How to Choose the Right Wall Art Size (With a Simple Size Guide for Every Room)

Choosing the right wall art size can sometimes feel stressful or overwhelming. That's the last thing you want  when you’re trying to create a home that feels calm, intentional, and beautiful. Many people fall in love with artwork online, but worry about it being the right size or fit for the space.

Choosing the right size isn’t about "rules ", it's more about creating "harmony" and how it makes your space feel.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the most popular wall art sizes and show you how to choose the perfect size for your living room, bedroom, entryway, (or whatever space you choose), so your home feels like the peaceful sanctuary you’re hoping to create.

Why Size Matters 

Wall art doesn’t just decorate — it shapes the feeling of a space.

The right size artwork can:

  • make a room feel calm and complete

  • create a focal point that grounds the space

  • bring harmony to your home décor

  • elevate the room instantly

But artwork that’s too small often feels like it’s “floating” on the wall — and too large can feel heavy.

Here are the Most Popular Wall Art Sizes (And What They’re Best For)

Here are the most common canvas and art print sizes people buy — and why they work so well:

5x10, 8x10, and 11x14 (Small Wall Art Prints)

Perfect for:

  • gallery walls

  • small nooks or shelves

  • bathroom or hallway décor

  • layered styling on a console table

These sizes are ideal if you love a gentle, cozy feeling — like a visual whisper instead of a bold statement.

16x20 (the Most Popular Medium Wall Art Size)

This is one of the most popular wall art sizes overall because it’s:

  • big enough to feel intentional

  • small enough to fit almost anywhere

  • easy to frame

  • perfect for calming wall art prints

Great for:

  • bedrooms

  • entryways

  • home offices

  • above a small dresser or desk

If you’re unsure what size to choose, 16x20 is a safe, beautiful choice.

18x24 and 20x30 (The “Statement Without Overwhelm” Size)

These sizes are ideal when you want your art to feel like a focal point, but still soft and calming.

Perfect for:

  • above a console or bench

  • a living room wall

  • a bedroom above a nightstand

  • a calm reading corner

24x36 and 30x40 (Large Wall Art for Living Rooms + Bedrooms)

Large wall art creates a luxurious, calming presence when the imagery is soft and nature-inspired.

Perfect for:

  • above a sofa

  • above a bed

  • large open walls

  • peaceful minimal spaces

Large art is especially beautiful for serene landscapes, botanical art, or coastal wall art, because it feels immersive — like stepping into nature.

A Simple Rule for Choosing Wall Art Size

A good rule of thumb:

Your artwork should be about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture below it.

Examples:

  • Above a 60" sofa → aim for art around 40–45" wide

  • Above a 48" console → aim for art around 30–36" wide

That’s why sizes like 24x36 and 30x40 feel so balanced above large furniture.

Wall Art Size Guide by Room

Living Room Wall Art Size Guide

Best sizes:

  • 20x30 (medium statement)

  • 24x36 (large statement)

  • 30x40 (extra large focal point)

If your living room is open and airy, large calming wall art gives it structure and serenity.

Bedroom Wall Art Size Guide

Best sizes:

  • 16x20 for smaller walls

  • 18x24 or 20x30 above a dresser

  • 24x36 above a bed for a peaceful statement

Bedroom art should feel restful — like a quiet breath at the end of the day.

Entryway Wall Art Size Guide

Best sizes:

  • 11x14

  • 16x20

  • 18x24

Entryways are your home’s first impression. Calming art creates an immediate sense of warmth and welcome.

Common Wall Art Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Choosing art that’s too small

If your wall feels empty after hanging the art, it’s probably too small.

Mistake #2: Hanging art too high

A good guideline: center of the art should be around eye level (about 57–60 inches from the floor)

Mistake #3: Forgetting how the room feels

Chooses art based on the feeling it gives you, not a trend or whether or not it matches your couch. 

Final Tip: Let Your Art Be the Calmest Thing in the Room

If your home is meant to be a sanctuary, your wall art should support that.
Soft landscapes, botanical prints, and nature-inspired calming artwork are timeless because they bring peace into your everyday life.

If you’d like, you can browse my calming wall art collections here.

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