What Size Art Print Should I Get?

Photo by Serena Tyrrell on Unsplash

The Complete Wall Art Size Guide 

If you’ve ever stared at a blank wall wondering whether an art print will look just right or too tiny, this guide is for you. These quick rules work for single pieces, sets, and gallery walls. 

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Quick Size Rules

Use these as your go-to shortcuts:

• Over furniture: art width should be 60–75% of the furniture width. Example: 84″ (213 cm) sofa → aim for ~50–63″ (127–160 cm) total art width 
  
  
• Gallery walls: group pieces so the overall footprint follows the 60–75% rule.
  
  
• Blank wall, single piece: choose the largest size that fits with 6–10″ (15–25 cm) of clear space around it.
  
  
• Hanging height: center at ~60″ (150 cm) from the floor (adjust for your household).
  
  
• For sets: measure total width including 2–3″ (5–8 cm) between frames.
  
  
• Pro tip: when in doubt, size up.
  
  

Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash

 

Wall Art Size Chart (pick by furniture width)

Use this chart to match your art size to the width of your furniture or wall. Choose either a single large piece or the total width of a set. Art sizes are width × height.

Reminder: stay within 60–75% of the furniture width.

 

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Ratios Made Simple

Different ratios affect how the art feels on the wall. Here’s how to pick one:

• 2:3 (poster-friendly): Looks tall/sleek in portrait orientation or bold in landscape. Great for long walls. Common sizes: 12×18, 20×30, 24×36″.
  

• 4:5 (classic home frames): Fits most ready-made frames. Common sizes: 8 ×10, 16×20, 24×30″.
  
  
• 3:4: Versatile above sofas and beds; mixes well with squares in gallery walls. Common sizes: 16×12, 24×18, 32×24″.
  
  
• 1:1 (square): Modern feel, great for centered focal points, grids, and symmetrical spaces. Common sizes: 12×12, 20×20, 30×30″. 
  
  

For printable art: pick the ratio that matches your frame (2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 1:1). Most printing vendors can confirm the max size from your file.

Frame & Mat Magic 

Frames and mats change the visual size of your art without changing the artwork itself.

• Scale up fast: 12×12″ → 20×20″ frame with a mat gives a medium-sized impact.
  
  
• Classic landscape/portrait: 16×12″ → 20×16″ frame with a 2″ (5 cm) mat feels polished.
  
  
• Make a cohesive set: match mat sizes (1.5–3″ / 4–8 cm).
  
  
• Frame finish: natural wood = warm; black metal = modern.
  

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Gallery Wall Equivalents

Use these formulas when you want the look of a single large piece but want to use multiple prints:

• Four 12×12″ ≈ the presence of one 32×24″.
  
  
• Three 16×12″ horizontals ≈ one wide statement piece.
  
  
• One 20×20″ piece with two 12×12″ flanking reads like a single large rectangle.
  
  

Keep your total width in the 60–75% zone and use even spacing.

By-Room Cheats 

If you want a quick answer, use these go-to sizes for common spaces:

• Living room (above sofa): 32×24″ or 30×30″; for long sofas, a pair of 24×18″.
  
  
• Bedroom (above bed): 32×24″ or 30×30″.
  
  
• Entryway: 24×18″ or 20×20″.
  
  
• Hallway: 16×12″ singles or a vertical pair of 12×12″.
  
  
• Home office: medium 20×20″ at eye level from your chair.
  
  

Photo by Lotus Design N Print on Unsplash

 

FAQs

Will an 8×10 look too small above my sofa?
Usually yes. Over furniture, stick to 60–75% of the furniture width. Use a larger mat/frame or group smaller prints.

Square or rectangle, does it matter?
Both will work. Squares feel modern and centered; 3:4 rectangles suit most furniture widths and pair easily.

How big can I go with a printable?
Match your frame's ratio; most printing vendors recommend 300 dpi and can confirm the largest size from your file.

Final tip

Pick a hero size: 32×24″ (81×61 cm) or 30×30″ (76×76 cm) instantly makes a room feel complete.

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