The Ultimate Wall Art Size Guide For Hand-Painted Canvases

Sophistication oozes out of every pore of beautifully painted artwork. They bring style, elegance, color, and vibrance to a room, infusing it with life and energy. 

If that’s what you want to achieve, you can’t make a mistake when purchasing oversized art, except that other people won’t like it as much as you (who cares in this case), or you’ve chosen the wrong size for your wall space.

This can be a pretty bad problem, taking away the effect you hoped to create and leaving you with an odd-looking space. 

With this helpful guide, you’ll have the confidence to choose an artwork that’s appropriate for the wall space and surrounding elements, ensuring the entire room pulses with creative energy. 

Common wall art sizes and ideal uses

Every interior designer who’s ever walked into a room devoid of artwork is asked a common question: What size artwork do I need to hang above my sofa, table, or bed? As we’ve already mentioned, it’s a valid question because choosing the right size is critical for creating the effect you want. 

Small (under 24”)

Smaller sized wall art is ideal for a gallery wall or on a small space such as a narrow hallway. Hanging wall art above small pieces of furniture, such as an armchair or chest of drawers, will act as a focal point. 

Smaller framed art can also be grouped together on a large empty wall e.g., multiple canvases that make up one cohesive painting are interesting to look at and great conversation starters. With all wall art sizes, they should only occupy between 65-70% of the available wall space. 

Total wall space needed: 34” - 37”

Medium (24” - 36”)

This is a good size for new wall art in an entryway, dining room, or living room. Turn it into a statement piece or have it as part of a larger collection throughout your home. Framed prints allow the art piece to have more weight, making it eye-catching. 

Abstract art is an ideal choice for medium-sized artwork. Landscape abstract artworks are especially popular in modern living spaces because they provide a sense of calm and tranquility in a fast-paced world.

Total wall space needed: 34” - 55”

Paints Lab - Pink Sunset Painting

Large (36” - 48”)

Qualifying as large wall art, canvases up to 48” begin to stamp their presence on any blank wall. Oversized wall art is meant to make an impact, so go ahead and place your artwork where everyone will notice: above a deluxe sofa, over a fireplace, or as the statement piece in your dining room. This size artwork works best in open plan spaces and with higher ceilings.  

Total wall space needed: 51” - 74”

Extra Large (> 48”)

Extra large wall art is the ultimate luxury in choosing wall art. This size will complement minimalist interiors well because it will add visual weight and a striking focal point. Be aware that you will need to anchor this size painting properly with appropriate hardware to prevent damage to the wall.  

Total wall space needed: 69” - 92”

Paints Lab offers an exquisite collection of abstract and graffiti art up to 85 inches. Their handpainted artworks are a worthy investment for any home and can be ordered online with free shipping worldwide. 

Size-to-furniture ratio guide

Ensuring wall art is proportional to the furniture it is placed above is crucial to achieving a balanced and visually appealing arrangement. Here’s a quick reference for recommended proportions:

The artwork should be around two-thirds the furniture’s width, and you must leave 6-12 inches of space between the artwork and the furniture for a balanced look. You can think of furniture as the platform that will elevate the artwork.

To achieve this balance, the visual weight of the artwork must equal the visual weight of the furniture, and this is achieved by keeping the two-thirds ratio.

The height at which you hang your art is equally important because interior design principles are thrown out the window by hanging the canvas too high above the furniture. This applies to smaller prints, multiple pieces, and large artwork. If you want an aesthetically pleasing scene, bring the room elements together by hanging your art at the right height. 

A standard approach is somewhere between 6-8 inches above a furniture piece, such as a large sofa. This provides the perfect dimensions for visual connection. 

Paints Lab - Grey Haze Abstract Wall Art

In the above image you see representations of different size art in relation to the wall space and the furniture. Each artwork is perfectly in proportion to the wall width and complements the color palette.

For some hanging artwork above a bed can feel opulent and unnecessary since this is where you spend most of the time sleeping, but there is no reason for this concern.  Hanging art where you want it is part of the pleasure - you can do whatever will make you happy. 

Orientation and layout tips

Orientation

Orientation refers to how an artwork will hang. In the art worl,d this is referred to as portrait (vertical), landscape (horizontal), or square. 

Layout

Spacing is the next big element when it comes to artwork size and how you intend to hang it. This is especially important for multiple pieces. Bear in mind that the parts (smaller artwork) need to make up a whole (bigger picture), and achieving this requires attention to spacing. 

In the art world, two terms are used to describe paintings that consist of more than one panel, namely diptychs & triptychs.

• • Diptych: A two-panel artwork
  • Triptych: A three-plus panel artwork

Larger rooms are ideal for a triptych. An ideal spacing of between 2-4 inches is considered correct, regardless of the size of the blank space you’re working with. Therefore, it’s important to measure the total area of your wall space, dividing this by the number of panels (including spacing). This will provide a well-balanced visual effect.
 

This image provides you with an example of how keeping the individual pieces closely spaced together gives you the idea that this is one scene. Even the placing of the individual prints has been deliberately done to ensure flow and a cohesive picture.

How to measure a wall for your new artwork

Width and height measurements

To measure a wall for your new artwork, start by determining the total width and height of the space where you plan to hang the piece. Use a measuring tape to get precise dimensions, ensuring you measure from one end of the wall to the other. 

If the artwork will be placed above furniture, measure from the top of the furniture to the ceiling to understand the available vertical space. Keep in mind that artwork should only take up about 65-70% of the wall width for the best proportional balance. 

Once you have your measurements, calculate the ideal artwork width by multiplying the wall width by 0.65 and 0.70 to get the lower and upper range of suitable sizes. The same principle applies to height if you want a well-balanced piece that fits comfortably within the space.

Spacing and placement

Next, consider spacing and placement. If the artwork is part of a gallery wall, divide the total width into sections based on how many pieces you plan to include, allowing for 2-4 inches between each.

• • For a single piece, ensure it is centered within the available space and aligned at eye level—typically 57-60 inches from the floor.
  • If the piece is going above furniture, leave between 6-12 inches of space between the bottom of the artwork and the furniture top. 

Factoring in these measurements will help create a visually pleasing and well-proportioned display.

Paints Lab - New World Abstract Wall Art

Hand-painted artwork sizes with examples

Looking for the best place to buy hand-painted art online?

Whether you’re an interior designer, homeowner, or a business person looking for beautifully crafted and unique art pieces, you can find a unique collection of work at Paints Lab. 

100% hand-painted oil canvases with or without framing can be yours within 10-15 days. Their pieces are not embellished prints, and the artist signs every piece of work after completion at the back of the canvas, proving authenticity.

Paints Lab is committed to bringing beautiful and unique pieces to every home, making it possible for every budget to afford one of their pieces. View their entire collection now. 

The art of perfect sizing

Choosing the right size of hand-painted canvas for your home is essential for achieving a well-balanced and visually appealing space. Wall art should complement the dimensions of the wall, furniture, and surrounding decor, with the ideal width being approximately 65-70% of the available wall space. 

This guide provided a comprehensive breakdown of common artwork sizes, from small pieces perfect for gallery walls to extra-large statement pieces suited for minimalist interiors. It also covered essential design principles, such as ensuring artwork is proportional to furniture, maintaining proper spacing, and choosing the correct orientation for different rooms.

With this knowledge, you can confidently select and hang wall art that enhances your home’s atmosphere, ensuring it becomes a striking focal point that reflects your personal style.