The Ultimate Wall Art Size Guide 2023

Ever looked at a room and felt something was just... off? 

Chances are, it could be the size of the wall art.

Welcome to "The 5 Secrets to Choosing the Perfect Wall Art Size for Any Room."

Why does wall art size matter?

wall art size matters, because it’s the difference between a room that feels 'just right' and one that feels 'just okay.'

Whether you’re a home decor enthusiast or just sprucing up your space, getting the size right is crucial.

Ever wondered how different poster sizes look in a room? Let's break it down with some visuals and Data:

Size in CM Size in Inches Size incl Frame Ratio (W/H)
15x20 cm 6x8" 18.4 x 23.4 cm 1.33
30x30 cm 12x12" 33.4 x 33.4 cm 1.0
30x40 cm 12x16" 33.4 x 43.4 cm 1.33
30x45 cm 12x18" 33.4 x 48.4 cm 1.5
40x50 cm 16x20" 43.4 x 53.4 cm 1.25
45x60 cm 18x24" 48.4 x 63.4 cm 1.33
50x50 cm 20x20" 53.4 x 53.4 cm 1.0
60x80 cm 24x32" 63.4 x 83.4 cm 1.33
60x90 cm 24x36" 63.4 x 93.4 cm 1.5
70x100 cm 28x40" 73.4 x 103.4 cm 1.429

 

now lets dive into the 5 secrets of wall art sizing!

Secret #1: Proportions and Scale

Now, let’s talk about proportions and scale. Trust me, this is big.

Ever seen a tiny painting on a massive wall? Awkward, right? Or how about a huge piece of art crammed into a small space? Equally jarring.

Here’s the thing:

The size of your wall art, whether indoor or outdoor wall art, should be in harmony with the surrounding space and furniture. It's all about balance.

Imagine this:

You’ve got a large, spacious living room with high ceilings. A small framed art piece would look lost, wouldn’t it? But a large canvas? That could be a game-changer.

  

And it's not just about the wall space. Consider your furniture too.

Picture a large sofa. Placing a piece of art above it that’s too small can throw off the entire room's look. You want your art to complement your furniture, not compete with it.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Think of your room as a canvas and your wall art as the paint. The right proportions can turn a room from ‘meh’ to ‘wow.’

In the next secret, we'll dive into another crucial aspect that can make or break your wall art game.

 

Secret #2: Landscape vs. Portrait

Ready for the next big secret? It's all about orientation. Landscape or portrait – it's not just a random choice.

Let's break it down:

Landscape art – think wide and horizontal. It stretches across your wall, right? It can make a room feel more spacious and expansive. Perfect for adding a sense of breadth, especially in smaller rooms.

 

wall art room demo  poster room demo

But here’s where it gets interesting:

Portrait orientation – tall and vertical. This is your go-to when you want to create an illusion of height. Got a low ceiling? A portrait-oriented Poster can be your best friend.

And it’s not just about the room's size. It's how you want the room to feel.

Imagine this:

A narrow hallway with a landscape piece. It can feel cramped, right? But switch that to a portrait canvas, and suddenly, the hallway feels taller, more open.

And there's more:

It's not just about the physical space. It's about the vibe you want to create. A landscape piece can bring tranquility, while a portrait piece can add drama and focus.

So what's the bottom line?

Your art's orientation can totally transform how a space is perceived. It’s a powerful tool in your interior design arsenal.

Up next, we’ll uncover another secret that's all about maximizing impact. Stay tuned.

 

Secret #3: Strategic Placement

Now, let's get strategic with placement. Where you hang your art is as crucial as the art itself.

Here's the lowdown:

It's not just about slapping a piece of art on a wall and calling it a day. It's about creating a visual impact.

First up, the golden rule: Eye level. This is key. Hang your art so the center is at eye level. Why? It’s the natural spot your eyes are drawn to.

  

But wait, there’s a twist:

What if you’re hanging Poster art in a dining room? You’re mostly sitting, right? So, lower it a bit. Make it pleasant to view while seated.

Now, let’s talk about groupings:

Planning to hang a set of prints or a gallery wall? Keep them close together. About 2-3 inches apart. This creates cohesion.

