The wall above the bed is the focal point of most bedrooms, but it is also one of the hardest spaces to get right. Too small and the art looks lost; too high and it floats. Below are 11 bedroom wall decor ideas, plus the sizing and height rules that make them work.
The right wall decor also changes how the room feels. Calm, soft art helps a bedroom feel restful, while a bold piece adds energy and personality. Whatever you choose, it should be the right size, hung at the right height and safe to sleep under.
The Size and Height Rules
- Width: about two-thirds the width of the mattress, and never less than half.
- Height: bottom of the frame about 8–12 inches above the headboard (10 inches is a safe default).
- No headboard: start roughly 28–32 inches above the top of the mattress.
Rules adapted from Fine Art America’s guide to art above a bed. For general hanging tips, see our guide on how to hang wall art.
Quick reference by bed size:
| Bed (mattress width) | Art width (about two-thirds) |
|---|---|
| Twin (38 inches) | 24 to 26 inches |
| Full (54 inches) | 34 to 36 inches |
| Queen (60 inches) | 40 to 48 inches |
| King (76 inches) | 50 to 56 inches |
1. One Large Statement Piece
A single large canvas or framed print is the simplest, calmest option. Choose calming subjects such as landscapes, abstracts or botanical prints.
2. A Matching Pair of Prints
Two identical-size prints hung side by side, about 2–3 inches apart, create balance. Treat them as one rectangle when measuring.
3. A Gallery Wall
A grid or relaxed cluster of frames adds personality. Keep a consistent frame color and lay it out on the floor or with paper templates before you drill.
Keep the spacing between frames consistent, usually 2 to 3 inches, and keep the whole arrangement within the width of the bed so it reads as one unit.
4. A Picture Ledge
A ledge lets you lean and swap art without new holes. Layer frames of different sizes with a small plant or book.
Choose a ledge about two-thirds the width of the bed, and install it with screws into studs or rated anchors. A ledge with a raised lip stops frames from sliding off.
5. A Large Mirror
A big round or arched mirror above the bed bounces light around the room. Secure it with strong fixings into studs or proper wall anchors.
6. Woven Wall Hangings and Textiles
Macramé, a woven hanging or a framed textile adds softness and texture, perfect for boho or cozy bedrooms.
7. A Painted Headboard or Arch
Paint an arch, rectangle or color block behind the bed for a “headboard” effect. It is cheap, renter-friendly with landlord approval, and very striking.
8. Floating Shelves
One long shelf above the bed (well secured, and with nothing heavy) holds small art, plants and books.
9. Wall Sconces as Decor
Matching sconces on each side of the bed frame the wall and replace table lamps. Plug-in versions avoid rewiring.
Mount sconces so the shade sits roughly at shoulder height when you are sitting up in bed, usually about 24 to 30 inches above the mattress. Swing-arm sconces are especially practical for reading.
10. Botanical Prints or Pressed Flowers
Framed botanical prints or pressed flowers bring a calm, natural feel that suits almost every style.
11. Wallpaper or a Wall Mural Feature Wall
A patterned wallpaper behind the bed creates a focal point without any frames. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a renter-friendly option; see renter-friendly wall decor ideas.
Choose calm, nature-inspired patterns such as botanicals, soft stripes or a landscape mural for a restful look. Bold geometric prints add drama but can feel busy in a small bedroom.
Choosing Art for a Bedroom
- Choose calming subjects: landscapes, seascapes, botanicals, soft abstracts and black-and-white photography all suit a bedroom.
- Repeat a color: pick up a color from your bedding, curtains or rug.
- Think about the mood: soft, muted art feels restful; bold, high-contrast pieces feel energizing.
- Don’t forget the other walls: a small print on the wall facing the bed is the first thing you see in the morning.
For affordable options, see cheap wall decor ideas that look expensive.
Common Bedroom Wall Decor Mistakes
- Art that is too small. Aim for about two-thirds of the mattress width.
- Hanging too high. Keep the gap above the headboard to about 8 to 12 inches.
- Heavy frames above your head. Choose lightweight pieces and secure fixings.
- Clutter on every wall. One strong focal point is calmer than many small pieces.
Safety Tip
Above a bed, always use secure fixings and avoid heavy glass frames or items that could fall. Lightweight canvases and acrylic-fronted frames are safer choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should art be above a bed? About 8–12 inches above the headboard, or 28–32 inches above the mattress if there is no headboard.
What size art goes above a queen bed? About 40–48 inches wide, roughly two-thirds of the 60-inch mattress width.
What can I put above my bed instead of art? A mirror, a woven wall hanging, floating shelves, wall sconces or a painted arch.
Should art above a bed be centered? Yes. Center it over the bed itself, not the wall, so the bed and art read as one group.
Is it safe to hang a mirror above a bed? It can be, if you use heavy-duty fixings into studs or rated wall anchors. Lighter mirrors and acrylic mirrors are safer choices.
Final Thoughts
The wall above your bed sets the tone for the whole bedroom. Size your art to about two-thirds of the mattress width, hang it 8 to 12 inches above the headboard, and choose pieces that feel calm. If art is not your style, try a mirror, a woven hanging, sconces or a wallpaper feature wall. Whatever you choose, use secure fixings and lightweight pieces above the bed.
See the full bedroom plan in our bedroom decor ideas guide, or get ideas for the living room in our living room wall decor ideas. Browse more in the Bedroom category.
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