So, how high to hang art above your bed? The general rule is to position the center of the artwork at eye level, which is typically around 57-60 inches from the floor. However, when mounting art over your bed, this guideline needs a slight adjustment to account for the furniture.
Hanging artwork in your bedroom can transform a plain space into a cozy sanctuary or a stylish statement. But the question of how high to hang art above bed is crucial. Get it wrong, and your beautiful piece can feel either too small and lost or too imposing. This guide will help you master the art of art placement above bed, ensuring your bedroom wall decor height is just right.
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Figuring Out the Best Height for Art Above Your Bed
When deciding on the best height for art above your bed, think about the overall scale and proportion of your room and your bed. It’s not just about eye level; it’s about how the artwork relates to the furniture below it.
The Sweet Spot: Centering Your Artwork
The most common and effective approach for hanging artwork bedroom is to center the artwork in the available space above your headboard.
- The 6-inch Rule: A popular guideline suggests leaving about 6 to 8 inches of space between the top of your headboard and the bottom of your artwork. This creates a visual connection between the art and the bed, making it feel like a cohesive unit.
- The Visual Anchor: Your bed is a large, dominant piece of furniture. The artwork should complement it, not compete with it. By positioning the art a comfortable distance above, you allow both elements to breathe.
Why This Height Works
This positioning ensures that when you are sitting up in bed, the artwork is at a comfortable viewing angle. You won’t have to crane your neck to see it, nor will it feel too low and disconnected from your sleeping space.
Factors to Consider for Bedroom Art Height:
- Headboard Height: The taller your headboard, the more space you have above it. A very tall headboard might allow for a slightly higher placement of the artwork.
- Ceiling Height: In rooms with very high ceilings, you might feel the need to hang art a bit higher to fill the vertical space. However, for art above a bed, it’s generally better to keep it closer to the bed for that anchored feeling.
- Artwork Size: A larger piece of art will naturally command more attention and might require a bit more breathing room. A smaller piece could get lost if hung too high.
Mastering Bedroom Wall Art Placement: Beyond the Height
While height is a major factor, bedroom wall art placement involves more than just measuring from the floor. The relationship between the artwork and the headboard is key.
The Headboard’s Influence on Art Placement
Your headboard acts as a natural frame for the artwork above it.
- Centered Above the Headboard: The most common and usually the most pleasing way to hang art is to center it directly above the middle of your headboard. This creates balance and a focal point.
- Width Considerations: The width of your artwork should generally be about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of your headboard. This ensures the art doesn’t look too narrow or too wide for the space.
Table: Artwork Width vs. Headboard Width Ratios
| Artwork Width | Ideal Headboard Width | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Two-thirds of headboard | Good balance, art feels substantial | |
| Three-quarters of headboard | Art feels prominent, well-supported | |
| Narrower than two-thirds | Art may look small, lost | |
| Wider than headboard | Can overwhelm the bed |
Single Piece vs. Gallery Wall Above the Bed
The ideal height for wall art can also vary slightly depending on whether you’re hanging a single large piece or creating a gallery wall.
- Single Piece: For a single statement piece, centering it above the headboard with the 6-8 inch gap rule is a great starting point.
- Gallery Wall: If you’re creating a gallery wall, think of the entire collection as one large artwork.
- Arrangement: Arrange your pieces on the floor first to get a feel for the layout.
- Overall Center: The visual center of the entire gallery wall should be at the 6-8 inch mark above the headboard.
- Spacing: Maintain consistent spacing between individual pieces in the gallery. About 2-3 inches between frames is common. This keeps the gallery wall cohesive.
Tips for Gallery Walls Above Beds:
- Balance the Weights: Mix different sizes and orientations of art within your gallery wall for visual interest.
- Maintain a Theme: Consider a color palette or a subject matter that ties your gallery wall together.
- Height of Individual Pieces: While the overall gallery wall has a center point, the individual pieces should be hung so their centers align to create a pleasing overall shape.
Practical Steps for Hanging Art Over Your Bed
Now that you know the guidelines, let’s get to the practical side of how to hang art.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Hammer
- Picture Hooks or Wall Anchors (depending on wall type and artwork weight)
- Drill (if using wall anchors)
- Painter’s Tape (optional, for marking placement)
Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Art Over Bed
- Measure Your Headboard: Determine the width of your headboard.
- Determine Artwork Width: Measure your artwork.
- Calculate Optimal Artwork Width: Aim for your artwork to be roughly 2/3 to 3/4 the width of your headboard.
- Mark the Center: Find the center point of your headboard and lightly mark it with a pencil.