Up next, we’re diving into a secret that can make or break the vibe of your room. Stick around.

 

Secret #4: Creating a Gallery Wall Effect

Alright, let’s shift gears and talk gallery walls. This isn't just hanging art; it’s curating an experience.

Think of a gallery wall as a puzzle. Each piece needs to fit perfectly to create a cohesive look. But how do you nail it? Here’s the inside scoop:

First thing's first – it’s all about the theme. Are you going for modern? Eclectic? Monochrome? Abstract? Decide on your vibe and stick with it.

Then, there's layout planning. Don’t wing it. Lay your pieces on the floor. Rearrange them until you find that sweet spot. It's like a visual brainstorming session.

And here's a game-changer:

Use different sizes but keep a common element. Maybe it’s the frame style or color palette. This unifies your collection without making it monotonous.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with materials; wood wall art adds warmth, while metal wall art contributes sleekness.

Spacing is crucial, too. Keep it uniform – about 2 inches between each piece. It’s the magic number for harmony and balance.

But wait, there's more:

It’s not just what you hang, but where. A gallery wall above a sofa? Make sure it’s not wider than the couch. It’s about proportion and symmetry.

So, what’s the bottom line?

A gallery wall is more than decor. It’s a story on your wall. Each piece adds a chapter to your narrative.

check here for Common Gallery wall mistakes

Coming up next, we delve into a secret that is often overlooked but can make a world of difference. Stay tuned.

 

Secret #5: Considering Room Function

Let's dive into our second secret: Considering the function of the room. Yep, it's important in choosing wall art sizes.

Here’s why it matters:

Each room in your house serves a different purpose, right? A living room is for lounging, a kitchen for cooking, a bedroom for resting. Your wall art should reflect and enhance these functions.

In the living room:

Go for something that sparks conversation. Larger, bolder pieces work great here. They create an ambiance, set a mood.

But in the bedroom?

Think calming, serene art. Maybe something more subdued and of a medium size. It’s about creating a peaceful retreat, not a visual overload.

And let's not forget the home office:

This space needs inspiration, focus. Choose art that’s stimulating but not distracting. Size-wise, something that fits nicely above your desk or on a focal wall.

Now, the kitchen:

It’s often bustling, right? Here, smaller pieces can be more practical. They add character without getting in the way.

               Tequila Kitchen Print                             Cats Bathroom Print

And the bathroom?

Here’s where intimacy meets expression. A smaller, delicate piece can transform the space into a personal sanctuary, Or Choose bathroom wall art that is Humorous, offering a fun pause in your daily routine.

if you want to know more about Art in different Room functions check this

What’s the key takeaway?

The function of the room should guide your wall art size choices. It's not just about filling space; it’s about complementing life that happens in those spaces.

 

In Conclusion

man sitting at laptop

As we wrap up our guide on selecting the perfect wall art size, let's distill our insights into 5 essential steps.

These 5 key takeaways will help you effortlessly transform any room into a visually stunning space. Keep these pointers in mind as you embark on your wall art journey:"

  • Harmonize with Proportions: Ensure your wall art size matches the room's scale. Large rooms need bold statements, while smaller spaces benefit from more subtle pieces.
  • Optimal Orientation: Decide between landscape or portrait based on your room’s dimensions and desired ambiance. Landscape broadens, portrait heightens.
  • Strategic Placement: Hang at eye level for maximum impact. Adjust for room use – lower in dining areas, eye-catching above sofas.
  • Gallery Wall Mastery: Create a cohesive theme with varied sizes but a common element, like frame style. Think of it as storytelling on your wall.
  • Function-Focused Art Selection: Tailor art size and style to room purposes – calming in bedrooms, inspiring in offices, and characterful yet practical in kitchens and bathrooms.

These steps are your blueprint for choosing wall art that not only fills a space but also fulfills a purpose, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your home.

 

Explore Our Featured Collections 

 While you're here, why not dive deeper into the world of aesthetics with our featured art collections?

Each piece is a conversation starter, a mood enhancer, and a reflection of your personal style. Check out our carefully curated selections and let your walls do the talking!

             Neutral Wall Art Collection                      Kitchen Poster Collection

Car nature art                Nature Prints Collection                           George Seurat Prints

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about wall art sizing? You're not alone. Let’s tackle some of the most common queries:

Q: What is the most popular size for wall art?

