Do you often struggle to decide which size artwork will suit your space? Shopping online for art can give you many advantages and you often have more options than when shopping in a store or a gallery, but you do not get to see the sizes of the art, and it can be hard to determine which size is right for you.
While there is no definitive answer as to exactly how big or small your print should be, there are a few steps you can go through to make sure you make the most informed decision possible.
The best way to do this is to break it down into the following categories:
Size
Orientation
Placement
Size:
If you are looking at hanging your art print on an empty wall, it is best to aim to fill about 2/3 of your available space.
If you are looking at hanging the piece above furnitures such as a bed, a couch or a console, do make sure that your art is not wider than the piece of furniture. Generally speaking, the art should be about 60 - 80% the width of the furniture.
This print appears to have the right width. It is taking up approximately 75% of the width of the bed and looks well placed.
This print is too big for the bed. It takes up 100% of the width of the bed and appears to crowd out the space.
It is a great idea to measure your wall and the piece of furniture you would like to hang your art on. When purchasing a print, keep in mind that a matt board and a frame will further add to the size. Even if you choose to frame without a matt board, the frame will add at least a couple of cm (each side) to the size of the print.
My recommendations:
King size bed: (183 cm or 72 inches): Pick an A0 - 84.1x118.9 cm for a king size bed. This size will both go well with or without a matt board.
Queen size bed (152 cm or 60 inches): Choose either an A0 - 84x118.9 cm or an A1 - 59.4x84.1 cm for a queen size bed. If choosing an A1, consider having it framed with a matt board to add extra size.
Double (138 cm or 54 inches): Choose an A1 - 59.4x84.1 cm for above a double bed.
These are recommendations only and really, you are best to take your own measurements. You can even use painters tape and tape where you would like your art.
Still in doubt? You can send me a well-lit photo of your space as well as the dimensions of your space and I can mock-up a few size options for you.
Orientation
When choosing how to hang your print, you need to consider the size and shape of your wall. If for instance you have a wall that runs high and want the artwork to fit in a skinny place (for instance between two windows), then it is best to hang your artwork portrait.
If your wall is long, or you want to hang your artwork above something wide, like a couch or a bed, then landscape is best.
Placement
The placement of your art print is crucial in achieving an aesthetically pleasing space. A general rule is that the centre point of the print should be hung at eye level. When hanging a piece above a bed or couch, the bottom of the print should be around 10 to 15 cm above the top of the bed or couch.
I hope this guide was helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.