I personally love a trend that requires no shopping, no styling, and quite frankly very little thinking. If you are designing a room, you know that it comes with making a thousand decisions and even the smallest ones can feel like they’ll make or break a room. While designing my living and dining room, there were a lot of decisions that felt almost painful to make but the most debilitating aspect was choosing and hanging art. Art can be expensive, it’s very personal, and it makes a statement immediately (whether good or bad). So when I started seeing bedrooms with no wall art, I was immediately intrigued and sort of relieved. If no art looks cool in the bedroom why should I agonize over finding the perfect piece for my own?? The more I thought about it, the more I realized opting for no wall art is the perfect trend for the bedroom. Bedrooms, famously where we sleep, are ideally calm and serene to promote restful sleep. So what better place to experiment with quiet minimalism? Even I, a self-proclaimed maximalist, feel very excited and hopeful about this trend so I thought I’d take you along with me as I explore its benefits. Let’s begin.
This bedroom by Studio Doran has everything I want and when I saw it I was immediately sold on this trend. I love the dark grey-green wall color (Treron by Farrow & Ball), the antique drawers, and the simple “Monastery Chic” bedding. Once I took in all of the aspects of the room, I quickly realized I wasn’t bothered by the lack of wall art at all. If anything, I prefer it! The four-poster bed adds some height that draws your eye up and having no other break in the walls makes you feel enveloped by the wall color which creates a calming effect. It feels minimal but collected and not at all boring. Adding two matching table lamps creates a symmetry that is easy for the eye to understand, and the added task light is a cool touch that adds personality and function. Although this room is notably darker than most, it feels inviting and lived in. I want to replicate this room immediately! It’s so good.
This bedroom, shot for Colin King’s fourth collection with Beni Rugs, reminds me how effortlessly cool a minimally styled bedroom can be. Even with incredibly high ceilings and a lot of wall space, the no wall art trend feels intentional and calming. To fill such a large wall space, you would need a massive piece of art or a huge gallery wall, so I think the choice to leave it blank makes a statement and allows the other elements in the room to be noticed. The bed alone adds a cool structured, post-modern look and the rug brings in just the right amount of pattern and color. Also, the texture of the wall finish (likely lime wash) could be a major component in why this works so well. It creates depth and movement so the walls don’t appear boring or unfinished. I’ve stared at this room a thousand times and I never tire of it, which I think goes to show how powerful the no art trend can be.
Refraining from hanging art is a great way to let architectural details shine. In this bedroom by Colombe Studio, the blank walls are soothing and allow the subtleties of the wall paneling and molding to take center stage. And who knows, if this room was layered with wall art maybe you wouldn’t notice the awesome fluted windows on the door (but I doubt that :)). If you were worried this trend would be boring, this bedroom is proof that minimal maximalism can be achieved without art and in such a fun way. The blue floral bed is a really exciting statement piece that brings in color and pattern and of course, the bedding adds to that effect. The incredible burl wood side table also brings in a warm, sculptural element that is impossible to ignore.
Perhaps one of the reasons why I am so attracted to this trend is because it sort of emulates a relaxed European je ne sais quoi. A room with no wall art is unapologetic in its simplicity. It says, “I don’t need art! I am content with the way I am”. However, I can’t deny that beautiful crown molding certainly helps give off an effortlessly cool vibe, as shown in the bedroom above. The molding and beautifully curved bed have a lot to offer, so the lack of art feels intentional and sophisticated.
Even here I am not missing wall art! Am I losing it, folks?? I just love how it accentuates the molding and allows for minimal (but impactful) styling moments. That table lamp is so special.
If we are talking about calm, warm, and inviting bedrooms that promote rest, this one is a prime example. The style and vibe instantly come across as lived-in and welcoming which I think is ideal for a bedroom. I love how Kate Marker flanked two sconces above the headboard, creating symmetry that is easy for the eye to take in. The exposed wood beams draw your eye up so you can appreciate the high ceilings and gorgeous brass chandelier that ties in the brass details throughout the room. If there was art over the bed it would certainly be fine, but I really appreciate the choice to keep the walls bare. It accentuates a quiet minimal vibe and on a practical note, is super budget friendly (which is another main reason why I love this trend).