A: It varies, but medium to large pieces are often favorites, such as A3 and A2. They’re versatile and make a statement without overpowering a room.

Q: how big is a 11x14" poster?

A; An 11x14" poster is a medium-sized format, ideal for smaller rooms or spaces. Measuring approximately 28x35.5 cm, it's perfect for adding a personal touch without taking up too much wall space. Ideal for galleries, bedrooms, or offices, this size is versatile for various design needs.

Q: how big is a 12x18" poster?

A: A 12x18" poster is a modest size, great for small to medium spaces, slightly larger than a standard A3 sheet of paper. It's perfect for cozy spaces like small offices or bedrooms.

Q: how big is a 16x24" poster?

A: A 16x24" poster is large, similar in size to A small area rug or doormat. versatile enough to enhance living rooms and medium-sized walls.

Q: how big is a 16x20" poster?

A: A 16x20" poster, is medium in size and comparable to a typical laptop screen, fits comfortably in a variety of indoor spaces.

Q: how big is a 18x24" poster?

A: A 18x24" poster is medium sized, roughly the size of a standard pillow, making it large enough to be a focal point, yet fitting well in most rooms.

Q: how big is a 20x30" poster? 

A: A 20x30" poster is considered large, comparable in size to A large oven tray or baking sheet, ideal as an eye-catching centerpiece in larger rooms.

Q: how big is a 22x28" poster?

A: A 22x28" poster is quite large, about the size of a large-sized piece of luggage or suitcase, perfect for drawing attention in living areas or on larger walls

Q: how big is a 24x36" poster?

A: A 24x36" poster is very large, comparable to the size of a A TV screen or Large computer monitor, making it a dramatic focal point in spacious rooms.

Q: how big is a poster frame?

A: A poster frame typically adds 3.4 cm (approximately 1.34 inches) to each side of a poster. This additional size accounts for the frame's border, providing space to mount and display the poster effectively without covering any part of its design. For instance, a frame for a 12x18" poster would measure about 13.3 x 19.3 inches, considering the added dimensions on all sides.

Q: Does large wall art make a room look bigger?

A: Surprisingly, yes. One large piece can give the illusion of a more spacious room, as opposed to several small pieces that can make it feel cluttered.

Q: Is my art too small for the wall?

A: If it looks like a postage stamp on an envelope, it might be. The art should occupy about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space.

Q: Should you put big art in a small room?

A: Absolutely. A large piece in a small room can be a bold, impactful choice. It's all about finding the right balance.

Q: Does big art make a room look small?

A: Not necessarily. It's all about placement and proportion. If done right, big art can actually enhance the room's feel.

Q: Should wall art be wider than the couch?

A: Ideally, no. Aim for art that's about two-thirds the width of your couch. This creates a visually pleasing alignment.

Q: How do you know if a painting is too big for a wall?

A: If there's barely any wall space around your painting, it's too big. You want some breathing room for a balanced look.

Q: How much art is too much art on walls?

A: When it starts to feel chaotic and overwhelming, it’s time to scale back. Less can be more.

Q: Should wall art be at eye level?

A: Generally, yes. The center of your artwork should be about 57 inches/ 145 cm from the floor, which is average eye level.

Q: How big should wall art be above a sofa?

A: Aim for art that's about two-thirds the width of your sofa. It keeps things in proportion.

Q: Should art be centered over the bed or wall?

A: Over the bed. It creates a focal point and ties the room together.

Q: Should all art in a room match?

A: Not necessarily. Mixing styles can add character. Just keep some common elements for cohesion.

There you go – answers to your burning wall art questions. Up next, get ready for some final thoughts.

 

Join Our Art Lovers Community

Craving more visually stunning insights? Don't let the conversation stop here. Dive deeper into the world of aesthetics and join our vibrant Art Lovers Community. It's a space where inspiration flows, ideas flourish, and art enthusiasts like you converge.

Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-curated wall art, our community is the perfect place to:

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Don't miss a beat of the art heartbeat. Follow us on Pinterest, and Join our Newsletter. Let your passion for art find its home, and let's make every space tell a story.

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