A bedroom featuring a big wall art canvas

Bedroom Wall Art Sizing Guide

A practical approach based on bed size and layout. 

Bedrooms benefit from restraint.
Unlike living rooms, where artwork often takes center stage, bedroom art works best when it supports rest, balance, and proportion rather than demanding attention.

This guide walks through how to choose the right wall art size based on your bed size, with additional options for using vertical artwork beside the bed, above nightstands, or on adjacent walls.

Queen Bed (60″ wide)

Queen beds are the most flexible when it comes to wall art — they allow for a strong focal point without requiring oversized pieces.

Best Above the Bed

24″ × 36″ (Horizontal)

This size works beautifully above a queen bed when the goal is a calm, balanced focal point.

  • Spans about 60% of the bed width
  • Anchors the bed without overpowering the room
  • Ideal for modern, Japandi, and soft contemporary bedrooms

Placement tip:
Hang the canvas so the bottom edge sits 6–8 inches above the headboard to keep the art visually connected to the bed.

Supporting Options (Vertical)

If the wall above the bed isn’t wide enough — or if you prefer a quieter look — vertical artwork works well around the bed.

16″ × 20″ (Vertical)
Ideal above a nightstand (especially as a symmetrical pair) or on a narrow wall beside the bed.

24″ × 30″ (Vertical)
Best for taller walls, between windows, or on an adjacent wall where you want added presence without competing with the bed.

12″ × 16″ (Vertical)
Works well for small wall sections, cozy bedrooms, or styled corners near wardrobes or seating.

King Bed (76″ wide)

King beds are visually dominant, which means the artwork above them doesn’t always need to be large to feel intentional.

Above the Bed

24″ × 36″ (Horizontal)

Above a king bed, this size functions best as a soft focal point, not a dramatic statement.

It works especially well when:

  • the headboard is substantial (wood, upholstered, or paneled)
  • the wall is shared with windows or sconces
  • the room already has layered textures (bedding, rugs, curtains)

In these cases, designers often prefer restraint to maintain a restful feel.

Vertical Alternatives (Highly Recommended for King Beds)

For many king bedrooms, vertical artwork actually produces a better balance than one large horizontal piece.

  • Two 16″ × 20″ (Vertical) above nightstands
    Creates symmetry and structure without crowding the wall.
  • One 24″ × 30″ (Vertical) on an adjacent wall
    Adds height and presence, especially in rooms with higher ceilings.
  • 12″ × 16″ (Vertical) near wardrobes or reading corners
    Helps fill smaller wall sections without visual weight.

Full or Double Bed

Smaller beds benefit from confident but controlled scale.

Above the Bed

24″ × 36″ (Horizontal)

This size feels more prominent above a full bed, which helps:

  • prevent the wall from feeling empty
  • create a clear focal point
  • bring balance to smaller bedrooms or guest rooms

Vertical Additions

  • 16″ × 20″ (Vertical) above a nightstand or on a narrow side wall
  • 12″ × 16″ (Vertical) for compact layouts or secondary walls

Using Vertical Art in Bedrooms (When It Works Best)

Vertical canvases are ideal when:

  • wall width is limited
  • you want symmetry beside the bed
  • filling space beside wardrobes or doors
  • working with taller ceilings
  • layering art without overwhelming the bed wall

Quick rule:

  • Horizontal art → best above the bed
  • Vertical art → best beside the bed or on adjacent walls

Used together thoughtfully, they create a composed, designer-like layout.

A Simple Bedroom Rule to Remember

Use a 24″ × 36″ horizontal canvas to anchor the bed, and vertical canvases to support the space around it.

This approach keeps bedrooms feeling calm, balanced, and intentional.

For spaces with unique proportions, custom sizing may be available — please contact us to discuss.

Final Thought

Bedroom wall art doesn’t need to dominate the room to be effective.
When artwork is sized and placed with care, it quietly supports the atmosphere — which is exactly what a bedroom needs.

Choosing art that works with the bed, rather than competing with it, is what creates a space that truly feels restful.

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