An Expert’s Guide to Choosing the Right Size Artwork for Your Space
An Expert’s Guide to Choosing the Right Size Artwork for Your Space
Choosing artwork for your home can feel daunting. You want a piece that not only matches your personality but also complements your décor. However, the most critical decision you’ll face is selecting the right size. If the artwork is too large, it can overpower the room, while if it’s too small, it might seem lost and insignificant on the wall.
To help you determine the right size, a simple trick is to "frame it out" on your wall before making a decision. You can easily do this by using blue painter’s tape or even some wrapping paper to mark the area where you envision the artwork. Measure this space and then look for artwork that fits within those dimensions. This will help ensure that the piece feels balanced and intentional in your space.
Above a Fireplace or Furniture Piece
When choosing art for above a fireplace or major furniture piece, aim for the artwork to be between 65-85% of the width of the furniture. This helps create balance and ensures the piece doesn’t overpower the area. You’ll also want to hang it at least 8 to 10 inches above the furniture to allow the art to breathe and stand out on its own. For a fireplace, it's ideal for the artwork to be as wide as the opening of the fireplace itself, creating a good visual flow.
Above Your Bed
When hanging art above your bed, again, aim for the artwork to cover 65-85% of the width of your bed. The bottom of the artwork should also be placed 8 to 10 inches above the headboard. For a queen or king-sized bed, canvases sized between 40"x30" and 48"x36" work well. Alternatively, you can choose two smaller pieces (such as 30"x24") for a more symmetrical or gallery-style look. If you have a tall headboard, consider placing the artwork above the nightstands instead—try 2 pieces sized 24"x48" for a balanced arrangement.
Filling a Large Wall
When dealing with a large, empty wall, aim to leave about 3/8th of the width of the painting on each side of the piece. To calculate the ideal width for your art, simply multiply the length of your wall by 0.57. If you’re trying to fill a wide space, a triptych or diptych (a set of three or two artworks) can be a great option. Be sure to leave around 1.5 inches between the pieces for proper spacing. Artwork should be hung so that the center of the piece is about 58 inches from the floor—this is generally considered the ideal eye level. If you’re placing artwork above a sofa, aim for the canvas to be about two-thirds the length of the sofa for a balanced look. If you plan on using multiple pieces, consider creating a gallery wall. Lay out the pieces on the floor first to make sure they’re arranged in a way that’s visually appealing before hanging them.
In the Bathroom
The bathroom is a great place to add personality and style with artwork, but you’ll need to consider the moisture levels. For bathrooms with high moisture, it’s best to opt for framed artwork rather than canvas, as it will be better protected. If your bathroom has proper ventilation, canvas prints can work, but make sure to hang them away from the most humid areas, such as the shower. For powder bathrooms, artwork sized from 11"x14" to 20"x20" can work well, while above a bathtub or in a master bath, a statement piece sized from 30"x30" to 36"x60" will create an elegant, luxurious feel.
I hope this has helped! Now, it’s time to make your space beautiful with artwork that fits just right.
