Your bedroom should feel like a personal retreat, and artwork really helps set the mood. Lots of people get stuck trying to figure out where to hang their favorite pieces, or worry they’ll mess up the placement and have to fix holes in the wall.
Remember to repin your favorite images!
The best spots for bedroom artwork are above your bed, on side walls, around doorframes, and opposite the bed. Each location can offer something different, whether your space is tiny or huge.
The trick is matching the right size and style of art to each spot, and thinking about your room’s shape and layout.
This guide will help you pick out the perfect pieces, plan your layout like a pro, and install everything without a hitch. You’ll get tips for gallery walls, learn what mistakes to avoid, and see how to turn your bedroom into a place that really feels like you.
Choosing the Right Artwork for Your Bedroom
Pick artwork that fits your personal style, works with your space, and helps create a restful vibe.
Selecting Art That Suits Your Style
Your bedroom art should reflect who you are. Go for pieces you truly love, not just whatever’s trending right now.
Abstract and minimalist artwork can work wonders in a bedroom. Those simple lines and soft patterns? They help your mind wind down before sleep.
Photos of landscapes or nature bring a little of the outside in. Calming scenes can make you feel more relaxed without being too distracting.
Personal art like family photos or travel shots adds a special touch. Frame your memories in a way that fits your bedroom’s style.
Skip anything that feels too loud or chaotic. Bedrooms should be for unwinding. Save the wild stuff for your living room.
Considering Size and Proportion
Size really matters here. The wrong size can make your room feel weirdly off.
When you hang art above your bed, pick pieces that take up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space above your headboard. That way, it looks balanced.
A single big piece usually works better than a bunch of tiny ones. One oversized photo or painting feels bold and uncluttered.
Gallery walls can look great if you plan them out. Try to use art that’s similar in size or color so it feels organized. Lay everything on the floor first before you start hanging.
Match the size of your art to your furniture. Big beds can handle big art, while smaller beds need something more modest.
Using Color and Mood to Enhance the Space
The colors in your art really affect how you feel in your bedroom. Go for shades that help you relax and sleep.
Soft, muted colors like blues, greens, or gentle grays set a peaceful tone. They help you wind down.
Neutral tones work with any decor and won’t clash if you change things up later. Think black, white, or beige—super flexible.
You can either match your art colors to your room, or pick a few accent colors. Matching everything creates a calm look, while accent colors add a bit of interest.
Try to avoid big pieces in bright reds or oranges. Those colors can make it tough to settle down at bedtime.
Determining the Best Placement for Hanging Artwork
Where you put your art can totally transform your bedroom. Aim to hang art 6-8 inches above furniture, and about 57-60 inches from the floor to the center of pieces on empty walls.
Hanging Art Above the Bed
The wall above your bed is usually the big focal point. Hang your art 6-8 inches above the headboard to connect the furniture and wall decor.
Size Guidelines:
- Single piece: about 2/3 the width of your bed
- Multiple pieces: total width shouldn’t be wider than your bed
- Keep the same amount of space on both sides for balance
Stick to lightweight pieces for safety. Heavy frames or glass can be risky if they fall while you’re sleeping. Canvas prints, framed photos, or metal wall art are solid choices here.
Check your headboard height before measuring. If you have a tall headboard, you might need to hang your art a bit higher. Use paper templates to test placement before you start hammering.
Other Ideal Bedroom Walls
You don’t have to stop at the headboard wall. The wall opposite your bed is perfect if you want to see your art every morning.
Prime locations include:
- Opposite the bed for a nice morning view
- Next to windows to catch some natural light
- Near reading chairs or seating nooks
- On walls you see from the doorway
Don’t hang valuable art where sunlight hits it directly. Sun can fade and damage it over time. Also, avoid spots near heating vents or steamy bathroom doors.
Narrow walls between windows or doors work well for smaller pieces. Try stacking 2-3 small artworks vertically if space is tight.
Height and Eye-Level Guidelines
Getting the height right makes your art look natural in the room. The usual rule is to center art 57-60 inches from the floor, which is about eye level for most people.
Height adjustments:
- High ceilings (9+ feet): Try 60-62 inches
- Above furniture: 6-8 inches above the top
- Gallery walls: Treat the whole group as one big piece
Measure from the floor to where you want the art’s center. Figure out where the hook should go by measuring your frame, dividing by two, and adding the distance from the top to the hanging wire.
Have someone hold the art up while you step back and check the height. You’ll see things differently standing, sitting on the bed, or just walking by.
Planning Your Layout and Arrangement
Good placement starts with a bit of planning and measuring. Aim for visual balance and make sure your pieces look like they belong together.
Centering and Balancing Artwork
Start by figuring out the right height. Hang art so the center is at eye level—usually 57 to 60 inches from the floor. In bedrooms, you might want to go a little lower since you’ll see it while sitting on the bed.
Plan your layout before you start making holes. Cut out paper templates that match your frames. Stick them on the wall with painter’s tape and try out different setups for a few days.
Keep your art proportional to your furniture. Pieces above your bed or dresser should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture. Leave 6 to 8 inches above the top edge for a balanced look.
Think about the room’s flow when you hang art. Smaller pieces fit nicely between windows and doors. Save big art for walls where you can step back and enjoy the whole thing.
Arranging Multiple Pieces Together
Groups of odd numbers just look better. Try three or five pieces for a balanced grouping. Odd numbers create a center point with symmetry on each side.
