The bedroom is more than just a place to sleep—it’s your personal retreat, a sanctuary where design choices should soothe, inspire, and reflect who you are. One of the most effective ways to personalize a bedroom is through art. The right artwork in bedroom can transform plain walls into focal points, bring color and character into the space, and even set the tone for how you feel when you wake up or wind down.
But figuring out how to display artwork in bedroom settings isn’t always straightforward. Should you hang one big piece or several smaller ones? What size works best above the bed? How do you keep it stylish without overwhelming the space?
To help you create the perfect backdrop, here are 11 practical, stylish, and creative tips for displaying bedroom art that feels both intentional and inviting.
1. Coordinate with Your Scheme
Let your art echo your bedroom’s existing palette or introduce a complementary contrast. Homes & Gardens highlights how an abstract piece can tie together décor elements—pulling in paint, fabrics, and furniture colors—to create visual cohesion. If your décor is neutral, choose art in bold tones to add vibrancy; if your room is already full of color, find art that harmonizes, not competes.
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure about colors, pull one or two accent shades directly from your bedding or cushions and find artwork that includes those tones.
2. Place Artwork Above the Bed
The bed is naturally the focal point in any bedroom, and placing art above it amplifies the impact. Design experts recommend choosing larger pieces in that spot to unite the design and draw the eye. Use this opportunity to echo accent colors or create contrast—keeping the arrangement balanced with the headboard and bedside furnishings.
Quick Tip: When placing artwork in bedroom spaces above the bed, leave at least 6–8 inches between the frame and the headboard. This prevents the display from feeling cramped and gives your bedroom art breathing space to shine.
3. Embrace a Theme
A thematic collection—like botanical prints, abstracts, or framed pressed flowers—not only looks curated but also creates calm. Showcases a blue bedroom with framed pressed flowers above the bed that harmonize with natural materials like rattan. Themes can soothe the senses and tie together unrelated pieces in a serene way.
Quick Tip: When selecting a theme for bedroom art, think about what relaxes you most—nature, soft abstracts, or muted photography. This way, your artwork in bedroom won’t just look beautiful, it will also create the right mood.
4. Create a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls are a powerful way to personalize your bedroom. Show how symmetrical arrangements can make a vibe—like two matching frames above the bed surrounded by matching lamps—feel both intentional and cozy. Keep the grouping proportionate to your bed and headboard, and choose frames or mats that bring unity when combining disparate pieces.
Quick Tip: For a polished look, keep spacing between frames consistent. This simple trick makes even an eclectic gallery wall of artwork in bedroom feel intentional and balanced.
5. Let the Walls Breathe
It’s easy to get carried away with art, but remember that empty space is just as powerful. Overloading the walls can create a busy, restless feeling, which isn’t ideal for a bedroom. Instead, think of blank space as part of your design—it gives your eyes somewhere to rest and allows the art you do hang to stand out.
The golden rule: less can be more, especially in spaces meant for relaxation.
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure how much art to add, start with one key piece of bedroom art per wall and then build gradually. Empty space is part of how to display artwork in bedroom successfully.
6. Mind the Scale and Placement
Scale is one of the most important aspects of displaying bedroom art. Art that’s too small will look lost on a large wall, while art that’s too big can overwhelm the space.
Above the bed, try to leave 6–8 inches between the top of your headboard and the bottom of the artwork. For groupings or gallery walls, aim for a centered layout that feels intentional rather than haphazard.
Quick Tip: Measure your wall before buying artwork. A piece that looks perfect in a shop may feel tiny at home. Proper scale is the secret to making artwork in bedroom settings look professionally styled.
7. Experiment with Picture Ledges and Leaning Art
Not ready to commit to hammering nails? Picture ledges are a versatile solution that let you easily swap and rearrange pieces. They’re especially useful if you enjoy changing your décor with the seasons.
Another contemporary option is leaning art. Instead of hanging, simply place larger frames on the floor against the wall or lean smaller pieces on shelves and dressers. This creates a relaxed, layered look that feels stylish and effortless.
Quick Tip: Use picture ledges for a mix of frames, candles, or books. This adds variety while letting your bedroom art feel like part of a larger, curated display.
