Choosing Art for your space

Jan 27

Choosing the Right-Sized Art for Your Wall

This guide is designed for art collectors to confidently choose the right size and placement of artwork for their spaces. Keep this handy before making your next purchase!

1) Measure Your Wall Dimensions

How to Measure: Use a measuring tape to determine the width and height of your wall in centimeters (cm).
Choose the Right Size: Your artwork should cover 60–75% of the wall’s width for the best visual balance.

Example: For a wall 300cm wide, look for artwork 180–225 cm wide.
For taller walls (e.g., 250 cm), ensure the height of the artwork complements the space but leaves some blank space for balance.

Breathing Room: Leave 15–20 cm of empty space around the edges of the artwork to avoid a cramped look. After hanging the artwork, there should be an empty margin (15–20 cm) of wall space between the edges of the artwork and nearby objects, like furniture, other artworks, or the edges of the wall itself.

2) Match the Scale of Furniture

Above Furniture (e.g., Sofa, Bed, Console Table):

The artwork should be about two-thirds to three-fourths the width of the furniture.
Example: For a sofa 210 cm wide, choose artwork 140–160 cm wide.

Stand-Alone Walls: For empty walls, choose a larger piece or a gallery wall that fills most of the open space.

3) Select the Right Orientation

Horizontal Walls: Use wide or landscape-oriented artwork.
Vertical Walls: Opt for portrait-oriented pieces, such as 60–90 cm wide and 120–150 cm tall.
Gallery Walls: Combine smaller pieces to create an arrangement that fills the space beautifully.

4) Hang Art at the Ideal Height

Eye-Level Placement: Hang the artwork so its center is 145–155 cm from the floor—this is eye level for most people.
Above Furniture: Leave 15–20 cm of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the artwork.

5) Standard Size Guidelines

Here are common artwork sizes and where they fit best:
Small Pieces: 30 x 45 cm to 50 x 70 cm (ideal for kitchens or hallways).
Medium Pieces: 60 x 90 cm to 80 x 120 cm (great for bedrooms or smaller living rooms).
Large Pieces: 100 x 150 cm or larger (perfect for spacious living rooms or standalone walls).

6) Visualize Before You Buy

Painter’s Tape: Mark the artwork’s dimensions on your wall using tape to visualize its placement.
Apps: Use augmented reality tools to preview artwork in your space.
Mock up pictures: Do not hesitate to ask the artist for more mock up pictures.

7) Factor in the Frame

Remember that frames add extra width and height. Consider this when measuring—frames can add 5–15 cm to each side.

Quick Tips for Collectors:

Go Bold: Larger artwork or diptych or triptych often makes a stronger impact than smaller pieces. It can become the focal point of a room.
Match Your Style: Choose artwork that complements your room’s colors and decor. Ensure it aligns with your personal taste and the vibe of the space.
Lighting Matters: Position the artwork where it will receive soft, even lighting without glare. For artificial lighting, use adjustable spotlights or gallery lights to highlight the piece while avoiding harsh shadows or direct glare.
Balance with Smaller Pieces: Don’t hesitate to incorporate smaller artworks. Small pieces work well above console tables, study tables, or in a lobby/workspace. They can add personality to smaller areas and create a visually balanced space. Arrange them in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the surface, while allowing them to stand out subtly.

By following these simplified guidelines, you can confidently select the perfect artwork to enhance your space. Happy collecting!

Suhasini Sharma