Finding Awesome Prints for Bedroom Walls

Choosing the right prints for your bedroom is the quickest way to inject your personality into the space, turning it from just a room into your personal sanctuary. Forget bland, beige walls; this is about surrounding yourself with art that makes you smile, whether it's a nod to your favourite band, a tribute to a legendary goal, or a quote from that one film you can't stop watching.

Transform Your Bedroom from Bland to Brilliant

Let's be honest: your bedroom should be a personal retreat, not a soulless box from a flat-pack catalogue. This is our official stand against boring walls and generic hotel art. Decorating your space with prints that actually mean something to you is the ultimate power move, stamping your identity all over the one room that’s truly yours.

Think of it as curating your own private gallery, but with less cheese and wine and more stuff you actually like.

Modern minimalist bedroom with wooden bed, blue accents, framed coastal print, and large window overlooking greenery

This isn’t just about filling an empty space; it’s about making a statement. Every print you hang plays a part in making the room feel like an extension of who you are. It’s the difference between a house and a home. For some great pointers, take a look at our guide on finding the perfect art for bedroom spaces.

Why Your Walls Deserve Better

The right art can instantly lift your mood, act as a tribute to your heroes, and become a genuine conversation starter ("Is that really a diagram of the offside rule?"). And it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A recent UK survey found that 72% of consumers see price as a key factor when buying bedroom textiles, and over 63% agree that updating fabrics is an easy way to refresh a room. We'd argue that wall prints are even easier!

Your walls are a blank canvas waiting for your story. Don't let them whisper when they could be shouting about your favourite tunes, unforgettable matches, and the quotes that get you through the week.

To kickstart your room’s transformation, you can find some fantastic master bedroom decorating ideas to get you inspired. It's time to turn that blank canvas into a gallery dedicated to the things you love most.

Choosing Your Vibe: Football, Music, or Pop Culture?

Right, this is where the real fun starts. Your bedroom walls are prime real estate, so what are you going to put on them? This isn’t about picking something that just ‘goes’ with the curtains; it’s about choosing prints that are a direct hotline to your personality. Your bedroom should tell a story about you, and your art is the narrator.

Are you the type who can recall every glorious goal from your team's history, from the screamer in the 92nd minute to that dodgy penalty that still gets debated in the pub? Or are your heroes lyrical geniuses and guitar gods, the ones who wrote the soundtrack to your life? Your prints should be a celebration of what makes you tick.

For the Football Fanatics

If football is your religion, then your bedroom is your cathedral. Why not immortalise a moment of pure, unadulterated joy? Think about that last-minute winner that made you spill your tea, or a tribute to a club legend who defines everything you love about the beautiful game.

Choosing a football print is like picking your all-time favourite goal—it's personal, and it says everything. It could be a minimalist stadium design, an iconic kit, or a diagram of a legendary play. These prints for the bedroom turn your space into a personal hall of fame.

For the Music Mavericks

If your life has a constant backing track, let your walls sing. Music prints are brilliant at capturing an energy, a feeling, a memory. It could be a stylised print of your favourite album cover, a piece dedicated to a band that changed your life, or the poetic genius of lyrics that feel like they were written just for you.

A music print isn't just decoration; it's a statement. It’s a permanent encore for a gig that ended years ago, a visual representation of the sound that gets you through the daily grind. It's your personal Desert Island Discs, right there on your wall.

From the raw energy of punk to the cool swagger of hip-hop, your taste in music is a massive part of who you are. Don’t be shy about it. Let everyone know you've got impeccable taste.

For the Pop Culture Connoisseurs

Not a die-hard sports or music fan? No problem. The world of pop culture is a goldmine for brilliant bedroom prints. Think iconic movie quotes that you drop into conversation daily, witty one-liners from your favourite sitcom, or a stylish nod to a cult classic film.

