The most common mistake I see is a print that is too small. A 30×40 alone above a sofa looks like it is waiting for company. My rule of thumb: art above furniture should be about half to two thirds as wide as the furniture.
50×70: where most people should start
It holds a wall without taking over the room. Above a standard three-seater, a bed or a sideboard, 50×70 is almost always right.
30×40: desks, hallways and pairs
Good on a narrow wall between two doors, above a desk, or leaning on a shelf. Two or three side by side work above a sofa, as long as the gaps are the same.
70×100: when you have the wall for it
It needs a big, calm wall with no light switches or shelves around it. One 70×100 does more for an open living room than three medium prints competing for attention.
A4 and 40×50
A4 (21×29.7) is nice in a small frame on a bookshelf or bedside table. 40×50 is a good in-between size for a children's room or a kitchen.
| Spot | What I would choose |
|---|---|
| Above the sofa | 50×70, or two 30×40 |
| Above the bed | 50×70 or 70×100 |
| Desk or shelf | 30×40 or A4 |
| Hallway | 30×40 or 50×70 portrait |
| Big empty wall | 70×100 |
Leave about a hand's width between the furniture and the bottom of the frame. If you are torn between two sizes, choose the larger one. It is rarely the wrong choice. When it is time to hang it, here is how I do it without damaging the wall.
See also
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