As an interior designer with over 15 years of experience, I know that selecting appropriate decor diameters can be tricky. The Wall Art Size Comparison matters – you want it to fill the wall space without overwhelming the room.
That’s why I with Nousdecor created this comprehensive guide on how to choose the right decor dimensions for your home.
Key Takeaways of Wall Art Size Comparison
- Measure your wall space and focal point to determine the ideal art size.
- Larger art pieces make a statement in big, open areas.
- Small-to-medium artworks are great for smaller screens and tight spaces.
- Maintain scale and balance with furniture diameters and ceiling height.
- Arrange groups of art in odd numbers for visual interest.
- Add decor in multiple diameters and shapes to create an eclectic display wall.
Figuring out artwork sizing can be confusing. This article will walk you through the entire process, from measuring your screens to shopping for properly scaled decor online and in stores. I’ll also provide guidance on how to visually balance out both miniature and large wall decor pieces.
How to Measure Your Wall for Wall Art
When choosing wall art, you first need to take measurements of your wall space. To find the right size artwork for your wall, follow these steps:
- Measure the height and width. Use a tape measure to measure the height and width of the wall you want to hang art on. Record these measurements.
- Identify the focal point. The focal point is the spot on the wall where you want the artwork to be centered and where the viewer’s eye will be drawn. This is often at eye level. About 5 feet from the floor is ideal.
- Determine the size of your artwork. Use your wall measurements and focal point height to decide on artwork dimensions. The dimensions should be slightly smaller than your wall to allow some breathing room.
- Consider other factors. Take into account things like ceiling height, furniture sizes, and overall scale. The artwork should be proportional.
- Leave extra space for groupings. If hanging multiple pieces, allow 5-10 centimeters between each. This creates a visually pleasing display wall.
By taking careful measurements and planning out your focal point, you can select decor and prints that enhance your space rather than overwhelm it.
Tips for Hanging Large Wall Art
When it comes to large wall art, bigger is often better for making a bold statement. Oversized artwork can define an open-concept living room or anchor an entire wall. Here are my tips for incorporating oversized artwork in your home:
- Go oversized for large screens. Large blank screens call for appropriately scaled oversized art. Aim to fill at least 75% of the wall space for best results.
- Maintain proportion with furniture. Make sure your large artwork dimensions relate well to the size of nearby furniture. The artwork should not appear awkward or dwarfed.
- Consider the ceiling. Rooms with high ceilings can handle larger art than low-ceiling spaces. Just don’t go overboard on size.
- Maximize visual impact. An oversized canvas print or poster will dominate the room. Place large artwork on focal screens and avoid busy patterns.
- Add bold colors and thick frames. Large art deserves thick, chunky frames in black, white, or natural unique handmade wood art pieces. Pick vivid colors that pop against the wall.
The key is going oversized without going overboard. When used effectively, plus-sized art makes a stylish statement.
Hanging Small Wall Art
The small decor is ideal for filling narrow spaces, decorating miniature screens, and creating intimate display screens with visual variety. Here are my top tips for incorporating little art pieces into your home:
- Group pieces together. Hang 3-5 miniature works together in an asymmetrical arrangement for maximum impact. Mix up shapes and frames.
- Try diptychs and triptychs. Frame two or three miniature prints together to form cohesive diptych or triptych wall art. This creates the illusion of one larger piece.
- Add pops of color. Vivid colors like teal, yellow, and magenta make miniature art pop. Go bold with paint colors like those found in chic basketry wall decorations.
- Consider eye level. Hang miniature art at an average eye-view level so it doesn’t get dwarfed but is still easily visible. Around 5 feet high is ideal.
- Choose narrow spaces. Spotlight miniature decor in tight areas like hallways, stairs, and above doorways where larger pieces would overwhelm.
- Create themes. Use a collection of miniature botanical prints for a nature theme or city maps for a travel motif. Repeat colors for unity.
The trick is not letting miniature pieces get lost. Proper placement and creative framing allow even petite art prints to stand out.
