Wall Art for the Bedroom

Bedroom wall art is more personal than wall art anywhere else in the home, because the bedroom is the one room styled for the people who sleep there rather than for guests. That makes it a natural place for a personalized photo on the wall: a couple's photo above the bed, a calm landscape that helps the room wind down, or a family photo on a quiet accent wall. This guide covers how to size bedroom wall art, which medium suits which bedroom, placement options, and photo ideas. For the full range, see our wall arts collection.

Why the bedroom suits personal photo wall art

Living rooms tend toward art that works for everyone who visits; bedrooms can be purely personal. A photo that means something only to the couple or the person in the room is exactly right here, where no one is decorating for an audience. The bedroom also rewards calmer, quieter images: soft landscapes, a favorite travel memory, or a single strong portrait read better above a bed than a busy, high-contrast piece. For wall art aimed at the shared living space instead, see our living room wall art guide.

How to size wall art above a bed

The sizing rule for a bedroom is the same one used across the home: the piece should fill 60 to 75 percent of the furniture width below it, hung 6 to 12 inches above the headboard. A queen bed (60 inches wide) pairs well with a 36 to 45 inch piece; a king (76 inches) suits a 50 to 57 inch piece or a balanced multi-panel set. Above a dresser, scale to the dresser width minus 6 to 12 inches per side. For a calmer feel, lean toward the lower end of the range. Our wall art sizing guide has the full room-by-room numbers and a measure-before-you-order method.

Which medium suits which bedroom style

The medium choice usually follows the room's mood. A canvas print gives a soft, warm, matte finish that suits a cozy or traditional bedroom and sits quietly without glare. A tempered glass piece reads sleek and modern with a glossy depth that fits a contemporary or minimalist bedroom. Metal and fine-art paper round out the options for specific looks. Our canvas wall art guide covers the canvas medium in detail.

Bedroom wall art placement options

The wall above the bed is the obvious focal point, but it is not the only one.

• Above the headboard. The main placement. A single horizontal piece or a symmetrical pair centered over the bed anchors the room.
• Above a dresser or vanity. A medium piece scaled to the furniture width works where the bed wall is already busy or has windows.
• An accent or facing wall. The wall you see first on waking, or from the doorway, can carry a larger statement piece or a small gallery arrangement.
• Either side of the bed. A matched pair of smaller pieces above the nightstands frames the bed without one large central piece.

Photo subject ideas for bedroom wall art

The bedroom suits photos that feel personal and calm rather than loud. A favorite photo of the couple, a wedding or engagement image, a quiet travel landscape, or a soft black-and-white portrait all settle well into a bedroom. For a child's or nursery bedroom, a gentle family photo or a calm illustration suits the space. A clear, well-lit source photo holds up best at larger sizes; see our guide on how to choose the right photo.

Bedroom wall art as a gift

A personalized photo on the bedroom wall makes a fitting gift for the moments tied to the room: a wedding or anniversary photo for a couple, a housewarming gift for a new home, or a calming piece for someone settling into a new space. Because the bedroom is personal, a gift made from the recipient's own photo lands more warmly here than a generic print would. Our wedding and anniversary guides route by the occasion.

Frequently asked questions

What size wall art should go above a bed?

Fill 60 to 75 percent of the bed or headboard width, hung 6 to 12 inches above the headboard. A queen bed suits a 36 to 45 inch piece; a king suits a 50 to 57 inch piece or a balanced multi-panel set. Lean smaller for a calmer feel.

What is the best wall art medium for a bedroom?

It follows the room's style. A canvas print gives a soft, warm, glare-free finish for a cozy or traditional bedroom; tempered glass reads sleek and modern for a contemporary room. Both are made to order from your photo.

What photo works best for bedroom wall art?

Personal and calm images suit the bedroom: a couple's photo, a wedding or engagement image, a quiet landscape, or a soft portrait. A clear, well-lit source photo holds detail at larger sizes.

Where should I hang wall art in a bedroom?

Above the headboard is the main spot, but a dresser wall, an accent wall you see on waking, or a matched pair above the nightstands all work depending on the room's layout.