You’ve found a piece of art you love. But then the questions start: What size should I get? Will it look too big? Or worse, will it look tiny and lost on my wall? This is the #1 mistake people make when buying art. But don’t worry, this is a simple guide to wall art sizes. How to choose wall art that’s perfectly scaled for your space? We’ll demystify canvas sizes. This guide will help you select wall art for your living room with total confidence. Ready to become a pro? Let’s start with the basics from our full collection of living room art.
The Golden Rules of Sizing Wall Art for Your Living Room
Forget complicated design theories. You only need to remember a few golden rules to make your living room art look professionally styled.
The 2/3rds Rule: The Secret to Perfect Proportions Over Your Sofa
This is the most important rule. The artwork you hang above a piece of furniture (like a sofa or console table) should be about two-thirds (or 60-75%) of the furniture’s width. For example, if your sofa is 9 feet wide, your artwork should be around 6 feet wide in total. This creates a pleasing, balanced anchor.
The Eye-Level Rule: Where to Hang Your Art
People tend to hang art too high. The center of the artwork should be at eye level, which is typically 57-60 inches (about 1.5 meters) from the floor. This ensures the art is part of the room’s living space, not floating above it. When hanging art above a sofa, leave about 6-8 inches of space between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the art.
The Spacing Rule: How to Hang Multiple Pieces
If you’re creating a gallery wall or hanging a set of canvases, the space between them matters. Keep the gap between each piece consistent, typically 2-5 inches apart. This makes the separate pieces read as one cohesive group.
Visualize It: A Simple Chart for Common Canvas Sizes
Sometimes, seeing is believing. Use this simple chart to visualize how different canvas sizes look above a standard 8-foot (96-inch) sofa.
(This section should be an infographic/image showing a sofa with different art sizes above it for scale)
- Medium (e.g., 24×36 inches): A good accent, but might feel a bit small on its own.
- Large (e.g., 40×60 inches): This is often the sweet spot. At 60 inches wide, it perfectly follows the 2/3rds rule for a 96-inch sofa.
- Extra Large / Oversized (e.g., 48×72 inches): For a bold, dramatic statement. At 72 inches wide, it fills the space beautifully and becomes the undeniable focal point.
A Scenario-Based Guide to Choosing Your Living Room Art
Now let’s apply these rules to the most common areas in your living room.
The Main Event: Choosing Large Wall Art for Above the Sofa
This is the prime real estate for your best living room art.
- Applying the 2/3rds rule in practice: A single piece of large wall art is often the most impactful and sophisticated choice. It creates a clean, intentional focal point.
- Why a single large piece is often better: Multiple small pieces can sometimes look cluttered and accidental. A single, substantial canvas feels more deliberate and high-end. Our collection of large canvas prints is perfect for this.
The Cozy Corner: Art for Above a Fireplace or Console Table
For a fireplace mantel or a console table, the same 2/3rds rule applies. The width of your artwork should be roughly two-thirds the width of the mantel or table. This creates a beautiful, balanced vignette.
The Blank Canvas: How to Tackle a Large, Empty Wall
Have a big, empty wall with no furniture against it? This is your chance to make a dramatic statement.
- Using oversized art: A truly oversized piece of art can define the entire room.
- Creating a large gallery wall: A well-curated gallery wall can turn a blank space into a personal story.
Pro-Tips from the Designers
Ready for some insider secrets? Here are a few pro-tips to take your wall decor to the next level.
Vertical vs. Horizontal: Consider Your Ceiling Height
Have high ceilings? A vertical piece of art will draw the eye upward and emphasize the room’s height. For standard or lower ceilings, a horizontal piece will make the space feel wider.
One Large Piece or a Gallery Wall?
A single large piece creates a calm, focused, and sophisticated look. A gallery wall is more eclectic, personal, and energetic. There is no wrong answer; choose the vibe that best suits your personality.
Don’t Forget About the Frame
A frame can add another layer of style. A simple black or natural wood frame adds a classic touch. Our canvases also come in a thick, 1.25″ gallery wrap for a clean, modern look that doesn’t require a frame.
Size Matters. Choose Confidently and Transform Your Living Room.
Now you know the secret: choosing the right size wall art for your living room is not about guesswork. It’s about a few simple rules. By following this guide, you can avoid the #1 decorating mistake and choose a piece that is perfectly scaled. You can select large wall art with confidence.
You have the knowledge. Now comes the fun part. Now that you know your perfect size, shop our Living Room Wall Art collection!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sizing and Hanging Art
How big is “large wall art” considered to be?
Generally, any artwork with a width of 40 inches or more is considered large wall art. Pieces over 60 inches wide are often referred to as “oversized.” These are perfect for making a statement in a living room or over a king-sized bed.
Is it better to go too big or too small with wall art?
When in doubt, go bigger. The most common decorating mistake is choosing art that is too small for the wall. A slightly oversized piece looks intentional and bold, while an undersized piece can look like an afterthought.
How far apart should I hang a set of three canvases?
For a triptych (a set of three), keep the spacing tight. A gap of 2-3 inches between each canvas is usually perfect. This ensures the three pieces are read as a single, cohesive artwork.
Can I hang a vertical painting over a long, horizontal sofa?
Yes, but it’s trickier. To make it work, you need to balance the vertical piece. A popular solution is to flank the vertical art with two smaller, stacked pieces on either side. However, the simplest and most foolproof solution is to match the orientation: a horizontal sofa pairs best with a horizontal artwork.
