What size art goes over a bed?
Over a bed, aim for art about two-thirds to three-quarters of the bed’s width — or of the headboard, if it is wider than the mattress — and hang it 8–12 in (20–30 cm) above the headboard.
Bed art size chart
Bed widths below are standard US mattress widths; measure your headboard if it is wider. Art sizes are landscape, width × height in inches.
| Bed | Mattress width | Art width | Single canvas | 3-panel set |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 in (97 cm) | 25–28 in | — | — |
| Full | 54 in (137 cm) | 36–40 in | 36×36, 36×24, 36×12, 40×40 | 36×24 |
| Queen | 60 in (152 cm) | 40–45 in | 40×40, 40×32, 40×30, 40×20 | — |
| California king | 72 in (183 cm) | 48–54 in | 48×48, 48×36, 48×32, 48×24 | 48×32, 48×24 |
| King | 76 in (193 cm) | 51–57 in | 50×40, 54×36, 56×56, 56×42 | — |
How high above the headboard
8–12 in above the top of the headboard keeps the art connected to the bed. With a low headboard or none, keep the bottom of the art about 10–12 in above where pillows sit, so you can lean back without touching it.
Safety over a bed
- Use two hooks or a cleat rather than one nail, so the piece can’t swing or drop.
- Prefer canvas or acrylic-free frames over heavy glass above a pillow.
- In earthquake regions, use closed hooks or security hangers.
Wide bedroom walls
If nightstands and lamps sit on both sides, you can size the art to the bed and treat the lamps as part of the group. To span the whole bed wall, a 3:1 panoramic canvas or a 3-panel set works better than a square.
See it before you hang it
Put the artwork on your bedroom wall at true size with WallPreview — open it on your phone and look through the camera.
Questions
What size art goes over a queen bed?
About 40–45 in wide. A 40 × 30, 42 × 28 or 40 × 20 in canvas fits that range.
What size art goes over a king bed?
About 51–57 in wide — for example a 54 × 36 or 56 × 28 in canvas.
How high should art hang above a headboard?
About 8–12 in (20–30 cm) above the top of the headboard.