Have you ever wondered how to choose the right above bed wall art to transform that blank space above your headboard into something beautiful and meaningful?
You’re definitely not alone — it’s one of the most common decorating questions people have. I’m here to guide you through it so your bedroom feels less like a functional space and more like your own personal sanctuary.
Before picking a style or colour you love, the real secret lies in getting the size and scale just right. Once you nail that, everything else falls perfectly into place for a calm, polished, designer-level look.
Think of this as a friendly chat where I help you discover the art that truly speaks to you. Your bedroom should feel peaceful, personal, and restorative — and the right above bed wall art is a huge part of creating that atmosphere.
List of Contents
- Finding the Perfect Centrepiece for Your Bedroom Sanctuary
- The Golden Rule for Sizing Your Above Bed Wall Art
- Perfect Placement: Getting the Height Just Right
- One Statement Piece or a Curated Gallery Wall?
- Choosing Frames to Complement Your Style
- More about…
- Pro Tips…
The Golden Rule for Sizing Your Above Bed Wall Art
When it comes to selecting art, there is one simple principle that designers swear by. I call it the golden rule.
Your artwork, whether a single piece or a collection, should fill between two-thirds (66%) and three-quarters (75%) of the width of your bed or headboard. Why does this work so well?
Art that is too small can look lost and insignificant, creating an awkward, empty space around it. Conversely, a piece that is too large can feel oppressive and make the room seem unbalanced.
This rule creates a pleasing visual anchor, connecting the art to the furniture below it. It is the secret to stunning above bed wall art.
This isn't just my opinion; it's a guideline used by interior designers everywhere. For instance, as a guide on Designmorsels.com reinforces, art should be about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture below it to create a balanced look.
To make it even easier, I’ve put together a table with recommended art widths for standard UK bed sizes. Once you know your ideal dimensions, you can explore a wide range of art prints for your wall to find the perfect fit for a large wall art for bedroom look.
Recommended Art Width for Standard UK Bed Sizes
| UK Bed Size | Typical Bed Width | Recommended Art Width (2/3 to 3/4) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 cm (3') | 60 cm – 68 cm |
| Double | 135 cm (4'6") | 90 cm – 101 cm |
| King | 150 cm (5') | 100 cm – 112 cm |
| Super King | 180 cm (6') | 120 cm – 135 cm |
Note: These measurements are a guide. Always measure your own bed or headboard for the most accurate sizing.
Perfect Placement: Getting the Height Just Right
Now that you have the width sorted, let's talk about height. Even a perfectly sized piece of art can look awkward if it’s hung incorrectly.
The goal is to create a visual connection between your bed and the artwork, making them feel like a single, cohesive unit.
This is how to hang art above bed frames correctly. The primary rule is simple: hang the art so the bottom of the frame is 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) above the top of your headboard.
This gap is just enough to give each element its own space while ensuring they feel connected. The art and headboard should feel like they are in conversation with each other.
SHOP HEREBut what if you don’t have a headboard? No problem.
In this case, the art needs to be positioned in relation to your pillows. I recommend measuring 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) from the top of your pillows when they are propped up for reading. This prevents the above bed wall art from appearing to float disconnectedly on the wall.
Here’s a practical tip I always share: grab a friend or partner to hold the art in place while you step back to the doorway. This gives you a real sense of the final look before you commit to any holes in the wall.
One Statement Piece or a Curated Gallery Wall?
With the technical measurements covered, we can move on to the creative part. You have two main stylistic paths for your above bed wall art: a single statement piece or a curated gallery wall. Each creates a very different mood, so let's explore which one is right for you.
The Impact of a Single Statement Piece
A single, large artwork creates a powerful and immediate focal point. This approach is perfect if you favour a more formal, calm, or minimalist aesthetic. It simplifies the visual landscape of the room, allowing one beautiful piece to command attention. It’s a confident choice that speaks volumes. For a bold, minimalist look, a single piece of abstract art can be incredibly powerful and set a sophisticated tone for the entire room.
SHOP HERECreating a Personal Gallery Wall
A bedroom gallery wall, on the other hand, offers a more personal, dynamic, and eclectic look. This is your chance to tell a story with a collection of smaller pieces. You can mix photographs, prints, and even different frame styles to create a display that is uniquely you. If you love this idea, here are my top tips for getting it right:
- The total width of the entire collection must still follow the two-thirds rule we discussed earlier.
- Keep the spacing between frames consistent, usually around 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), for a clean, curated appearance.
- My best tip is to lay the entire arrangement out on the floor first. This allows you to perfect the layout before making any marks on the wall.
- Ensure the centre of the entire arrangement aligns with the centre of the headboard to maintain symmetry and balance.
SHOP HEREIf you love the idea of a gallery wall, I've written a full guide on how to create a gallery wall that tells your story, which you might find helpful.
Choosing Frames to Complement Your Style
The frame is the final detail that ties everything together. Think of it as the bridge between your above bed wall art and the room's existing decor.
The right frame can enhance both the artwork and your overall design scheme. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. For instance, the frame choice can completely change the feeling of a room.
Here’s a quick guide to how different frames can influence your style:
- A thin, black or metallic frame lends a modern, crisp, and graphic look.
- A natural wood frame adds warmth and is perfect for Scandi, rustic, or bohemian charm.
- An ornate, gilded frame introduces a touch of traditional elegance or eclectic glamour.
When it comes to colour, light frames like white or light oak allow the art to be the hero. In contrast, dark frames create a bold border that draws the eye. For a clean, contemporary aesthetic, you might also consider canvas prints, which offer a chic, frameless option. Getting the frame right is so important, and it's worth taking your time to browse different picture frame sizes and styles to see what resonates with you.
More about…
Embark on a journey of transforming your personal space. Learn how to choose art that not only looks beautiful but also feels meaningful. Join us as we explore the topic of Above bed wall art. Click here to uncover more inspiration and tips for decorating your personal sanctuary.
Pro Tips…
Now that you understand the principles of size, placement, and framing, the truly fun part can begin.
Exploring different styles is a personal and enjoyable journey. This is where you can let your personality shine and find a piece that you will love waking up to every morning.
There are so many wonderful bedroom wall decor ideas UK homes can benefit from. If you're ready to find your perfect piece of above bed wall art, take a look through our Content Hub for endless ideas and trends.
If you want to see these ideas in action, our Content hub offers plenty of visuals to guide you. Discover inspiring Home decor tips and trends to suit a variety of styles and moods.
- How to Create a Gallery Wall That Tells Your Story
- Calming Wall Art: Creating a Peaceful Home Environment
- The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Abstract Art for Your Home
I hope this guide inspires you to view wall art as both a decorative element and a powerful tool for creating a sanctuary tailored to your relaxation needs. Which style are you leaning towards? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas!