Put heavier or darker pieces at the bottom or left. Our eyes tend to start on the left, so this feels more balanced. If you’re doing a straight row, put the heaviest piece in the middle.
Keep the spacing consistent for gallery walls. Leave 2 to 3 inches between small and medium frames. Bigger pieces need a bit more space.
Tie your grouping together with common elements. Use similar frame colors, styles, or finishes. For photos, stick with all black-and-white or all color for a more unified look.
Level the middles of frames, not the tops or bottoms. This trick works well if your frames are all different sizes or you’re working around doorways.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Artwork
The right tools and careful measuring really make a difference. Here’s a simple three-step process to hang your art straight and safely.
Gathering Tools and Hardware
Get all your tools together before you start. You’ll need a measuring tape, level, pencil, hammer, and the right hanging hardware.
Essential Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Small level (24-inch is handy)
- Pencil for marking
- Hammer
- Screwdriver set
- Stud finder (for heavier art)
Pick your hardware based on how much your art weighs. Picture hooks work for pieces under 10 pounds. Wall anchors are better for art between 10-30 pounds.
If your artwork is over 30 pounds, screw directly into a wall stud. Always check the weight before you pick your hardware.
Use small nails for lightweight prints. Medium pieces need sturdy hooks with angled nails. Always buy hardware rated for at least twice your art’s weight, just to be safe.
Measuring and Marking Placement
Hang your art at eye level so it’s easy to see from the bed or while standing. The center should be 57-60 inches from the floor.
Measure from your art’s hanging wire to the top of the frame. Subtract that from your desired center height.
Mark the spot lightly with a pencil. Use a level to make sure everything lines up, especially if you’re hanging more than one piece.
For art above furniture: Leave 6-8 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of your frame. This keeps things looking balanced.
Hold paper templates up to the wall to test out the arrangement before you make any holes. Tape them in place and step back to see how it feels.
Securing Artwork Safely
Install your hardware where you marked the wall. Tap picture hooks in at a slight angle so the art won’t slip off.
If you’re using wall anchors, drill a small pilot hole, then tap in the anchor until it’s flush. Screw in the hardware, leaving a bit of space for the wire.
Give the hardware a little tug to make sure it’s solid before you hang the art. If it feels loose, fix it first.
Hang your piece and use the level to straighten it out. Most hanging wire lets you nudge things a bit if they’re not perfect.
Check that the frame sits flat against the wall. Adjust the wire tension if it tilts forward or backward.
Creating a Gallery Wall in Your Bedroom
Gallery walls can turn a blank bedroom wall into something that’s totally your style. The secret is choosing frames that go together and keeping the spacing consistent.
Choosing Frames and Styles
Gather 3 to 9 pieces that share a theme or color palette. Mix up the sizes, but stick to one style—either all modern or all vintage usually looks better than mixing both.
Pick frames that look good together, but don’t stress about making them identical. Black frames feel modern and clean. Wood frames bring some warmth.
Frame combos that work:
- All black with white mats
- Mix of black and white frames
- Natural wood frames in similar tones
- Gold or brass frames for a touch of elegance
Think about your bedroom’s colors when you pick art. Neutrals work anywhere. If you love bold colors, make sure they match your bedding or walls.
Maintaining Consistent Spacing
Keep 3 to 6 inches between each piece. Small art can go closer together, but big pieces need more space.
Use painter’s tape to map out your layout before you hang anything. Trace your frames on kraft paper, cut out the shapes, and tape them up to test different arrangements.
Spacing tips:
- Small frames (8×10): 3-4 inches apart
- Medium frames (11×14): 4-5 inches apart
- Large frames (16×20): 5-6 inches apart
Hang the center of your biggest piece 57 inches from the floor. Build the rest of your gallery around that anchor.
Use a level to keep everything straight. Crooked frames can ruin the whole look.
Additional Tips for Hanging Artwork in the Bedroom
Good lighting really makes your artwork pop. Knowing what to avoid helps you create a more polished look.
Lighting and Display Considerations
Natural light can fade art over time, so try not to hang pieces in direct sunlight.
Picture lights are great above the bed. Mount them about 12 inches above the top of the frame.
Track lighting lets you adjust the angle, which cuts down on glare. Aim the lights at a 30-degree angle for the best effect.
Ambient light from lamps or sconces adds a cozy glow around your art in the evenings.
UV-protective glass protects valuable art from light damage. This is especially important for photos and watercolors.
Wall washing with recessed lights spreads light evenly over big art. Space fixtures about 3 feet apart.
Test your lighting at different times of day. Colors can look totally different in the morning compared to the evening.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Hanging too high is probably the most common mistake. Try to keep the center of your artwork at about 57-60 inches from the floor.
Wrong proportions can throw off the whole room. Aim for art that covers about half to two-thirds of your bed’s width.
Inadequate spacing just makes things look messy. If you’re hanging a gallery wall, leave 2-3 inches between each piece.
Poor hardware choices make artwork go crooked or even crash to the floor. For anything wider than 24 inches, use two hanging points.
Ignoring furniture relationships makes the display feel out of place. Keep 8-10 inches between your headboard and the bottom edge of your art.
Overcrowding walls just stresses out the space. Leave some parts of the wall empty so your eyes can rest.
Always measure twice before you start drilling. Painter’s tape is super helpful for outlining where you want your art to go.