Article: What Size Artwork Do I Need? A Wall-by-Wall Guide in cm and Inches
What Size Artwork Do I Need? A Wall-by-Wall Guide in cm and Inches
Choosing the size is where most people get stuck, and it's the bit I love helping with. Too small and the art looks lost, like a postage stamp on a fridge. Too big and it swallows the room. This guide gives you exact measurements, ratios and handy tips (like using post-it notes) for any blank wall or piece of furniture. Think of it as a guide rather than a scientific recipe, because gut feel always wins.
The one rule to remember
Artwork should cover about two thirds (66%) to 80% of the width of the furniture or wall it sits above. Interior designers often say 60% to 75%, but personally, I'm more of an 80% kind of girl. If you're torn, go bigger: it's better to save for a larger artwork than to end up with a postage stamp on your wall.
Photo above: Anna standing next to "My Sister Made Me Do It", hung on a blank wall in an entry hallway.
The ultimate hack? Email me a photo of your wall, or the furniture you want your new artwork to hang above, and I'll mock it up for you in a choice of sizes on your actual wall. Email hello@annalohe.com. Easy as that.
1. What size art goes above a sofa?
Photo above: "When Frida Met Carmen", an extra wide artwork hung over a sofa.
- Width: 66% to 80% of the sofa's width.
- Height: aim to fill at least half of the available wall height above the sofa.
- Head room: leave 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the artwork. Please check for head clearance by asking the tallest person in the house to take a seat and lean their head back.
- Eye level: the centre of the artwork should sit at eye level when you're standing.
Quick cheat sheet:
| Sofa width | Ideal art width |
|---|---|
| 180cm (71in) | 120 to 145cm (47 to 57in) |
| 210cm (83in) | 140 to 170cm (55 to 67in) |
| 240cm (94in) | 160 to 190cm (63 to 75in) |
Worked example: a standard three-seater sofa is usually 200 to 240cm (79 to 94in) wide. Let's use 210cm.
- Width: 210cm x 0.80 = 168cm, so choose artwork about 170cm wide.
- Height: if your sofa back is 60cm high and your wall is 2.4m, you have 180cm of wall above the sofa. Allow 50cm of head room below the art and about 50cm above it, and the ideal artwork is 80cm high.
- Ideal artwork size: 170 x 80cm (67 x 31in).
Your artwork options:
- One extra wide artwork, hung horizontally. All my Extra Wide artworks are 170 x 80cm (67 x 31in), made for exactly this wall.
- A pair of square artworks with a 10cm (4in) gap between them. Two 80 x 80cm (31 x 31in) squares create the same impact as one 170 x 80cm piece, and a pair is easier to get up the stairs in an apartment. See my Pairs collection.
Photo above: "Jungle Sisters 1 & 2" hung as a pair over a sofa, slightly offset to fill more of the available wall.
2. How big should art be above a bed?
- Width: the same 66% to 80% rule, measured against the bedhead or mattress width.
- Head room: leave 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) between the top of the mattress and the artwork. Sit up in bed (or ask the tallest person in the family to) and measure above their head.
- Bedheads: if you have a bedhead, make sure the artwork is in proportion to the wall space between the top of the bedhead and the ceiling.
- Eye level: the centre of the artwork should be at eye level as you walk into the bedroom.
| Bed width (mattress) | Ideal art width |
|---|---|
| Queen, about 153cm (60in) | 100 to 122cm (40 to 48in) |
| King, about 183cm (72in) | 120 to 146cm (48 to 57in) |
Photo above: "Limoncello Sunset 1 & 2" hung as a pair above a bed.
Worked example: queen beds vary in size and name around the world, so let's use 153cm (60in) as a typical mattress width.
- Width: 153cm x 0.80 = 122cm, so choose artwork about 122cm (48in) wide. With bedside tables, you can go slightly wider.
- Height: if your bedhead is 100cm (39in) high on a 2.4m wall, you have 140cm of wall above it. Allow about 20cm above the bedhead and 20cm above the artwork, and the ideal artwork is 100cm high.
- Ideal artwork size: 120 to 130 x 100cm (48 to 51 x 39in).
Your artwork options:
- One rectangular artwork, such as 130 x 100cm (51 x 39in), hung horizontally.
- A pair of squares with a 10cm (4in) gap. Two 60 x 60cm (23.5 x 23.5in) squares make the same impact as one 130 x 60cm (51 x 23.5in) piece.
- One large square such as 100 x 100cm (39 x 39in) or 120 x 120cm (47 x 47in). With high ceilings, this can look amazing.
Photo above: "Ifuru Magic" hung above a bed to brighten every morning.
3. What size art goes above a console, sideboard or fireplace?
- Width: 60% to 80% of the furniture or mantel width.
- Height: let the art fill about 60% to 75% of the gap between the furniture and the ceiling.
