What Size Artwork Should I Buy?

Choosing the right size artwork is one of the most important decisions when styling a space. The scale of an artwork affects how a room feels—too small and it can feel disconnected, too large and it can overwhelm the space.

When the size is right, artwork creates balance, anchors furniture and becomes a natural focal point within the room.

Start with the 60–75% Rule

A simple and effective guideline is to choose artwork that spans approximately 60–75% of the width of the furniture it sits above.

This ensures the artwork feels proportionate and visually connected to the space.

Example:

  • 2.4 metre sofa → artwork between 140–180 cm wide
  • 2 metre sofa → artwork between 120–150 cm wide

If you are unsure, selecting a slightly larger size is usually the better option, as it creates a more cohesive and considered result.

Choosing Artwork for Different Spaces

Living Room (Above a Sofa)

The living room is the most common place for large wall art. Artwork placed above a sofa should feel anchored to the furniture, not floating above it.

As a guide:

  • Aim for two-thirds to three-quarters of the sofa width
  • Centre the artwork horizontally
  • Leave a small gap (approximately 15–25 cm) between the sofa and artwork

For most living rooms, large or extra large artworks create the strongest result.

👉 Explore Large Wall Art
👉 Explore Living Room Wall Art

Dining Room

Artwork in a dining room helps define the space, particularly in open-plan interiors.

  • Choose artwork that relates to the width of the dining table
  • Larger pieces create a more resolved, architectural feel
  • Consider a single statement artwork rather than multiple smaller works

Bedroom

Artwork above a bed should feel calm and balanced.

  • Aim for 60–75% of bed width
  • Position slightly lower than in living areas
  • Softer palettes often work well in this space

Large Blank Walls

For large or double-height walls:

  • Choose extra large artworks or multi-panel pieces
  • Avoid undersized artwork, which can feel lost
  • Consider artworks that are at least 1.2m–1.5m wide or larger

👉 Explore Extra Large Artworks

One Large Artwork vs Multiple Smaller Pieces

Interior designers often favour a single large artwork rather than multiple smaller pieces.

A single statement piece:

  • Creates a stronger focal point
  • Simplifies styling
  • Brings cohesion to a space

Multiple smaller artworks can work, but require careful spacing and alignment to achieve the same effect.

Portrait vs Landscape Orientation

Many artworks can be hung in either orientation depending on the space.

  • Landscape orientation works well above sofas and beds
  • Portrait orientation suits narrower walls or when used in pairs (diptych style)

Two portrait artworks hung side by side can create the effect of a wider, landscape composition.

How to Visualise Artwork Size

One of the simplest ways to visualise size is to use painter’s tape:

  • Mark out the width and height on your wall
  • Step back and view it from different angles
  • Adjust before purchasing

This helps remove uncertainty and ensures the final artwork fits perfectly.

Framed vs Stretched and Its Impact on Size

Framing can slightly increase the overall size and visual weight of an artwork.

  • Framed artworks feel more structured and defined
  • Stretched canvas offers a cleaner, more minimal look
  • Larger artworks often work well unframed, allowing the scale to feel lighter

Final Thought

When in doubt, choose slightly larger artwork. Scale brings presence, balance and confidence to a space—and allows the artwork to truly define the room.