These prints add instant character and a touch of humour. They’re conversation starters and little inside jokes between you and your wall. At the end of the day, selecting a theme that genuinely resonates with you is the key. It's how you create a space that feels authentically yours and ensure your walls tell a story you absolutely love.

Getting the Scale Right for Maximum Impact

Right then, let's talk tactics. You wouldn't wear football boots three sizes too small, would you? So why apply that logic to your wall art? Sticking a tiny A5 print on a massive, empty wall is a classic own goal. It just looks lost and awkward, a bit like a lone away fan celebrating a consolation goal in a 5-1 thrashing.

On the flip side, a ridiculously massive print in a cosy box room can feel just as wrong. It's the visual equivalent of trying to park a double-decker bus in a space meant for a Mini. The key to choosing the right prints for your bedroom is finding that sweet spot where size and space are in perfect harmony. It’s the difference between looking like a pro and looking like you hung your art in the dark.

The Goldilocks Principle of Wall Art

Getting the scale just right isn't about complex maths or needing an interior design degree. It’s mostly common sense, guided by a few handy principles. A great rule of thumb is that your art should take up about two-thirds the width of the furniture it’s hanging above, whether that's your bed, a desk, or a chest of drawers.

This simple guide shows how your core interests—your personal vibe—are the foundation for all your decor decisions, including the scale of your prints.

Flowchart showing three interest categories: football, music, and pop culture under your vibe heading

Whether you’re into football, music, or pop culture, this central theme will help you decide if you need one massive headliner or a collection of smaller hits to fill your space.

A single, large statement print can act as the undisputed headliner for the room, like a festival's main act. A collection of smaller prints, however, creates a gallery wall—your own personal line-up of supporting artists that tells a broader story.

So, before you even think about clicking 'buy', grab a tape measure. Seriously. Map out the dimensions on your wall with some low-tack masking tape to see how the print will actually look in situ. This simple five-minute job will save you from the classic mistake of ordering an A2 print that feels more like a postage stamp once it’s up.

For a quick reference, here’s a cheat sheet to help you match print sizes to your space.

Bedroom Print Size Cheat Sheet

Wall/Space Size Recommended Print Size Best For Top Tip
Small Nook / Alcove A4 (21 x 29.7cm) / A5 Desk areas, tight corners, or as part of a larger gallery. Group 2-3 A4 prints together for more impact in a small space.
Above a Single Bed A3 (29.7 x 42cm) Creating a neat focal point without overwhelming the bed frame. Hang 5-8 inches above the headboard so it connects visually with the bed.
Above a Double Bed A2 (42 x 59.4cm) or Two A3s Making a balanced statement above a standard double bed. If using two prints, leave a 2-3 inch gap between them for a clean look.
Large, Empty Wall A1 (59.4 x 84.1cm) Dominating a blank wall and creating a dramatic centrepiece. An A1 print needs room to breathe; ensure it’s the undisputed star of the wall.

This table is a great starting point, but always trust your eye—and your tape measure!

One Big Hit or a Greatest Hits Collection?

Deciding between one massive print or several smaller ones is a big tactical decision. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it all comes down to the vibe you’re aiming for.

  • The Statement Piece: A single, large-scale print is bold and confident. It’s perfect for creating a strong focal point above your bed and works wonders in minimalist spaces where it can really command attention. Think of it as your star player, the one everyone’s eyes are drawn to.
  • The Curated Collection: A gallery of smaller prints allows for much more creative freedom. You could have a lyric print next to a stadium blueprint next to a movie quote. This approach adds layers and personality, turning a blank wall into a scrapbook of your favourite things. It tells a much richer story.

Creating a Gallery Wall Without the Fuss

Let's be honest, the term ‘gallery wall’ can sound a bit intimidating, conjuring up images of stuffy art galleries or impossibly chic London flats. But in reality, it’s just your personal highlight reel, splashed across a wall. Think of it as the visual version of your favourite playlist. This is your space to forget the rules and let your passions collide.

