Art is subjective, so is how to hang art in your space, and rules are meant to be broken. If you LOVE big art on a small wall or small art on a big wall, do it. The way you hang or place your art is a form of art on its own, it can help with the emotion and feel of the art and what it means to you. However, if you're looking for advice based on an interior design point of view then this guide is for you.

How to Choose the Right Size Wall Art

When choosing wall art, size definitely matters. A canvas print can be a statement piece to finish off a room, however, too small or too large and it can feel off. The goal is to make your space to pop and you want the artwork to be a focal point that enhances the space and completes it. Too small and your room can look incomplete, too big and the room can feel a little too crowded. Think of Goldilocks, not too big, not too small, just right. Our guide will help you look like an expert interior designer.

Read the room

First things first, before you commit to purchasing that stunning canvas, you’ll want to gauge how it will look like in your space and what size fits best. A great way to help you visualize it in the room is simply by outlining different potential dimensions with painter’s tape. You can then take a step back to take it all in. A smart phone can help visualize things further, take a photo and paste a piece of art in place, this will help you determine size and shape. Does a large square canvas look best or does a wide panoramic suit the room better? Here’s your chance to test and play with different sizes to really get a feel for how your new artwork will fit in the room.

General sizing rules

When it comes to size, aim to fill about two-thirds to three-fourths of your available wall space. If you're looking to hang a statement piece above a piece of furniture such as a couch, side table, or headboard, follow the same proportions and find a piece two-thirds to three-fourths smaller than your furniture. For instance, if your couch is 60 inches wide, you should find a work around 40 to 45 inches wide. Whether you want to decorate a large wall going up your stairway, the blank space above your couch or the empty wall in the bedroom, you’ll want the size of your art to be just right for the room.

This print is too small to stand alone and doesn't tie in the space properly.

When in doubt... go BIG!

If you’re buying a work without reliable measurements, it’s safer to err on the larger side. You want your artwork to stand out and complement your space. An empty wall space can swallow a work that is too small. If you're absolutely in love with small pieces, no prob, group the pieces together to create a stunning gallery wall.

What height to hang art at?

In gallery spaces, two-dimensional works are typically hung so that the centre of the piece falls at eye level (56 to 60 inches from floor). This standard is a useful rule of thumb for hanging works on blank walls.

When there’s furniture, a headboard, or a fireplace mantel, you will need to make sure the work has some breathing room while keeping the objects cohesive. A good rule of thumb is to hang the work about 4 to 12 inches above the top of the piece of furniture. For a work serving as a statement piece on a blank wall next to your dining room table, follow the same four to 12 inch rule.