Again, exposed wood beams draw the eye up in this room by Ask Og Eng, and a long hanging pendant light takes up space so there is something interesting for your eye to take in. I love that they went asymmetrical with the lighting in this case, because it creates visual interest in an otherwise minimal room. What I love most about this room is that the high ceilings create a dramatic look that is emphasized with no wall art. If there was hanging art, it would break up the wall and could make the room feel less open and spacious.
I hope this helped anyone who is struggling with art in their bedroom right now. Maybe the answer is no art at all?? If so, I support you and I am right there with you. 🙂 Let me know what you think about this trend down below. xx
Opener Image Credit: Photo courtesy of Colin King for Beni Rugs | Home of André Saraiva | Photo by Billal Baruk Taright
While some of these looks have an appeal, in particular where a cool piece of furniture or architecture is highlighted, I create art, and I collect it! I need all the wall space I have for the beautifully creative things I love.
Meh. This type of minimalism is only possible if you don’t need to use your surfaces to, you know, actually store things. Maybe I’d try it if I were able to tuck away all of my belongings into a sprawling walk-in closet or something. But alas, I’m not wealthy enough for minimalism.
It’s very calming. I grew up in houses that didn’t have art above the bed. As long as your linens are lovely and you have glowing light in the bedroom, it will be beautiful.
Very much here for the quiet minimalism! I especially love the one by Ask og Eng. Evokes serenity for me. I’m So Done with So Much Stuff (including wall stuff). Lovely eye candy Ryann!
These are cool, but Ryann… we are all dying to know what you ended up doing with your bedroom!! That design agony post was one of my top favs and I’ve been (not so) patiently waiting for the result!!
A commonality I see from these examples is the limewash paint that many of the bedrooms have. That provides so much texture that I think it helps move the eye visually around the room.
Nope. In every case it just looks like the last thing to complete and pull together the room is something on the wall, whether it be actual art, a sculpture, mirror, objects, etc. That is where your personality shines through, so seeing these rooms “plain” looks soulless to me.
I lurve that “incredible burl wood side table” in the colombe studio shot, but at $5,650?!? Um, nope.🤑
I can appreciate the minimal aspects, but the rooms are mostly too sparse for me, comfort-wise.
“Sparse adjective (ROOM)
A room that is sparse contains little furniture and does not seem very comfortable.”
I did a few years without any art and minimal decoration in my bedroom (not by choice) and as soon as I added some watery blues and greens, nice bedside lamps, colourful throws and … calm, whimsical art, it felt a lot more dreamy and comfortable for resting, reading and sleeping. 😴
I am a stickler for no electronics in the bedroom and if I read on a device, I use a blue light filter and get up and put it away before sleeping. My bedroom clock is a silent, tickless one I saw on Orlando’s blog when he did up a bedroom for his parents.
It’s from IKEA and fabulous! My mentee has one in her room from the EHD feel good makeover, too.
https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/feel-good-safe-house-room-makeover
I so agree! I went a couple years without bedroom wall art because I couldn’t make up my mind on locations…finally put up a picture ledge and my heart sang to see art again. That said, these rooms are beautiful and are artistic in of themselves!
I’m digging this! My bedroom is teeny tiny and has a big window over the bed, and we don’t have any art in there. We put up picture rail mostly for looks (it’s a different paint color above and below the rail) so I figured I would use it eventually, but I’m really liking the simplicity. It may help that our plaster walls have lots of *character* lol (it was so hard to get that picture rail flat against the wall!) and it has flat paint on it, which has a certain calm vibe.
Fun post/trend to think about =)
I think maybe this only works in rooms that are perfectly painted, with all the nice linens and the rug, as you say. In a room that is less than perfect, the right piece of art will draw the eye to it and away from the imperfections. I would rather have someone looking at art than having my bed be the only thing to see. One other point is that wall art can take many forms, and maybe some kind of fiber art or even macrame might work. I have a large fiber art piece hanging above my bed. In general abstract forms are probably more restful than realistic art.
