Whether deciding on a canvas or framed art, this guide is for you! A general design rule is to hang the art so the center rests at eye level (about 58″ to 65″ from the ground). Find exceptions when hanging wall art over furniture! Ensure the art is at least 18″ from the ceiling to avoid feeling too large for the space. Jump to your situation to decide the right size wall art for you:
Display Over Furniture
Find a piece or a series that measures two-thirds of your furniture. A series looks best spaced two to six inches apart, so add that to your width! For small furniture (60 inches wide), such as a loveseat or queen bed, find wall art sizes thirty-six to forty-six inches wide. For large furniture (84 inches wide), like a couch or king bed, find wall art sizes forty-two to sixty inches wide. The bottom of the wall art rests six to twelve inches above the furniture to create a visual connection.
Display in a Hallway or with a Low Ceiling
A hallway can have many variations of doorways and trim. Sometimes you can fit a panoramic size of 24″w x 10″ h, or choose a series. A series of medium-sized art pieces looks best spaced two to six inches apart. Since they will be up close, hang the center between 60″ and 65″ from the ground. Two panoramic pieces can be stacked over a console table for a different layout.
Display on a Large Wall
For large walls, you need large art! Options include tapestry and oversized canvas. Or try a gallery-style series with bold elements to unify them.
Display a series of Wall Art
Space between art looks best. It’s all about ratios, photos six inches wide are spaced an inch apart, or find a gallery-style frame with matting that does the measuring for you. Medium-wall art needs at least two to five inches of space on either side, and double that for large wall art. Wall art series are fun, so try new things like adding a painted background to tie it all together!
Display in Restroom
Usually, restrooms have limited space with towel racks and mirrors. Small, vertically displayed art in a group of two over the towel rack and one over the sink light switch is the most you usually need. Variations include a medium piece that measures two-thirds of towel racks especially if there are two in a row. The wall art below is 8″ x 8″ and fits well over the toilet in a small space.
More about wall art sizes and their uses:
- Desk: 6-10 in, usually displayed on tables or in a gallery-style frame
- Mini: 10–17 in, can be used alone or in a collection
- Small: 18–24 in, works well in groups or paired with another print
- Medium: 25–32 in, good for personalizing a space without adding clutter
- Large: 33–40 in, can create a polished look when used alone on a wall
- Oversized: 41 in or larger, can be a focal point for a wall or room
Framing an art print
Ordering an art print means you have to frame it! Most popular sizes fit into frames easily. If the art looks lost on the wall, consider matting it in a larger frame to make sure the wall art takes up the right amount of space.