secured with damage-free strips. Avoid glass frames, opt for canvas or acrylic alternatives. Place art high enough to prevent little hands from reaching.
Will Hanging Art Above My Bed Affect My Sleep Quality?
Choose calming subjects and colors that promote rest. Avoid stimulating or busy imagery. Secure pieces well so worries about falling art won’t disturb your sleep.
How Do I Protect My Wall Art from Humidity in The Bedroom?
Use proper framing with acid-free mats and UV-protective glass. Keep art away from direct vents and humidifiers. Consider sealed frames for bathrooms or humid climates.
