In interior design, we don’t just choose artwork that complements the colours in our homes. We also choose it in terms of size, as size can also affect the ambience and visual harmony of a room.
Knowing how to choose the right picture size can elevate your aesthetic, restore balance, and even enhance the overall mood of your space. You can select one large statement piece or carefully arrange gallery wall art – it doesn’t matter; the scale of your artwork should be in tune with the proportions of the room and its furniture.
But how do you get the sizing right? In this article, we guide you into confidently selecting the perfect artwork size for your home to achieve the ideal, cohesive environment.
Start with Wall Size & Proportions
First things first, we measure the height and width of the space where you plan to hang the piece. This will give you a clear understanding of the proportions and limits you are working with.
Once these are measured, determine the ideal scale for your pictures relative to the wall size. A general rule of thumb is to aim for your artwork to occupy around two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall width. This creates balance without overwhelming the space.
You could even incorporate larger or multiple pieces if you have a large wall. Small walls, however, will benefit from a single, thoughtfully scaled artwork.
Visual Balance Relies on the Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is a fundamental principle that can also be found in photography. It helps create visual balance by simply dividing your space into a 3×3 grid, horizontally and vertically. You can place your key elements along these lines or at their intersections.
Applying this principle to picture placement encourages positioning the focal point slightly off-centre rather than in the middle of the wall. This is intentional, and it creates a more dynamic, engaging composition.
Regarding picture sizing, the rule can guide how large or small your artwork should be relative to the wall and surrounding furniture.
Groupings vs Single Large Picture
It is quite straightforward: a single large piece works well on spacious walls or areas where you want to make a bold statement; smaller walls prefer groupings of pictures. Gallery walls, grids, or carefully arranged clusters allow for a variety and create opportunities to showcase a collection of artworks that work together thematically and stylistically.
If you arrange multiple wall art pieces, keep the spacing consistent to achieve a cohesive look. Consider using frames of similar style or colour so everything is tied nicely together.
Use Furniture and Room Features as a Guide
The walls cannot only speak and guide you to the right artwork size. You can also rely on your furniture.
For example, when you hang a picture above a sofa or table, consider the scale of the furniture piece and aim for the artwork to be proportional to it. Typically, the picture’s width should be around two-thirds the width of the furniture piece it hands above.
Architectural features like windows or doors can also help with your picture placement. Try to align your artwork’s top or bottom edges with these features to create symmetry and flow. Considering the rest of the room is a way to ensure your piece fits naturally into your space without competing with the other elements in your home.
Eye Level & Viewing Distance
Now that you have measured and scaled everything perfectly, it is time to hang your piece. Eye-level height is what you are aiming for. The standard guideline is to place the artwork’s centre about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This aligns with the average person’s eye level so that the artwork can be viewed without straining the neck.
However, viewing distance also plays a role in determining the ideal picture size. For larger spaces or walls where the viewer may be standing farther away, a larger piece may be needed to maintain visual impact. However, for areas where viewers are closer to the wall, smaller pieces or a series of pictures may be more appropriate.
More Practical Tips for Hanging Your Art
If you want to achieve that professional look, we advise you to use a level to ensure the picture is straight and a tape measure to mark the precise location of the hanging hardware. To ensure the artwork is centred, measure the distance from the edges of the picture to its sides and align it with the centre of the wall or the furniture below.
If you’re hanging multiple pieces, you can use painter’s tape to outline the arrangement on the wall. Visualising the layout before committing to any holes is an excellent way.
Want to be even more precise? Consider using picture hanging strips or a hanging system, which will make it easier to adjust the positioning without damaging the wall.
Perfecting Picture Placement
Follow our tips, and before you know it, you will be able to achieve perfect wall art harmony and seamlessly elevate the aesthetic of your home. Our practical tips are an industry secret that never fails to transform how we appreciate art in our homes.
