Wall-art guide
See the wall.
Then the whole room.
A useful starting point is the space around the piece: furniture, doorways and the view you see every day.
01 / Outline
Make the size visible.
Use paper to represent the exact outer dimensions, including a frame if one is included. Use a wall-safe method appropriate to your finish, or hold the outline in place while you compare.
02 / Viewpoint
Take a step back.
Look from the doorway and from your usual seat. Consider the relationship to the furniture and whether a door, switch or other object interrupts the arrangement.
03 / Composition
Leave room around it.
For a group, plan the complete outline and the spacing between pieces. Try the arrangement on the floor first. There is no single spacing rule that suits every room.
Sizes and Heights That Usually Work
| Situation | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|
| Height on the wall | The center of the piece about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. |
| Over a sofa, bed or console | About two-thirds the width of the furniture, with the bottom edge 8 to 10 inches above it. |
| Canvas sizes here | Many designs come in three sizes, for example 20" x 10", 48" x 24" and 60" x 30", or 12" x 36", 16" x 48" and 20" x 60" for panoramic prints. Each print's page lists its exact sizes and prices. |
The Details Worth Confirming
Exact Size and Orientation
Check the selected option, its width and height, and whether those measurements include a frame. Match the listed orientation to your plan rather than estimating scale from a styled room photograph.
What Is Included
Confirm whether the piece is framed, whether it is sold individually or as a set, and which mounting components are supplied. Accessories pictured alongside the piece are not necessarily included.
Weight, Wall and Mounting
Confirm the weight and the supplier’s mounting requirements, particularly for a mirror or a heavier piece. Ask a qualified installer what is suitable for your wall. This guide does not specify hardware or installation steps.
Light and Surrounding Finishes
Consider reflections for mirrors and glare on glazed artwork from your normal viewing positions. Screens and room lighting can change perceived color; confirm finish information with the supplier when the match matters.