A print of your team’s home ground next to a classic album cover? Go for it. A quote from your favourite film sitting beside a retro travel poster? Absolutely. This is where you get to create a feature wall that is 100% you.

Gallery wall with framed nature photographs above wooden bed creating personalized bedroom decor

Your Personal Hall of Fame

The most compelling gallery walls tell a story. They're a curated collection of your heroes, memories, and inside jokes. To start, just pick a loose theme to give your collection a bit of direction—it doesn't need to be rigid.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • The ‘Greatest Hits’ Wall: This is your life's soundtrack in visual form. Gather your favourite lyric prints, with each one sparking a different memory or feeling.
  • The ‘Hall of Fame’ Wall: Create a tribute to the people who inspire you. This could be football legends, musical icons, or personal heroes. Mix portraits, quotes, and action shots to keep it dynamic.
  • The Monochrome Mix: Sticking to black and white is a genius move. It lets you bring together wildly different subjects—like an atmospheric architectural shot and a cheeky text print—while the whole arrangement still looks sleek and unified.

Laying It All Out

So, how do you make a gallery wall look effortlessly cool rather than just a jumble of frames? A little bit of planning goes a long way. Before you even think about picking up a hammer, lay all your prints out on the floor. Play around with the arrangement until the spacing and balance feel just right. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on how to arrange wall art for some expert tips.

Remember, the space between the frames is as important as the art itself. Try to keep a consistent gap of around 2-3 inches between each piece. This gives your collection room to breathe and helps the whole display feel more polished.

The desire for unique prints for bedroom walls has exploded recently, as we all look for art that truly says something about us. The UK printing industry, which is projected to have a revenue of £9.2 billion in 2025, is experiencing a huge revival in high-quality, custom prints for our homes. We're all craving something a bit more special. You can learn more about this trend at IBISWorld.

Don't be afraid to mix and match frame styles, either. A sleek black frame next to a natural wood one can create a fantastic visual texture. The key is to keep at least one element consistent, whether that’s the colour of the frames or the overarching theme of the art.

Framing Your Prints to Look Like a Pro

Right, you’ve picked out a brilliant print. Job done? Not even close. An unframed print is like a striker without boots or a band without a drummer—it’s just not reaching its full potential. The frame is the essential final touch that transforms your art from a simple poster into a proper piece of bedroom decor.

But the choice can feel a bit overwhelming. Black, white, natural wood, sleek metal? Each one completely changes the vibe. It’s the difference between a print looking like a cool, modern statement or a warm, rustic accent. The right frame pulls everything together.

Matching Frames to Your Vibe

Think of the frame as the backing track to your print’s lead vocal. A thin, black metal frame gives a sharp, minimalist edge, perfect for graphic football prints or monochrome lyric art. On the other hand, a natural oak frame adds warmth and a softer, more relaxed feel, brilliant for prints with earthy tones.

Here’s a quick rundown to get you started:

  • Black Frames: Classic, versatile, and sharp. They make colours pop and give any print a clean, defined border.
  • White Frames: Fresh, modern, and airy. Ideal for Scandi-style rooms or for making smaller prints feel a bit more substantial.
  • Wooden Frames: Warm and inviting. They add a natural, cosy texture that works well with almost any style.
  • Metallic Frames: Sleek and a bit glam. Gold or silver frames can add a touch of class to typography or abstract prints.

The goal is to create a cohesive look, not just with the print but with your entire room. The frame should complement your existing decor, from the furniture to the bedding. This is especially true now, with the UK home bedding market seeing massive growth—projected to hit USD 10.7 billion by 2030. As we invest more in creating stylish sanctuaries, coordinating details like frames and textiles is key. You can discover more insights about the booming home decor market on Grandview Research.

Finding Quality on a Budget

Choosing the perfect frame doesn’t mean you have to remortgage the house. High street shops and online retailers offer fantastic, affordable options that look the business. The trick is to look for sturdy construction and real glass instead of flimsy perspex, as it gives a much clearer, more professional finish.

