How to Choose the Right Size Art for Your Space
Staring at a blank wall and wondering what size art will actually look right? You're not alone—and I’ve got you.
Choosing the right size art for your space can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn’t have to be. In this post, I’m breaking it down room by room, giving you easy-to-follow tips, visual tricks, and sizing cheat sheets so you can finally feel confident choosing art that fits your space and your style.
Whether you're trying to figure out what size art goes above a sofa, bed, mantel, or hallway—you’ll find answers here. Let’s make that blank wall feel like you.
What Size Art Should I Get for My Wall?
First things first—there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Your wall, ceiling height, furniture, and personal style all play a role. But here’s a general rule of thumb:
👉 Your artwork should be about 2/3 the width of the furniture it's hanging above.
This gives it presence without overwhelming the space. From there, you can customize your layout based on room size and what feels balanced to you.
💡 Keep in mind: a frame will add a few extra inches to the final size — perfect if you're trying to fill more wall space.
✨ Quick Art Sizing Cheat Sheet
Use this as a starting point to figure out which size range fits your space:
8x10" or 11x14" — Great for shelves, gallery walls, or small nooks
16x20" or 18x24" — Versatile sizes that work well in pairs, on narrow walls, or above small furniture
24x36", 24x48" or 30x40" — Ideal for making a statement above a sofa, bed, or focal wall
36x48"+ — Best for large walls, high ceilings, or anchoring a spacious room
✨ Already have a spot in mind? Scroll down to see the most common layouts over sofas, beds, mantels, and more.
Best Art Sizes for Above Your Sofa
One of the most common questions I get is: "How big should the art be over my couch?"
A good rule is to pick artwork that spans around 60–75% of your sofa’s width. For a standard 96" couch, that means one large horizontal piece or a balanced pair.
Still unsure? You can browse my best-selling prints for pieces that are popular for sofa styling.
Art Sizing for Bedrooms
Queen Bed (60" wide):
Choose a single horizontal piece or a side-by-side pair. Sizes like 16x20, 24x36, or 24x48 look great above a queen headboard.
King Bed (76" wide):
You can go bigger or create a layout with multiple pieces. Try a 36x48, or three 18x24s side by side.
Want curated suggestions? Check out my neutral bedroom collection for calm, layered vibes.
Above the Mantel
Most fireplace mantels are around 60 inches wide, which means medium to large artwork works beautifully. You can hang a single piece, lean it for a casual feel, or layer with vases and sculptural elements.
💡 My tip? Keep the art centered, but don’t be afraid to play with asymmetry in the styling.
Small Walls, Hallways & Nooks
Don’t sleep on your in-between spaces! Hallways, corners, and narrow walls are perfect spots for art. Standard sizes like 11x14 or 16x20 work well on their own—or stacked vertically in a pair.
I love using these areas to showcase personal favorites or create unexpected moments. Try coastal prints for something fresh and light.
🪄 When in Doubt, Tape it Out
Here’s my golden rule: When in doubt, tape it out.
Grab some painter’s tape and outline the size you're considering directly on your wall. Step back and live with it for a day. It’s the easiest way to see what feels balanced in your space before you commit.
📝 Don’t forget to account for the frame size too! Frames can add 1–3 inches to the overall size of the art.
If it looks too small from across the room? It probably is.
Common Art Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Hanging art that’s too small for the space
Not centering it with the furniture or wall layout
My personal opinion: picking art that tries to match the room instead of choosing what you love
I’m a big believer in choosing art that feels personal—not just something that matches your pillows. Getting the size right should support that feeling, not stress you out.
You’re Ready to Pick the Right Size
Art sizing can feel overwhelming — but look at you now. You’ve got a visual guide, a cheat sheet, and a much clearer idea of what works where.
Now the fun part: picking the art itself.
Start with my best-selling prints— they’re easy to style and come in all the sizes shown above.
And if you’d love more decorating help (or first dibs on new work), join my email list for tips, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to releases.
FAQ: Art Sizing Tips
How big should art be over a sofa?
Ideally, 60–75% the width of the sofa. For a standard 8-foot couch, that means something around 48–72 inches wide.
Should art be centered on the wall or over furniture?
If the art is above furniture (like a sofa or bed), center it relative to the furniture—not necessarily the wall.
Is it better to go too big or too small?
Too small almost always feels off. If you’re in between sizes, it’s often better to go slightly larger—or tape it out first to test it.
What’s a good height to hang wall art?
A good starting point is to place the center of the artwork around 57–60 inches from the floor. But if it's above furniture, aim for 6–10 inches above the top edge.
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