How to Choose the Right Size Art for Above a Bed

Susan Wooler Jul 10, 2026

Horizontal abstract canvas art in earth tones hanging above a modern low platform bed flanked by large forest view windows.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of a beautifully styled bedroom. It is your sanctuary, the place you unwind, and the room that should feel the most like a luxury retreat.

But when it comes to decorating the space directly above the bed, many homeowners run into the same common dilemma: What size should the artwork actually be?

Hang a piece that is too small, and it looks lost, making your bed feel awkwardly massive. Choose something too large, and it can overwhelm the entire room.

To help you get that effortless, high-end gallery look, we’ve broken down the essential interior design rules for choosing the perfect size canvas for your bedroom sanctuary.

Rule 1: The "Two-Thirds" Golden Rule

In interior design, proportion is everything. The most critical rule for hanging art above a bed is the Two-Thirds Rule.

Your artwork (or your grouping of art) should measure between 60% and 75% of the total width of your headboard.

Why it works: This creates visual balance. It ensures the artwork feels substantially anchored by the bed below it, rather than floating aimlessly on a giant empty wall.

Rule 2: Know Your Bed Measurements

Before you browse our collections, take a quick tape measure to your headboard. Because standard bed sizes vary, here is a quick guide to matching your mattress size to the ideal art scale:

Double Bed (Approx. 135cm / 54" wide): Look for a landscape piece that is roughly 80cm to 100cm wide (e.g., a single 24" x 36" / 60cm x 90cm canvas turned horizontally).
King Size Bed (Approx. 150cm / 60" wide): Your artwork should be around 100cm to 115cm wide. A single 30" x 40" (75cm x 100cm) canvas is an absolute sweet spot here.
Super King Bed (Approx. 180cm / 72" wide): This requires true scale. To fill the space properly, look for an oversized statement canvas that is 120cm to 140cm wide (such as a 36" x 48" or 40" x 60" landscape format).

Styling Tip: If you prefer vertical portrait-style art, consider hanging a matching diptych (a pair of two canvases) side-by-side to reach these ideal widths!

Rule 3: Mind the "Gaps"

Size isn’t just about width; it’s also about where the artwork sits on the wall. Follow these spacing guidelines to ensure your bedroom feels calm and balanced:

The Gap Above the Headboard: Hang the bottom frame of your canvas 15cm to 20cm (6 to 8 inches) above the top of your headboard or mattress. If you hang it higher, the art loses its connection to the bed and looks like it is floating away.
The Gap Below the Ceiling: Ensure there is at least 25cm to 30cm of empty wall space between the top of your artwork and the ceiling. This gives the composition room to "breathe."

Rule 4: Watch Out for Visual Weight

The "weight" of a piece isn't just about its physical dimensions; it's about the colours and frames you choose:

Bold & High Contrast: A piece from our Monochromatic or Warm Tones collection in a heavy Matte Black floating frame will feel visually "heavy" and demand attention.
Soft & Serene: A piece from our Earthy Neutrals or Blues & Aquas collection in a Natural Oak or Crisp White frame will feel visually "lighter," making it perfect for smaller or brighter bedrooms.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Scale

If you are torn between two sizes, always choose the larger option. In our studio, we rarely see a bedroom where a piece of art looks too big, but we constantly see walls where the artwork is far too small. Investing in scale is the easiest shortcut to making your home look professionally designed.

Ready to find the perfect anchor for your bedroom?