Why size matters
The right size makes a room feel balanced, calm, and intentional. Too small and the art looks timid; too large and it overwhelms the furniture. Use the rules below to choose confidently—then fine-tune with the five-step workflow at the end.
Quick Size Rules (you can memorize these)
- Above furniture: choose a piece (or set) that’s 60–75% of the furniture width.
– Sofa 200 cm → artwork total width 120–150 cm. - Eye-level hanging: center of the artwork at 145–150 cm from the floor (“57-inch rule”).
- Clearance: 15–25 cm above sofa/headboard; 10–20 cm above a console or mantle.
- Spacing between multiple frames: 5–8 cm (clean, gallery feel).
- Scale to wall width (no furniture): a single artwork should be roughly 50–70% of wall width in that zone.
Room-by-Room Guidance
*Living room (sofa wall) one statement piece 90–120 cm tall, or a diptych/triptych totaling 2/3 of sofa width.
*Bedroom (above headboard): width 50–75% of bed; height 60–90 cm is usually calming.
*Dining area: horizontal works 60–80 cm tall; keep center at 145 cm so guests view comfortably when seated.
*Hallway: vertical pieces 40×60, 50×70, 60×90 cm; maintain consistent bottoms or centers.
Staircase: keep centers at ~145 cm measured along the incline; maintain 5–8 cm gaps.
Popular Aspect Ratios & Ready-to-Order Sizes
Pick a ratio that matches the original artwork to avoid cropping.
- 1:1 (square): 20×20, 30×30, 40×40, 60×60, 80×80 cm
- 2:3: 30×45, 40×60, 60×90, 80×120 cm
- 3:4: 30×40, 45×60, 60×80, 75×100 cm
- 4:5: 20×25, 40×50, 60×75, 80×100 cm
Tip: If you’re unsure, tape the size on the wall with painter’s tape and step back 2–3 meters. If the taped area feels “too shy,” go one size up.
Matting & Framing (makes a big difference)
- Oil/acrylic on canvas: open frame or floating frame; add 2–3 cm visual margin.
- Watercolor/paper works & prints: use a mat (paspartu) 5–8 cm for small/medium pieces, 8–12 cm for large. A mat instantly elevates and gives breathing room.
- Glass: plain glass is fine indoors; consider UV-protective for sun-exposed walls.
Multi-Piece Sets
- Diptych/triptych: total width still follows the 60–75% rule; keep 5–8 cm between panels.
- Gallery wall: unify with frames/mats or a strict grid; keep gaps 5–6 cm.
Five-Step Sizing Workflow (fast)
- Measure the furniture (or wall segment) width.
- Multiply by 0.66 → target total artwork width.
- Pick a size (or a set) that matches the aspect ratio of the artwork.
- Tape the outline on the wall; adjust up/down so center hits 145–150 cm.
- Order the nearest standard size (I can print to fit or advise framing).
Common mistakes & quick fixes
- Art too small. Solution: size up or convert to a diptych/triptych/grid.
- Hung too high. Lower the center to 145–150 cm.
- Crowded above furniture. Add 15–25 cm clearance.
- Messy gallery walls. Standardize frame color and mat width; keep consistent gaps.
What to order from me
- Originals and fine-art prints are available in the sizes above.
- Need a custom size or room mockup before you buy? Send a photo of your wall with width measurement—I’ll reply with 2–3 mockups and a size recommendation.
Explore collections:
- Landscapes • Flowers • Animals • Figurative & Portrait
Or contact me for a free sizing suggestion.
CTA: Explore collections: Landscapes • Flowers • Animals • Figurative/Portrait. Or contact me for a free sizing suggestion within 24 hours.
FAQ
How big should art be above a 200 cm sofa?
Aim for 120–150 cm total width (60–75% of the sofa). A single 80×120 cm or a triptych totaling ~135 cm works well.
What height should I hang art?
Center at 145–150 cm from the floor. For stacked pieces, keep the group center at this height.
Do I need a mat for prints/watercolors?
Yes—5–8 cm (small/medium) or 8–12 cm (large). Mats elevate the look and protect the work.
Can you do extra-large sizes?
Yes. I offer custom canvases and archival prints up to oversized formats. Send your wall width and I’ll propose safe maximums.
Will a gallery wall look chaotic?
Keep spacing 5–6 cm, align either centers or a grid, and use matching frames or mats for cohesion.
