What art goes above a bed?
Above a bed, art should span about two thirds of the bed and hang a hand-width or two above the headboard.
Size
Use the width of the bed, not the whole wall. The same two-thirds rule as above a sofa applies:
| Bed width | Art width | Prints that fit |
|---|---|---|
| 90 cm (single) | 55–65 cm | one 50×70 |
| 140 cm (double) | 90–105 cm | one 70×100, or two 40×50 with 8 cm between |
| 160 cm (queen) | 105–120 cm | two 50×70 with 8 cm between (108 cm) |
| 180 cm (king) | 120–135 cm | two 50×70 with 10 cm between (110 cm) or two 70×100 with 8 cm (148 cm) for a bolder look |
Height
Leave 15–25 cm between the top of the headboard and the bottom of the frame. Without a headboard, keep the bottom of the frame about 40–50 cm above the mattress, so you do not hit it when you sit up.
Layouts that work
- One large print, centred: calm and simple.
- A matched pair, the same size, 6–10 cm apart: the classic hotel look, but warmer with real art.
- A shelf above the headboard with two or three leaning prints: easy to change.
For safety, choose frames with acrylic rather than glass above a bed, and hang them on two hooks.