the ultimate wall art size guide

When it comes to canvas wall art, canvas size matters a lot! Even the most beautiful piece of artwork can look awkward when the size isn’t right for your space.  Whether you prefer a single-panel, framed print, or you want to create a dynamic gallery wall, the dimensions of your wall art can make or break your interior. Your wall art should be eye-catching, aesthetically pleasing, and well-balanced. If it’s too big, your room can look cluttered and overcrowded. On the other hand, if your print is too small, your space will look unsettling and incomplete.

To give you the best ability to choose the perfect dimensions for your space, we’ve put together the ultimate wall art size guide. Ensure your art fits with your decor, and use this comprehensive article to help you select the right size of wall art for your home. 

The Benefits of Large Canvas Art

Large wall art is the easiest way to give your home a brand-new look without committing to any major renovations or high-cost projects. Hang a large piece of wall art in the center of your space to tie together your entire interior. If you need a simple way to complete a color palette, choose an oversized print that includes the various hues throughout your room. Large artwork is also a great way to set the tone for your space. Meaning, if you want your interior to lean contemporary, choose a modern print. For a more traditional look, opt for an oversized piece of classic art. Large wall art is key when curating a high-end home. Nothing screams “luxury” quite like an artistic focal point. However, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get this striking look. Wall art can be affordable and eye-catching. Plus, it’s a great alternative for rentals if you want to make some aesthetic upgrades but you don’t want to sacrifice your security deposit.

Large Canvas Sizes:

We’ll get into the nitty gritty of our top picks for large canvas art, but here are a few dimensions to consider for your space:

92”x42” Five-Panel Symmetrical Canvas

84”x54” Four-Panel Wave Canvas

80”x40” Five-Piece Wave Canvas

65”x42” Tri-Panel Triptych Canvas

48”x32” Single-Panel Canvas

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wall art size chart

    The Fundamental Sizing Rules

    The two basic rules outlined below are a foolproof way to ensure you order the right size print. Although they require a little math, the equations are worth the effort – trust us!

    Hanging Wall Art on An Empty Wall

    If you’re choosing wall art for a predominantly empty wall, your wall art should take up about 60% to 75% of the available empty wall space (the portion not covered by moldings or furniture). The first step is to measure the height and width of the wall. Next, multiply the measurements by both 0.6 and 0.75. As a result, you will get the best range of canvas print sizes to suit your unique space.

    For example, if your blank wall is 9 feet tall and 5 feet wide, multiply 9 by 0.6 to get the low end of the ideal height range. Then, multiply 9 by 0.75 to get the high end of the ideal height range. Do the same for your wall's 5 feet width. The ideal height of the canvas would be 5.4 - 6.75 and the ideal width would be 3 feet - 3.75 feet.

    what size art for wall

    Hanging Artwork Above Furniture

    Wall art that you want to hang over furniture, such as a fireplace, a bed or a couch, should be between 2/3 and 3/4 of the furniture's width. To measure the ideal art size above your furniture, consider this example: If your couch is 6 feet wide, multiply it by 0.66 and 0.75. You would need a canvas between 3.96 feet and 4.5 feet wide to fit impressively above the couch.

    Pro Tip: Big Canvas Wall Art

    When in doubt, choose a size bigger than your original estimate! Choosing wall art that is too small is a classic amateur mistake. Follow this tip from our guide on how to hang wall art the most professional way:

    “Sometimes bigger really is better, and that rings true when it comes to large wall art! While you may not want a print to overwhelm your space, homeowners tend to pick pieces that are too small. For example, if you’re hanging a piece of art above a credenza, the canvas should be almost as wide as the piece of furniture itself! A print that is too small can look awkward and misplaced. Whereas a well-proportioned piece of large wall art can transform your space in seconds.”

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    Explore Popular Wall Art Sizes

    Discover the most popular wall art sizes depending on your interior goals:

    The Classic Single Panel

    If you’re a traditionalist at heart, consider our classic single-panel prints. These pieces of artwork can be purchased as a framed print or an unframed canvas; it’s up to you! If you’re stumped on sizing, or the equations above don’t work for your specific space, consider one of our larger, horizontal single-panel sizes: 48”x32”. Keep in mind that our multi-panel pieces of artwork come in even larger dimensions, which are ideal for a space with higher ceilings or a wider empty wall. You can also use this as a base for an oversized gallery wall, and hang smaller prints around it!

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    wall art size guide

    Three Panels for Narrow Spaces

    If you’re decorating a hallway or narrow space, we’ve got you covered! For homeowners who don’t have the space for an extra-large canvas, tall vertical wall art is right up your alley! Our three-panel vertical prints add a trendy twist to the classic layout. wall art that measures 36 inches by 75 inches in height and width can create a polished, classic look in your hallway or foyer. From inspirational quotes, to abstract artwork, add a splash of style to even the most unconventional spaces.

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    wall art sizing guide

    Foolproof Four-Panel Layout

    If you’re unsure about which layout best fits your style, you can’t go wrong with the four-panel layout. Choose between a symmetrical shape, or our ever-popular, dynamic “wave” layout. If you go for the foolproof wave, the oversized 84”x54” size will make a major statement. While it may seem expansive, it’s hard to overdo it when it comes to oversized wall art. It’s always better to choose a size that’s on the larger side than the smaller size.

