Living with Art: How to Choose the Right Scale for Your Space
You have found a painting you love. Now comes the practical question: what size should it be? Scale is the difference between art that feels considered and art that feels like an afterthought.
The two-thirds rule
When hanging art above furniture — a sofa, bed or console — aim for artwork roughly two-thirds the width of the piece below it. A 210 cm sofa pairs well with art around 140 cm wide, either as one large canvas or a pair of works.
Eye level matters
Hang art so its centre sits around 145–152 cm from the floor — roughly average eye level. Above furniture, leave 20–25 cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame so the two feel connected.
Matching size to room
- Living rooms can usually carry a large statement piece. Horizontal canvases work well above long sofas.
- Bedrooms suit calmer, medium-sized work above the headboard.
- Hallways and stairs are perfect for vertical pieces or a series of smaller prints.
- Offices and reception areas benefit from bold, large work that sets the tone for visitors.
Orientation and the shape of the wall
Let the wall guide you. Wide, low walls call for horizontal (landscape) works; narrow walls between windows or doors suit vertical (portrait) pieces. Our collection includes both, and you can browse by orientation on the home page.
Try before you buy
Cut a sheet of paper or cardboard to the size you are considering and tape it to the wall for a day. You will quickly see whether it feels too timid or too dominant. Most people find they can go bigger than they first thought.
Gallery walls
If one large piece is not right, group several smaller works with consistent spacing of 5–8 cm between them. Treat the whole group as one piece and apply the two-thirds rule to the cluster.
Most of our prints come in several sizes, so you can choose the scale that suits your space. Explore the collection with your tape measure handy.