Wall Art Size Guide - What Painting Size Do You Need?

Choosing the right size for wall art might seem obvious, but you actually have to consider a lot of things. What works in one home might look out of place in yours. 

The wrong size can leave your wall looking bare and unfinished, or worse, make your room feel cramped and cluttered. But there are a few easy rules you can follow to achieve visual harmony.

So, let's see how each size would look in your room and make a smart decision!

Why Wall Art Size Matters

Wall art isn’t just about adding decoration, it’s about creating balance and harmony in your space. The size of your art plays a critical role in how your room feels and functions.

The right size wall art ensures that your space looks polished and well-thought-out. It ties your furniture, walls, and decor together. The room should be cohesive and visually appealing. Wall art size also impacts the visual weight of the room. It helps draw attention to certain areas and creates focal points.

Standard Wall Art Sizes

Wall art comes in a variety of sizes - small art (8”x10” to 13”x19”), medium art (16”x20” to 20”x24”), large wall art (20”x28” to 24”x36”), and oversized wall art (36”x48” and larger).

Small Wall Art

• Dimensions: 8”x10” to 13”x19”
• Best For: Compact spaces like bathrooms, bookshelves, desks, or small wall sections.

Small pieces work best in pairs, clusters, or as part of a gallery wall to create a cohesive look.

Medium Wall Art

• Dimensions: 16”x20” to 20”x24”
• Best For: Hallways, entryways, or above small furniture like consoles or office desks.

Medium-sized art can stand alone in smaller spaces or complement other pieces in gallery-style arrangements.

Large Wall Art

• Dimensions: 20”x28” to 24”x36”
• Best For: Making a statement in living rooms, dining areas, or above medium-sized furniture like loveseats or beds.

Use large art to create a focal point and tie the color scheme of the room together.

Oversized Wall Art

• Dimensions: 36”x48” and larger
• Best For: High ceilings, spacious walls, or rooms where you want a bold statement piece, such as above a sectional or fireplace.

Oversized art works beautifully as a centerpiece or with minimal additional decor to let the piece shine.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Wall

Choosing the right size wall art comes down to precise measurements and a few simple rules.

1. Measure the Empty Wall Space

For empty walls with no furniture underneath, your wall art should take up 60-75% of the available space.

Formula: Multiply the height and width of the wall by 0.6 (60%) and 0.75 (75%) to get the ideal size range.

Example: For a wall that’s 8 feet wide and 10 feet tall:

• Width: 8 x 0.6 = 4.8 feet to 8 x 0.75 = 6 feet.
• Height: 10 x 0.6 = 6 feet to 10 x 0.75 = 7.5 feet.

2. Art Above Furniture

When hanging art above furniture (like a sofa, bed, or console table), the art should be 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture below it.

Formula: Measure the width of the furniture, then multiply it by 0.66 (2/3) and 0.75 (3/4) to determine the ideal size.

Example: For a sofa that’s 84 inches wide:

• Ideal art width: 84 x 0.66 = 55.44 inches to 84 x 0.75 = 63 inches.

3. Vertical vs. Horizontal Orientation

• Horizontal layout is best for wide walls or above long furniture (e.g., sofas, dining tables).

• Vertical layout is deal for narrow spaces like hallways or walls between windows or doors.

• Gallery walls combine vertical and horizontal pieces, but ensure the total width follows the same 2/3 to 3/4 furniture rule.

4. Spacing and Proportion

Leave at least 6-12 inches of space between the bottom of the art and the top of the furniture. For multi-piece arrangements, maintain a 2-4 inch gap between each piece to create a cohesive look.

Single Pieces vs. Gallery Walls

When deciding between a single statement piece or a gallery wall, it’s important to consider the size of your space, the effect you want to achieve, and the layout that best complements your room.

Single Statement Pieces

A single piece of wall art is perfect for creating a bold focal point in your space. It’s best for Large, blank walls where a single piece can stand out. Also, for above furniture like sofas, beds, fireplaces, or dining tables. Another is minimalistic spaces or rooms with clean, simple decor.

• For furniture: The width of the piece should be 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture.
• For empty walls: Cover 60-75% of the wall space.

Choose an oversized or large piece to make a dramatic statement. Hang the art at eye level, with the center of the piece about 58 inches from the floor. Use frames, materials, or colors that tie into the room’s overall design.