8. Hang at Eye Level—Or Slightly Lower
The classic rule of thumb is to hang artwork so that its midpoint is at eye level, roughly 57–60 inches from the floor. But in a bedroom, where you spend most of your time sitting or lying down, it often works better to hang art slightly lower than in other areas of the house.
Always step back and check how the piece feels in the room—sometimes your eye will guide you better than a measuring tape.
Quick Tip: In seating areas or near the bed, position bedroom art lower than usual so it looks natural while you’re seated or reclining.
9. Choose Matching or Coordinated Frames
If you’re mixing multiple pieces of artwork, consistent framing is your best friend. Matching frames, or at least frames in the same color family, create cohesion even when the artwork itself is varied.
For a more eclectic vibe, you can play with different frame styles, but try to keep at least one unifying element—like color, matting, or material—so the collection still feels tied together.
Quick Tip: Black, white, or natural wood frames are timeless and work with nearly every artwork in bedroom style. Stick to one finish for a seamless, curated look.
10. Embrace Restful Art
Bedrooms are all about rest, so avoid art that feels overly loud, chaotic, or jarring. Instead, lean toward pieces that promote calm and serenity. Abstract paintings with soft brush strokes, gentle landscapes, nature-inspired art, or muted photography can all help set the right tone.
Think about how you want to feel when you wake up or before you go to sleep, and let that guide your choices.
Quick Tip: Before buying bedroom art, ask yourself: Does this piece make me feel relaxed? If the answer is no, save it for another room.
11. Pair Artwork in Bedroom with Accessories
Artwork doesn’t have to stand alone. Pair it with mirrors, plants, or wall hangings to create a layered and textured look. For example, a framed abstract print above your bed can feel even more dynamic when flanked by wall sconces, or a cluster of small art pieces might pop more when styled alongside a leafy indoor plant.
The key is to make sure accessories complement the artwork instead of competing with it. Together, they should create balance and enhance the atmosphere of the room.
Quick Tip: Style accessories in similar tones or textures to your bedroom art. For example, a gold frame looks stunning paired with a brass lamp or mirror.
Putting It All Together
Let’s say you have a king-size bed with a neutral headboard. You might:
- Hang one large landscape print above the bed that spans two-thirds the width of the headboard.
- Leave one wall completely blank to keep the space restful.
- Add a small gallery wall with botanical prints on a side wall.
- Use consistent white frames to tie everything together.
- Place a tall plant nearby to soften the look and add natural texture.
The result? A calming, stylish bedroom that feels curated and personal without being overwhelming.
Complete the Look with the Right Bed and Mattress
Beautiful bedroom art deserves the perfect backdrop—and that starts with a comfortable, stylish bed. At Gone2Sleep, we offer a wide range of beds and mattresses designed to suit every style and budget. Whether you’re after a modern frame, a cozy divan, or a supportive mattress for better sleep, you’ll find options that make your bedroom both functional and inviting. Pairing the right furniture with thoughtful artwork creates a truly restful retreat. Explore our collection of beds and mattresses to complete your bedroom makeover.
FAQs About Displaying Artwork in the Bedroom
1. What type of artwork is best for the bedroom?
The best bedroom art is calming and restful. Abstracts with soft brushstrokes, nature-inspired prints, or soothing photography are great choices. Avoid loud or overly busy pieces that may disrupt the relaxing atmosphere of your room.
2. How do I choose the right size of artwork for my bedroom?
When deciding how to display artwork in bedroom spaces, scale is everything. If hanging above the bed, aim for artwork that spans about two-thirds of your headboard’s width. For other walls, choose sizes that feel proportionate to the wall space—too small and it looks lost, too big and it overwhelms.
3. Should artwork in the bedroom match the décor?
Yes, ideally your artwork in bedroom should coordinate with your color scheme or theme. Art that echoes bedding, curtains, or accent furniture creates a more cohesive, intentional design.
4. Can I hang a gallery wall in the bedroom?
Absolutely. A gallery wall can add personality and charm to a bedroom. Just keep it balanced and avoid overcrowding. Use consistent frames or a shared theme to prevent it from feeling chaotic.
5. Where should I place artwork in a bedroom?
The most common spot for bedroom art is above the bed, but you can also use side walls, alcoves, or above a dresser. Always aim to hang art at eye level—or slightly lower since bedrooms are spaces where people are often sitting or reclining.
