Framed Prints for the Bedroom: How to Choose and Style Them
The bedroom is a place to unwind, so the artwork you choose should help create an atmosphere that feels calm, personal and welcoming. Framed prints are a simple way to bring colour and character to the room, whether you prefer soft landscapes, abstract designs, botanical illustrations or meaningful photographs.
Choose artwork that suits the mood
Start by thinking about how you want your bedroom to feel. Gentle colours and uncluttered designs can help create a restful look, while bold prints can add energy and make a striking focal point. Consider the colours already in the room, including your bedding, curtains and furniture, and choose prints that either complement them or provide a deliberate contrast.
There is no need to match every shade exactly. A print that picks up one or two colours from the room can make the overall scheme feel connected without looking overly coordinated. For a softer effect, look for muted tones and flowing shapes. If your bedroom is neutral, a brighter print can add an appealing splash of colour.
Find the right size and arrangement
The scale of a print can make a noticeable difference. A single large piece can create a focal point above the bed, while a pair of smaller prints can give the wall a balanced, symmetrical feel. A gallery wall allows you to combine different images, sizes and styles for a more personal display.
Before hanging anything, measure the available wall space and consider how the artwork will relate to the furniture beneath it. Above a bed or chest of drawers, prints generally look best when they sit comfortably within the width of the furniture rather than appearing too small or extending far beyond it. You can also arrange paper templates on the wall first to test the layout.
Pick frames that work with your room
The frame is part of the overall design. Light wood can suit a relaxed, natural interior, while dark wood or black frames can create a more defined, contemporary look. White frames often feel understated and work well with lighter décor. For a cohesive display, use matching frames; for a more eclectic arrangement, combine different finishes while keeping a consistent colour palette across the prints.
Think about the finish as well as the colour. A simple frame can let detailed artwork take centre stage, while a more decorative frame may add character to a plain print. If reflections could be an issue, consider where the artwork will hang in relation to windows and lights.
Consider placement and lighting
Artwork above the bed is a popular choice, but it is not the only option. Prints can also brighten a bare wall, sit above a bedside table or add interest to a dressing area. Keep the layout in proportion to the surrounding furniture, and make sure the artwork is securely mounted.
Natural and artificial light can affect how a print looks throughout the day. Avoid placing valuable or delicate prints where they receive strong direct sunlight for long periods, as this may cause fading. A well-lit position can help colours stand out, but softer lighting is often better suited to a relaxing bedroom atmosphere.
Make the display personal
The most successful bedroom artwork reflects the people who live there. Choose images that bring back a favourite memory, express an interest or simply make you feel good when you see them. A carefully chosen collection can make the room feel more individual than a display selected only to follow a trend.
When choosing framed prints for your bedroom, consider the mood, scale, frame and placement together. With a little planning, even one well-chosen print can transform a plain wall, while a thoughtfully arranged collection can bring the whole room together.
Framed Prints for Bedrooms: Your Top 5 Questions Answered
- What size framed print should I choose for above my bed?
- How high should I hang framed prints in a bedroom?
- Which frame colours work best with bedroom décor?
- What types of prints create a calming atmosphere in a bedroom?
- How can I arrange several framed prints on a bedroom wall?
What size framed print should I choose for above my bed?
For above the bed, choose a framed print or arrangement that is roughly two-thirds the width of your bed, so it feels balanced without overwhelming the wall. Hang it around 15–25 cm above the headboard, allowing enough space to avoid a cramped look. If you prefer several smaller prints, treat them as one display and measure the full arrangement; before hanging, use paper templates to check the size and position.
How high should I hang framed prints in a bedroom?
Hang framed prints at eye level, with the centre of the artwork roughly 145–155 cm from the floor as a helpful starting point. Above a bed or other furniture, leave around 15–25 cm between the frame and the top of the headboard or furniture so the display feels connected rather than too high. Adjust for ceiling height, the size of the print and your own viewing position, and measure before fixing the frame in place.
Which frame colours work best with bedroom décor?
The best frame colour depends on the mood and palette of your bedroom. Light wood and white frames suit airy, relaxed schemes, while black or dark wood can add contrast and definition. For a warm, coordinated look, choose a frame that picks up tones in your furniture, flooring or soft furnishings. You can also mix frame colours for a more eclectic feel, keeping the artwork or overall palette consistent so the display feels balanced.
What types of prints create a calming atmosphere in a bedroom?
Nature-inspired prints, such as peaceful landscapes, botanical illustrations and seascapes, can help create a calming atmosphere in a bedroom. Soft colours, gentle shapes and uncluttered compositions tend to feel restful, while abstract designs in muted tones can also bring a sense of calm. Choose images you find soothing and pair them with simple frames to keep the overall look relaxed.
How can I arrange several framed prints on a bedroom wall?
To arrange several framed prints on a bedroom wall, start by choosing a layout that suits the space, such as a neat grid for a balanced look or an informal gallery wall for a more relaxed feel. Lay the frames out on the floor first, keeping spacing consistent, and consider aligning their centres or edges to make the arrangement feel cohesive. Above a bed, keep the display centred and in proportion to the headboard, and use paper templates on the wall to test the placement before hanging. A mix of print sizes can add interest, while similar frames or colours help tie the collection together.