I feel like this is akin to seeing white space in graphic design. It certainly can be gorgeous and all these pics are perfect illustrations. They also have 1) HIGH ceilings or large spaces. 2) color, texture or molding to create extra interest 3) curtain rods or sconces creating visual interest. If you have some of this mix I completely agree that no art is better than bad art. I’m just not sure it is as easy to pull off as it sounds. Most real rooms just don’t have drama and art is soooo key to mood.
100% agree – this works in a room with lots of character/architectural features but if your house has standard boxes for rooms (like mine) you need something to make it look finished. From the cover photo I was hoping it was about minimalist bedding (which is a trend I am very into!)
Agree for sure. Yeah, keep your space minimal if you have gorgeous wood floors, molding, limewash, and furniture that costs thousands and thousandssss of dollars to create interest. But if you, like me, live in a mid-century box and have a very normal person’s budget for furnishings, you need art to create a lil’ interest.
Love it, less is more, a space always looks more elegant if you leave enough room for the eye to rest.
To me they all look unfinished with the exception of the Kate Marker room. Not really a fan of this trend.
Personally that was the only room I didn’t like. It reads incredibly American to me. (Not that I disliked it for that reason.)
Me too! I thought they were mostly beautiful spaces (and I agree with other comments here as to why – high ceilings and great moldings/paneling and/or beautiful texture on walls) but this one read as a room devoid of personality – like a high end home staged for sale.
a lot of these are trade photos, many of which don’t include artwork because they have to track down and credit the artists, FYI. It’s a copyright thing.
That’s an interesting point!
It looks like post divorce and I got cleaned out.
The rooms pictured are beautiful. But, for me, original art makes my heart sing. I cannot imagine a bedroom without art. I’ve been collecting art for years. Frequently, I will choose furniture, paint and rugs around a favorite piece of art. Then, I will be so excited to look through my art collection and find additional pieces to add to the room too.
I’m a fan of textiles. I have a Haori, a short Japanese jacket, festival side out, hanging over our bed. It’s the first item of Japanese clothing I collected. If it falls down during an earthquake, no problem. It’s soft. My star piece is a huge Shinto Wedding kimono hanging in our living room. Most of my kimono I gave away to family or our local theater when we downsized and moved.
These rooms look unfinished to me, as if someone gave up. I prefer some art.
In the Kate Marker room, how are they going to turn the sconces on and off?
I read your remarks and reasoning, but to my eye most of the rooms still feel unfinished. The ask og end room is starting to get a bit monkish even.
Give me art any day! I’m not a fan of this style and frankly the only room that feels truly finished and welcoming is Kate Marker’s. I have a vintage, lovely, floral oil painting my mother painted for me many years ago which I’ve prominently displayed in my bedroom. Before I go to sleep and when I rise, I see it and think of her and it brings me such joy. A well appointed room should make you feel content and nothing quite does that like art in a room! IMHO
As a painter this does NOT make my life easier!! Art can be so restful and add so much beauty to a bedroom!
Where can I purchase the side night lamps. Could not find the resources.
If you live in earthquake country, having art hanging above the headboard is a terrible idea. Can you imagine if it was fronted with Glass and it came down on your head during the night? I am consistently shocked by how much art I see above the bed.
Canvas art without frames don’t weight a lot and don’t pose as big of a risk as glass. It can be attached with nails and adhesives. There’s also other art like tapestry, hats, paper mache… Depending on style there’s something for everyone.
I specifically choose a really tall headboard so that I didn’t have to find art that wouldn’t kill me if it fell on me during an earthquake.
No wall art over your bed is also a way of life in California, as you don’t want anything fall on your head in those frequent little earthquakes …
Hang it on other walls?
This doesn’t just look like a ‘no art’ trend. It’s a ‘no anything’ trend. The nightstands are bare; the dressers are almost bare and the walls are bare. It’s just too much bare. I’m not loving it myself.
Well, that’s a total non-starter. Art doesn’t need to be maximalist to exist, believe it or not. I’ve always questioned SBEH’s art ethos (couch art from thrift stores is admittedly not my cuppa), but this takes it a step too far. Good art doesn’t have to be wildly expensive OR thrifted (I started collecting Japanese woodblock prints in my twenties, and have since branched out), and saying Just Don’t Do It is a cop out.
