Foolproof Wall Art Size Guide To Picking The Perfect Size Art

Our step-by-step wall art size guide walks you through the steps to pick the perfect sized wall art, guaranteed.

The key to a room that is well-balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and eye-catching? Decorating with art that is the right size for your space. You’re going to find a lot of “Ultimate Artwork Size Guides” that tell you “bigger is better.” But the reality is, wall art that is too big can be just as detrimental to your design aesthetic as art that is too small. 

And we’re guessing you’ve also noticed that most other “tips for choosing the right size artwork for your wall” are vague like “wall art should take 60-70% of your empty wall space” or “it depends on the size of the furniture you are hanging the art above.” While true, this isn’t helpful if you are an artist or a designer, not a mathematician. 

So we’re breaking down the foolproof guide to picking the perfect size wall art. Step-by-step we will walk you through exactly how to calculate what size art to order, and how to determine if your wall art is too big for your space. Let’s get into it!

How To Pick The Right Size Art For Hanging Above Couch or Bed:

1. Measure the length of your couch or bed. 

Example 86 inch long couch

2. Calculate the optimal length of your art by multiplying the length of your furniture by 0.75.

Example: 86 in x 0.75 = 64.5 in

3. Determine the approximate length of an ideal piece of art based on that calculation. 

Example: 64.5 inches is closest to the standard 60 inch frame length. 

4. Measure the height of your couch or bed (to the top of your headboard). 

Example: 32 inch high couch

5. Calculate the optimal height of your art by subtracting the height of your furniture from the number 51. Then multiply that number by 2. 

Example: (51 in - 32 in) x 2 = 38 in

6. Determine the approximate height of an ideal piece of art based on that calculation

Example: 38 inches is closest to the standard 40 inch frame height. 

7. Order wall art in the perfect size for hanging above your couch or bed, as calculated above

Example: Order 60” x 40” horizontal wall art.

Note - this is assuming your art is hanging at eye level (57 inches up from the ground) with a gap of approximately 6 inches between the top of your furniture and the bottom of the frame. 

How to Pick the Right Size Art For Hanging on an Empty Wall

1. Measure the length of your empty wall.

Example: 64 inch long wall

2. Calculate the optimal length of your art by multiplying the length of your empty wall by 0.65.

Example: 64 in x 0.65 = 41.6 in

3. Determine the approximate length of your art based on that calculation.

Example: 41.6 inches is closest to the standard 40 inch frame length.

4. Measure the height of your wall. 

Example: 96 inch high wall

5. Calculate the optimal height of your art by multiplying the height of your empty wall by 0.65.

Example: 96 in x 0.65 = 62.4 in

6. Determine the height of your art based on that calculation.

Example: 62.4 inches is closest to the standard 60 inch frame height. 

7. Order wall art in the perfect size for hanging on your empty wall, as calculated above

Example order 40” x 60” vertical wall art.

Note - this is assuming you are hanging your wall art centered on the empty wall centered at eye level, (57 inches up from the ground).

FAQs

Can Wall Art Be Too Big?

Yes, wall art can be too big. While it’s tempting to go for that oversized statement piece of art that demands attention, it’s important to consider the overall harmony and balance of your space. If you choose art that is too big, it can detract from other design elements making your room feel crowded and imbalanced. You want your art to enhance your room, without overwhelming or overpowering. 

How Do You Know If Art Is Too Big for a Room?

The first thing to consider when determining if art is too big for a room is the size and scale of the room itself. A large, spacious room can accommodate larger artwork. Smaller rooms require more modest-sized pieces. 

Next, evaluate how the art will visually impact the room’s overall balance and harmony. You want to be sure the art doesn’t overwhelm other elements or make the room feel cramped. Artwork should compliment your room’s theme and style without dominating the space. 

Can Wall Art Be Bigger Than Furniture?

Yes, wall art can be bigger than furniture. In fact, using oversized wall art can create a cold and impactful statement in your space. When properly executed, larger artwork can serve as a focal point and bring visual interest to your room. 

However, it’s important to consider the scale and proportions of the room and furniture pieces involved. Generally, to ensure that your wall art doesn’t overpower or overshadow your furniture, wall art should be about 75% of the size of furniture it hangs above (as calculated above). The key is to find the right balance and create a harmonious visual composition within your space. 

Oversized Wall Art Size Guide Chart

Reference this wall art size chart to see how popular oversized wall art compares when lined up side by side, in reference to a person who is 5' 3" tall.