A great frame doesn't just protect your print; it enhances it. It’s the difference between saying "I stuck a poster on the wall" and "I have art in my bedroom."

Getting the framing right is a simple skill that makes a massive impact. For more top tips and a complete rundown of your options, take a look at our expert guide on how to frame posters like a true professional. It’s the final piece of the puzzle to make your bedroom prints look absolutely top-tier.

Perfect Placement and Lighting for Your Art

Alright, this is the final hurdle. You’ve scouted the perfect prints for your bedroom, you’ve got them framed, and now it’s time for the moment of truth: getting them on the wall. This is where it all comes together.

Hang a print too high, and it feels like it’s floating away. Too low, and it just looks awkward, totally disconnected from your furniture. No pressure, but you don't want to mess it up now.

Getting the height right is surprisingly simple. The rule of thumb that professional decorators use is to hang art at eye level, which works out to about 57 inches (or 145 cm) from the floor to the centre of the print. This feels natural and anchors the art to the room.

If you’re placing a piece above your bed or a chest of drawers, leave a gap of about 6-8 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame. This creates a deliberate, cohesive look.

Let There Be Light

Now, let's talk about the secret weapon of great interior design: lighting. You could have the most incredible print, but if it's stuck in a shadowy corner, no one's going to appreciate it. The right light makes colours sing and turns your art into a genuine focal point.

You don’t need a complicated gallery setup to make this work. A simple, well-placed light can make a world of difference.

  • Task Lighting: A stylish floor lamp or an adjustable bedside lamp pointed towards your art can create a lovely, focused glow.
  • Picture Lights: If you want that truly polished, high-end feel, a dedicated picture light mounted just above the frame is the way to go. It gives your art the VIP treatment.
  • Natural Light: Don't underestimate the power of the sun! Just be wary of harsh, direct sunlight, which can fade the colours over time. A spot with gentle, indirect light is perfect.

Think of lighting as the final polish. It's what separates a good-looking room from a great one, ensuring your carefully chosen prints are seen in all their glory.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, make sure you get the execution right. Following a good step-by-step guide to hanging your picture with precision is the final touch that ensures your art gets the attention it deserves.

Common Questions About Bedroom Prints

Still got a few questions before you commit to transforming your bedroom walls? That's completely normal. Let's tackle some of the most common queries to help you get started with confidence.

How Do I Choose Prints for a Shared Bedroom?

Ah, the classic dilemma. The key here is to find some common ground, much like agreeing on a place to eat. Start by brainstorming themes you both enjoy – maybe it’s a print of a city you visited together, a band you both love, or a film you can't stop quoting. It’s all about finding that shared story.

Another great approach is to create two smaller, complementary gallery walls. Think of it as a 'his and hers' or 'yours and mine' setup. Each side can reflect individual tastes, but you can tie the whole look together by using matching frames or a unified colour palette. This way, you both get your own space while keeping the room looking cohesive.

Can I Use Lots of Different Colours?

You absolutely can! A vibrant mix of colours can bring incredible energy to a room. The secret is to create a sense of unity so it feels intentional, not chaotic.

You can do this in a couple of ways. Either pick prints that all share one or two accent colours, creating a subtle thread that pulls them together, or go wild with the art but use the exact same style of frame for every piece. The uniform framing acts as an anchor, bringing a sense of order to the colourful display.

The paper template trick is a complete game-changer for gallery walls. Just trace your frames onto wrapping paper, cut them out, and use a bit of masking tape to arrange the paper shapes on your wall. You can play around with the layout until it’s perfect, then hammer the nail straight through the paper. It’s a fool-proof way to get it right the first time.


Ready to find the perfect prints to tell your story? Explore the full collection at Striped Circle and give your walls the personality they deserve. Find your next favourite piece at https://www.stripedcircle.com.

Finding Awesome Prints for Bedroom Walls
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.