- Measure Up: From the top edge of your headboard, measure up 6 to 8 inches. This is where the bottom of your artwork should be.
- Mark the Artwork’s Center: Find the center point of your artwork.
- Transfer the Mark: Hold your artwork (or a piece of paper the same size) against the wall at your desired height. Use your pencil to mark the wall through the center point of your artwork.
- Use the Level: Place your level on top of the artwork (or paper). Adjust until it’s straight. Mark the wall at the top edge of the artwork to show its full span.
- Find Your Hanging Point: Now, measure down from the top edge of the artwork to where the hook or wire will sit. Transfer this measurement to your wall mark. This is where your hook or anchor needs to go.
- Install the Hook/Anchor: Use a picture hook for lighter pieces, or drill and install a wall anchor for heavier items, ensuring it’s placed at the correct height and is level.
- Hang Your Art: Carefully hang your artwork.
- Final Check: Step back and check the alignment with your level. Make any minor adjustments needed.
Important Note on Wall Type: If you have plaster or drywall, you’ll likely need wall anchors for anything heavier than a few pounds. Always choose anchors appropriate for your wall type and the weight of your art.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Art Above Beds
Q: Can I hang art that is wider than my headboard?
A: While generally not recommended for balance, you can if it’s intentional and part of a larger design statement. However, it can easily overpower the bed and make the room feel cluttered. Stick to the two-thirds to three-quarters rule for a more harmonious look.
Q: What if I have a very high ceiling? Should I hang art higher?
A: For art above a bed, it’s usually best to keep it relatively close to the headboard, even with high ceilings. This anchors the bed as the focal point. If the space feels too empty, consider adding a larger piece, a grouping of smaller pieces, or even a shelf above the art for added visual interest.
Q: How do I hang a very heavy piece of art above my bed?
A: For heavy items, you absolutely must use appropriate wall anchors. Locate wall studs if possible, as they provide the strongest support. If you can’t hit a stud, use heavy-duty wall anchors rated for more than the weight of your artwork. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Q: What if my bed doesn’t have a headboard?
A: If you don’t have a headboard, the ceiling height and the overall wall space above the bed become your primary guide. Aim for the center of the artwork to be at eye level when sitting up in bed (around 57-60 inches from the floor). You can also use the width of the mattress as a guide, aiming for art that is about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the mattress.
Q: How much space should be between the bed and the wall art?
A: The most common recommendation is 6 to 8 inches between the top of the headboard and the bottom of the artwork. This creates a visually pleasing separation.
Q: What if I have a tall bed frame but no separate headboard?
A: Treat the top of the highest point of your bed frame as your headboard. Measure from there using the same 6-8 inch rule.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Bedroom Wall Art Placement
Even with a guide, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors in hanging artwork bedroom and how to sidestep them.
Overlooking Proportion
- Too Small: Art that is too small for the wall space above the bed can look insignificant and lost. It fails to create a focal point.
- Too Large: Conversely, art that is too large can overwhelm the bed and the entire room, making it feel cramped.
Incorrect Spacing
- Too Close to Ceiling: Hanging art too high can make the bed feel disconnected from the wall and the room feel unbalanced.
- Too Close to Headboard: While a connection is good, if the art is too close, it can feel cramped and appear as though it’s about to fall.
Ignoring the Room’s Style
- Mismatched Style: The style of the artwork should complement the overall decor of your bedroom. A very modern abstract piece might clash with a traditionally styled room, and vice versa.
Forgetting About Functionality
- Obstruction: Ensure the art doesn’t obstruct any lights or other fixtures. It should also be hung securely enough that it won’t easily fall.
Elevating Your Bedroom with the Right Art Spacing
Proper art spacing above bed is a critical element in creating a beautiful and balanced bedroom. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a functional and inviting space.
Creating a Focal Point
The area above your bed is a natural place to create a focal point. Whether it’s a single, striking piece or a curated gallery wall, the bedroom wall art placement here draws the eye and sets the tone for the room.
Enhancing Comfort and Ambiance
The right artwork, hung at the right height, contributes to the overall comfort and ambiance of your bedroom. It can evoke feelings of calm, inspiration, or serenity, depending on your choice.
The Art of Balance
Achieving the best height for art is fundamentally about balance. It’s the balance between the artwork and the headboard, the artwork and the wall, and the artwork and the room itself. This balance is what makes a space feel “right.”
By following these guidelines and considering the specific features of your bedroom, you can confidently tackle the question of how high to hang art above bed and create a space you’ll love. Remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules. Feel free to adjust based on your personal style and the unique characteristics of your room. Happy decorating!