Art At Home: The Bedroom
The Bedroom - a place for romance, recharging and dreaming. ☁️ The bedrooms we create and the artworks we choose impact our daily lives in so many ways.
Art History is brimming with anecdotes of art entering the intimate space of the bedroom. Van Gogh’s "The Bedroom" remains the Dutch artist’s most popular work to this day, while over 100 years later Tracy Emin’s provocative installation “My Bed” generated a media frenzy, was shortlisted for the Turner Prize and shown at the Tate Gallery in London.
One of Frida Kalho’s earliest portraits “Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress”(1926), was painted by the surrealist artist from her bed, after the terrible accident that changed her life forever. In 1969, Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s famous “Bed-in for Peace” was a way to both protest against the Vietnam War and to translate their non-violent protest into a work of art itself.
As the bedroom is such a significant space in the home, the placement of art as well as the colours and themes chosen are profoundly important. We’ve worked with many clients this year looking for beautiful art to enhance their bedrooms - but many are unsure where to start.
Our lead art advisor Mariella walks us through the process with some tips and her expert advice…
“When we are dealing with art placement in a space like the bedroom, we usually deal with two main walls: the wall above the bed and/or the bed's opposite wall; in the first case, artwork acts as the bed header and has a predominant importance in the whole room; in the second case, the artwork is the first thing a person sees before falling asleep and when they wake up in the morning.
In both cases, identifying the right artworks is not always simple. There are no written or fixed rules but instead, ones we draw case by case, from getting to know our clients, their interests, lifestyle and routines. I personally love to propose photographic pieces for the bedroom.“
“For instance, I am fascinated by “Sofia” by Jordi Bernadó - a shot from a hotel room in Sofia in which the artist plays with the Hotel sign to trigger different meanings. I find it so beautiful, subtly playful and sensual. A work that would feel a bit provocative if placed in a bedroom, yet very exquisite and beautiful.”
“Recently I proposed another powerful work for placement in the bedroom: “No es él”(2007-2008) by CABELLO/CARCELLER. The Madrid-based queer artist duo, currently feature in a show curated by activist and philosopher Paul B. Preciado at the Askuna Zentroa in Bilbao.
Over the past 20 years, they have worked on powerful images that seek to challenge gender roles and stereotypes. “No es él” is one of my favourite images from their repertoire, for its simple yet provocative meaning. It is a perfect work for off the grid thinkers and brave romantics.”
Whether you would like your bedroom to feel relaxed and serene, or lively, playful and sensual, the artwork you choose can really set the tone. Mariella has identified 4 distinct bedroom moods and associated each with a different artist we work with..
The Bedroom as a neon playground with Fernando de ana
Neon art is sensational in the bedroom, playing with light and dark in a tongue-in-cheek way. Fernando de Ana’s glossy minimalist abstract pieces are magically transformed into glowing neon light artworks that would (literally) light up any bedroom.
The Bedroom as a dreamscape with Xavi Muñoz
Xavi Muñoz is young Catalan artist whose work is filled with poetry and intimism. The artist’s unique works depicting dream sequences transport the viewer to an imagined dreamland, ideal for creating a serene space in the bedroom that remains playful and full of wonder.
The Bedroom as a place for sensuality with Carla Cascales alimbau
Pieces from Carla Cascales Alimbau’s “Nude” or “Skin” series would look beautifully at home in the bedroom with, nods to the female form from a uniquely feminine point of view. As the artist says: My purpose is to show the female figure from a feminine perspective, since in the world of art many times it has been painted by men. I wish to capture its sensuality and delicacy to reach its purest essence.
the Bedroom as a garden for meditation with Rosa Galindo
Conjuring a bright, light and airy feel, the work of Rosa Galindo feels like falling petals on a breezy spring day, while also having a deep meaning. Her work reflects a philosophical idea related to understanding the place of humanity within the universe, inviting contemplation.
Bedroom Inspiration
We have curated the following examples of different artwork styles in the bedroom - from soft textured tapestries to celebrity bedrooms displaying prestigious masterpieces, to inspire and especially challenge the misconception that the bedroom should be secondary to other living spaces when placing art at home.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our expert art advisors for your own home or project, please get in touch - we would love to hear from you!
Keep an eye on the blog for more of our upcoming “Art At Home series” filled with inspiration, advice and art placement ideas for each of the different rooms of the home.