Design experts say there's a trick to making sculptural wall art work in your bedroom – Michael Phelps' space offers unexpected inspiration

Think of Michael Phelps, and images of him in or around the swimming pool are likely to follow. The most decorated Olympian of all time (with a total of 28 medals, no less) will go down in history as an inspirational sports figure. However, perhaps unexpectedly, inspiration continues in his bedroom.

In a campaign for Molecule, Michael and his wife, Nicole, are pictured atop their mattress in the bedroom of their Arizona home, but beyond the bedding, we were distracted by their backdrop. Most notably, the couple has (maybe unintentionally) set the standard for bedroom art, courtesy of the textured sculptural pieces above their bed.

Unlike decorating with sculptures in other areas, bedroom wall decor can have a direct influence on your sleep and overall well-being. The first step to success? Choose a highly textured/ woven piece, exactly as Michael has done.

The swimmer appears to have a collection of Juju Hat-style pieces, traditionally made by the Bamiléké people of Cameroon in Central Africa. They were often worn during ceremonies to symbolize prosperity and honor, and are now sold as beautiful wall pieces with strong feng shui benefits.

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According to Stuart Murray, the founder of Retrovintage, sculptural wall art can work beautifully in a bedroom if it’s chosen with care. Firstly, he suggests choosing 'pieces with a softer, organic form,' just like Michael's. This will sit more naturally than something that feels sharper or more industrial.

'Texture can be a great way to introduce depth without adding clutter. A woven wall hanging, carved wood panel, or even plaster relief can add subtle impact, especially when the color palette is kept in line with the rest of the room,' Stuart says.

'Pieces in natural materials usually work better in a bedroom than something high-shine or graphic. It’s also worth considering how light will interact with the surface, especially if you want the piece to create shadow or movement throughout the day.'

If, like the Phelps', you're placing art above your bed, Stuart urges you to consider its proportion, especially in relation to your headboard.

'Over the bed is the most obvious spot, but it only works if the piece is proportionate to the headboard and doesn’t feel like it’s looming,' he says. 'If it’s a smaller sculptural element, consider positioning it off-centre or grouping it with framed pieces to break up the symmetry. Bedrooms tend to suit a more relaxed, layered approach.'

When in doubt, opt for something artisanal, just as Michael Phelps has done. It will look beautiful and has a deep spiritual meaning that may just improve how you feel in your bedroom.