The best Islamic wall art for a bedroom is usually the quietest: a short phrase of remembrance in clear Arabic calligraphy, colours that suit the room, and a size that fits the wall above or opposite the bed. This guide explains three phrases that suit a bedroom and what they mean, where to hang them, which size to print, and how a digital download becomes a framed piece on your wall.
Why the bedroom suits quieter artwork
A living room is shared and busy. A bedroom is where the day begins and ends, so the artwork in it is seen in quieter moments: waking up, getting ready, winding down. Simple calligraphy on a light background tends to work better here than large, high-contrast pieces. It gives the eye somewhere calm to rest, and a single word or phrase can be read at a glance from across the room.
If you are new to Arabic calligraphy, you do not need to read Arabic to enjoy it. Each of our designs includes the transliteration and an English meaning on the product page, and several include an English line within the artwork itself.
Three phrases that suit a bedroom
Many people choose a phrase of dhikr for their bedroom. Dhikr is an Arabic word meaning remembrance, and it refers to short phrases Muslims repeat throughout the day to remember Allah (God). Three of the best known are:
SubhanAllah (سبحان الله)
Meaning “Glory be to Allah”. It is said in moments of wonder and reflection, and expresses that Allah is free from any imperfection.
Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله)
Meaning “All praise is for Allah”. It is an expression of gratitude, said after a meal, on waking, after good news and in ordinary moments of thankfulness.
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر)
Meaning “Allah is the Greatest”. It is said at the start of every prayer and as a reminder that Allah is greater than any worry or difficulty.
These three phrases have a particular link to the end of the day. In a hadith (a recorded saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet taught Ali and Fatimah that when they went to bed they should say Allahu Akbar, SubhanAllah and Alhamdulillah thirty-three times each, telling them this was better for them than a servant (Sahih al-Bukhari 6318). Narrations differ slightly on which phrase is said a thirty-fourth time. A print of one of these phrases can be a gentle visual reminder of that bedtime practice.
Where to hang Islamic art in a bedroom
- Above the bed. The most natural focal point. A single larger print, or two smaller prints side by side, centred over the headboard.
- Opposite the bed. The wall you see first when you wake. This is a good place for a phrase of gratitude such as Alhamdulillah.
- Beside a reading chair or prayer corner. If part of your bedroom is used for prayer or quiet reading, a smaller print at eye level makes that corner feel set apart. Our prayer room ideas cover this in more detail.
- On a shelf or bedside table. An A5 or A4 print in a standing frame suits rented homes where you would rather not put holes in the wall.
Many Muslims prefer to place artwork containing the name of Allah somewhere clean and raised, rather than at floor level or somewhere it could be easily damaged. That is worth keeping in mind when choosing a spot.
Which size should you print?
Our designs are supplied in the standard A sizes, A5 to A1. A common rule of thumb above a bed is to choose artwork, or a group of prints, roughly half to two-thirds the width of the headboard, so it looks deliberate rather than lost on the wall. Measure the wall before you print and, if you are unsure, cut a sheet of paper to size and tape it up for a day.
| Size | Centimetres | Inches (approx.) | Works well |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 | 14.8 × 21 | 5.8 × 8.3 | Bedside table, shelf or dressing table |
| A4 | 21 × 29.7 | 8.3 × 11.7 | Small walls, beside a mirror, a pair above bedside tables |
| A3 | 29.7 × 42 | 11.7 × 16.5 | A pair above a double bed, or a single print on a narrow wall |
| A2 | 42 × 59.4 | 16.5 × 23.4 | One print above a single or small double bed |
| A1 | 59.4 × 84.1 | 23.4 × 33.1 | A statement piece above a king-size bed or on a large empty wall |
A frame and mount add several centimetres to each side, so allow for that when you measure. Our room visualiser lets you preview a design on a photo of your own wall before you decide.
Colours and frames that keep the room calm
Soft, warm backgrounds such as ivory and cream sit comfortably with most bedding and paint colours. Watercolour designs in blue or green suit cooler, airier rooms. For frames, light oak and white feel relaxed and modern; black or dark walnut gives a crisper outline against pale walls. A white mount (the card border inside a frame) gives calligraphy more breathing space and makes even an A4 print look more considered.
How a digital download becomes wall art
Our bedroom designs are instant digital downloads. After purchase you receive five JPEG files, one for each size from A5 to A1, prepared at 300 DPI according to the product details. No physical item is shipped, and printing and frames are not included, so you choose the paper, the printer and the frame yourself.
You can print A4 and smaller at home on a good inkjet printer, or use a local or online print service for larger sizes. Our step-by-step guide to downloading and printing explains how to find your files, choose paper and pick a frame.
Three designs made for the bedroom
- SubhanAllah Islamic Bedroom Decor: blue watercolour tones.
- Alhamdulillah Islamic Bedroom Decor: soft greenery on a light background.
- Allahu Akbar Bedroom Decor: delicate florals in warm, neutral tones.
Together they make a natural set of three for a wider wall. If you would like a different colour, a name added, or a size outside the A range, custom designs can be requested through our contact page. For more ideas around the home, see minimalist Islamic décor and our collection of peaceful home décor prints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print the same design in two sizes?
Yes. All five sizes are included in the download, so you can print an A3 for above the bed and an A5 for a bedside table from the same purchase, for your own personal use.
Do I need to know Arabic to choose a design?
No. Each product page gives the Arabic, the transliteration and the English meaning, and this guide explains the three bedroom phrases above.
Will the colours on screen match my print?
Colours can look slightly different between screens and printers. Printing a small test at A5 or A4 before ordering a large print is a sensible way to check.
