Your bed is more than just a place to rest, it’s the anchor of your sanctuary. At Atelier Printworks, we believe every wall, especially the one above your bed, has the potential to make a lasting impression. Below, we explore how to pick the perfect size, layout and frame colour to match your space and your style.
1. Getting the size right
Choosing the correct size is the foundation of a great “above-bed” feature. Too small, and it gets lost. Too large, and it overwhelms the area. Here are some guidelines:
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Aim for the width of the artwork to be roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the bed headboard.
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Consider the height of the wall and ceiling: for standard ceiling height, a horizontal piece about 40 cm–60 cm tall is often ideal. For taller ceilings, you might go higher.
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Tip: Leave approximately 15–20 cm of space between the top of your headboard and the bottom of the artwork—this ensures visual connection without crowding.
2. Choosing the layout or orientation
The orientation and layout are key to how the piece will feel in your room. Here’s how to think about it:
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Horizontal / Panoramic: Ideal when your bed is wide and you want to accentuate the width of the wall. A single panoramic artwork creates a relaxed, cohesive look
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Vertical or large‐format: Choose this when the wall above your bed is tall, when the headboard is low or non-existent, or when you want to draw the eye upwards. It adds drama and a sense of height.
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Layout tip: Ensure that the bottom edge of the artwork sits above the headboard—not flush on it—and centre the artwork horizontally over the bed for balance.
3. Frame colour and style: subtle power
The frame is often the unsung hero of wall art. It sets tone, picks up on surrounding materials and helps the piece integrate into the room. Here’s how to choose:
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Black or dark frames: Great for modern, minimalist, monochrome or high-contrast bedrooms. They ground the artwork and give a crisp edge.
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White frames: Ideal for bright, airy, Scandinavian or coastal interiors. They allow the artwork to float visually and don’t compete with the surrounding décor.
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Wood or walnut frames: Warm and versatile. If your bedroom furniture is timber, or you have natural textures (woven blinds, rattan chair), a wood frame will anchor the art to the aesthetic.
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Gold or brass-tone frames: Introduce a subtle hint of glamour, gold frames suit neutral colour palettes.
4. Colour palette & subject matter for the bedroom
Because the bedroom is a place of rest, the colour and subject matter of the artwork above the bed matter a lot:
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Soothing, calm imagery – Think soft neutrals, gentle abstract forms, quiet landscapes. These help the room feel restful.
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Dramatic impact – If your bedroom is more statement-driven and you want the artwork as a focal point, choose richer colours, more dynamic shapes or panoramic views that give energy without disrupting the calm.
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Coordinate with bedding and décor – Pull one or two accent colours from your bedding, pillows or carpet and choose artwork that echoes them. Alternatively, if your bedding is busy, choose a simpler artwork so the wall doesn’t feel overloaded.
5. Practical installation & spacing tips
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Hanging height: Let the artwork sit so that the centre of the piece is roughly eye‐level when standing, but more importantly, keep space between headboard and artwork—about 15 cm is a good reference.
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Wall width: As mentioned, aim for ⅔–¾ of your bed’s width. If your bed is against a full wall with large side-tables, you can go even wider to span the visual field.
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Wall colour: If your wall is dark, choose artwork with a light or contrasting border or frame so it stands out. If your wall is busy with patterns, keep the art and frame simpler.
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Consistency: If your bedroom has other art or expressions of style, use those as cues for the frame colour or art subject matter to build harmony.
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Consider lighting: If possible, a directional light above the artwork will highlight it and create mood, adding ambiance to your bedroom.
The wall above your bed isn’t just empty space — it’s a chance to create something beautiful. With the right artwork, thoughtful sizing, a layout that suits your room, and a frame that ties it all together, you can turn your bedroom into a space that feels cohesive, calming, and distinctly yours.
Explore our Above the Bed Wall Art collection to find the perfect print for your space.
