You've found your dream print. The one that would tie your whole room together and help you complete your vision. But is it too big? Large wall art can make a stunning addition to a space, but many are put off by the scale.

You may feel that a large art piece could dominate the room, take up valuable wall space, or that you don't know how to style it.

If you've fallen into the trap of playing it safe, understanding wall placement and interior design principles can make styling oversized wall art feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity for self-expression.

Choosing the Right Position 

When placing your art, the position is just as important as the size. The general rule of thumb is to place a print at eye level, which, on average, means hanging it so that the midpoint is 57-60 inches from the floor. To find the middle, measure the height and width of your artwork, then divide each by 2. The intersection of these two lines marks the centre. You should also factor in proportion and grouping when styling your wall art.

Don’t Forget Proportion

Two-thirds to three-quarters of your wall space should be devoted to artwork and decoration. This is why it's often best to go for one large piece, as you can meet these requirements without worrying about spacing or combining multiple pieces of art.

Consider Grouping Pieces

Depending on the size and shape of your wall, you may want to group 2 to 3 tall prints rather than one large frame to ensure proper spacing.

Look Before You Leap

While these methods are useful, they may not work for your room.  For example, you may plan to hang your print above a sofa or a side table. For this placement, the frame should hang 8" to 10" above the back of the sofa. Though there are exceptions to this, it’s best to visualise before committing. You can create a representation of your artwork by taping kraft paper to the wall with masking tape to preview the finished look. You can also download an augmented reality app that allows you to digitally preview art on your wall.

Ultimately, you know your space better than anyone else, and some artwork may look better at different heights, so don't be afraid to experiment until it feels right.

Which Art Style Works Best for Large Wall Art?

With the right approach, the right room, decor, and framing choice, most mediums work well when they fill a wall, as you leave space for all details to be noticed and appreciated.

Here are some art styles that really shine as large statement pieces:

• Abstract paintings with bold shapes and vibrant colours. The energy of these pieces is best showcased when they cover a whole wall.

• Landscapes and cityscapes become more immersive when scaled up.

• Contemporary pieces and mixed-media art. Modern works and 3D pieces benefit from scaling up, allowing their textures and shapes to be fully appreciated.
  

Extra Large Wall Art for Living Room: Fresh Placement Ideas

The living room is perfect for statement art, but challenges include displaying on walls with a TV and choosing versatile lighting that shows your art at its best.

If you have a wall-mounted TV, try a diptych (one piece of artwork split across two frames) and place it on either side of the TV. You can also go for one full-length piece on one side, paired with a gallery wall on the other. If you opt for this, make sure your gallery wall is the same size as the lone print. You can also hang a single piece of art 5-10 inches above the TV.

You should also consider leaning artwork against a wall, either on the floor (great for loft spaces) or propped against a mantle for a curated but cosy vibe. You can also partially hide artwork behind leafy plants for a layered feel that adds depth and intrigue.

For narrow rooms, floor-to-ceiling pieces make the room feel wider, and your ceilings feel higher when a tall piece is placed on the wall.

Combine with Smaller Pieces

If you’re drawn to larger pieces but worried that it will limit your options, try the anchor piece approach. By doing this, you get the immersion and joy of a larger piece by using it as a foundation to build smaller elements and variety around.

Combining sizes also helps you fill space and keep things fresh without the rigidity of traditional symmetry, making your home feel less corporate and more inviting.

Try Mixing Elements

Pair oversized prints with textiles to add softness or mirrors and sculptural elements for a more opulent feel.

Blend Frame Styles

Include a selection of frame styles if you prefer a maximalist aesthetic that favours extravagance and variety. View our selection of frames to find styles that complement expansive prints without competing for attention.

By creating a gallery wall with large art as a focal point, layering textures and coordinating colours, you can feature a central piece without hiding smaller artworks. Take a look at our gallery wall art  for inspiration and prints to complement your home.
Triptychs and diptychs also work beautifully. Splitting one large image into multiple panels adds interest and sophistication. They're also great for awkward walls, as you can space the artwork to get proportional coverage.

Colour and Pattern Techniques

Oversized wall art can help to cement your colour identity. If you've chosen a single palette for your home, a large picture in that colour makes a statement and lets you weave in other shades to add depth. Picture this: you’re trialling pink monochrome décor and find a print in the perfect hue. Build on this by adding pastels to curtains and soft furnishings, and deeper shades for accessories like lampshades, vases, and cushions.

Framing

The right frame can make or break larger pieces. For contemporary spaces, consider going frameless to let the artwork speak for itself and create a clean, modern impact. Floating frames work beautifully to enhance this effect.

When you frame, consider whether you want the frame to enhance or recede. Thick, ornate frames add drama and weight to traditional pieces, while slim frames in black or natural wood keep the focus on modern prints. For extra-large pieces, skip the mounting board. It can make the artwork feel smaller and break up the visual flow.

Beyond the Living Room: Unexpected Spaces for Large-Scale Art

While extra-large wall art for living rooms keeps things spacious and makes a statement, it's not the only use for sprawling artwork.

A large hallway print makes a bold first impression and warmly welcomes you and your guests. Similarly, your dining room is a fantastic space to welcome loved ones and build relationships.

Try placing a large landscape or abstract piece in your bathroom to make it feel bigger and add a touch of luxury to an often-forgotten room.

Now, take a walk around your home and look at it with fresh eyes to see which spaces could benefit from that statement piece you didn't think you had room for.

Choose the House Outfit for Large Wall Art for Your Home

At first, going for one large art piece might feel restrictive, but it actually opens up a world of creative freedom by making a statement and adding interest to your space, serving as a source of inspiration for the rest of your decor.

Experiment with placement, play with unexpected combinations, and remember that the "rules" are just starting points. Your space is yours to shape.

Not sure where to start? Explore our wall art, gallery walls, and picture frame collections to find the perfect pieces to make your home feel truly yours.