- Spacing: allow 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in) above the console, sideboard or mantel, keeping in mind the height of lamps and vases.
Photo above: "Hacienda 1" hung above a sideboard, leaving room for a lamp and other objects.
Worked example: sideboards are typically 122 to 183cm (48 to 72in) wide and 86 to 91cm (34 to 36in) high. Let's use 160cm (63in) wide and 90cm (35in) high.
- Width: 160cm x 0.80 = 128cm, so choose artwork about 128cm (50in) wide.
- Height: with a 90cm sideboard on a 2.4m wall, you have 150cm of wall above it. Allow 15cm above the sideboard and about 15cm above the artwork, and the ideal artwork is 120cm high.
- Ideal artwork size: 120 x 120 to 130cm (47 x 47 to 51in).
Your artwork options:
- One large square, such as 120 x 120cm (47 x 47in), for impact and flexibility.
- One rectangular artwork, such as 130 x 100cm (51 x 39in), hung horizontally.
- A pair of squares with a 10cm (4in) gap. Two 60 x 60cm (23.5 x 23.5in) squares equal one 120 x 60cm (47 x 23.5in) piece, and can sit higher to make room for vases or lamps.
Photo above: "Botanical Riot" hung above a console at 90% of its width, for extra impact.
4. How big should art be on a blank wall?
A blank wall is a wonderful chance to make a statement and set the mood for your room. Oversized art oozes confidence. Smaller art suggests a more reserved vibe.
- Width and height: aim for 60% to 80% of the wall's width and height.
- Example: on a 3m (118in) wall, the ideal artwork is 170 to 230cm (67 to 90in) wide.
- Hanging height: centre the artwork at eye level, about 150cm (59in) from the floor. This is the height galleries use, and the most common mistake I see is art hung far too high.
Photo above: "Abundant Dance" hung on a blank wall behind a dining table.
The centre of the wall isn't always the right spot. One client had a long blank wall, with its right-hand side lining up with the front door and entry hallway. They wanted the artwork in the middle, but the focal point was on the right. So we hung it to the far right, and the result was incredible.
Photo above: "La Vie en Rosé" brings a joyful pop of pink to a living space.
5. What about entries, hallways and dining rooms?
- Entry: a statement piece is the first thing guests see, so go bold.
- Hallway: a series of smaller works, or a pair, leads the eye along. Keep the centre line at the same height.
- Dining room: go a bit larger than you think. You're looking at it while seated, for a long time.
Wall art sizing quick guide
| Location | Art width (% of furniture or wall) | Gap above furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Sofa | 66 to 80% | 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in), allow for head height when seated |
| Bed | 66 to 80% | 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) above the mattress, or in proportion above a bedhead |
| Sideboard or fireplace | 60 to 80% | 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in), allow for vases and lamps |
| Blank wall | 60 to 80% (width and height) | Centre at eye level, about 150cm (59in) |
Photo above: Anna holding up "Angophora Reserve" against a wall to check the size.
4 handy tips to check your size before you buy
- Grab some post-it notes, painter's tape or paper cut to size, and mark out the artwork on your wall.
- Debating between sizes? Use a different colour for each one.
- You'll find these at Officeworks, Staples or any stationery shop.
- Take a photo of each option and compare. Or let me do the hard work: send me a photo of your wall and its width, and I'll send you back a free mockup showing my artworks to scale.
When in doubt, go bigger
A piece slightly larger (up to about 80% of the available wall) generally looks professional and makes a statement, especially on wide walls. Well-proportioned art completes a room with confidence.
Photo above: "Avalonia Sunrise Full Landscape" hung confidently over an extra wide sofa.
6 quick steps to choose the best size
- Measure the width of your sofa, bed, console or wall.
- Multiply by 0.66 to 0.8 for the ideal artwork width.
- Allow head room above beds and sofas.
- Mock it up with post-it notes, paper or tape before you buy (or drill holes). Or email a photo of your wall to hello@annalohe.com for a free mockup.
- When unsure, lean slightly larger.
- Choose the artwork that makes you happiest.
Quick answers
What size art goes above a 2 metre (79in) sofa? About 130 to 160cm (51 to 63in) wide.
How high should art hang above a sofa? Leave 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) between the sofa back and the artwork, so heads don't bump.
What height should a painting be hung? Centre it at eye level, about 150cm (59in) from the floor.
Is it better to go bigger or smaller with art? If you're torn, go bigger. Art that's too small is the most common sizing mistake.
With these ratios, you'll find the perfect size for your space and shop with confidence. Happy decorating! Anna x
Anna Lohe is an Australian contemporary artist working from her studio in Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches. She paints joyful, expressionist botanical artworks, sold as originals and limited edition prints, and ships worldwide. Read Anna's story or email hello@annalohe.com.
Written by Anna Lohe