Gallery Walls

Gallery walls consist of multiple smaller pieces arranged together to cover a larger area.

"Don’t be afraid to mix different art styles—modern, abstract, and classic pieces can coexist beautifully to create an eclectic and unique look." - says Shea McGee.

Gallery walls are best for adding depth and variety to large or medium walls. Also, for narrow walls or staircases where multiple pieces can create a flowing effect. Gallery wall is also good for a mix of artwork, photos, and other decorative elements.

• The total width of the gallery should follow the 2/3 to 3/4 rule for furniture or 60-75% of the empty wall space.
• Leave 2-4 inches between each piece for balance.

Use a mix of vertical and horizontal pieces for visual interest. Plan the layout before hanging—use paper templates or a mockup to arrange the pieces. Stick to a cohesive color palette or theme to avoid a cluttered look.

If you want to add a unique piece to your room, browse our gallery of custom paintings made by expert artists.

Which to Choose?

• Go with a Single Piece if you want simplicity, bold impact, or have a smaller wall to decorate.
• Opt for a Gallery Wall if you want variety, have multiple smaller pieces, or need to fill a larger space with flexibility.

Expert Tips for Wall Art Placement

Proper placement is just as important as choosing the right size of wall art and you should follow rules like 58-inch rule. Even the perfect piece can feel off if it’s not hung correctly.

Follow the "58-Inch Rule" for Eye-Level Placement

Art looks best when its center is at eye level. The standard rule is to hang the center of the piece 58 inches from the floor, as this height aligns with the average human eye line. This rule works for most rooms and ensures your art is easily visible without straining your neck.

For gallery walls, treat the entire arrangement as a single "piece" and position the center of the grouping at 58 inches from the floor.

Space Art Correctly Above Furniture

When hanging art above furniture, leave 6 to 12 inches of space between the bottom of the art and the top of the furniture. This creates a natural visual connection between the furniture and the art, making the space look intentional and cohesive.

If you’re hanging a single oversized piece, aim for the lower end of this range (closer to 6 inches). For smaller pieces or gallery walls, lean toward the higher end of the range.

Balance Proportions with Furniture

Wall art should be proportional to the furniture it’s above. The ideal width of the art is 2/3 to 3/4 of the furniture’s width. For example, if your sofa is 90 inches wide, choose a piece of art that’s 60-67.5 inches wide.

"Artwork above a sofa or console should be approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture. This creates a balanced and visually pleasing effect." - says Emily Henderson, Interior Designer.

If you’re creating a gallery wall, the total width of the arrangement should follow the same proportion rule.

Keep Spacing Consistent in Gallery Walls

For multi-piece arrangements, leave 2 to 4 inches of space between each piece to create a cohesive, polished look. Consistent spacing ensures the arrangement feels intentional and not cluttered.

For larger gallery walls, start with the biggest piece in the center and build outward with smaller pieces, maintaining consistent gaps throughout.

Leave Room Between Art and Wall Edges

Avoid placing art too close to the edges of the wall. Leave at least 12-24 inches between the edge of the art and the wall's edge to create a balanced, open look. For smaller walls, adjust this margin proportionally to avoid overcrowding the space.

Test Placement Before Hanging

Before committing to a spot, lay your art on the floor or use paper templates to visualize the layout on the wall. This allows you to experiment with spacing and placement without putting unnecessary holes in the wall.

Adjust for Room-Specific Needs

In living rooms, wall art should align with seating arrangements, ensuring it feels connected to the furniture. In dining rooms, center art at eye level while seated. For staircases, follow the slope of the stairs with the placement.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wall art size and placement can completely transform your space. The perfect piece not only fills your walls but also ties your entire room together and creates balance and harmony. From understanding the standard sizes to learning how to measure and place your art, these guidelines ensure your wall art enhances your space rather than detracting from it.

It’s important to remember that wall art isn’t just about size, it’s also about personal expression. Whether you opt for a single oversized statement piece, a dynamic gallery wall, or a multi-panel arrangement, your art should reflect your style, taste, and the story you want your home to tell.

If you’re looking for something truly unique to add to your decor, why not consider a custom painting from a photo? Browse through our collection of handcrafted works created by our talented artists. You may find the perfect piece that not only fits your space but also adds a personal and artistic touch to your home.