Choosing the right artwork size above a bed can completely change the feel of a bedroom. The right piece helps create balance, softness and a finished feel within the space, while the wrong size can either feel too heavy or get completely lost on the wall.

As a general rule, I personally prefer artwork to feel slightly understated rather than oversized, especially in bedrooms where you want the space to feel calm and relaxed. If you prefer more of a statement look and have higher ceilings, you can absolutely size up for a more dramatic effect.

One of the best things you can do before ordering artwork is use blue removable painter’s tape to mark out the size directly on your wall. This gives you a much better visual idea of how the artwork will sit in your space and what proportions feel right for your room.

Photo Shows A0 Framed Print above King Sized bed - Gather at Golden Hour

The 50–75% Rule for Artwork Above a Bed

One of the easiest ways to choose the right artwork size above a bed is to follow the 50–75% rule.

As a general guide, your artwork should take up approximately 50%–75% of the width of the bed or bedhead below it. This helps the artwork feel balanced within the space without looking too small or overly heavy.

For example:

• Smaller artwork closer to 50% of the bed width will create a more understated and minimal look.
• Artwork closer to 75% of the bed width will feel more oversized and make more of a statement.

Personally, I tend to lean toward the more understated end of the scale, especially in bedrooms where I want the space to feel calm and relaxed. If you love a more luxurious or designer-inspired feel and have higher ceilings, sizing up can work beautifully.

A simple way to visualise this is to use blue removable painter’s tape on the wall before ordering. Marking out the dimensions can make a huge difference in helping you decide what feels right within your space.

What size artwork above a bed?

Standard Australian King Size Bed – 183cm Wide

For a standard Australian King Size bed measuring 183cm wide, I would generally recommend the following:

Framed Prints

An A1 landscape framed print works beautifully above a king bed. The overall framed size is approximately 75cm high x 100cm wide, creating a balanced and understated look without feeling too heavy.

If you are wanting more of an oversized statement, an A0 framed print can also work really well, particularly in rooms with higher ceilings. Personally though, I prefer not to have too much glass above a bed, but that comes down to personal preference and styling taste.

Canvas & Glass-Free Frames

For framed canvas or glass-free frames, an A1 size creates a lovely relaxed feel above the bed while still feeling balanced and proportional.

If you would like more impact, an A0 canvas or glass-free frame can work beautifully and feels softer than traditional glass framing due to the reduced glare and lighter finish.

Paired Artwork Options

You could also opt for:

• Two portrait A2 framed prints
• Two portrait A1 canvases

These options work particularly well in rooms with taller ceilings and create a more designer-inspired look.

Standard Australian Queen Size Bed – 153cm Wide

For a standard Australian Queen Size bed measuring 153cm wide, I would generally recommend the following:

Framed Prints

An A1 landscape framed print sits beautifully above a queen bed. The overall framed size measures approximately 75cm high x 100cm wide, creating a balanced look without overpowering the room.

Canvas & Glass-Free Frames

For canvas or glass-free frames, I would also recommend an A1 size for a relaxed and well-proportioned feel.

If you would like the artwork to feel more oversized and make more of a statement, an A0 canvas or glass-free frame can work beautifully, especially in rooms with higher ceilings.

Paired Artwork Options

Another great option is:

• Two portrait A2 framed prints
• Two portrait A1 canvases

This style works especially well in bedrooms with taller walls and creates a more elevated interior design feel.

Standard Australian Double Bed – 138cm Wide

For a standard Australian Double bed measuring 138cm wide, I would generally recommend the following:

Framed Prints

If you would like the artwork to feel understated and balanced, an A2 landscape framed print will sit nicely above a double bed. This is a more conservative sizing option that works particularly well in smaller rooms or more minimal spaces.

If you would prefer the artwork to feel more oversized and make more of a statement, I would suggest moving up to an A1 framed print instead.

Canvas & Glass-Free Frames

For canvas or glass-free frames, an A1 size works beautifully above a double bed and creates a softer, more modern feel without looking too heavy in the space.

Paired Artwork Options

If you are wanting portrait-oriented artwork, two portrait A2 framed prints side by side can also work really well and create a clean, symmetrical look above the bed.

Final Thoughts

There is no strict right or wrong when choosing artwork sizes above a bed — it ultimately comes down to the feel you want within your space. Personally, I lean toward slightly more understated sizing, particularly in bedrooms where softness and calmness are important.

If you love a more oversized, luxurious look and have the ceiling height to support it, sizing up can create a beautiful statement.

Most importantly, take the time to map the artwork size out on your wall using blue removable painter’s tape before purchasing. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to visualise the proportions in your own home.

Explore my collection of coastal wall art, framed prints, canvas prints and Australian coastal photography to find the perfect artwork for your bedroom or coastal-inspired home. Browse a huge range of wall art prints spanning coastal, ocean and country landscapes, available as oversized wall art, glass-free frames and framed canvases. View the collection here.