Art Sizing & Framing Guide
How to Choose the Right Art Size & Frame
Choosing art for your home is exciting — but getting the sizing and framing right makes all the difference between a piece that feels considered and one that gets lost on the wall. Use this guide to find your perfect fit.
Step 1 — Measure Your Wall & Furniture
Before browsing, gather a tape measure and note the following:
- Wall width: Measure the full width of the wall or the section where the artwork will hang.
- Wall height: Floor-to-ceiling measurement.
- Furniture width (if applicable): For art hung above a sofa, console, or bed, measure the width of that piece.
Golden rule: Artwork hung above furniture should be 60–75% of the furniture's width for balanced proportions.
Step 2 — Room-by-Room Size Recommendations
Living Room
- Above a sofa (2–3 seater): 60–100 cm wide as a single piece, or a triptych/gallery wall spanning the full sofa width.
- Feature wall: 90–150 cm wide or larger for a statement piece.
- Side wall / reading nook: 40–70 cm wide.
Bedroom
- Above a Queen bed (150 cm wide): artwork 80–110 cm wide.
- Above a King bed (180 cm wide): artwork 100–140 cm wide.
- Bedside / smaller wall: 30–50 cm wide works well as a pair.
Hallway & Entryway
- Narrow hallway: portrait-oriented pieces 30–50 cm wide avoid crowding.
- Grand entryway: a single statement piece 70–120 cm wide creates impact.
Home Office & Study
- Behind a desk: 50–80 cm wide — visible in video calls and adds personality without distraction.
- Shelf or ledge display: 20–40 cm pieces leaned against the wall work beautifully.
Dining Room
- Above a sideboard or buffet: 60–90% of the sideboard width.
- Feature wall opposite the table: 80–130 cm wide for impact at eye level when seated.
Step 3 — Understanding Final Framed Dimensions
Our product listings show both the print size and the final framed size. The frame adds width around the print — typically 3–6 cm per side depending on the frame profile.
Example: A 50×70 cm print in a 4 cm frame becomes approximately 58×78 cm framed.
Always plan your wall space using the framed size, not the print size.
Step 4 — Hanging Height
The most common mistake is hanging art too high. Follow these guidelines:
- Standard rule: Centre of the artwork at 145–152 cm from the floor (average eye level).
- Above furniture: Leave a 15–25 cm gap between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame.
- Gallery walls: Treat the entire arrangement as one piece — aim for the visual centre of the group at eye level.
- High ceilings: You can hang slightly higher — up to 165 cm to the centre — to fill the vertical space.
Step 5 — Frame & Glazing Notes
Frame Style
- Wood: Warm, organic; suits botanicals, landscapes, and earthy tones.
- Black: Graphic and modern; works across most colour palettes and makes colours pop.
- White: Light and airy; ideal for Hamptons, Scandi, and coastal interiors.
- Gold: Warm and elegant, with a subtle decorative finish that elevates both classic and contemporary art. It pairs especially well with rich colours, warm neutrals, vintage-inspired pieces, and eclectic interiors.
Glazing Options
- Standard acrylic (Perspex): Lightweight and shatter-resistant — our standard option for most prints.
- Non-reflective / museum acrylic: Reduces glare; ideal for brightly lit rooms or positioning opposite windows.
- Unglazed (canvas & fine art paper): Our stretched canvases and some fine art editions are supplied unglazed for a gallery-authentic finish.
Step 6 — The Tape-on-Wall Preview Method
Not sure if a size will feel right? Try this quick DIY test before you order:
- Cut newspaper or kraft paper to the exact framed dimensions of the artwork you're considering.
- Use low-tack painter's tape to fix the paper to the wall at the planned hanging position.
- Step back and view from your usual vantage point — seated on the sofa, from the doorway, etc.
- Live with it for a day. If it feels too small, size up. If it dominates the space, size down or consider a smaller grouping.
This method costs nothing and removes all guesswork.