How to Choose Large Wall Art for Your Bedroom (Without Overthinking It)

How to Choose Large Wall Art for Your Bedroom (Without Overthinking It)

Let’s talk bedrooms. Not just the place you crash at night—but the space where you unwind, recharge, and finally exhale after a long day. It’s your little escape from the world, and it should feel like it. Cozy, personal, peaceful… totally you.

And the art you hang on those walls? That’s what really sets the mood. It’s more than just decoration—it’s what makes the room feel complete. The right piece of large wall art can shift the entire vibe. It can calm you down, lift you up, or just make you smile every time you walk in.

But choosing the right one? That’s where a lot of people freeze. What size? What colors? What if I hang it and hate it?  Great questions!

Here’s how I like to think about it—and how you can make the whole process way easier (and actually kind of fun).

1. Think Bigger Than Just Filling a Wall

Sure, you might be staring at a blank space above the bed thinking, “I just need to put something there.” But this isn’t just about filling a gap—it’s about creating a vibe.

A large piece of art can totally shift how a room feels. It’s not just something pretty to look at—it becomes the center of gravity in your space. It sets the mood, pulls everything together, and tells a story before you’ve even had your first sip of coffee.

So instead of asking “What looks good here?”, try asking “What do I want to feel when I walk in?” That’s when the magic happens.

2. Let It FEEL LikeYou

Forget trends for a second.   The best kind of art?   The kind that means something to you.

What places take your breath away?  What colors calm you down - or light you up?  Maybe it's a landscape that reminds you of a road trip, or a texture that takes you back to childhood summers.  Whatever it is, lean into that.

Your bedroom should feel like you - like your story is woven into every little detail.   Art is a quiet but powerful way to say, "This is who I am!" 

Landscape Art: Take Yourself Somewhere Peaceful

If you've been poking around my site or blog, it’s no secret—I have a soft spot for landscapes. There’s just something about them. A well-chosen landscape can instantly transport you—to a quiet mountaintop, a peaceful lake, a wide open field where the sky stretches on forever.

In a bedroom, landscape art brings that same feeling of calm and openness. Think rolling hills, distant peaks, soft beach scapes. These kinds of images can actually make the room feel bigger, lighter, and more serene.

If you're going for something subtle, muted tones—like foggy grays, soft blues, or earthy neutrals—can melt right into the space and create a peaceful backdrop without stealing the spotlight. And if you're more into minimalist vibes? A simple white church in a wide field or abstract textures of stone or sand can say a lot...without saying too much.

Nature Scenes: Calm, Colorful, and Just a Little Bit Magical

Nature art has a quiet magic to it. Whether it’s a winding forest path, a close-up of lichen, or a single bold flower, these pieces bring a little bit of the outside in—which is perfect for a room meant to help you rest and recharge.

Greens, blues, and soft natural hues are naturally calming, so art featuring those tones helps set a relaxing tone in your space. But nature doesn’t have to be all soft and subtle. A large, bright flower can absolutely become a focal point that energizes the room, while still feeling grounded and organic.  

And for a little intrigue? Try close-up shots of natural textures—like bark, leaves, or moss. These abstract nature elements add depth and interest without being loud. They’re like little visual whispers that invite you to slow down and look a little closer.

3. Match the Mood, Not Just the Color

Yes, you can match your art to your bedding or wall color. That’s a safe move. But if you ask me? Start with the feeling first.

Think about how you want your bedroom to feel. Peaceful and calm? Go for soft, misty landscapes or subtle, abstract textures in gentle tones. Want something with a little more fire? Try a bold horizon, deep shadows, or artwork with rich contrast and expressive brushstrokes.

When the emotion of the piece lines up with the mood you want for the room, that’s when the magic happens. Color can always come second.

Because honestly? Nobody dreams in perfect color palettes. But we all know how we want to feel.

    

4. Size Matters (But Not in the Way You Think)

Let’s get one thing out of the way—yes, proportion matters. Especially if you’re hanging your art above the bed, it should feel balanced in the space. But don’t overthink it. And definitely don’t play it too safe.

Bigger often works better. A large piece of art doesn’t just grab attention—it also calms down the space. One strong statement piece can do way more than a gallery wall of ten little frames trying to compete for your attention.

Here’s my unscientific-but-pretty-accurate rule:
If it makes you take a step back and exhale... it’s probably the right size.

📏 A Quick Size Guide

Full Bed (54" wide)
Look for art that’s 40–45 inches wide. Big enough to feel intentional, but not overwhelming. One solid piece or a pair of complementary pieces works great here.

Queen Bed (60" wide)
Aim for something around 45–50 inches wide. That’s your sweet spot. A bold, single piece tends to look best—it centers the space and gives the room some quiet confidence.

King Bed (76" wide)
This is where you can go big. 55–60 inches wide (or even a little more) works beautifully. Try a large piece on its own, a triptych (that’s a fancy word for a 3-panel piece), or mix it up with one main image and smaller accents on the sides.

The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to fill the space. Let your art breathe and let it be the moment in the room.

	Here is a visual of the difference in the sizes of the beds.   So, you are either working with 1) the size of the bed or 2) the size of the wall that bed is against.   (For example - if you have lamps, you would want to have the art centered on the size of the bed - not the size of the wall.)
Here is a visual of how the art would look when based on the size of the bed.   Using the Rule of Thumb - the art should take up about 60-70% of the space.

5. Create a Moment You’ll Remember

The best bedrooms aren’t just well-designed—they feel good. They have layers. Soft lighting. Cozy textures. And usually, one little moment that just gets you. That’s what your art should be.

Choose something that catches the morning light in a way that makes you pause. That gives you something beautiful to look at before you close your eyes at night. Something that reminds you why you love being in this space.

Art isn’t extra—it’s essential. It’s part of the experience. The exhale. The sense of “ahh, I’m home.”

Let it be more than a finishing touch. Let it be the heartbeat of the room.

A Parting Thought

Here’s the thing—bedroom art isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about creating a space that feels good to you. Every day. Quietly, powerfully, without needing to shout for attention.

So when you're picking that big piece for your wall, trust your gut. Go with the one that stirs something in you. The one you'd be happy to wake up to—even on a Monday.

And if it makes you smile every time you walk into the room? That’s how you know you got it right.

Happy Decorating. ~ Lisa