You’ve found a photograph or piece of art you love—but what is the right size artwork for your space?
Artwork that is too small can get lost on a large wall, while a piece that is too large can overwhelm the room. Fortunately, you don’t need to be an interior designer to find a size that looks and feels right.
Start With the Wall
Before ordering artwork, measure the wall space where you plan to display it. Don’t base your decision on the overall dimensions; instead, concentrate on the available wall space around the artwork.
As a general guideline, artwork often looks most balanced when it fills roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space. This isn’t a strict rule, however. Your furnishings, ceiling height and personal style all play a part.
One easy trick is to use painter’s tape to mark the artwork’s dimensions on the wall. Leave it there for a day or two. This gives you a surprisingly good idea of whether the size feels right before you buy.
Consider the Furniture below It
If you’re hanging artwork above a sofa, bed, console table or other piece of furniture, consider the two together rather than treating the wall as space.
Generally, the artwork should be narrower than the furniture beneath it. A very small picture above a large sofa may look disconnected, while an oversized piece can make the furniture seem out of proportion.
You can also group two or three smaller pieces to create the visual impact of one larger work.
Don’t Forget the Frame
If you plan to frame your artwork, remember that the finished piece will be larger than the print itself.
A mat and substantial frame can add several inches to the overall dimensions. A canvas, on the other hand, can often be displayed without an additional frame, which makes the dimensions much closer to its finished size.
Think About Viewing Distance
Larger artwork generally works well in places where you’ll see it from farther away, such as over a sofa or on a large living-room wall.
Smaller pieces invite you to come closer and are ideal for hallways, reading areas, offices and smaller rooms.
Choose What You Love
Finally, guidelines can help, but they aren’t rules. Some rooms call for one dramatic oversized photograph or painting; others look better with several smaller pieces.
Start with artwork you genuinely enjoy, consider the space where it will hang, and choose a size that complements the room without getting lost in it.