I would love to see more original art and more craft featured here too. Maybe this is simply part of the nature of the blog – most items featured must be mass purchasable online? I get that. However, if thrifted art/furniture/items can be featured then why not original art and craft too?
I am very far from being a high earner but I love that my home has layers and layers of locally crafted functional items that bring me great joy to use every day – ceramic mugs, bowls, jugs, teapots, wool blankets on beds and sofas, wool and linen cushions, handcrafted baskets, hand blown glass, wooden chopping boards etc. Gathered and gifted over years, these are all pretty accessible ways of bringing in beautiful handmade items into your home.
In the same way, local art can be very accessible to purchase directly from the artist, and arts festivals are a great (and free!) way of seeing lots of visual art and getting to know what you love, whether you can afford to buy it or not. I would love to see some support for the many wonderful contemporary crafts people and artists who enrich our world and need to make a living right now!
I agree with you Ellie! Original art and craftwork from artists is so personal when you find the pieces that connect and speak to you, AND supports small businesses! Art Festivals are fun, you get to meet the artists and talk with them about what they create. Art and craftwork don’t have to be expensive.
None of these rooms have much personality or appeal to me, they seem to work only because the furnishing are very expensive and placed in high end construction and finishes. I could not relax or feel rested when staying there. I can understand that for some people these are relaxing rooms where they can breath, they just don’t work for me.
I also really love the simple bedding & use of bedspreads or other coverings! So inviting!
I understand the need to simplify our lives, but not at the cost of losing art. I refinish furniture, and specialize in using art on my pieces. I fell in love with the process when I realized that 1: It introduces fine art into every day spaces 2: Adds another level of texture/interest to a room and 3: Is perfect for a home with limited wall space. Here’s a piece that just went to Texas, how can you not love September Morn? Yes, to whatever makes life better (design speaking), but a big NO to losing art.
This very much feels like a classy if your rich, trashy if your poor type design choice! While all of these are beautiful, it’d be cool to see a room *with storage* and less expensive finishes/no expensive architectural elements also deploy this trend successfully.
The people who live in these spaces are clearly dead inside. The vibe is ‘I’m too busy / cool to pick out art’. The attitude is I’m cool because i don’t care. These spaces are not minimal by financial circumstance. What is life without art?
The first sentence here made me burst out laughing! So glad I came to the comments today.
Oh gosh. I hate this. Random tangent… I do think Jake Arnold is very talented (most should know who he is? He’s been featured on here and we’re all design lovers right?) Well, I like his rooms EXCEPT homeboy needs to add in some personalization. Otherwise it’s just a hotel room.
Custom impasto paintings of the home owners children.
Any collections? Display them!
Any antique/vintage hand me down from relatives?
Quirky kids art framed? I adore a sophisticated space that has someone’s child’s art displayed.
Just my two cents.
I’m not into this, but I don’t knock it if others are. So many of these rooms look unfinished to me. I’m an “art all over the place” type though and also an artist, so I might be slightly influenced by that…
I’ve been struggling with what to put over my bed for a couple of years, since we moved to our current place. I don’t want anything that will fall and kill me in an earthquake! So the space is empty. But with windows on either side of the bed, up high and showing beautiful trees, anything over the bed would compete with those nice views to nature. So, I’m relieved that I’m on trend! 🙂
I like these. They feel very cozy & calming to me. I do like art, I make art. But sometimes a little quiet feels good too!
These rooms just look unfinished to me.
Not just the lack of wall art above the bed but I have also been noticing the lack of headboards altogether. In some photos, such as the last one, I do feel it can look a bit too much like my college days. I also don’t particulary want stains on my painted bedroom walls from heads, hand & hair oils. In other ways, the simplist modern vibe is quite nice. It speaks to living a life with fewer material possessions. Although you also pointed out it highlights the architecture a great deal which in many homes and apartments is not elevated or ideal. Looks deceptively simple…not really simple at all.
You lost me at “Monastery Chic”
I ve ascribed to this esthetic for years and I love it.