Hanging Art and Pictures Above the Bed
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Adding art and pictures above your bed can transform your bedroom into a stylish, personalized sanctuary. With the right placement and selection, you can create a captivating focal point that complements your overall decor. Today, we’ll explore the rules and best practices for hanging art and pictures above the bed at the correct height, ensuring you balance aesthetics and functionality perfectly.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
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Hanging Art Above Bed
A Captivating Focal Point: When creating a visually appealing bedroom, hanging art above your bed is a game-changer. It adds personality and charm while tying together the space’s overall design. Choose art pieces that resonate with your style, whether modern, minimalist, or eclectic. A well-chosen artwork can become your bedroom’s centrepiece, setting the entire space’s tone.
Rules for Hanging Pictures Above Bed
Finding the Right Balance: While hanging art is an opportunity for self-expression, there are a few rules to remember for hanging pictures above the bed to achieve a visually pleasing arrangement. Here’s a quick guide:
- Size Matters: The size of your art or pictures should be proportionate to the size of your bed. As a general rule, aim for artwork that covers about two-thirds of the width of the bed. This balanced composition creates visual harmony and prevents the artwork from overwhelming the space.
- Consider the Wall Space: Consider the available wall space above your bed. Opt for smaller art pieces or a gallery wall arrangement if you have a low headboard or limited vertical space. On the other hand, if you have high ceilings, a large single piece or a set of two pictures can create a stunning impact.
- Symmetry or Asymmetry: Decide whether you prefer a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement. Symmetry can create a sense of order and formality, while asymmetry adds a touch of dynamism and modernity. Consider your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your bedroom when making this decision.
Hanging Pictures Over Bed
Correct Height for Optimal Impact: Determining the right height for hanging pictures above the bed is crucial to achieving a balanced and visually appealing arrangement. Follow these guidelines:
- Headboard Alignment: Align the center of your art or pictures with the center of the headboard. This ensures a cohesive look and prevents the arrangement from appearing disjointed.
- Eye-Level Placement: Hang your artwork or pictures at eye level. As a general rule, the correct height for hanging pictures over the bed is so that the artwork’s center should be approximately 57-60 inches above the floor. This ensures the arrangement is easily visible and enjoyable without straining the neck.
- Above the Headboard: Ensure the piece of art is a few inches above the headboard so that it feels visually balanced. This depends on the height of the headboard and the ceiling. If unsure, use painter’s tape to mark the placement on the wall to see how it looks.
Two Pictures Above Bed
Creating Symmetry or Balance: A popular choice for hanging art above the bed is to use a set of two pictures. This can create a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Identical Art Pieces: Hang two identical art pieces side by side, creating symmetry and adding a touch of elegance.
- Complementary Art Pieces: Choose two different but complementary art pieces, such as coordinating colours or themes. Hang them at the same height to achieve balance while showcasing your unique style.
Best Size for Art Above a King Bed
When hanging art above a king-size bed, it’s important to consider proportion and balance. Here are some recommended art sizes based on the width of the bed:
- Single Large Art Piece: A single large art piece can make a bold statement for a king-size bed. Aim for artwork that is around two-thirds the width of the bed. A popular size range for this setup is between 48 inches to 72 inches in width.
- Diptych or Triptych: Hang a diptych (two panels) or a triptych (three panels) above the bed. Each panel can be around one-third the width of the bed, resulting in a visually balanced arrangement. Consider each panel approximately 24 to 36 inches wide for a king-size bed.
- Gallery Wall: If you prefer a more eclectic look or want to display multiple art pieces, a gallery wall above the bed can be a fantastic option. Select a combination of smaller to medium-sized art pieces and create a visually pleasing arrangement. You can mix different sizes, such as 8×10 inches, 11×14 inches, or 16×20 inches, to achieve a dynamic and personalized display.
PRO TIP: One of my favourite places to shop for art is on etsy. You can find digital art downloads print them to the perfect size, then use antique or thrifted frames! Frame not the right size? Use a mitre saw to cut it to size and have the glass replaced – or print the art on rolled canvas!
Best Size for Art Over a Queen Bed
- Single Large Art Piece: Aim for artwork around two-thirds the bed’s width. A popular size range for this setup is between 36 inches to 48 inches in width.
- Diptych or Triptych: Another option is to hang a diptych (two panels) or a triptych (three panels) above the bed. Each panel can be around one-third the width of the bed, resulting in a visually balanced arrangement. Consider each panel approximately 18 to 24 inches wide for a queen-size bed.
Is Hanging Art Over the Bed Right for Your Bedroom?
Hanging art and pictures above the bed is a fantastic way to infuse personality and style into your bedroom decor. By following the rules for placement and considering factors like size, symmetry, and height, you can create an eye-catching focal point that enhances the room’s overall ambiance. So, unleash your creativity and transform your bedroom into a haven of artistic expression and personal sanctuary.
FAQs
Yes, you can hang art above your bed to create visually appealing and personalized bedroom decor.
Art should be hung at a height where the artwork’s center aligns with the headboard’s center, typically around 57-60 inches above the floor.
You can style art above a bed by considering the size of the bed and available wall space, choosing between symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements, and selecting art pieces that complement the room’s overall aesthetic.
Art should be centred over the bed, aligning the center of the artwork with the center of the headboard to create a cohesive and balanced look.
I loved this post! I’ve been struggling to figure out how to hang art above my bed and this has given me some great ideas. The mix of frame styles and shapes is really inspiring. I’m definitely going to try the tip about using a long piece of reclaimed wood as a shelf. Thanks for the inspiration, Emma!
Great article. I appreciate your hard work
Thank you so much!