How do I choose the right size art for my space?
Have you ever fallen in love with a piece of art and then agonized over whether or not it would work in your space?
I can tell you, you’re not alone! I get so many questions from clients about what size art works best over a fireplace, behind a sofa, or in a dining room. We all want to create the home of our dreams—but sometimes those little details (like size and placement) can keep us second-guessing instead of curating our space with confidence.
That’s exactly why I created my free Guide to Choosing the Right Size Art—a collection of my best tips and tricks to help you design a space that feels balanced, intentional, and full of personality.
Go Big for Impact
If your room has a large blank wall or a central focal point like a fireplace or bed, one oversized painting or print can instantly bring everything together. Large-scale art creates a sense of harmony and sophistication—it’s bold without being busy.
A good rule of thumb: your art should take up about two-thirds to three-fourths of the width of the furniture beneath it. For example, if your sofa is 84 inches wide, look for a piece that’s around 56–63 inches wide. That scale helps the artwork feel connected to the space instead of floating awkwardly above it.
Don’t be afraid of size! A single statement piece can anchor a room, set the mood, and become a daily source of joy.
Create Charm with Groupings
If your space or budget doesn’t lend itself to one large painting, try a print or a grouping of smaller pieces instead. Gallery walls and curated clusters can be just as striking—and they offer so much flexibility.
To keep groupings cohesive, choose a unifying element: a consistent color palette, similar frame style, or a shared subject matter. I love mixing landscapes of different sizes that share a common color palette or mood—it creates visual rhythm while still feeling collected and personal.
When hanging a grouping, think of it as one whole composition. Lay your pieces out on the floor first, and keep about 2–3 inches between each frame. The entire arrangement should follow that same “two-thirds” rule in relation to your furniture.
When to Break the Rules
And yes, sometimes I break my own rules! Every home and every collector is unique. Maybe your wall calls for a petite painting tucked into a cozy nook, or maybe you fall in love with a grand piece that fills the entire space—and that’s perfectly fine. Art isn’t just about scale; it’s about feeling. If a piece makes your heart skip a beat, it’s already the right fit.
If you’d like even more guidance, download my free guide to choosing the right art for your space below. It’s filled with tips for finding the perfect proportions for your space, choosing between different art options, what to think about regarding frames and even ideas for grouping artwork over furniture.
Enter your name and email below to get the free guide! Let’s take the guesswork out of choosing art so you can fill your home with pieces you love.