The Ultimate Wall Art Size Guide: What Size Should Wall Art Be? - Image by Tailored Canvases

The Ultimate Wall Art Size Guide: What Size Should Wall Art Be?

A blank wall in your home is nothing short of a canvas waiting to be adorned. Transforming it into a beautifully expressive space can make a significant impact on the aesthetics of your interiors. Among the many décor elements available, wall art has emerged as a popular choice among interior design enthusiasts and homemakers. But how does one navigate through the intricacies of wall art sizes? Don't worry! This article will serve as your ultimate guide in choosing the perfect size of wall art for your home.

Understanding the Basics: Size and Proportion

Family Hen House Sign | Customizable Canvas

Choosing the right size of wall art is crucial to maintaining the proportion and balance in your room. Too small, and your artwork could get lost in the vastness of the wall. Too large, and it might overwhelm the space. So, how do you strike the perfect balance? Here are some basics:

  1. Large Walls: Large, empty walls offer a grand canvas to showcase a piece of oversized wall art or a collection of smaller pieces arranged together. Large wall art tends to become a focal point and can set the tone for the entire room.

  2. Small Walls: Small, compact walls or areas above furniture should not be neglected. They provide an opportunity to display smaller pieces of wall art. These can be delicate paintings, prints, or even a collection of personalized signs.

  3. Gallery Walls: If you have an expansive wall but prefer multiple smaller artworks rather than one large piece, a gallery wall is a great option. Remember to keep a consistent theme or color palette for a cohesive look.

Sizing Wall Art Relative to Furniture

Wall art is often hung above furniture. The key to making the artwork and furniture work in harmony lies in the proportion. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

  1. Over a Sofa or Bed: When hanging wall art over a large piece of furniture like a sofa or bed, the artwork should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture. This proportion is pleasing to the eye and creates a sense of balance.

  2. Over a Side Table or Chest: For smaller furniture pieces like a side table, console, or chest, the artwork should be roughly three-fourths the width of the furniture.

  3. Grouping Artwork: If you’re using a group of smaller artworks above a piece of furniture, treat them as a single unit when considering the width.

Spacing and Positioning of Wall Art

Double Exposure Buffalo with Mountains Canvas Wall Art

Now that you've selected the right size, the next step is correct positioning. Here are some standard rules:

  1. Eye Level Rule: The center of your artwork should be at eye level (approximately 57 inches from the floor). This height is most comfortable for viewing art.

  2. Spacing Between Artworks: If you're hanging multiple pieces of art, maintain a gap of 2 to 3 inches between smaller pieces, and a gap of 4 to 6 inches between larger ones.

  3. Spacing from Furniture: When hanging art over furniture, leave a gap of 6 to 8 inches. This creates a visual connection between the furniture and the art.

Factoring In Room Sizes

The size of the room also influences the size of the wall art you should choose.

  1. Small Rooms: In small rooms, large artwork can create a sense of depth and interest. However, avoid pieces that are so large they dominate the entire wall and overwhelm the room.

  2. Large Rooms: Large rooms with high ceilings can accommodate oversized artwork. A large, captivating piece can serve as a conversation starter.

Selecting Wall Art for Specific Rooms

Thank You, Stepmom Sign | Customizable Canvas

Every room in your home has its unique personality and purpose.

  1. Living Room: As it's often the largest room and a common area for socializing, the living room can accommodate larger wall art. It can range from large paintings to multi-panel wall art.

  2. Bedroom: The wall art above the bed is often the focal point. Choose pieces that evoke a sense of tranquility and peace.

  3. Kitchen and Dining Area: For these areas, smaller pieces or a collection of prints work well. Food-themed art, still life, or personalized signs can add charm.

  4. Bathroom: Even bathrooms deserve art! Small to medium pieces, resistant to humidity, can add a touch of personality to this often-overlooked space.

  5. Home Office: Inspiring quotes, serene landscapes, or abstract art can enhance the overall mood of your workspace.

Conclusion

This guide is your starting point in selecting the right size of wall art for your home. Remember, rules can be broken. What matters the most is that the artwork speaks to you, resonates with your personality, and complements your décor.

Now that you have your guide, it's time to select your perfect piece. If you're looking for a wide range of wall art, wall decor, and personalized signs, consider visiting Tailored Canvases. They offer a broad selection of unique pieces that can perfectly fit into your newly acquired understanding of wall art sizes. Happy decorating!

Back to blog