How to Hang Art Above a Bed with Style
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Recently, I found myself searching for the perfect piece to hang above the new king-size bed in my son’s bedroom. Along the way, I discovered that selecting wall art isn’t just about finding a design you love—it also involves several other considerations I will share in this post. Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose and hang art above your bed.
Choosing the Right Size Wall Art for Your Bed
The most common first consideration when selecting wall art is size. The width of your artwork should generally be around two-thirds to three-quarters the width of your bed for balanced proportions. Here’s a quick guide for reference:
- King Size Bed (76” wide): Ideal wall art width is 50”–60”
- Queen Size Bed (60” wide): Ideal wall art width is 40”–50”
- Full Size Bed (54” wide): Ideal wall art width is 36”–45”
- Twin Size Bed (38” wide): Ideal wall art width is 24”–30”
In the diagrams above, you can see the impact it has if you choose the wrong size wall art to hang above your bed. That said, small frames above the bed does have a vintage or minimalist appeal! The key to this look is to balance the style and scale with the rest of the furniture in the space.
How High Do You Hang Art Above a Bed?
For height, consider your ceiling height and headboard. A taller headboard or lower ceiling may require a more horizontal piece, while a higher ceiling allows for a larger vertical or multi-piece arrangement.
Standard 8-foot ceilings typically require artwork to be hung 6-12 inches above the headboard to maintain balance. This ensures your bedroom decor looks intentional and not disconnected–like it’s floating on the wall. Higher ceilings may allow for larger vertical pieces or a gallery wall.
SOURCES: Bed(color not available at this time) | Bedside Dresser (similar) | Rug | Lamp | Quilt | Duvet | Wall art (20″) | Shiplap painted Behr Light Granite
If your bed is between two windows, you’ll want to ensure the wall art doesn’t compete with the natural symmetry. A single large piece or a triptych (three-panel artwork) can work beautifully. If you have asymmetrical windows, lean toward a balanced design that doesn’t make the space feel lopsided.
You do not need to line up the top of your wall art with the top of the window frames. This creates that disconnected look that I mentioned above–especially if the art is on the smaller side.
Tips for Choosing the Right Art
- Personal Style: Choose art that speaks to you. Whether it’s a serene landscape, a muted abstract, or a sentimental piece, make sure it reflects your personality and complements the overall mood of your bedroom.
- Scale: Ensure that the art is proportional to the size of your bed and the room. A large piece can make a statement, but it should not overwhelm the space. Play around with height until you get it right. If you have a hard time visualizing placement, use painter’s tape to map it out on your walls before committing.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to combine different styles or textures. A mix of frame styles or shapes can add visual interest and create a unique look.
Do You Have to Hang Wall Decor Above a Bed?
Not necessarily! I hung wallpaper in my primary bedroom and the subtle pattern makes the perfect backdrop for my Anthropologie cane bed. On the adjacent walls, I have gold gallery frames on one side and windows on the other so I don’t feel the need to fill the space above the bed.
SOURCES: Bed | Wallpaper | Nightstand | Lamp | Drapes | Rug | Quilt | Duvet | Throw blanket | Ceiling Light
Tap here to learn more about my PRIMARY BEDROOM!
Where to Find Bedroom Wall Art
In my line of work, I’m always on the lookout for beautiful home decor–including wall decor. While searching for wall art for my teenage son’s bedroom I browsed my usual favorite retailers but found the largest selection of rectangular wall art at Wayfair. Their various styles and sizes made it easy to find something that fit the room’s aesthetic.
To help the decision-making process, I ordered two options and tested them out before committing. As you can see above, I ended up choosing the canvas with the lighter color palette. The darker one was really pretty in person, but the color was too similar to the bed for my taste.
Safely Hanging Wall Decor Above a Bed
An often overlooked consideration for hanging decor over a bed is safety. Always use the proper hardware, especially near a bed. Heavier pieces like mirrors may require special hardware to support the extra weight. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with your decor. Head to my Amazon storefront to see more wall art options and picture-hanging hardware.
