Choosing the right artwork size for your space
Picking the right size for a piece of art is rarely a matter of guesswork: it depends on the wall, the furniture beneath it, and how far back you stand. Here are practical benchmarks before you order.
Proportion to the wall and the furniture below
A simple rule of thumb: the artwork should span roughly 50 to 75 percent of the width of the furniture below it, whether a sofa, a sideboard, or a headboard. Below that ratio it looks lost; above it, it overwhelms the piece and throws the room off balance.
On a bare wall with no furniture reference, aim for about a third of the available width for a single piece. An 80 x 100 cm size suits most living room walls, while a 120 x 150 cm piece needs generous clearance around the frame.
Hanging height and viewing distance
The centre of the artwork is traditionally set around 145 to 150 cm from the floor, close to average standing eye level. That works for a hallway or living room; lower it slightly when the piece is viewed seated, above a sofa for instance.
Viewing distance also shapes size choice: in a narrow room where you stand close to the wall, a smaller size keeps its detail readable, while a large piece needs several metres of distance to be taken in as a whole.
Vertical 4:5 or elongated 9:16 formats
The 4:5 ratio, from 40 x 50 up to 120 x 150 cm, suits classic walls, headboards and living rooms. It keeps a balanced proportion that fits easily between two pieces of furniture or above a sofa without dominating the room.
The elongated 9:16 format, from 45 x 80 up to 107 x 190 cm, works well in a stairwell, a narrow corridor or a tall, narrow wall. Its slender silhouette draws the eye upward, where a 4:5 ratio would look stocky.
Lighting and the paper mockup method before ordering
Raking light from a wall sconce or a side spotlight reveals the relief of the satin finish and the hand-applied texture gel. This effect is desirable on a canvas edition, but check it does not create a distracting glare from your usual viewing angle.
Before ordering, cut out a kraft paper mockup at the exact dimensions and tape it to the wall with removable tape. Live with it for a few days, under different light, before settling on the final size.
Common questions
- What height should a piece of art be hung at?
- The centre of the artwork should sit around 145 to 150 cm from the floor, adjusted to the room and nearby furniture.
- How do I test a size before buying?
- Cut a kraft paper mockup at the exact dimensions and observe it on the wall for a few days, under different light.
- Can I request a custom size?
- Yes, a custom size is available on request, always kept within the original ratio of the photograph.
