Never guess again. Our visual guide and simple rules make finding the perfect canvas size for your living room, bedroom, or office easy and stress-free.
The 3 Golden Rules of Sizing Wall Art
Forget complicated design math. To make your art look professionally styled, you only need to remember these three simple rules.
Rule #1: The 2/3rds Rule (For Art Above Furniture)
This is the most important rule to remember.
The Rule: The total width of your artwork should be approximately two-thirds (or 60-75%) of the width of the furniture it hangs above.
Why it Works: This creates a visually pleasing anchor, making the art and furniture feel like a single, balanced unit. Art that is too small will look lost, while art that is too wide will feel top-heavy.
Rule #2: The Eye-Level Rule (For Hanging Height)
The most common mistake is hanging art too high.
The Rule: The center point of your artwork (or the center of your entire gallery wall grouping) should be at eye level, which is typically 57-60 inches (about 145-152cm) from the floor.
Why it Works: This ensures the art is part of the room’s living space and connects with the furniture and people in it, rather than floating disconnectedly on the wall.
Exception: When hanging art above a sofa or console, leave about 6-8 inches of “breathing room” between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the art.
Rule #3: The Spacing Rule (For Multiple Pieces)
If you’re creating a set or a gallery wall, the space between pieces is key.
The Rule: Keep the gap between each canvas consistent, typically 2-5 inches (about 5-12cm) apart.
Why it Works: Consistent spacing makes the individual pieces read as one cohesive and intentional group, creating a clean and organized look instead of a cluttered one.
Visualize It: Our Canvas Sizes in a Real Room
Still not sure which size is right? Seeing is believing. Use our visual comparison chart below to see how each of our standard and panoramic canvas sizes looks above a typical 8-foot (96-inch) sofa.
Our Sizes at a Glance:
Based on the visual guide, here are some quick recommendations for each size:
8″ x 12″ (20x30cm)
Best For: Small spaces, powder rooms, or as a small component in a larger gallery wall.
12″ x 18″ (30x45cm)
Best For: Hallways, above a small office desk, or as part of a pair or trio of prints.
16″ x 24″ (40x60cm)
Best For: A versatile choice for bedrooms, home offices, or smaller living rooms. A great starting size.
20″ x 30″ (50x75cm)
Best For: Making a noticeable impact in standard-sized rooms. Works well above a loveseat or a queen-sized bed.
24″ x 36″ (60x90cm)
Best For: Our most popular large size. The perfect focal point above a standard sofa, king-sized bed, or fireplace.
Our Panoramic Sizes:
7.9″ × 15.8″ (20cm x 40cm) to 15.75″ × 31.5″ (40cm x 80cm)
Best For: These wide formats are specifically designed for long, narrow spaces. They are the ultimate solution for the wall above a TV or a long console table, or for hanging in a hallway.
Size Recommendations for Every Room
While the golden rules apply everywhere, here are some specific tips for the most common spaces in your home.
For the Living Room
This is the room to make a statement. We almost always recommend going with a large (24×36″) or oversized piece, or a wide panoramic canvas above the sofa. This will anchor the room and create a powerful focal point.
For the Bedroom
The art above your bed should generally follow the 2/3rds rule for your headboard. A medium to large size (16×24″ or 20×30″) often creates the perfect serene and balanced look.
For the Office
Art in an office should be inspiring but not distracting. A medium size (12×18″ or 16×24″) placed in your line of sight is perfect for a dose of daily motivation.
For the Hallway or Entryway
A long hallway is the perfect place for a panoramic print. For an entryway with a high ceiling, a vertical piece can draw the eye upward and make the space feel grander.
Found Your Perfect Size?
Now that you have the tools and confidence of a professional designer, the hard part is over. It’s time for the fun part: finding the artwork that tells your story.