Wall Art Size Guide by Room
Determining the right decor size involves more than just wall dimensions. You also need to consider the room type and existing decor elements like furniture. Use this handy guide to choose appropriately scaled artwork for every room:
Living Rooms
- Focal point art: 36-48 inches wide
- Accent art: 24 x 36 inches
- Gallery wall groups: 12 x 16 inches and up
Dining Rooms
- Focal point art behind the table: 36-48 inches wide
- Accent art on side screens: 16 x 20 inches
- Gallery wall groups: 8 x 10 inches or 12 x 16 inches
Bedrooms
- Focal point over bed: 36-48 inches wide
- Accent art on side screens: 16 x 20 inches
- Small mixed media above nightstands: 8 x 10 inches
Home Offices
- Above deck: 24 x 36 inches
- Side screens: Grouped 12 x 16 inch pieces
- Near seating: 16 x 20 inches
Bathrooms
- Focal art above sink: 12-16 inches wide
- Side screens near tub/shower: 8 x 10 inches
- Gallery wall groups: 4 x 6 inches
- This room can fit coastal wall art decor
Use these general size guidelines tailored to each room’s unique size and style. Feel free to go bold with attention-grabbing oversized art or creative salon-style display screens by mixing up sizes, frames, and subjects.
Choosing Wall Decor for Different Wall Sizes
Now I have some tips on selecting appropriate wall art sizes to share with you:
Large Walls
For oversized statement screens, choose eye-catching large decor at least 32 inches wide as the focal point. Flank it with medium prints around 24 x 36 inches. Add smaller pieces like abstract art and photography 12-16 inches wide to round out your gallery arrangement.
Large maps, macrame wall hangings, and giant wall prints make great fillers.
Medium Walls
Most standard living room and bedroom screens are medium-sized. 24×36-inch artwork makes the perfect focal point. Add smaller 16-20 inch wide prints to the edges to provide balance. Continue your display wall with clustered 8 x 10s and 12 x 16s.
Small Walls
For narrow screens, tiny areas, and tight hallways, stick with miniature decor under 16 inches wide. Floating shelves displaying petite prints, mini gallery frames, and tiny emerging art under 8 x 10 inches help fill odd miniature screens without overwhelming them.
High Walls/ Vaulted Ceilings
Extra tall screens and ceilings allow you to go bold with oversized art. Aim for oversized pieces around 48 x 5 feet for your focal point. Surround it with a range of mid-sized art between 24-36 inches wide to add balance without diminishing the large central piece.
Creating an Eclectic Gallery Wall
Gallery screens displaying an eclectic mix of art prints provide visual interest and personality. Follow these guidances to create a showstopping, salon-style display wall:
- Incorporate a variety of diameters from miniature 4×6 prints to oversized 24×36 canvases.
- Play with different frame colors and styles like vividly painted frames, classic wood, and modern metallics.
- Include different orientations and shapes such as horizontal, vertical, and square pieces.
- Fill in gaps with 3D decor like wall vases, mirrors, macrame, and floating shelves.
- Arrange artwork asymmetrically and in odd-numbered groupings for visual movement.
- Hang pieces 2-4 inches apart and at varying heights. Step pieces down gradually from large to small.
- Curate art around a theme, color scheme, or subject like family photos, nature prints, or abstracts.
Before hanging any nails, lay out your gallery on the floor to preview the arrangement. Layering mixed media decor creates a full wall that draws the eye.
Shop Wall Art Prints by Size
When shopping for decor either online or in stores, pay attention to the dimensions to ensure proper scale and fit. Here are some of the best places to shop art prints by standard sizes:
- Etsy: Filter decor prints by specific diameters like 24×36 inches. Find one-of-a-kind pieces from independent artists.
- Poster Stores: Filter posters and prints under categories like oversized art and find exact diameters like 18×24 inches.
- Canvas Print Stores: Shop canvas pieces in dimensions like 20×30 inches. Upload photos to make custom oversized canvases.
- IKEA: Choose frame diameters from 12×16 inches to 47×63 inches. Insert your choice of print or photo.
- Amazon Art Prints: Search for exact diameters like 30×40 inches. Find high-quality giclee prints ready to frame.
- Society6: Refine decor selections by diameters ranging from miniature to oversized XXL.
Many prints come in standard frame diameters like 8x10s, 11x14s, 16x20s, and 24x36s which make coordinating easy. Be sure to double-check online dimensions before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Figuring out the right art sizing for your space doesn’t have to be frustrating. Follow my tips on proper measuring, proportions, arranging display screens, and shopping for dimension-specific Wall Art Decor. With the right techniques, choosing art diameters can be simple. The key is finding a balance between filling your wall without going overboard on the scale.
Properly sized decor pulls a room together, elevates your decor, and showcases your personality. For a cohesive display wall, embrace eclectic art from abstract paintings to your favorite photos. No matter the size of your wall, there is an art solution that fits.
Still have questions on finding that perfect art piece? Reach me by email or contact me through my website to chat one-on-one. I love helping clients discover standout decor tailored to their unique style and space. Happy art hunting!
