We hear painting needs some space around it to breathe and can look cramped if the space around it is too small . On the other hand, a small painting above a sofa or sideboard or on a huge wall can look lost and a bit awkward. 

I want to help, so I’ve done a little research and have found that there are some guidelines which I can share as well as my own opinion .

How big above furniture?

If you’re hanging a painting above furniture, like a sofa, the experts recommend that the width of the artwork is around 2/3 to 3/4 of the width of the furniture. So if your sofa is 200cm wide this would be a painting measuring a minimum of 130cm. It doesn’t need to be exact but if you’re unsure this is a good guide. 

If in doubt - Go Big!

Most of the guides I looked at advise going as large as you can with the artwork you select, in order to bring the room together. A piece that’s too small can look awkward hanging in all that space.

Here are two photos to test out these guidelines . I have to admit, the one on the right does have more impact , but I like the space above the sofa because generally, that’s where people’s heads are going to be.

Other walls

It’s a good idea to consider the proportions of the wall in relation to  the size and proportion of the artwork . 

Is it tall  and narrow ? A portrait orientation should usually work better than landscape. 

Again, if you’re not sure you can make the artwork cover 2/3 to 3/4 of the available space.

A Tip for getting the size right before you buy

Don’t be afraid to break the rules

Don’t be afraid to break the rules though. If you find a painting that excites you and reflects your taste, hang with confidence -it’s probably going to fit right in among the other things you have chosen in your room.

I think an artwork off centre like this can give an interesting look and I find that square paintings seem to fit in everywhere, so long as they have some space around them.

If you are lucky enough to see a painting that you can’t stop thinking about then that’s a clue you should buy it and find a place for it later. You don’t even need to have it in one particular place, nothing like moving around the artworks when you feel like you need a change.

An original artwork is something that will last longer than a lifetime and will go along with you on any future house moves.