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    wall art sizes

    Five-Panel Statement Piece – EXTRA Large Wall Art!

    Looking for an even BIGGER statement piece? Go with our five-panel print in 92”x42”. This stunning, eye-catching piece of oversized wall art is ideal if you want a single piece of decor to transform your entire interior. It’s also a super easy way to tie your entire room together without taking up any floor space.

    Large Pictures for Living Room Walls

    The five-piece, 92”x42” layout is perfect for a large, modern living room. If you have a large sectional or sofa, you can dare to break the over-the-furniture rule we outlined above for a bold, contemporary look. At the end of the day, modern decor is all about taking chances. As long as you use these tips as a guideline, the rules are meant to be bent (but not broken!)

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    wall art size

    Large Canvas Wall Art: Six-Panels

    If five-panels aren’t enough for your interior, we also offer six! Two trios are stacked on top of each other to create a dynamic, six-piece look. This layout is one of the hottest picks of the year. If you’re looking for an ultra-trendy way to fill space, the six-panel unframed canvas set is right up your alley. Choose between six panels of the same image, or six separate designs that complement one another. You can select a horizontal layout in our “chess” style format, or a vertical layout we call, “stacked.” The layout you choose should be dependent on what space you are trying to fill. For example, if you want to hang your six-piece print over a large piece of furniture, go with the horizontal style. For a large hallway or room with high ceilings, opt for the vertical layout.

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    How big should art be on a wall

    Our Brand-New Framed Wall Art Options

    As an alternative to our canvas prints, we have several sizes available for traditional framed artwork. The sizing for our framed prints is a little different than our canvases, so it’s important to determine which dimensions best suit your space. Framed artwork tends to be slightly smaller than canvas prints, but it comes with a mat and a thick frame to make the print pop. While the image itself might be smaller, a frame can still make a bold statement in your space. We offer the following sizes:

    18" X 14" – Ideal for adding a subtle accent to a compact space. You can also use this size as a part of a gallery wall.

    21" X 16" – This is another great option for a small space. If you have an area above a small desk that’s lacking a splash of style, consider this size.

    30" X 22" – This is a fairly standard size, perfect for a hallway or

    36" X 26" – While not oversized, this is a great size to hang above a loveseat or credenza.

    42" X 30" – This is our largest frame option. If you love the look of a framed print but you don’t want to sacrifice size, go with these dimensions.

    P.S. We just dropped new frame color options to match any room in your home. Choose from black, white, natural wood, gold, or silver.

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    best wall art size guide

    Discover More Technical Wall Art Tips

     Now that you have a solid grasp on selecting the best size wall art, the technical considerations don’t end there! Choosing the ideal size for your space is just one of several elements that make up a well-designed interior. For example, after you’ve chosen your size and layout, learn how to hang a multi-panel print the RIGHT way. Need help selecting a color palette? Check out our article on the classic 60-30-10 decorating rule. For more trending topics and decor ideas, visit our inspiration blog.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is a good size to choose for wall art?

    A: The right size wall art is entirely dependent on two things: the size of the respective wall, and the furniture in its vicinity. Using our foolproof equation above, you can easily determine the best size wall art for your unique space. If you’re still stumped, try visualizing your new wall art by putting pencil marks on the wall you want to fill. A “good size” is personal, and it’s ultimately up to your own taste and design goals. Equally as important as the size, is how and where you hang your wall art.

    Q: How do I choose the right size of wall art?

    A: First, decide on which layout you want to go with. The format and number of panels will determine which sizes are available to you, and how to arrange your print. Use our wall art size equation (in the article above) to get an estimate for how wide and tall your ideal print should be. Also consider whether you want to add a subtle splash of decor to your space, or you want to create a main focal point. If you’re opting for a statement piece, order a size bigger than your initial inclination.

    Q: How large should art look on a wall?

    A: As mentioned above, wall art should take up about 60-70% of the available wall space to achieve a home that looks professionally decorated. Avoid an amateur look by airing on the side of caution with a larger piece of wall art. If you’re hanging your artwork above furniture, make sure your print is between 2/3 and 2/4 the furniture’s overall width. Any smaller and your art will appear awkward and misplaced.

    Q: What is the most popular wall art size?

    A: The most popular wall art size is entirely dependent on your chosen layout. You can choose between a horizontal or vertical print, both framed or unframed. In addition, you can opt for a multi-piece print with symmetrical or asymmetrical panels. Wall art is not “one size fits all” so it’s important to do your own measurements depending on the layout you have your eye on, especially if you’re wanting to fill a large space.

    Q: When is a picture too big for a wall?

    A: While it’s difficult to go too big with your wall art, it is possible! There are a few tricks you can apply to make sure your print won’t overwhelm your space. You want to make sure your wall art is at least a foot from the edge of the wall to the edge of your print. If you don’t have enough room to leave a foot on each side, your artwork is too wide for your space.

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