Choosing the right size is the most important decision in buying wall art, and the one people most often get wrong. This guide covers standard print sizes, how much of the wall to cover and the right size for sofas, beds, consoles and open walls.
Standard wall art sizes
These are the four sizes Vael pieces come in, with the approximate size including our slim frame:
- 12 × 16 in (about 13.6 × 17.6 in framed): small. Shelves, narrow walls, bathrooms, pairs.
- 18 × 24 in (about 19.6 × 25.6 in framed): medium. Consoles, desks, small sofas, gift size.
- 24 × 32 in (about 25.6 × 33.6 in framed): large. Above most sofas and beds.
- 30 × 40 in (about 31.6 × 41.6 in framed): extra large. Long sofas, large walls, statement pieces.
All four share a 3:4 ratio, so a piece looks the same in every size, just bigger or smaller.
The two-thirds rule
Above furniture, art should span about two-thirds of the furniture's width. This includes the frame, and a pair or group counts as one block.
Sizes above furniture
- Sofa 72 in: about 48 in of art. One 30 × 40 in landscape or two 18 × 24 in.
- Sofa 84 in: about 56 in. One 30 × 40 in or two 24 × 32 in.
- Sofa 96 in: about 64 in. Two 24 × 32 in or three 18 × 24 in.
- Queen bed (60 in): about 40 in. One 30 × 40 in or two 18 × 24 in.
- King bed (76 in): about 50 in. One 30 × 40 in landscape or two 24 × 32 in.
- Console 36 to 48 in: one 18 × 24 or 24 × 32 in.
- Sideboard 60 in: one 30 × 40 in landscape or two 18 × 24 in.
On an open wall
With no furniture below, aim to cover about 60 to 75 percent of the area you want to fill, and centre the art at around 57 inches from the floor.
When in doubt, go up a size
Slightly too large almost always looks more intentional than slightly too small. Try the paper test: cut kraft paper to the framed size and tape it to the wall for a day.
Prices by size
Vael pieces are $129 at 12 × 16 in, $189 at 18 × 24 in, $269 at 24 × 32 in and $349 at 30 × 40 in, framed and ready to hang, with free tracked shipping on orders over $250.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular wall art size?
18 × 24 in is the most versatile, while 24 × 32 in is the most common size above a sofa or bed.
What size art goes above a queen bed?
About 40 in wide: one 30 × 40 in piece or a pair of 18 × 24 in.
How much wall space should art cover?
About two-thirds of the furniture below, or 60 to 75 percent of an open wall area.
See also how big art should be above a sofa and how high to hang art, or shop by size.
