CHOOSING THE CORRECT SIZE ARTWORK FOR YOUR WALL
Choosing artwork for your home can be a difficult decision.
You want to choose something that matches your personality, and is also cohesive with your decor.
Also, I would argue that deciding on what size to get is a crucial decision. You don’t want to invest in artwork that is too large and consumes your space or a piece that is too small that looks awkward and lonely on your wall.
The simplest way to figure out what size you need is to frame it out on your wall.
Grab some blue painters tape or wrapping paper and mark out your ideal size. Measure that, then pick the artwork that is closest to those dimensions.
Below, you will find tips and tricks for specific spaces in your home! Also, I share sizes that typically work for common areas!
ABOVE A FIREPLACE OR FURNITURE PIECE:
Select art that is 65-85 percent of the mantel’s total width
Place the artwork at least 8 to 10 inches above the mantel.
When choosing art for over a fireplace, an ideal width for the art is to fall between the width of the firebox opening of the fireplace and its decorative surround (the fireproof area, often tile, stone, or brick).
ABOVE YOUR BED:
Again, you want the width of the artwork to be 65-85 percent of the bed’s total width and at least 8-10 inches above the headboard.
When using a single piece of art, a 30 x 40 inch canvases work well for Queen and King beds
Or choose groupings of two or three pieces.
If your headboard is tall, instead of hanging above the bed, instead try hanging artwork above the nightstands - try (2) 24x18 inch pieces.
FILLING A LARGE WALL:
When working with a large empty wall, consider how to utilize multiple pieces to create a gallery wall.
The space between art should be proportional to the pieces. Make sure to leave a minimum of 1.5 inches in between the pieces.
If you are hanging several pieces in a linear row, the center of the artwork should rest 54 inches from the floor or be centered at your eye level, whichever feels most natural.
If you’re putting artwork on your sofa wall, choose a canvas or grouping of pieces that measure two-thirds the width of your sofa
Try laying it out the art gallery wall on the ground before you hang it to make sure you like it
IN THE BATHROOM:
If the bathroom gets a lot of moisture, choose framed artwork with a glass front and a papered backing. This protects that art from the moisture.
If the bathroom has good ventilation, other artwork will be safe, however I would recommend canvas prints over originals, especially original watercolors or gouaches.
For powder bathrooms artwork sized from 8x10 to 16x20 inches are appropriate for scale
Create a statement piece above your master bathroom’s tub by hanging a large centered piece.