Buying that beautiful piece of wall art for your bedroom is the fun part. Making sure it actually fits the space above your bed is a completely different thing. And it can get a little bit tricky. 

Choose an oversized piece, and it might completely overpower a small room, but picking something too small can also look awkward and get lost on a large, empty wall. 

So, it turns out that beyond choosing a piece for its aesthetics, you’ll also have to think about placement and proportion. And while this does not sound as fun, we have a few clever tricks up our sleeves to share and help you choose the perfect wall art size for every room.

How to Size Wall Art Like a Pro

Let’s take that guesswork and anxiety out of the measuring process. Here are some simple steps you can follow so you know you’re on the right track:

Measure Your Wall

Just before you head out to pick your next find, test out the size on your wall. Take masking tape and use it to outline the dimensions you’re considering. It’s a simple step that’ll give you a bit more clarity and a real-world sense of scale so you can picture exactly how the piece will sit in your space. If you don’t have tape, a pencil outline works just as well (just make sure it’s easy to erase!). 

Calculate the Ideal Width Range

If you’re not convinced of your sense of proportion, a good rule of thumb is to aim for your art to take up between 60% and 75% of the available wall width. 

How to do it? It’s simple Math. Measure your wall width and multiply it by 0.6 and 0.75. The results are your ideal range. 

Don't Forget the Frame!

If you’re planning on buying unframed art, you’ll have to account for the extra size the frame (and possibly matting) will add. Don’t underestimate this step, as it can increase the dimensions quite a bit. 

Take the time to map things out and visualise your wall art on your wall before committing to a purchase. It will make the process and styling much, much easier. 

Wall Art Placement & Styling 

You want to jazz things up in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Well, size will matter for the styling just as much as the colour palette will. When you nail the right proportions, the eyes will be naturally drawn to the piece upon entering the room. It will also anchor your furniture and make everything feel intentional. 

Here’s how to get it right:

• Above a sofa: If you want to hang artwork above a piece of furniture (sofa, sideboard), aim for the artwork to be around 2/3 the width of the furniture below. This is how you’ll strike the right balance and make the new wall art piece a cohesive part of the room, be it one bold piece or a trio. 

• Hallways & Narrow Space: Vertical prints are your best friend in such tight spots. They’ll help you elongate the space and create a good feeling of flow. But keep the spacing between each piece nice, and even so, everything looks well put together and makes your hallway more welcoming.

• Gallery walls: Mix things up! Combine small, medium, and large frames to add more interest and depth. And don’t be afraid to blend different media, like photographs, illustrations, and prints, and vary your frames for an extra bit of character. This personalised gallery wall will look great in living rooms, staircases, and bedrooms.

Additional Hanging Wall Art Tips

Apart from size and styling, how you hang your wall art can also make a ton of difference. Here are some extra tips to help you navigate this step and get the most out of your wall decor:

Keep Things at Eye-Level

If you’re hanging a single piece of art, place the centre of the artwork at eye level, which would be around 57 to 60 inches from the floor for most people. Yes, it’s a small detail, but the natural light of sight it creates can really help your art pop and feel effortlessly placed. 

Think About Room Function

The function of the space you’re decorating should also guide the kind of art you choose to complement it. Large, vibrant pieces work well in living rooms and social spaces, bringing more energy into these rooms. Bedrooms, however, benefit from softer, calming artwork that adds to the restful mood. Hallways and transition areas are perfect for subtle prints that captivate the eye.

Go Big With Oversized Art 

Are you a fan of bold statements? Then, turn your attention to the big, vibrant, oversized wall art corner. A large abstract canvas is all you need to anchor the whole space without making it feel cluttered. But it’s important to choose a frame that ties nicely with your existing decor. Or go frameless. That’s best for textured canvas and a more laid-back, boho vibe. Whatever you choose to do, oversized art is drama done right. 

Use Pairs and Trios

Match a set of two or three prints to fill horizontal wall spaces with style. You can go for a curated set from our gallery wall collection or find the perfect pair of two. Feeling extra creative? Mix and match your favourite pieces together so you express your personal taste. Regardless, remember to keep the spacing even between each print for clean, polished final results!

Wall Art Sized Done Right

If choosing the right size wall art felt overwhelming at the beginning, now you know it’s really just about taking into account balance and proportions and taking the time for a bit of planning. Once you’ve done all this, you’ll find pieces that fit beautifully in your home, bringing out your unique personality from every corner. 

Tape it, trust your instincts and let your walls tell you what size of art they need to shine.