Choosing the right size wall art is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel balanced, intentional and beautifully styled. Artwork that’s in proportion to your wall and furniture creates impact, while pieces that are too small or too large can throw off the whole room. With a few simple guidelines, you can confidently select wall art sizes that work in every space.
Why does wall art size matter in your home?
Wall art size matters because it affects how your room feels: proportion, balance and visual flow all depend on scale. A well-sized artwork can anchor a space, draw the eye and tie your décor together, while an undersized piece can look lost and an oversized piece can overwhelm the room.
When you’re deciding on size, think about how the artwork will interact with your furniture, wall height and overall style. For example, a larger piece of coastal-inspired artwork can bring a calm focal point to a living room, whereas a bold abstract print can make a modern space feel more dynamic.
What are the general rules for choosing wall art size?
There are a few simple rules that make sizing much easier. The main one is to ensure your artwork fills a good portion of the wall without feeling cramped.
- Fill around two-thirds of the wall: As a guide, aim for artwork (or a grouping) that covers about 60–75% of the available wall space.
- Match the width of your furniture: Above a sofa, bed or sideboard, choose art that’s roughly two-thirds the width of the furniture below.
- Consider wall height: Taller walls can handle taller or stacked artworks, while wide walls suit panoramic or landscape pieces.
- Hang at eye level: Aim for the centre of the artwork to sit around 145–155 cm from the floor in most rooms.
What size wall art works best in each room?
Different rooms call for different scales of artwork. In general, living rooms and dining rooms can support larger pieces, while bedrooms and hallways often feel best with medium or paired works.
- Living room: Ideal for a large statement artwork above the sofa or fireplace. Panoramic landscape prints or coastal scenes work beautifully here.
- Bedroom: A wide piece above the bed, or a pair of artworks for symmetry, helps define the space without overpowering it.
- Dining room: Panoramic or horizontal artworks above the dining table can create a calm, sophisticated backdrop.
- Hallway and entryway: Narrow walls suit longer, more vertical pieces or a simple pair in a line.
- Home office: Medium-sized artworks that sit comfortably above a desk help create a focused, calming environment.
When should you choose large statement wall art?
Choose large statement wall art when you want a single focal point that anchors the room and simplifies the rest of your styling. Oversized pieces work especially well in open-plan areas and rooms with generous wall space.
Consider a large canvas in spaces such as:
- above a long sofa or sectional
- on a main feature wall in an open-plan living area
- behind a dining table or console
- in rooms with high or raked ceilings
Going larger than you first think often looks more considered and intentional, especially in modern homes with spacious walls.
When is smaller or medium wall art a better choice?
Smaller or medium-sized wall art is ideal when you’re working with cosy spaces, narrow walls or areas where you want a more subtle touch. These sizes lend themselves well to layering and grouping.
Smaller pieces work beautifully:
- on walls near doorways or windows
- as part of a gallery wall
- above bedside tables or in reading nooks
- in bathrooms and powder rooms
- on shelves or picture ledges
Medium sizes are especially versatile, giving you the flexibility to use them as standalone pieces or in pairs and trios across the home.
Should you create a gallery wall instead of one large artwork?
A gallery wall is a great alternative if you want personality and flexibility rather than a single statement piece. It allows you to mix sizes, subjects and frames while still creating a cohesive look.
To build a successful gallery wall:
- choose a consistent colour palette or framing style
- start with one larger anchor piece, then add medium and smaller prints around it
- keep spacing even between artworks
- lay the arrangement out on the floor first, or use paper templates on the wall
Gallery walls work well in living rooms, hallways, staircases and bedrooms, and they’re a great way to combine different styles — for example, mixing coastal scenes with soft abstracts and European photography.
Does artwork size change the look of framed prints vs canvas?
Yes, size can feel different depending on whether you choose a framed print or a canvas. Both formats work in small and large sizes, but each brings a different mood to the room.
- Canvas prints: These tend to feel more contemporary and relaxed. The image wraps around the edges, which can make the piece feel slightly larger and more casual.
- Framed prints: These feel more polished and structured, especially when paired with a mat board. They work beautifully in bedrooms, hallways, and spaces with Hamptons-inspired styling.
In larger sizes, both framed prints and canvases can be used as statement pieces. The choice comes down to the mood you want — relaxed and textural, or more refined and tailored.
What are some final tips for choosing the right size wall art?
A few simple checks before you buy can help you feel confident in your choice. Think about your wall, your furniture and how you want the room to feel overall.
- Measure the wall and the furniture below to ensure the artwork sits in proportion.
- Use painter’s tape or paper cut-outs to map out artwork sizes on the wall.
- Consider the room’s natural light and colour palette when choosing darker or lighter pieces.
- Err slightly on the larger side for main living areas, as bigger artworks often look more intentional.
With the right size and placement, wall art can transform your space, adding warmth, character and a polished finish that ties everything together.