Wall art size guide: How big is too big?

If you’ve booked your photoshoot to get some wall art photos, you’ll probably be scratching your head trying to work out what size you’ll need for your wall. Your wall art should appear eye-catching and pleasing. Too big and your room can feel overcrowded, or choose something too small, your space will look incomplete. Save this wall art size guide to ensure you buy the right size prints.

To help you, we have come up with this easy size guide to ensure that your art fits beautifully in the room. This comprehensive guide will help you choose wall art that’s the right size for your space, because every space is different.

Common Wall Print Sizes

Photo prints come in standard sizes normally displayed in inches, such as 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, 20×24, and 20×30. These sizes are generally preferred for typical frames or mats; however, custom printing options are available for those who wish to have an exact fit for a frame. It is important to keep in mind that there is no “one-size-fits all” when it comes to selecting wall art size.

Below is the chart with the most common wall print sizes from inches to centimetres.

If you want a single focal piece then you’ll be looking to use a 30×40 wall art above a piece of furniture.
Don’t stress if you can’t choose just one image. You can use a collection of wall art to create a gallery wall.

Choosing the right size for your wall.

When selecting the right size prints for your wall art, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. First, you will want to take into account the size of the wall and how much space you would like to fill. Depending on the amount of space available, you can opt for larger picture frame sizes such as 20×30 inches or smaller sizes such as 8×10 and 11×14 inches.

Second, the distance from which your artwork be viewed. If you plan hang it in an area where people be walking close by, opt for smaller sizes like 8×10 or 11×14. For areas that are farther away, bigger sizes like 20×30 would be suitable.

Third, think about whether you are going to hang the wall art in portrait or landscape format. The orientation can change how the artwork is perceived and ultimately affect its size. Once again, this should be based on the space in which you wish to hang it.

Living room wall art ideas

When it comes to hanging wall art in the living room, there are a few key tips and tricks to keep in mind.

On an empty wall

You should aim to use about two-thirds of the wall space, if you’re looking for a focal piece and slightly smaller if you want a more low key affair. A great way to help you visualise it in the room is simply by outlining different potential dimensions with painter’s tape, sticky notes or paper. You can then take a step back to take it all in.

Hanging over furniture

When hanging picture frames over furniture, such as a bed, a fireplace or a couch, it should be between 2/3 to 3/4 of the width of the furniture, with between 6 and 12 inches above the couch to give it some room to breathe. Now measure your space.
Do you want one focal piece or a wall collection?

Hallway Wall Galleries

If your budget is too small for an oversized work or you have fallen in love with some smaller pieces, don’t fret! Instead, consider filling your wall space by grouping multiple works together. Works of equal size can be hung as a grid, but don’t be afraid to cluster works of different sizes into one of the many different gallery layouts. Whichever layout you decide on for your wall art, lay the artwork out on the floor first, measure the total groupings height and width and make sure it follows the same guidelines above for filling up your space.

Stairway gallery wall

When working with a gallery wall in a stairway, start by deciding where your collection will start and where it will end. Marking off this space with masking tape can help you visualise the space you’re working to fill. Consider art and items that are relatively flat so your staircase can remain functional when you’re carrying things up or down the stairs.In this example, the staircase gallery wall mimics the incline of the stairs in a subtle way, ensuring all pieces are visible from the ground floor.

Oversized wall art

Oversized wall art is a great way to make a bold statement in any room. Since it’s typically larger than the standard sizes, it can easily become the focal point of a space. Although it takes up more wall space, the impact that it makes can be worth it.

When selecting a size for your oversized wall art, it is important to consider the amount of space available and how much of it you would like to fill. Oversized wall art will usually range from 24×36 inches all the way up to 40×60 inches or larger.

Canvas wall art size guide

Canvas wall art can be a great way to decorate your space and add some personality. Depending on the size of the canvas, it can also double as a statement piece that makes an impact in any room. When selecting a size for your canvas wall art, there are several things to keep in mind.

Smaller sizes such as 8×10 and 11×14 inches are popular for displaying in groupings, while larger sizes such as 20×30 inches work best to fill up a large wall space. If you have a lot of space, you can even get custom sizes that fit your wall perfectly.

FAQ about hanging artwork

How to calculate the best wall art size?

To calculate the best wall art size for a particular area, measure out the space you wish to fill and then decide on a size that will fit within it. Consider the height, width, and proportions of the wall to determine which sizes would work best. For example, if the wall is narrow but long, one large print may look better than several smaller prints. Alternatively, if the space is wide and tall in equal parts, multiple prints may be required to fill the entire area. Additionally, if you’d prefer to see a preview of what it could look like. I offer a viewing service where I show you what multiple different styles would look like.

How much space should be left between frames?

When hanging multiple frames, it is important to consider the spacing between them. This will ensure that each frame stands out and creates a cohesive look. Generally speaking, you should leave around 1-3 inches of space between each frame when placing them on the same wall.

Finally, the perfect size depends on what fits best in the space and your own personal preference. There are wall art calculators to help you work this out.

Wall Art Hanging Tips

When it comes to hanging wall art, there are several different methods that can be used. The type of method chosen will depend on the type of artwork, the size and weight of the piece, and the wall surface.

If you’re hanging a lightweight canvas painting or framed photo, using nails or screws is a simple and effective way to hang it. If your wall art is heavier, you might want to use a heavy duty hanger or anchor for extra support.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a no nails method, there are adhesive strips and hooks available that can be used to hang wall art. These are easy to install and will not damage your walls.

No matter what method you choose, make sure to use the right tools and follow the instructions carefully. This will help ensure that your artwork is secure and won’t fall off the wall

Don’t forget to save this wall art size guide so you can refer back to it whenever needed. Happy shopping!