Choosing the Perfect Print Size for Your Space

Selecting the right size for your wall art is both an art and a science. The goal? To create harmony between your artwork, furniture, and the room itself. Whether you’re enhancing a cosy corner or making a statement in a large space, this guide will help you confidently choose a print size that fits beautifully.

Step 1: Match It to Your Furniture

If your print will be hanging above furniture, the furniture sets the stage. To keep things proportional, follow the two-thirds rule:

  • Your print should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it
  • This creates balance and ensures the print feels connected to the space, rather than floating awkwardly

    Examples:

    • A 2-metre sofa (6.5 feet) pairs beautifully with artwork that’s 1.3 to 1.5 metres wide (4-5 feet)
    • A 1.5-metre console table (5 feet) works perfectly with a print around 1 metre wide (3.3 feet)

      Step 2: Give It Some Breathing Room

      Spacing matters. To make your art look intentional and not squished, leave a little gap:

      • 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom edge of your print
        This gap creates visual clarity and allows the artwork to shine without overwhelming the furniture.

        Step 3: Standalone Walls

        If you’re working with a blank wall and no furniture below, let your artwork stand out as the room’s focal point. To achieve this:
        • Choose a print that covers 40-60% of the wall’s width
        But keep it practical: Prints wider than 1.5 metres (5 feet) can be challenging to handle, so aim for something manageable unless your space can truly accommodate oversized art.
        Example:
        • A 3-metre wall (10 feet) will look stunning with a print around 1.2 to 1.5 metres wide (4-5 feet)
          For larger allow, consider adding smaller prints or a gallery arrangement to fill the space in a cohesive way.

          Step 4: Choosing the Right Size

          Here’s how standard print sizes fit into different spaces:

          Small Prints (20x16 inches / 40x50 cm)

          • Perfect for hallways, nooks, or as part of a gallery wall
          • Works well above small furniture like side tables or desk

            Medium Prints (30x20 inches / 76x50 cm)

              • A versatile size for bedrooms, smaller feature walls, or above narrow furniture like a console table

                Large Prints (40x30 inches / 101x76 cm)

                • A bold choice for above sofas, beds, or dining tables
                • Ideal for creating a central feature in a room without overwhelming the space

                  Extra-Large Prints (60x40 inches / 152x101 cm)

                    • A dramatic, show-stopping size for spacious walls or open-plan rooms
                    • Best for rooms where you can step back and admire its full impact

                      Collector’s Edition Size (75x50 inches / 1905x1270 mm) - or larger

                      • The ultimate statement piece for grand spaces
                      • Perfect for wide, open walls or areas with high ceilings where its scale can be fully appreciated
                      • Creates a striking focal point that transforms any space into a gallery-worthy display

                       

                      Step 5: Viewing Distance Matters

                      To truly appreciate your print, the ideal viewing distance depends on its size:

                      • Small Prints: Best viewed from 1-2 metres (3-6 feet)
                      • Medium Prints: Best viewed from 2-3 metres (6-10 feet)
                      • Large Prints: Best viewed from 3-4 metres (10-13 feet)
                      • Extra-Large Prints: Best viewed from 4-5 metres (13-16 feet)
                      • Collector’s Edition Size: Best viewed from 5-6 metres (16-20 feet).

                        This ensures you can enjoy both the fine details and the overall visual impact of the piece.

                        Step 6: Test Before You Commit

                        Before finalising your choice:

                        • Use painter’s tape or paper cutouts to mark the size on your wall
                        • Step back and see how it feels in proportion to your furniture and space

                          This quick test ensures your artwork will look just right before you invest.

                          Bringing It All Together

                          Choosing the perfect size for your wall art is about achieving balance and creating harmony in your space. Whether it’s a standout piece above your sofa or a bold addition to a blank wall, the right proportions make all the difference:

                          • Use the two-thirds rule to complement your furniture seamlessly
                          • For standalone walls, aim for 40-60% coverage to create a striking focal point
                          • Keep viewing distances in mind to fully appreciate the detail and impact of your artwork

                            At NDjin Gallery, we’re passionate about helping you transform your walls with prints that suit your style, space, and vision. Whether you’re choosing a timeless single print or exploring bespoke options, we’re here to help you create something truly extraordinary. Let’s make your walls unforgettable.