Size & Placement Guide

Choosing the Right Size Artwork

Select the perfect size artwork for any space with our comprehensive sizing and placement recommendations.

Room-by-Room Size Guide

Living Room & Family Room

• Above Sofa: 2/3 the width of the sofa (e.g., 120cm sofa = 80cm artwork)
• Large Wall: Statement pieces 100-150cm wide work well
• Gallery Wall: Mix of small to medium sizes (20-60cm each)
• Height: Centre artwork at eye level (145-150cm from floor to centre)

Bedroom

• Above Bed: 2/3 the width of the headboard or bed
• Side Walls: Medium pieces 40-80cm work well
• Intimate Spaces: Smaller, personal pieces create cosy atmosphere
• Avoid: Overly stimulating or large pieces that may disrupt sleep

Kitchen & Dining Room

• Dining Area: Medium to large pieces 60-120cm
• Kitchen Walls: Smaller pieces 30-50cm, easy to clean frames
• Above Table: Leave 15-20cm between artwork bottom and table top
• Consider: Food-safe glass or acrylic glazing for easy cleaning

Bathroom

• Size Considerations: Small to medium pieces 20-50cm
• Placement: Away from direct shower spray
• Materials: Sealed frames with moisture protection
• Height: Standard eye level, accounting for seated users

Hallways & Corridors

• Long Walls: Series of smaller pieces or one long horizontal piece
• Narrow Spaces: Vertical orientations work well
• Gallery Style: Multiple pieces at consistent heights
• Lighting: Consider hall lighting when selecting pieces

Measurement & Planning Tools

Essential Measurements

• Wall Dimensions: Measure available wall space
• Furniture Scale: Note width of sofas, tables, beds
• Ceiling Height: Affects how high artwork can be placed
• Lighting Sources: Natural and artificial light locations

Planning Techniques

• Paper Templates: Cut paper to size and tape to wall
• Digital Tools: Use our online room visualizer
• Proportional Planning: Use the 2/3 rule as a starting point
• Mock Layouts: Try different arrangements before committing

Grouping & Arrangement Guidelines

Gallery Wall Principles

• Consistent Spacing: 5-7cm between pieces
• Unified Theme: Coordinate by colour, style, or subject
• Balance: Mix sizes while maintaining visual weight balance
• Central Focus: Start with largest piece and build around it

Diptychs & Triptychs

• Spacing: 2-5cm between panels
• Alignment: Keep tops aligned for clean look
• Scale: Ensure adequate wall space for the full piece
• Themes: Work best with coordinated or sequential imagery

Multiple Rooms

• Consistency: Maintain similar sizing approach throughout
• Flow: Consider how pieces relate when moving between rooms
• Variety: Allow for different sizes while keeping proportions appropriate
• Coherence: Coordinate frames or matting across spaces

Advanced Placement Tips

Lighting Considerations

• Natural Light: Consider window placement and seasonal changes
• Artificial Light: Plan picture lighting or strategic room lighting
• Glare Prevention: Angle artwork to minimize reflections
• UV Protection: Use UV-filtering glass in bright locations

Architectural Elements

• High Ceilings: Larger pieces or vertical arrangements
• Low Ceilings: Horizontal pieces can make rooms feel wider
• Awkward Corners: Custom sizes or corner-specific pieces
• Built-ins: Coordinate with shelving and architectural details

Furniture Integration

• Console Tables: Leave 15-25cm above furniture
• Mantlepieces: Centre above mantle, ensure adequate clearance
• Bookcases: Integrate with shelving for cohesive look
• Floating Shelves: Combine artwork with decorative objects

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

• Too Small: Artwork that gets lost on large walls
• Too High: Hanging artwork too high above furniture
• Poor Proportion: Ignoring the relationship between art and furniture
• Inadequate Spacing: Crowding multiple pieces together
• Ignoring Scale: Not considering room size and ceiling height

Room-Specific Recommendations

Small Spaces

• Medium Impact: One larger piece often works better than several small ones
• Light Colours: Can help make spaces feel larger
• Mirrors: Consider reflective surfaces to add depth
• Vertical Emphasis: Tall, narrow pieces can increase perceived ceiling height

Large Spaces

• Statement Pieces: Bold, large artworks can anchor big walls
• Groupings: Multiple related pieces can fill space effectively
• Scale Up: Don't be afraid of larger sizes in spacious rooms
• Zone Definition: Use artwork to define different areas

Unique Spaces

• Staircases: Create ascending or descending arrangements
• Slanted Ceilings: Work with the angle, don't fight it
• Bay Windows: Consider the curved wall space
• Open Concept: Maintain visual flow between connected areas

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if artwork is too big for my space? If the artwork overwhelms the furniture or makes the room feel cramped, it's likely too large. Use the 2/3 rule as a guideline.

Can I hang artwork over a TV? It's generally not recommended due to viewing angles and potential heat issues. Consider adjacent walls instead.

What if my ceiling is very high? You can hang artwork higher than standard eye level, but maintain relationships with furniture. Consider larger pieces or vertical groupings.

How do I arrange artwork on a gallery wall? Start with the largest piece as an anchor, then build around it. Use paper templates to plan before hanging.

Should all artwork be the same height? For a formal look, align tops or centres. For a more casual gallery wall, vary heights while maintaining visual balance.

What about very small spaces like powder rooms? Small spaces can handle proportionally larger artwork. One medium piece often works better than several tiny ones.